A Daring Rescue Amid Morning Rush

In a remarkable act of heroism, bus driver Lee Chee Chong became the talk of the town after he rescued a young boy wandering alone on the slip road of the Tampines Expressway during the frantic Monday morning commute on bus service 168. Lee, a 53-year-old veteran with SBS Transit for a decade, showed his quick reflexes and humanity by stopping his bus and rushing to bring the boy to safety.

A Father's Concern

As a father to three sons, Lee felt an immediate wave of concern for the boy's well-being. After quickly assessing the situation, he discovered that the child had missed his school bus and was trying to find his way to his primary school in Sengkang. Without hesitation, Lee took the boy back to Bedok Interchange, where relieved teachers awaited to pick him up before he resumed his shift.

Recognized for Valor

Lee's swift action earned him a special commendation at the prestigious Public Transport Safety and Security Awards ceremony held on August 22, where around 450 award recipients were celebrated for their commitment to keeping Singapore's transportation network safe.

Courageous Colleagues Join the Ranks

Lee wasn’t the only hero recognized that day. Alongside him, four employees from SMRT Trains—Karthikesan Nagiah, Nor Elly Putra Abdullah, Balrin Singh, and Mohamad Asraf Mohamed—received accolades for their bravery in subduing an assailant who had attacked a woman and her daughter at Commonwealth MRT station. Karthikesan took the brave initiative to chase down the attacker while his colleagues provided crucial support to the victims.

Innovative Safety Solutions Awarded

The event also highlighted technological advancements aimed at enhancing safety. Natheniel Saw, a senior manager at Tower Transit Singapore, was among the 246 honorees who contributed to a groundbreaking 360-degree camera system. This AI-enhanced feature alerts bus drivers to potential hazards in blind spots, functioning as a 'third eye' to help them navigate safely during challenging maneuvers.

A Call for Safety in Transport

During the ceremony at HomeTeamNS Khatib, Senior Minister of State for Transport Sun Xueling reflected on the importance of safety in public transport, especially in light of recent tragic incidents abroad. She emphasized the role of public transport workers in prioritizing the safety of all passengers, especially the elderly and vulnerable, even amid tight schedules.