Ivan has lived almost his entire life in Singapore. He arrived at age four, raised by his Singaporean father who worked hard to give him stability and a sense of belonging. But instead of growing up with certainty, Ivan spent his childhood confronting something no child should have to face. Despite having a Singaporean parent, he was denied Permanent Residency (PR) again and again. 

To Ivan and his father, Singapore has never been temporary. As Ivan shares, “Even though our journey here has not always been easy, this is the place where we grew, struggled, and stayed together as a family. We truly see Singapore as our real home. This is where our memories, daily life, and future are.”

Now in adulthood, the struggle continues. Although Ivan is fully rooted here, his lack of PR status blocks him from stable work and a fair shot at opportunities. He is competent, diligent, and trained in educational digital technology, yet employers repeatedly turn him away because of foreign worker quotas. This has placed him in a fragile financial position while he also supports his elderly father, who has been living in a nursing home since a fall two years ago.

Persevering Through Barriers That Never Should Have Been There

Ivan is hearing impaired, and life could easily have pushed him into despair, but he has never given up on himself. He has learned to navigate life with resilience, self-directed learning, and determination. He continues to upskill, to apply for jobs, and to keep moving forward even when the system does not move with him. Former employers describe him as a standout contributor. As one testimonial reads, “Ivan consistently delivers results of the highest quality, working independently while maintaining seamless and effective communication with team members. His ability to build strong professional relationships and contribute positively to the workplace is both admirable and inspiring.”

Yet the biggest barrier he faces is one he cannot solve on his own. Without PR status, he cannot progress. His dream is simple. He wants to be a contributing member of this society, to build a career he is proud of, to support his father, and one day to start a family of his own. Every part of that dream depends on his PR outcome, and the uncertainty has taken a toll both emotionally and financially.

A Temporary Lifeline While He Waits for Stability

Today, Ivan survives on a temporary job that pays only $500 a month. It is honest work, and he is grateful for it, but it leaves him with a monthly shortfall of $644 after covering his basic needs. He has relied on the generosity of his brother and close friends to get through each month, borrowing only when there is simply no other choice.

This fundraising campaign hopes to ease that burden. We are seeking $2,576 to cover four months of his living expenses while he awaits the results of his next PR application. This support will allow him to focus on remaining employed, upskilling, and caring for his father instead of worrying about falling further behind.

A little help now will give Ivan breathing room and dignity while he continues the long fight to secure the stability he has spent his whole life trying to earn.

This campaign seeks to raise $2,623* for four months of essential household support ($644 per month).

 *The campaign goal includes a 1.8% payment processing fee.