Andrea Wong

I came to this project wanting to experience something completely different, and also seeing where it will take me, and I am so thankful that I chose Project Luminaire. As Singaporeans, we are so used to speed, efficiency, accessibility, and comfort.

This trip completely took me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to see another version of what “normal” looks like. In those communities, they do not have electricity or proper housing like we do. Everything is built from whatever materials they have around. This means that at night, it is completely dark, and they rely on analogue methods like candles to see. Although they are used to living this way, it is also inconvenient. One of the residents said that if they are clumsy, their house would go up in flames. That really put things into perspective as I realised how fortunate I am, and that the things that I complain about aren't that significant anymore.