Myanmar Earthquake: Urgent Help Needed

The recent earthquake in Myanmar has left many families struggling to rebuild their lives. Homes have been destroyed, communities devastated, and countless children and families are in urgent need of support. In times like these, swift action is crucial to ensure that those affected receive the assistance they need to survive and recover.

Relief Efforts on the Ground

World Vision Singapore is working together with local teams in Myanmar and has already mobilised resources to provide emergency aid. Their teams assess the damage and deliver essential supplies such as food, clean water, shelter, and hygiene kits. These basic necessities are critical to helping affected communities cope with the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

Similarly, organisations like UNICEF Malaysia and World Vision Malaysia are stepping up to support relief efforts. Every contribution made goes directly towards providing life-saving aid, ensuring that children and families receive the care and protection they desperately need.

How You Can Help

In times of crisis, every donation counts. Your support can make a real difference in the lives of those struggling to rebuild. If you’d like to contribute, here are some trusted organisations currently providing emergency relief:

🔹 World Vision Singapore: Donate here

🔹 World Vision Malaysia: Donate here

🔹 UNICEF Malaysia: Donate here

If you would like to support other organisations, please ensure that you donate through their official websites or verified fundraising pages to avoid scams. Unfortunately, disasters often attract fraudulent appeals, so always double-check before making a contribution.

Your generosity can help provide food, clean water, medical care, and shelter to those in desperate need. Even a small donation can go a long way in bringing relief to the affected communities.

Let’s stand together in this time of crisis and extend a helping hand to the people of Myanmar.

May x

My Earthquake Experience in Bangkok

Today, I experienced something I never thought I would have to face—an earthquake in Bangkok. What started as a normal day turned into a state of shock only hours later. The tremor hit around 1:25 PM, and at first, I honestly thought I was just feeling dizzy from my reading glasses. I took them off, checked, and put them back on—nothing seemed off. But then, the shaking got worse.

At first, it felt like a strong jolt, but soon, it became something much more intense. The pictures on my walls rattled, and I saw the door swing open by itself. My heart raced as I recalled the safety advice—hide under something sturdy. Without thinking, I dove under the table. The shaking was terrifying, and for a moment, I wasn’t sure what was happening. It was frightening.

I grabbed my housekeeper, who thankfully was with me today (otherwise, I would’ve been alone), and we rushed out of the building. My boyfriend is traveling, so it was just the two of us. We ran downstairs and waited in the open air for what felt like an eternity. Nearly four hours later, we were given the all-clear to return.

However, things didn’t calm down immediately. The building manager recommends that we not stay overnight due to the lack of official safety clearance. There was no guarantee the building was structurally safe after the quake. They needed an assessment and approval from local authorities before allowing residents to stay. It was a huge reminder of how fragile our sense of security can be and how quickly everything can change.

As I write this, it’s been almost ten hours since the earthquake, and I still feel like the ground is moving beneath me. It’s surreal. The feeling of unease is still with me, even though the tremors have stopped.

I’m counting my blessings that my family and I are safe, but I can't help but think of all the people affected, especially the children and families. My thoughts are with those in Myanmar as well, who are facing similar devastation.

I’ve never experienced something like this before. It was a wake-up call on how quickly life can turn upside down, and how we all need to stay prepared. It’s hard to imagine how those in affected areas are coping, but I’m hopeful that strength, safety, and recovery will come to them soon.

For now, I’ll hold on to the fact that I’m safe and continue to pray for all those impacted by the earthquake. Stay safe, everyone.

Read more at:

https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2989962/dozens-of-workers-trapped-in-collapsed-bangkok-high-rise

https://news.sky.com/story/myanmar-earthquake-latest-evacuations-in-bangkok-and-reports-of-buildings-collapsing-after-7-7-magnitude-tremor-13337088

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/we-have-to-get-out-singaporeans-recount-experiences-feeling-quake-tremors-in-bangkok

Images: 

https://www.bangkokpost.com/photo/2990036/quake-impacts-in-bangkok

May x

Virtual Meeting: A Moment of Hope and Inspiration

I had the pleasure of meeting Su, my sponsored child from Myanmar, last Saturday, and I still can’t believe I’ve only been sponsoring her for three months. I didn’t expect to meet her so soon (even if it was virtually), but I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to see her and hear her voice.

