While most people his age are enjoying retirement, 66-year-old Ramlee bin Kasiman is still on the move — not just behind the wheel of his taxi, but in service of his community.
For nearly three decades, Ramlee has dedicated himself to volunteering while maintaining his part-time job as a taxi driver. Since joining the People's Association's Grassroots Organisations in 1996, he has become a pillar of support in Singapore's Nee Soon East neighborhood.
As chairman of both the Malay Activity Executive Committee (MAEC) and Community Arts and Culture Club (CACC), Ramlee organizes everything from cultural celebrations to food rescue initiatives. His recent Hari Raya event at Nee Soon East Seniors' Hub brought joy to countless residents.
"Every minute is money when you're a taxi driver," Ramlee admits with refreshing honesty. Yet every Monday without fail, he trades potential earnings for Meet-the-People sessions where he helps Malay community members navigate language barriers and bureaucratic challenges.
The financial sacrifice is real — "Most of the time my income is not that good," he shares candidly. But for this father of three, something more valuable than dollars fills that gap: human connection.
"I'm doing all of this from my heart," says Ramlee when asked about motivation. "I could earn more driving my taxi instead of attending meetings...but I don't think about that."
The rewards come in unexpected ways — like daily calls from an elderly resident battling stage-four brain cancer whom he's supported since the early 2000s. "When she asks me to help with bills or buy bread...that's what matters," says Ramlee.
Unlike many volunteers who chase recognition,Ramlees philosophy issimple:"Idon'tcareaboutawards.Ileaveittothem.I'mhappywhatI'mdoing."Hisjoycomesfromseeingfaceslightupduringcommunityeventslike porridge distributions during Ramadan.
A natural mentor,Ramleeadvocatesforaccessiblevolunteerism.Hisapproach?Startsmall."Comejoinusjustfortheevent—youdon'tneedtojointhecommitteeofficially."Heunderstandsconstraintsbutbelievespassionatelythat"Ifitcomesfromyourheart,thetimewillcome."
Aswithallthingsinlife,Ramleeknowshistimeaschairmanwon'tlastforever.Butretirementfromservice?Unthinkable.Aslongastherearepeoplewhoneedhelp,hispromiseisclear:"[Aslongas]I'mstillbreathing,Iwilldoit."
