An SBS Transit customer service officer demonstrates integrity after finding a large sum of money.
On October 1, 2024, Mr. Soh Sin Chye, a customer service officer at SBS Transit, found himself in an unexpected situation when he discovered an envelope containing $10,000 on a North East Line train. Despite the considerable sum, Mr. Soh immediately followed protocol and reported the find, handing it over to the authorities without hesitation.
The envelope, which Mr. Soh initially thought contained medical documents, was discovered after passengers alighted at HarbourFront station. When he opened it, he found 100 $100 notes. Although he was tempted to count the money, he never considered keeping it. Instead, he reported the incident and handed the envelope over to his colleagues.
Two hours later, the owner of the money, an Indonesian-Chinese man, was found and expressed his gratitude. The money, meant for medical bills, was returned to him, and Mr. Soh felt a sense of fulfillment knowing he helped in such a meaningful way.
Despite his act of honesty, Mr. Soh kept the incident to himself, not even mentioning it to his family or friends. It was only after SBS Transit praised him on social media that his family learned about the event. His mother shared the story with his children, reinforcing the importance of honesty, a value Mr. Soh had learned growing up.
While he may not have gained material wealth from the encounter, Mr. Soh earned something far more valuable: the respect of others, pride from his children, and personal contentment.
