‘Why Should I Care’ Dialogue Session with Republic Polytechnic

Caring SG Commuters Committee and the Republic Polytechnic co-organised the Caring Commuting WhatsApp Sticker Design Contest for Republic Polytechnic Students from 16 January 2023 to 10 March 2023. A ‘Why Should I Care’ dialogue session was organised in end March to recognise the contest winners and to encourage sharing and discussion on creating a caring commuting culture¹. 

The below comprises contribution pieces by Ms Sumayyah Binte Abdul Hadi, as well as Mr Xu Yu Zheng and Ms Lek Xuan Ping. Ms Sumayyah, Mr Xu Yu Zheng and Ms Lek Xuan Ping are the winner and joint first runners-up of the Caring Commuting WhatsApp Sticker Design Contest for Republic Polytechnic Students respectively. These contribution pieces are their personal view.

Ms Sumayyah Binte Abdul Hadi

Year 3 Diploma in Design for User Experience student, Republic Polytechnic
Winner of Caring Commuting WhatsApp Sticker Design Contest

Winner of Caring Commuting WhatsApp Sticker Design Contest, Ms Sumayyah Binte Abdul Hadi. Source: Public Transport Council

1) What made her join the Caring Commuting WhatsApp Sticker Design Contest?

Upon reading more about the contest, I find it to be meaningful and I wanted to be involved in such an initiative. I had also just finished my internship at that point in time and I wanted make good use of the free time that I had.

2) How did she feel during the design process? What is her design and the design rationale?

During my design process, my main focus was on ensuring that my design was able to communicate visually to those viewing it and I wanted the key message to dictate my design. At the same time, I also wanted it to look visually appealing to capture the audience. As such, I came up with a brand character that embodied the Caring Commuters committee from the values that she exhibited (Give Time, Give Care, Give a Hand and Give Thanks) to the way she looked (aligned with the Caring Commuters colour scheme & incorporating the logo). Inclusivity is a key focus of the Caring SG Commuters committee so I also wanted my design to showcase that, and included individuals of various needs and ethnicities.

3) Thoughts about the Caring Commuting Culture

The Caring Commuting Culture places a lot of emphasis on fostering inclusivity and care on public transport and it is definitely something important that I resonate with. I have definitely seen caring behaviour on public transport. Even though they can be very small acts of kindness like offering a seat to someone in need, it really goes a long way.

Overall, I think commuters play a very vital role in the overall experience of an individual’s commuting journey and it is important for one to exercise empathy and be aware of their surroundings. I hope to continue to see more individuals practicing empathy to those around them and hopefully influencing those who see such acts of kindness to do the same.

Mr Xu Yu Zheng and Ms Lek Xuan Ping

Both Year 3 Diploma in Mass Communication students, Republic Polytechnic
First runners-up of the Caring Commuting WhatsApp Sticker Design Contest

First Runners-up of Caring Commuting WhatsApp Sticker Design Contest, Mr Xu Yu Zheng and Ms Lek Xuan Ping. Source: Public Transport Council

1) What made them join the Caring Commuting WhatsApp Sticker Design Contest?

We thought of channelling our free time to give ourselves a challenge by designing something that will benefit the community. As both of us shared an interest in design but lacked the background, we thought this would be a great way to try our hand at design, as well as help spread the need for compassion and empathy in this fast-moving society.

2) How did they feel during the design process? What is the design and inspiration?

We felt a little nervous during the design process due to this being a competition. Our design focuses on efficient and eye-catching delivery of the intended messages, to be understood at a glance. We also thought to avoid statements that “asked" or “told”, instead focusing on encouraging statements such as “we’re nearly there!” In order to paint the issue in a positive light. We felt statements that had an instructive phrasing would render the audiences less receptive as it gave off the vibe that Singapore is lacking in culture, and we intended to avoid that.

3) Thoughts about the Caring Commuting Culture

We think that the caring commuting culture in Singapore still has much room for growth. The caring commuting culture has always been around in Singapore. The types of caring behaviour most often seen on public transport tend to be commuters giving care and a helping hand, such as giving up seats, helping fellow commuters with prams or bulky items. We hope to see more examples of giving time and giving thanks.

4) Thoughts about the ‘Why Should I Care’ dialogue

Students engaging in a discussion on creating a caring commuting culture during the dialogue session Source: Public Transport Council

The dialogue was useful in highlighting with great detail the challenges faced by fellow commuters with conditions such as various disabilities such as visual impairment and dementia. It was heartening knowing from the dialogue that Singapore is implementing disability and dementia friendly infrastructure such as fruit and colour themed bus booth groupings at interchanges, and trained SMRT staff at the Dementia go-to points for those with compromised navigation.  

Overall, we are super grateful to be invited for the dialogue. We left having renewed appreciation and confidence in Singapore's public transport infrastructure. This, combined with a Caring Commuting Culture, surely will make taking public transport a much more pleasant affair than it already appears to be.

Editor’s Note: Members of the public can look forward to downloading the WhatsApp stickers from June 2023. Follow our social media pages on Facebook and Instagram to get notified when the stickers are out.

¹ The ‘Why Should I Care’ dialogue session for Republic Polytechnic students was graced by Mr Baey Yam Keng, Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Transport & Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment. The event included insightful sharing by CCA2022 Commendation Award Winner Ms Phoebe Lim, and guest speakers from Dementia Singapore and SG Enable, as well as student leaders-organised Project CompassioNation Experiential Stations and student group discussion.