Global hotel group Millennium Hotels and Resorts (MHR) remains a long-term supporter of the Singaporean of the Year Awards (SOTY). Organised by The Straits Times (ST) and presented by UBS Singapore, SOTY is given yearly to a Singaporean individual or group that made an impact by improving lives or showing resilience in the face of adversity.

Currently in its eighth year, the awards recognise those who exemplifies outstanding strength of the human spirit for the year 2022. MHR has been supporting the awards since its inception by way of room stays for the winner and finalists. The winner gets a five-night stay at any of MHR’s global properties while the remaining finalists received a three-night stay.

Other sponsors include airline partner Singapore Airlines (SIA), UBS and Raffles Hotel Singapore.

According to Singapore President Madam Halimah Yacob who was the guest-of-honour at the awards, some of the finalists, even while battling their own health issues, chose to help and support others afflicted with the same conditions.

Mr Andy Tan, SVP of MHR Global Operations and Partnership who represented MHR at the awards, said he was very moved by the stories shared by the finalists and hopes these Singapore stories will continue to serve as inspiration and motivation to help local communities.

This year’s SOTY award was presented to Mr Anson Ng, who dedicated more than 20 years of his life to the less fortunate in Singapore. He founded a charity that feeds the needy. He started helping out at old age homes and hospices more than 20 years ago, befriending seniors and cooking for the terminally ill. He also strives to fulfil the final wishes of the elderly and helps to pay for the funerals of strangers who cannot afford it.

In addition to his five-night stay with MHR, Mr Ng was also awarded a trophy and S$20,000 in cash, while the other finalists received S$5,000 each. The prize money is sponsored by UBS, which has supported the award since its inception.