Auntie Seen Giving Ang Pows To Migrant Workers In Bishan

Here’s a story that might inspire us all to be more generous this festive season.

On Wednesday morning (Feb 5), local film director and photographer Jet Ho was at a cross junction in Bishan when he ran into a middle-aged woman handing out ang pows on the street.

He later posted a short recount of the heartwarming sight on his IG, sharing that the woman was giving the red packets to migrant workers in the area.

Speaking to 8days.sg, Jet said: “She mentioned she had already given more than S$200 worth of ang pows yesterday at the LTA work repair site [across the road]. There’s a huge road repair construction there.”

Though he did not approach her for a conversation, Jet said he “overheard her telling the migrant workers to keep the ang pows properly while wishing them happy new year”.

He also saw the woman preparing the ang pows beforehand, and noticed that each one contained S$10.

He could tell that the migrant workers felt "respected and happy”.

"They looked as though they were wondering why this kind auntie came from nowhere to give ang pow, especially in the heavy rain," he shared.

Touched by the auntie’s generosity, Jet added: “As she was crossing the street, she used her jacket as cover from the rain. I secretly [sheltered] her from behind with my big umbrella.”

Such kind gestures may not be as uncommon as we think.

A Chinese man, who recently visited Singapore, took to Xiaohongshu to share his encounter with a generous elderly person.

According to his post, the younger man had just arrived in town and was walking around with his luggage when he was approached by an elderly man who looked to be around 60 to 70 years old.

“He suddenly handed me a S$100 note, and I was completely confused because I had yet to change currency. I wasn’t sure if that was $100 Singapore dollars. I could only see the number 100,” he wrote.

He said he wasn’t acquainted with local customs and practices as it was only his first day here. Afraid that the elderly man was “a swindler”, the man shook his head, rejecting the money.

He continued: “The old man seemed a little irritated, and he mumbled something I couldn’t make out. He passed me the money again, but I insisted on not taking it. We then went our separate ways.”

The man ended his post by asking if there was anyone who’s had a similar experience.

Some netizens said they have come across strangers giving out “ang pow money” to kids or younger adults as a random act of generosity. However, the common consensus is that these 'free ang pows' usually only contain S$2-$4, and that it is “very rare” for anyone to give out such a huge sum of money.

“I’ve lived in Singapore for over 10 years but I’ve yet to meet someone who voluntarily wants to give me money,” joked a netizen.