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The People at the SPCA – Unity Through Compassion
- by Kelvin Yang
Singapore today is a vibrant metropolis where commerce and industry flourish amidst values of good governance and efficiency. The people Singapore is well-known for, from the able statesmen to the witty businessmen, from the public intellectuals to the hard-working laymen deserve much praise for this success. Yet take a few steps away from these people and a different face of Singapore emerges. Societies that promote language and culture, charitable organisations and volunteer groups work behind the scenes, giving a face of compassion to the concrete and steel of the city. The people behind this face of compassion never fail to inspire us with the noble work that they do. Indeed, looking at them, we see the compassion that unites Singaporeans. This time, People Who Epitomise The Singapore Spirit looks at a lady from the SPCA.
Ms. Chong Poh Choo is a caregiver. A caregiver to stray animals, to be exact. Dealing with strays is part and parcel of her job at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (known as SPCA for short).
The work that people like Poh Choo do surely differs from the job scope of the average Shenton Way white-collared worker or the blue-collared factory worker who endures a one-hour journey from Bedok to Tuas every morning. Her work though, is no less important to Singapore. By caring for strays and keeping them well-fed and sterilised, Poh Choo and her colleagues at the SPCA remind us of the human touch that we easily forget amidst the drudgery of work and long journeys to and from work. This year, as we celebrate the Singapore Spirit, it would be truly fitting for us to keep in mind the work Poh Choo and the SPCA have done for the furry inhabitants of our island home.
Poh Choo herself has many thoughts about the Singapore Spirit, which of course takes centre stage at this year’s NDP. “Unity in diversity”, she says first and foremost. The SPCA, for all the extraordinary work it does for animals in Singapore, is itself a mark of Singapore’s diversity, one might add. Poh Choo considers Singapore a “young and dynamic nation”, one whose Spirit might be characterised by “the strength/courage to overcome setbacks” and “the will to persevere and succeed as a nation”.
Yet how does Poh Choo see this spirit realise itself in the everyday work of the SPCA? “It’s tough working here, knowing that there are still many people out there who don’t agree with what we do. But the team stays united, even in hardship, as it’s all for the animals. People who work here are passionate about helping animals, and the key people have been here for more than ten years. They’re still here fighting, despite setbacks and criticisms. And because of this, the number of animals we receive has reduced over the years and our adoption rate has increased.” “It’s the spirit, synonymous with the Singapore Spirit that keeps us going”, she adds, the theme of NDP 2008 in mind.
Through the highs and lows of Singapore’s history, what then is the particular event or incident that stands out the most in Poh Choo’s memory? “It would have to be the SARS epidemic. There had not been any incident that caused such panic in our nation. But we fought well. Very well. And we’ll always remember those who sacrificed their lives to treat the infected patients.” Not everything was smooth sailing in that period though. She quips, “But that was also the moment where the nationwide sterilisation programme for stray cats stopped.”
Through all this, Poh Choo is hopeful. “Singapore is a clean place on its own. Animals are part of us, pets or strays. I hope we can reinstate this to help our fellow island creatures.” An optimistic brand of compassion shows in her views as the animal-caregiver in her surfaces once again.
If there is something that gives Poh Choo the most pride at being Singaporean though, it is the ability of Singaporeans to unite. “The nice little things that stir in our small community that radiate into a national affair. How we help our neighbours, care for other living creatures, the less fortunate, the disabled, how the entire block of flats cheers for our sportsmen and sportswomen in international competitions… That gives me the most pride at being a Singaporean.” Indeed, in her own words, “unity is our biggest strength.”
The enthusiasm of Poh Choo and her colleagues ensure that there is a future for strays and unwanted animals in Singapore. But what are some of her own hopes and dreams for the future of Singapore? “For us to grow as a nation that will love and care for the less fortunate, disabled and other living creatures.” Poh Choo maintains, rounding up her point on caring for the neglected and less fortunate in Singapore. And what discussion on the future would be complete without discussing the future generations? With that, Poh Choo adds, “for us too to nurture our children to have high moral values like filial piety, humility, diligence, social responsibility and respect.”
Everything said and done, Poh Choo and her colleagues go about their daily work, providing care and concern for the strays and unwanted animals around Singapore. As surely as their work goes on, the compassion of the people at the SPCA never burns out, always a beacon of light amidst the hustle and bustle of our Lion City. These people epitomise the Singapore Spirit, and we stand as one to applaud their effort – for in them, we see unity through compassion.
“Hopefully, they will be inspired by my story as well.”