Singaporean's kindness challenge goes viral

[hokkien]

Wednesday, Nov 14, 2012
SINGAPORE - A Singaporean blogger and personal coach's 14-day kindness challenge has seen over 800 people from around the world participate, with about 200 Singaporeans in the mix.

Ms Celestine Chua, 28, decided to create the event on her blog after reading one criticism too many about Singaporeans who behave badly in public.

The kindness challenge, which saw her issuing one new challenge daily over two weeks from 1 - 14 Nov to participants to do kind acts saw 100 people sign up to participate within the first day she announced it on her blog.

The challenges which ranged from relatively easy ones such as saying thank you and giving up their seats on public buses and trains, increased in difficulty over the following days, such as giving a genuine compliment and writing thank you notes and giving hugs to three people in one day.

There were participants from over 50 countries.

Ms Chua was inspired to do this to show that Singaporeans are not unkind people.

She said: "Singaporeans are often criticized as unkind. However, I don't think that is the case. I think deep down, Singaporeans are kind-hearted, just that they do not know how to express their intentions."

The challenge gradually grew to 500 participants by the first day of the challenge, with a final headcount of over 800 in the end.

She was also heartened by responses she had from Singaporeans, whom she said had been active in forum discussions on her blog about the challenge.

One participant, Dolly Yeo, a 58-year-old Singaporean and mother of three, said: "Participating in the challenge has helped me to be more generous and kinder towards others. I wouldn't have thought that little actions like writing thank-you notes or giving hugs could be so rewarding, but they are. They have brought me much joy to others, including myself."

Another participant 25-year-old tutor Wang Wanxuan said: "The daily tasks are useful in giving me ideas on different ways to integrate kindness into my life. They are not difficult at all and can be done within the day itself, while bringing great joy to others. It has been a very rewarding experience."

Participants ranged from ages 7 to over 60, and included students, analysts, managers, teachers, writers, and entrepreneurs.

 

[Kinana]

Ok, I also take kindness challenge n be extra nice to others, especially to foreigners.

 

[Leongsam]

800 is viral?

I thought it had to be something like 100 million to qualify for that tag.

 

[Kinana]

800 is viral?

I thought it had to be something like 100 million to qualify for that tag.

800 take part n go out of their way to do good. That's considered very good in Singapore la.

 

[Leongsam]

800 take part n go out of their way to do good. That's considered very good in Singapore la.

If that's the case then 800 taking part is not viral. It's a miracle and bigger than the second coming of Christ.

 

[Agoraphobic]

.................................. It's a miracle and bigger than the second coming of Christ.

Sorry. Christ came the secont time already. The first time was, he came during the time of Caesar. The second time, he came to you.

Cheers!

 

[PissNPiss]

I believe almost all the locals do say Thank You after checked out at lorong houses at Geylang.

 

[kongkek]

kindness begets kindness

 

[eatshitndie]

I believe almost all the locals do say Thank You after checked out at lorong houses at Geylang.

they are indeed kind. besides contributing to the local economy with their hard earned money, they give their life juices away too. :o

 

[Leepotism]

In sinkieland, even kindness is competitive. Wonder what's the prize.

 

[Leongsam]

In sinkieland, even kindness is competitive. Wonder what's the prize.

The favourite giveaways are gift vouchers. Winners can exchange them for further acts of kindness.