The New Singapore Shares Scheme was launched by ex-PM Goh Chok Tong in his National Day Rally speech on 19 August 2001. In the aftermath of the 2001 economic downturn, the initiative sought to redistribute Singapore’s wealth among less well off citizens. Apart from public policies which look out for the welfare of the less privileged in Singapore, local writers have reinstated the dignity and importance of our fellow Singaporeans in Passages: Stories of Unspoken Journeys (2013).

From this book, we feature alumni Quek Shun Yi’s (Dept of Psychology) short story “The Little Boy”. Running only 10 pages, the story poignantly captures the effects of domestic violence on a primary school boy named Ming. Ming’s parents are unemployed and his father is abusive. Apart from the old woman next door, the trauma he faces is a secret affair. For this poor little boy, the fault of an unhappy marriage rests squarely on his shoulders. Unfortunately for him, he accepts all the blame. Quek’s short story invites us to go beyond looking, but to see. That is, to see the private lives many around us suffer with.

To read this story and others, pick up the book here.