social contributor

WENDY WONG BEE LAN

Retail Assistant, NTUC Fairprice

(In her 60's)

Her story (as shared by her nominator)

8 years ago, Wendy met visually challenged Rui Juan, who has trouble doing her grocery shopping, especially when it comes to handling heavy or bulky items such as liquid detergents or tissue rolls. Since that fateful day, Wendy took it upon herself to personally guide Rui Juan with her purchases. While hesitant at first, Rui Juan gradually warmed up to Wendy, and the two ladies formed a strong bond. They’ve since developed a system where Rui Juan would call Wendy in advance to order what she needed, and Wendy would then pack Rui Juan’s purchases for her friend to pick up, sometimes even arranging for delivery so Rui Juan wouldn’t need to struggle to bring her shopping home. Their friendship is also keenly felt in the store; whenever Rui Juan comes by, colleagues instinctively call for Wendy, and everyone treats Rui Juan as one of their own.

Wendy doesn’t find what she does is “something extra”; her efforts like helping customers carry their shopping to their cars is “simply part of my job.” But as a wife, a mother and a daughter, Wendy also takes care of her family’s needs, including those of her aged parents. Wendy's caring instincts led her to Rui Juan in the first place; as Wendy says, “It’s just so natural for me to offer my help, there was nothing exceptional about my act.”

In her words:

Greatest achievement

Completing my daily job scope as a retail assistant has always give me a sense of achievement. Throughout my journey, I was recognised by my employer and have received a few awards throughout the years.

I am proud of my own achievement.

Biggest challenge thus far

I have been helping out at my Dad’s store from young until the age of 47. At age 47, I went out of my comfort zone and made a career change to QC super market which subsequent become NTUC FairPrice.

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