As with any first meeting, Su was quite shy at the beginning. But as we spoke, she gradually warmed up, and by the end, we were chatting comfortably. I was thrilled to learn that she loves mathematics and dreams of becoming a doctor one day. It fills me with hope knowing that she has such big aspirations for her future.

Learning that Su’s mother is a World Vision community volunteer made the meeting even more special. She couldn’t join us because of her work in another community, but it brought me so much comfort to know that Su not only benefits from sponsorship but also has a strong role model in her mother, whose dedication to the community is truly inspiring.

As for me, I’m not great at structured conversations, so I just talked about whatever came to mind—hobbies, food, sports—anything to keep our 30 minutes fun and engaging. Maybe Adrian (from World Vision Singapore), who was also part of the session, wondered why I was jumping between topics! But it didn’t matter because making a connection was what truly counted. At one point, I found myself at a loss for words because I was so excited to meet Su (there was a brief moment of silence).

Thankfully, the internet was stable, and we had a smooth conversation with no interruptions. A big thank you to the translator (whom I, unfortunately, forgot to ask for her name—silly me!) and to the World Vision teams in Singapore and Myanmar for making this possible.

Meeting Su was such a heartwarming experience, and I’m excited to watch her grow. ❤️

Image created with Microsoft Designer: Wish I had a real photo, but this one captures the feeling!❤️

May x

Child Sponsorship is not just about giving - it's about Friendship

I’m so happy to share that my story about child sponsorship was recently featured on the World Vision Singapore website.

When I first started my child sponsorship journey, I wanted to do more than just provide financial support. I wanted to create a real connection. As someone who enjoys handicrafts, I decided to send something handmade, something special, and something made with love. So, I made friendship bands—one for each of my sponsored children and sent them along with my first letter to symbolise the beginning of our friendship and the bond we share.

Months passed, and then came the annual update with their latest photos. As I looked through them, I was overwhelmed with emotion. One of my sponsored children was wearing the band. They all were.

It’s hard to describe how that felt. It was just a simple band, but it meant so much to them. They wore it. They kept it. They treasured it. And at that moment, I realised that even the smallest gestures can carry so much meaning.

Our letters are limited, often delayed by time and translation, but I still try to make our bond special. For their birthdays, I design and print personalised cards… not handwritten, but still made with love, just for them. It’s not about showing the world what I do. It’s about showing them that they matter. That they are thought of. That somewhere, far away, someone cares about them.

Sponsorship, to me, is not just about giving—it’s about friendship. It’s about forming a real friendship. It’s about reminding these children that they are important, loved, and never forgotten. It’s about making them feel that someone, somewhere, cares about them.

Because sometimes, even a small act of kindness can have a bigger impact than we realise. ❤️

Read more about the impact of child sponsorship on Child Sponsorship Stories.

World Water Day

Water is essential to life, yet its availability and quality are not the same for everyone.

The river that runs through the community I recently visited.

When I worked in a water company, I saw water through numbers—costs, processes, and efficiency. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity behind clean water, from treatment to distribution. It’s not as simple as turning on a tap. Ensuring safe water requires expertise, infrastructure, and constant monitoring—something many of us rarely think about.

The water piping system provides clean water to the community. Part of the essential infrastructure I witnessed during my trip.

But through child sponsorship, I saw another side of water. In many communities, clean water isn’t easily accessible. Children and families walk long distances just to fetch water—sometimes from unsafe sources. The impact goes beyond thirst; it affects health, education, and opportunities for a better future.

World Water Day is a reminder that clean water is a basic human right, yet millions still struggle to access it. While many organisations are working to change this, there is still more to be done.

Small efforts—whether through awareness, support, or action—can make a difference. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the clean water we have and do our part to help ensure safe water for all.

May x

Sambour: A Journey Close to My Heart — Part 3

Waking up early isn’t always my thing, but on this trip, it felt different. Maybe it was the excitement, or maybe it was knowing that today, we were finally heading into the villages. Either way, I was up and ready to go.

