Mr Shaik Nifael Nazeemuddin is one of three individuals highlighted by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during his National Day Rally speech on Sunday (August 23) for exemplifying the true Singapore spirit.
PM shared that when Mr Shaik decided to end his education at age 17, his father insisted that he must go to work if he wasn’t going to study.
As a result, he took up work cleaning longkangs (drains) and grease traps. Despite the work being dirty and physically demanding, he was determined to perform it to the absolute best of his ability. At the time, his daily wage was S$25. Nevertheless, he persevered and worked tirelessly.
After mastering the trade and gradually taking on additional responsibilities within the company, he decided to launch his own business by the age of 26. Recognising his skill and potential, an entrepreneur invested in Mr Shaik’s venture and today, he leads “Jetters Incz,” a multi-million-dollar cleaning company.
The Prime Minister noted that Mr Shaik has never forgotten his humble beginnings and still proudly tells people today that he is a longkang cleaner. Commending his perseverance, the PM wished him continued success in reaching greater heights.
“It feels surreal that the Prime Minister shared my story. Many might have looked down on me for not completing my education and taking up sewer cleaning. But seeing my hard work recognised is deeply moving.
“Even though I didn’t go to university, it feels as though I have graduated from UOL, University of Life,” Mr Shaik said, with a chuckle.
He added that it is vital for everyone never to forget where their journey began in order to move forward in life.
“Why should we feel ashamed of our life’s journey? Embracing it whole-heartedly and striving to reach the next stage of life is true wisdom,” he remarked.
He encouraged students who currently struggle in traditional academic systems to discover their own unique strengths and talents.
“It is often very easy to make excuses—I have done so myself many times. But my life truly turned around once I realised that hard work is essential to achieving success in life,” he said.
Mr Shaik firmly believes that believing in yourself and being your own strongest pillar of support is crucial throughout life’s journey.
