Embrace Our Flaws, Celebrate Our Journeys

Firdaus Hamid

Firdaus’ journey began at a young age. At just 9 years old, he was often skipping school and experimenting with smoking. Things took a darker turn when his parents split.

The divorce left him feeling angry and lost, pushing him further into destructive behaviours. Labelled the 'black sheep' of the family, Firdaus’ rebellious actions eventually led him to his first brush with the law.

Seeking a sense of belonging, Firdaus joined a gang, which only deepened his involvement in violence and delinquency. Firdaus dropped out of school and started working various odd jobs—dishwashing, cleaning, and more.

He had convinced himself that he was doing it for the sake of his ailing mother, but most of his money went to clubbing, smoking, and luxury items that he never needed.

Firdaus soon enlisted into the SAF in efforts to find stability, but this respite did not last long. An accident led to him suffering from a serious injury, reigniting his anger.

Pent up frustrations caused him to lash out at officers. He was charged with assault and other offences, which led to him fleeing from his responsibilities. He absconded from duties, and even went AWOL. This eventually landed him in the detention barracks multiple times.

During his fourth stint, Firdaus reached a breaking point.

Isolated in darkness, with only a few minutes of daylight each day,

he began talking to his hands and the light from outside.

He feared that he was losing his mind.

In that moment, he decided enough was enough — he had to change.

He thought of his mother, who, despite her health struggles,

walked a long distance every week to visit him in the detention barracks.

“I told myself, I have to be a better son to her.”

Her sacrifices motivated him. He promised himself that he would turn his life around.

After leaving the military, Firdaus' journey of redemption was far from easy.

Despite his determination to change, he often felt as though no one believed in him.

Fortunately, he had a group of close friends he had known since childhood, who stood by him, offering him their unwavering support.

Slowly but surely, Firdaus fervently worked his way up to become a successful marine engineer with the help from employers who recognised his potential and supported his growth.