A Compassionate Act Amidst Tragedy

In a poignant display of compassion, a Singaporean doctor provided her maid with both a flight ticket and $800 to enable her to return to her family after the devastating earthquake in Myanmar. The disaster struck on March 28, registering a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, resulting in an overwhelming human toll. By the start of April, Myanmar media reported nearly 2,719 fatalities, with thousands more injured or missing.

The Maid's Heartbreaking Situation

The domestic helper, a 30-year-old college graduate who had only been working in Singapore for six months, received heartbreaking news from her brother during the night when he informed her that their 62-year-old mother was missing. Overwhelmed with grief, she was found crying in her room by Dr. Chen Huiqin and her family.

Dr. Chen's Immediate Response

“I knew she needed to be close to her family during this tragic time," Dr. Chen shared. Understanding the urgency of the situation, she immediately agreed to help her maid return home. The doctor purchased a $335 flight ticket and generously included $800 in cash to assist her maid in navigating this difficult period, acknowledging that the maid had yet to repay her employment agency fees and needed financial support.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Before leaving, the maid expressed her heartfelt gratitude in a letter and received a touching card drawn by Dr. Chen’s daughter, emphasizing the bond they had formed despite the maid's short tenure.

Reflections of Gratitude and Hope

In an emotional farewell captured by reporters, the maid reflected on her plight, stating, "My mother has been missing for five days, and I am absolutely distraught. But I am also deeply thankful to my employer. I feel incredibly lucky to have met them.”

Support from the Employment Agency

Dr. Chen, who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, voiced her hope for a resolution in the chaotic situation in Myanmar, wishing for the maid's life to stabilize and for her to potentially find work in Singapore again in the future.

Agency's Commitment to Assistance

In a further show of support, the maid's employment agency, Best Home Employment, stepped in to assist during this crisis. Executive director Zheng Kunming confirmed the tragic circumstances surrounding the maid's family and decided to waive her outstanding debts. In addition, they provided her with a $150 red packet to alleviate her immediate financial burdens.

A Collective Human Compassion

The agency affirmed its commitment to supporting the maid during this trying time, further coordinating with Dr. Chen to ensure the doctor would have help finding a replacement in a seamless manner.

As the world continues to grapple with the aftermath of natural disasters, stories like these remind us of the profound human connections and compassion that can emerge even in the most challenging circumstances.