Kindness isn't outdated. It is what modern life needs today

In a climate of global tension, economic uncertainty and technological disruption, actively caring about others will help see us through, together.

- Michelle Tay

For hawker stall owner Fikri Rohaimi, it's not all about business, but making a difference in the community, too.

The 25-year-old's eatery, BlackGoat, sells steak and burgers. But every year during the Islamic month of Ramadan, Mr Fikri a former assistant chef with two Michelin-starred restaurants in Singapore - gives away food to those in need, regardless of race or religion.

Kindness can go hand in hand with the practicalities of running a business, and embodies the kampung spirit that helped forge Singapore.

In a divided world, kindness is often the middle ground that opens dialogue and soothes tension. It makes collaboration possible. This doesn't arise by accident. It requires people to choose humility and grace.

Kindness is not merely courtesy or consideration, but courage, too - to see past assumptions, to disarm conflict with empathy, and to offer grace when it is not easy. In truth, kindness is an active, intentional stance. It is a choice to see the other as human first.

Yet, there is a common misconception that kindness is passive; a soft virtue ill suited to the rigours of modern life. In an era of algorithmic outrage and incentivised division, kindness must not be seen as weakness.

While globalisation has brought people of different cultures closer together, making our cities, workplaces and online spaces more diverse than ever, it has also resulted in more tension and misunderstanding. Global events further exacerbate divisions.

We do not have to look far for examples of where kindness is seen as weakness, and how this approach backfires.

KINDNESS IN THE COMMUNITY