'Seeing their smiles makes it all worthwhile': NUS student spends thousands to buy, distribute 3,000 N95 masks

Wanting to help Singaporeans combat haze across the island, this student at the National University of Singapore (NUS) has decided to take matters into his own hands.

In total, he's managed to secure 3,000 masks to be distributed to households across the country, according to a Reddit post by user Fireregin last Friday (Oct 16).

"My dad is a taxi driver and my [grandmother] loves going around collecting cardboard," he shared in the post.

"Seeing them head out during the haze hits close to home, and I know other families, outdoor workers and businesses are affected too," he added.

"I wanted to do something practical, so I started SG As One."

Over $5,000 spent on masks

Speaking with AsiaOne, the computer science student, Adrian Lim, explained that SG As One was launched last Friday alongside a website that he personally designed with the help of artificial intelligence (AI).

While the Government has aided the community in providing masks via self-service machines and community clubs, some residents — especially elderly — have difficulty obtaining them, he told Lianhe Zaobao, citing long queues and mobility issues.

His plan, the 25-year-old shared, is to "fill the gaps", delivering masks to individuals who may have fallen through existing measures.

These individuals can submit requests for masks via the website, while other members of the public can sign up as volunteers.

Some volunteers can also sign up as representatives of their block to collect masks before distributing them to their neighbours.

@asiaone Driven by a desire to help Singaporeans combat haze across the island, an NUS student stepped up by launching the SG As One initiative, giving back to the community by providing 3,000 free masks to those in need. #sgnews #Singapore #Haze #Kindness #NotAllHeroesWearCapes ♬ original sound - AsiaOne

He told the Chinese morning daily that he will coordinate mask distributions based on volunteers and requests across Singapore, stating that some applicants may not be able to receive masks due to limited supply.

"I also use AI to plan manpower allocation and delivery routes," Lim said, sharing that over 200 people have signed up to be volunteers as of Thursday afternoon.

Speaking on the difficulties faced in getting SG As One off the ground, Lim also explained to Zaobao that he had spent around $5,000 purchasing the 3,000 masks from local resellers, as buying masks online would require up to two weeks of delivery time.

Setting his plan in motion, Lim began on Tuesday (Oct 20) evening, where he gave around 600 masks to a representative in Macpherson.

He then worked with a volunteer to deliver around 500 masks in door-to-door visits in Ang Mo Kio.

"Seeing the smiles on the faces of the elderly makes it all worthwhile," he said.

Lim added: "I understand now the importance of giving back to society and to the elderly. I believe youth like myself should actively help those in need and contribute where we can."

Speaking with AsiaOne, Lim shared that people have since begun offering help with packing, delivery and coordination, while others have also offered support with supplies and costs.

"It's becoming a community effort rather than something I can or should do alone," he said.

Reflecting on his experience visiting households, Lim described it as something "very personal".

He recalled how some residents told him they didn't know where to collect masks, with one uncle even saying that he wasn't aware there was haze.

"These conversations made me realise this isn't just about handing over a mask; it's also about explaining, listening and checking in," Lim stated.

He also opined that the two free masks provided may not be sufficient, and that vulnerable individuals may be lacking information on where to get masks.

Offering advice on how members of the public can help one another, Lim recommended starting close to home by checking on relatives or neighbours and asking if they require help.

"Sharing accurate information helps too," he said, adding: "My hope is to bring a little of the kampung spirit into this: not assuming someone else will check on the person next door."

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khooyihang@asiaone.com