In an era where stories of mistreatment and abuse towards domestic helpers often dominate the headlines, a Singaporean family has captured hearts with their extraordinary act of kindness towards their long-time helper.
For many families, hiring a domestic helper to manage household chores is a practical solution. However, the relationship between employers and their helpers can sometimes be fraught with tension and negative incidents.
Yet, the story of Chen Daimei and her helper, Purwati, fondly known as Wati, stands in stark contrast, showcasing a bond that transcends the typical employer-employee relationship.
SGH doctors discovered a 2.9 cm tumour
Purwati has been with Chen’s family for approximately 13 years, having come from Indonesia. Over the years, she has become an integral part of the household, endearing herself to everyone with her dedication and hard work.
However, on February 10th, the first day of Chinese New Year, Purwati experienced a severe headache that left her unable to stand.
Alarmed by her sudden illness, Chen immediately contacted her husband and rushed Wati to the Emergency Department at Singapore General Hospital (SGH).
The doctors at SGH discovered a 2.9 cm tumour deep within Wati’s brain, necessitating an urgent craniotomy. This was just the beginning of a series of medical treatments, including another surgery, electrotherapy, and chemotherapy.
They covered over RM200k in bills & hired another helper for Wati’s recovery
The total cost of these treatments at SGH soared to S$130,000 (RM452,382.76), with insurance covering S$60,000 (RM208,792.04).
Faced with the remaining S$70,000 (RM243,582.36) bill, Chen and her husband decided to personally sponsor the costs.
But their support didn’t end there. They hired another domestic helper from Myanmar to assist with household chores and care for Wati during her recovery.
Expressing her deep gratitude, Wati shared with local news outlet China Press that she felt incredibly blessed by the kindness of her employers.
Covered Wati’s brother and husband’s travel expenses, too
The compassion shown by Chen extended even further when she sponsored the travel expenses for Wati’s brother and husband to come from Indonesia to care for her post-surgery.
Both family members were accommodated in Chen’s home during their stay in Singapore, and their visits were sponsored a second time after they returned to Indonesia.
The relationship between Chen and Wati is truly unique. Chen treats Wati like a family member, a bond that was evident when she traveled to East Java in 2012 to attend Wati’s wedding.
Chen stayed for five days and was even a witness at the ceremony, enabling Wati to have what she described as “the most luxurious wedding in her hometown” thanks to Chen’s generosity.
‘I hope to spread love in any way I can’
Chen’s actions are rooted in her upbringing and faith. Inspired by the nuns and priests she saw during her childhood who dedicated their lives to helping others in impoverished countries, Chen strives to spread love and kindness in her own way.
“To this day, I am deeply affected by this memory. I am also a Christian and hope to spread love in any way I can.”
As a Christian, she believes in helping others within her capacity, seeing it as a “small act of kindness.”
Reflecting on her motivations, Chen shared a personal regret:
“My father fell ill in Taiwan, but I couldn’t visit him due to the pandemic. It is something I deeply regret, not being able to visit him as soon as possible.”
This regret fuels her determination to ensure that Wati has the support and companionship she needs during her illness.
