40-year-old Jobair has spent over 20 years helping build hotels along Orchard Road, working on buildings in Outram Park, and has shaped part of the city we move through everyday.

August 2024: An injury that changed everything.

Jobair and a colleague were lifting a 20kg metal object together when his colleague accidentally lost grip. The object fell directly onto Jobair, causing a serious spinal injury. He was rushed to the emergency department by his co-workers and given immediate treatment, including 4 injections to manage the pain.

Despite being discharged from the hospital, Jobair’s condition worsened over the weeks. He could barely lift a bottle of water or bend to tie his shoelaces – even breathing deeply caused pain.

November 2024: Four Screws and Three Staples.

It wasn’t until November, 3 months after the incident, that he finally underwent major spinal surgery which left him with 4 screws and 3 staples in his lower back.

He has since been assessed with 15% permanent incapacity.

Today, Jobair continues to experience discomfort when sitting, standing for long periods, or when he prostrates during prayer. While he remains hopeful, his treatment remains incomplete. Without insurance coverage or steady income, he simply cannot afford it.

April 2024: Stuck in uncertainty with no compensation.

Jobair’s Work Injury Compensation (WICA) claim has been delayed for over 20 months. While he is entitled to compensation and medical leave wages until August 2024, he has yet to receive any of the payments owed to him.

Part of the delay stems from the employer’s failure to purchase the mandatory WIC insurance, a requirement for all manual workers in Singapore.

“I have no insurance, Nobody can help me,” he says quietly. “I know everyone is doing me wrong, but I don’t have a choice”.

How you can help

Jobair misses his family in Bangladesh deeply. He longs to return to them. But until his case is resolved, he is unable to go home, unable to work, and unable to fully heal.

Ray of Hope is raising $2,100 to support six months of living expenses for Jobair ($350/month) while he continues waiting for his WICA claim to be processed. Your donation will help cover his basic needs such as food, transport, and essential expenses as he navigates this challenging period.

“I cannot sleep properly at night—because of my family, because of my life. As a son, I cannot care for my family.”

Despite everything, Jobair remains hopeful.

Stand With Someone Who Helped Build Our City

Your support will give Jobair the breathing space he needs—and the dignity he deserves—as he awaits the justice he’s owed.

Please give what you can. Every contribution matters.