The Covid-19 global pandemic has affected many countries including Singapore. With border controls used to manage the virus, one painful side effect is a steep drop in visitors to Singapore – a bitter pill for the tourism industry and workers.

But with every crisis that comes, there will be individuals who stand ready to take on the challenges, refusing to let hardship defeat them. They reach out to their community and support them in ways big and small.

Changi Airport Group (CAG) first saw this resilience and perseverance in those working at Jewel Changi Airport. They continued to work tirelessly to take care of this iconic Singapore attraction even with the smaller visitor number. The same commitment and determination were seen in the workers at other tourism spots across Singapore when the CAG team visited them.

This strength was captured in a new film production by CAG called “While You Were Home.” It honours those in the tourism community who take care of the attractions, ready to welcome back visitors when they return to enjoy the beautiful sights, sounds and flavours of Singapore again. Changi Journeys had the opportunity to speak to two of the tourism workers featured in the film.

Hazirah at Jewel Changi Airport's Hedge Maze

Nur Hazirah Binte Mohd Razali is an Experience Ranger Supervisor at Jewel Changi Airport’s Canopy Park. She decided to work in the airport because of her love for travel and the opportunity to meet people from various nationalities as well as showing what Singapore is.

What did your family and friends say when you told them you were appearing in this short film?

They were surprised as well as proud to see me reach a higher potential. The video showed them a different side to the customer service role and that we are what visitors look forward to aside from the attractions.

Covid-19 was particularly hard for many people. What helped you stay strong?

Being able to contribute during the Covid-19 period made me see how lucky I was, as well as having a big responsibility no matter how small or simple the task may be. Seeing how the community worked with one another to tide over this period was heartwarming and encouraged me to work even harder.

Which part of this short film was the most heartfelt and meaningful to you personally?

The part when the little girl touched the Rain Vortex on the projector made me realise that many children possibly missed out on a big part of their childhood during this pandemic. Being able to welcome them back now in a safe environment would be the best thing that we can offer to them.

For those who watched the short film, what is your own personal message to them?

I hope this video gives viewers something to look forward to amidst this pandemic and the hope that brighter days will come soon. The frontline workers are doing their best to ensure that families will be able to spend their time together in the outdoors once more.