I came to Singapore in early January 2009 to visit my family members and spend the Lunar New Year together. How time flies! I never thought I would stay on for more than a couple of months, much less end up a full-time staff at HealthServe.

Curiosity got the better of me when I first visited HealthServe and met quite a few of my fellow countrymen. Over time, I learned of their problems and difficulties they faced as low-wage workers here and decided to volunteer with the HealthServe's Chinese Male Migrant Ministry (CM3).

More than just listening and trying to solve their problems, I also help volunteers and staff organise activities that help integrate the workers into the community. Through bridge-building events like Games Day and dumpling parties, barriers are broken and many workers found friendship with Singaporeans vice versa.

I've also come to feel like part of the big family at HealthServe and joined them as a full-time staff in October. Apart from the work at HealthServe, I've also had the opportunity to take part in outside events such as the "Banquet of Honour for Internationals", which was held in tribute to the foreign workers. I was moved by the show of solidarity on the evening of Nov 14, which was dedicated to the Chinese migrant workers. Even as I face challenges dealing with a job scope that's very different from what I used to do, I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve my countrymen.  ~ Feng Guang, translated by Choo Min ~

Feng Guang is HealthServe's Logistics & Migrant Support Coordinator.