Su is a sweet young woman from Myanmar, now working in Singapore. She didn’t come here to make a fortune. What brought her here was a dream that sounds almost extravagant to many — the hope for peace.
Her name, Su, is based on the pronunciation in Burmese. In her home country, Myanmar, conflict and civil unrest have been ongoing for decades. Su’s father was forcibly taken to the battlefield and tragically lost his life. The house she once called home? It no longer exists — it was destroyed in one of the countless bombings.
Su and her mother fled to Singapore, where they both work now. Her mother became a live-in caregiver, a role that requires more medical knowledge and pays better than a domestic helper. Su, despite what many might assume, is a university graduate. She majored in English and is just as well-educated as many other young adults in China or Singapore. She's also undeniably beautiful — but her fate was shaped by something she never chose: being born in a war-torn country.
As a refugee, Su holds on tightly to the freedom she's earned. Even if her job in Singapore doesn’t pay much, she cherishes every bit of it. Back home, the moment she steps off the plane, her passport would be confiscated by the authorities. Her ability to leave again would vanish. That’s why even a humble salary here means the world — it means freedom, dignity, and most of all, safety.
These days, Su smiles more. Her younger sister has also arrived in Singapore, working as a domestic helper. Her younger brother now has a job at a factory. On rest days, their family of five can gather for simple meals, sharing laughter and stories. I've seen their family portraits — everyone beaming, their faces glowing with genuine happiness.
And every time I see that joy, I can’t help but reflect:
When was the last time those of us living in peaceful countries like Singapore or China truly felt that kind of happiness?
Happiness can be so simple — safety, family, a meal together, freedom.
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