My ideal Singapore is one where everyone thinks of others' needs before their own.

According to dictionary.com, a definition of the word “ideal” is “a standard of perfection or excellence”. Singapore is not just about the land, it is about the people who make up the nation. To make Singapore “ideal”, we have to start with changing the people. However being such imperfect persons, each with our own character flaws and bad habits, how can the “ideal Singapore” ever be realised?

Using the word “choice” (Ch.Oi.Ce), I shall share three steps we can take towards realizing the ideal Singapore.

Firstly, “Ch” represents “Changing yourself”. Leo Tolstoy once said, “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.” The first step to making a difference in the world is by making a difference in your own life. This is because you have control over your decisions. You can choose how you want to think, speak, behave and ultimately, how you want to live your life. So prove Leo Tolstoy wrong by changing yourself.

Secondly, “Oi” represents “Others” before “I” (self). A story was told of a young boy who survived a rare sickness which his sister later suffered. Knowing that the boy had the immunity to overcome the sickness, the doctor asked if he would donate his blood to save his sister. The boy agreed and as he lay beside his sister and saw the colour come back to her face, he asked the doctor, “Will I start to die straightaway?” The little boy did not know that he wouldn't die by donating his blood, but he loved his sister so much that he agreed to do so even though he thought he would die.

Clearly, this boy put his sister's well-being above his own, and chose to make the sacrifice. Not all of us will face such a situation in our lives, but we can still make small sacrifices, like giving up our seat on the train or bus to someone who needs it more than us – even if it means we have to stand for the entire 1-hour journey. This too, is placing others before yourself.

Lastly, “Ce” represents “Caring enough”. In an era where the world is spinning faster and people are getting busier, many of us fail to care for others. We complain about slow service, about traffic jams, about expensive food or not enough shoes, and wonder why things can't be more perfect for us. “Caring enough” means appreciating your loved ones, being contented with what you have and enjoying each moment in life. Do you care enough to make the world a better place?

In conclusion, remember that you can always make a difference by “Changing yourself”, putting “Others” before “I” (self), and “Caring enough”. Want an ideal Singapore with a standard of excellence? It's our Ch.Oi.Ce.