Four finalists chosen in search for Singapore's Happiest Person

Channel NewsAsia 14 Apr 08;

SINGAPORE : The search for Singapore's Happiest Person has been narrowed down to just four people.

The final four were chosen from 207 people nominated for the title of "Singapore's Happiest Person".

Sharon Pereira said, "I nominated my mom because she's a truly awesome gift to me, my brothers and my dad. I love her so much. She's just an amazing person. She makes me happy."

On being one of the finalists, Zaibun Nissa Siraj, Training Consultant, HR Office, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said, "Very good, very happy I guess, but (am) very touched that my colleagues actually recommended me."

Stella Fernandez, Porter, Patient Transport Service, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, said, "I'm very, very surprised. Really"

The other two nominees are Ng Chai Lee, a record searcher at a polyclinic, and Andy Goh, an engineer.

Dr Leong Chan Hoong, Judge, Head of Psychology Programme, SIM University, said, "They are different from the rest in a sense that they are not just happy for themselves, but they are also being able to make that kind of happiness something...that would inspire people around them."

The four have been shortlisted by local consulting firm, Global Leadership Academy.

It launched the search for Singapore's Happiest Person last month, as part of its well-being conference, which will be held in late-April.

The name of "chosen one" will be announced on Thursday, and he or she will win a two-night hotel stay in Phuket, Thailand. - CNA/ms


Their secret to happiness
All finalists were very comfortable with themselves: Judge
Jinny Koh, Today Online 15 Apr 08;

Ask Ms Zaibun Siraj, 61 — named one of Singapore's happiest people — what makes her most happy and she tells you readily: Making others happy.

In fact, Ms Zaibun is spreading her recipe for joy with her book: Zany, Zeal, Zest and Zing: The Z way to happiness, which was launched early this month.

Shortlisted in the Global Leadership Academy's search for the happiest Singaporean, Ms Zaibun, a training consultant in Ngee Ann Polytechnic, is among the 207 contestants who were nominated by their family, friends and even strangers.

"It's the little things in life, such as taking a walk, giving a gift and being with friends, that brings happiness," says Ms Zaibun, who is a great believer in writing cards to thank and compliment people and doing volunteer work.

Ms Zaibun, who was the president for the Association of Women for Action and Research from 1996 to 1998, is a member in the National Youth Achievement Award Council.

One of the judges, Mr John Bittleston, author and business mentor, said that a common denominator he found in all the shortlisted finalists was that they were all comfortable with themselves.

The other finalists are Mr Ng Chai Lee, 61, a record keeper at the Marine Parade polyclinic; Ms Stella Fernandez, 43, a patient transport assistant in KK Women's and Children's Hospital; and Mr Andy Goh, 35, a manager.

Mr Ng, who is also the treasurer in the McPherson Residential Committee where he has served for over 30 years, was nominated by his colleague, Ms Lilian Quek, a staff nurse at his polyclinic.

"He is the happiest man I have come across in my 38 years of work in various multinational companies, hospitals and health clinics," said Ms Quek, 56.

"Even when he is on annual leave, his name gets mentioned by colleagues almost every day."

Singapore's Happiest Person will be announced on Thursday at The New Science of Happiness and Well-being Conference which starts tomorrow at the Singapore Expo and Convention Centre.