Feature Interview

A CHAMPION FOR SOCIAL GOOD You must have read about The Straits Times’ Singaporean of the Year 2021, who donated part of his liver to a stranger. What you may not know is that the 29-year-old is also an APU-SINDA scholarship recipient. Sakthibalan Balathandautham tells us what makes him tick.

Please share a little about yourself.

I’m just another Singaporean, one who wants to give back to society and do something bigger than myself!

I spent five years in Japan, studying and working there, and am fluent in the language. After graduating I was a Project Manager at the Ishikawa Prefectural Government Office, building trade relations between Japan and Singapore.

Today, I am a Senior Sales Executive with Miumi Singapore, handling sales and procurement of ingredients for fine dining restaurants in Singapore — from Michelin-starred restaurants to hotels and omakase establishments.

What is your tie to SINDA?

I graduated from the Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (APU) in Oita Prefecture, Japan, under an APU-SINDA Scholarship. In 2015, this was one of the overseas opportunities offered by SINDA. I felt heading to Japan would be a unique experience — and sure enough, it was. I also received an interest-free loan from the Singapore Indian Education Trust (SIET). Together with the scholarship, it helped lift the financial burden, which meant a great deal to my family and myself. I could set my focus on my studies and worry less about money. Now that I am working I can still pace my repayments in order to achieve the lifestyle I live today.

What was the experience of studying in Japan like?

Fitting into school was very comfortable and easy. Each cohort at APU comprises 50% Japanese students and 50% international students, representing over 90 countries. All major subjects are taught in English, though there is a mandatory Japanese Language module to complete as a requirement for graduation.

Every day was very interesting and a learning journey. I lived my second year in the town instead of on campus, and learnt to live independently. I also saved to travel around Japan to learn about their etiquette and business culture.

How has your time studying abroad shaped you as a person, and influenced your career?

There are skill sets that were honed overseas, where the environment poses a challenge away from one’s comfort zone.

I’ve become more open-minded and receptive to the opinions of others, more attuned to the thought processes of others. This is how the Japanese are; they listen more than they talk, and are able to understand their counterparts’ perspectives and adapt to the situation.

Being attentive in this way has made business relationships very much easier and unforced. I feel I have an edge in engaging with the Japanese community in Singapore.

In 2020 you stepped up to donate 23% of your liver to a baby you never met. How did that come about?

I came across a Facebook post looking for donors and I seemed to fit the criterion. After a few hours of research, I decided to volunteer myself. (Editor’s note: A one-year-old baby had a rare disease that would eventually lead to liver failure.)

I’ve been a blood donor since my Junior College days, and I felt that organ donation was the next step. At the end of the day, I just did what I hope anyone else might do for a person in need.

Didn’t you have any reservations, considering that being a living organ donor carries risks?

Actually, no. The team of doctors at NUH ensured I was fully prepared and aware of the risks, but I was convinced I could help this family in their time of trouble. My family were also very supportive, once they were assured that I was doing it of my own accord. There was no exchange of money or tokens to persuade me — doing a good deed doesn’t need rewards or credit, it just needs to be done.

Have you met the recipient and her family?

Yes. I first saw Rheya in person just minutes before I was wheeled into the operating theatre. It motivated me to support her all the more.

She remains a model to me, because she has been that strong against all odds. Today her family and I exchange texts and meet up often, whether it is for dinners at home or for special occasions. We have our laughs together… it’s nice to have a family opening their arms to have you by their side.

Mr Sakthibalan Balathandautham and donor organ recipient, Rheya. Photo credit: Mr Sakthibalan Balathandautham

Do you think it is important that more people come forward to support those in need?

To be an active member of society is to be proactive and taking the initiative. One must be courageous and selfless, and passionate about the community’s growth. If we are always going to be waiting for each other, thinking “maybe someone else might come”, that’s not the kind of society I wish to bring my children up in. I believe in stepping up to do what I can, to the best of my ability.

I hope the youth and working class of our community make it their duty and responsibility to do the right thing, for a better tomorrow.

How did it feel to be named The Straits Times Singaporean of the Year? Has it changed your life?

I hope it inspires more individuals to think about the greater good and give back to society. I wanted to lead by example, to show fellow Singaporeans that it’s not so difficult.

Things are still the same. There have been more people who are curious about organ donations, who contact me to ask about how they too can help, and how to start their journey. Other than that, it’s life as usual — I’m always seeking more ways to help society where I can.