Our journey started with an hour-long van ride to the jetty, followed by a boat ride across the river. From there, we switched to a tractor—yes, a tractor! If you’ve never taken a tractor ride before, imagine a bumpy but fun experience, especially when you’re surrounded by endless greenery and fresh air (got to strike that off when we we are actually sucking the dirt while driving too fast). It was definitely a mode of transport I wouldn’t forget.

When the WV staff told us we'd be taking a big wooden boat, I’m sure it has a name in Khmer—but to me, it’s a sampan with an engine.

The tractor gave us a good workout, a nice tan, and a free dust bath for the day!
Sambour’s heat and dust are no joke!

Our first stop was a primary school. During the trip briefing, we were told that classes here are shared between two grades—Grade 1 with Grade 4, and Grade 2 with Grade 3. At first, I couldn’t wrap my head around it. How could one teacher manage two different levels at the same time? But as soon as we stepped into the classroom, I saw it with my own eyes. The students sat quietly while the teacher taught one grade, patiently waiting for their turn. It was impressive.

A simple school with only two classrooms. Each is shared by two grades.

One classroom, two grades, and a teacher guiding them all. Such respect for their dedication and passion. 

One of the trippers, Fynn, who is also a teacher, volunteered to teach at the school during our visit and prepared creative activities for the students. Seeing their excitement and how much they enjoyed learning, even with limited resources, was heartwarming. It reminded me why education is so important and why sponsorship goes beyond just providing school supplies.

After the school visit, we split into smaller groups to visit the Most Vulnerable Families (MVF). I was assigned to visit a family of ten—grandparents, parents, and seven children. The youngest was just nine days old, while the eldest, a 14-year-old boy, had left home to become a monk because they couldn’t afford his education. It was heartbreaking.

The living conditions of the MVF home, where a family of 10— including a 10-day-old newborn.

Despite their struggles, the family was doing their best. They had a small piece of land for farming and lived near the river, which provided access to water and fishing. Their home was a tiny hut, with everyone sleeping in the same space. But thanks to the support from World Vision, they were learning better farming techniques and had access to a latrine—a small but significant improvement in their daily lives. During our visit, we even joined them in planting vegetables, a simple but meaningful experience.

Hands in the soil.

The day ended with a visit to a secondary school and a community library. Some trippers had brought English books to donate, and we also participated in tree planting with the students as part of the Child Sponsorship Learning Program (CSLP). I’ve always loved gardening, but this was special—I planted a tree alongside two young girls, knowing it would grow with them.

English books were generously donated by fellow trippers.

I’ve always loved gardening, but this moment was truly special.

Tree planting with the students.

As we made our way back to the hotel, travelling the same boat-tractor route, I couldn’t stop thinking about the resilience of the community. For them, these daily journeys weren’t just part of a trip—they were a way of life. And I was only just beginning to understand it.

Stay tuned! Every moment here is unforgettable. I can't wait to tell you more! 

May x

Sambour: A Journey Close to My Heart — Part 2

The day of the trip finally arrived! I flew directly from Bangkok, arriving in Phnom Penh a day earlier. That extra day gave me time to enjoy some local meals, explore a little, and, of course, do some last-minute shopping for my sponsored children. No matter how much I plan, there's always something more I feel like getting! 😆 Thankfully, SC was there to accompany me, so I didn't have to explore alone.

With all the extra shopping, I'm thankful to SC because some of it went into her luggage, some into my small suitcase, and we managed to shift things around. Problem solved!

In the morning, we met up with the rest of the trippers at the airport as they arrived from Singapore. Seeing familiar faces from past trips and meeting new ones was such a great feeling. There's something special about being surrounded by people who share the same passion for making a difference.

Cheers to the great company, meaningful moments, and the journey ahead!

After everyone settled in, got SIM cards, and exchanged money, we hit the road in a comfortable van, heading from Phnom Penh to Sambour. If there's one thing I've learned from trips like these, it's that getting to the AP isn't a quick journey. It took about six hours, with stopovers for toilet breaks, lunch, and, of course, the very last minute of buying gifts. The road conditions were so much better than last time—no more back-breaking, bumpy rides! That alone felt like a win. Although the drive was long, I didn't mind at all. It gave me time to reflect on my last visit and everything I was looking forward to. Would the girls recognise me? How much had they grown? 

