Like many young Singaporeans, SMU School of Economics alumnus Daryl Tay, who grew up in a middle-income family, had “ambitions to make it big”. His life had been mapped out: Work in corporate finance, climb the career ladder, get married, settle down and retire early.

However, Mr Tay was moved by a 15-year old boy – who was high on glue and roaming the streets – he met while volunteering in northern Thailand that he joined relief and development agency Radion International immediately after graduation with the aim of helping the less fortunate in Thailand. Founded in Singapore, the Christian organisation’s activities in the 17,000-strong village of Khek Noi, where it has had a field office for 11 years, include a recovery shelter for at-risk children and programmes combating drug abuse and domestic violence. Mr Tay was featured in The Red Dot’s four-part National Day special for taking the path less travelled and is one of the four Singaporeans on a social mission abroad featured in the series.