After checking in at the hotel, we gathered for a trip briefing led by Piseth. I have so much respect for him—his dedication to the community is truly inspiring. His team has done an incredible job over the years, and hearing about their ongoing work made me even more excited for the days ahead. He walked us through what to expect, such as the living conditions, challenges, and, most importantly, the achievements made possible through sponsorship and community support.

Gaining insights into the journey ahead. His passion and dedication are contagious.

We wrapped up the day with dinner, resting up for what was to come. We will be heading deep into the villages tomorrow—and I couldn't wait.

This place wasn't just a name on a map anymore. It was a community I cared deeply about, a place that now felt like a second home.

Stay tuned because the real adventure is just about to begin. 🫰🏻

May x

Sambour: A Journey Close to My Heart — Part 1

When I received the email notification in November 2024 about the trip to Sambour, I didn't hesitate—I clicked and registered right away. Maybe I was the first to sign up, who knows? 😆

Sambour is one of the Area Programmes I've been most excited to revisit after two years. A little background to my story: I had just one sponsored child in this AP two years ago. After my last visit, I returned with 10. So, Sambour holds a very special place in my heart because most of my sponsored children are there. I couldn't wait to reconnect with them!

But it's not just about seeing them again; I was also eager to witness the incredible progress the community has made over the past two years. I feel so fortunate to be part of something so meaningful, especially knowing we have a committed AP Manager and his dedicated team working tirelessly on the ground.

From my previous visit, I knew that shopping locally could be tricky due to the limited time and travel distance to the AP. So, I started planning early— figuring out what gifts they might need. (Trust me, I won't go into the details, but it just shows how excited I was! 😂). Once I had everything sorted, I had a new challenge on my hands. How on earth was I going to pack and bring all these gifts for 10 children? The struggle was real, and even then, I still felt like I could have brought more. There's always that urge to add a little more…

But here's the twist: I realised I would have a whole day in Phnom Penh after finalising my flights. Since I wasn't flying in with the other trippers (they were coming from Singapore), I decided to fly in a day earlier to avoid any travel hiccups. This gave me the perfect opportunity for some local shopping, and I was able to pick up some essential items: the Khmer-English Dictionary (a must-have for all my sponsored children), toothbrush and toothpaste sets, and bar soap. As for the rest of the gifts were already packed from Bangkok, so I felt well-prepared.

Touching down a day earlier in Phnom Penh. I am ready for some peaceful local shopping before the adventure begins!

All the gifts were well packed in the box, and I only bought a small suitcase!

With everything in place, I'm ready for the exciting days ahead—reconnecting with my sponsored children and seeing all the wonderful things that have been happening in the community. 

Stay tuned for more updates! This is just the start of my journey to Sambour, and I can't wait to share more with you along the way.

May x  

You Are Stronger Than You Think

Image created with Microsoft Designer

International Women’s Day always makes me pause and reflect. It’s a day to celebrate women everywhere—the ones who lead, the ones who nurture, the ones who fight for change, and the ones who quietly keep going, even when no one is watching.

I think about the strength women carry every day. The resilience in showing up, the courage in making tough choices, and the kindness that often goes unnoticed. Some of us grew up with strong female figures guiding the way, while others had to find their own path. For me, I’ve seen this strength in many ways—through the women I work with, the communities I’ve visited, and the young girls I sponsor, who are striving for a better future despite the challenges they face. No matter our journey, we learn, we adapt, and we keep pushing forward.

To the women juggling a hundred things at once. To those carving out space in boardrooms, classrooms, and communities. To the ones chasing dreams, running marathons (literal or not), and showing up for others even when their own plates are full—this is for you.

You are stronger than you think. And if today is a tough day, I hope you still find a moment to breathe, to be proud of how far you’ve come, and to know that you are seen.

Let’s lift each other up—share a story of strength, celebrate the women who inspire you, or simply remind someone how much they are appreciated.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💜

May x