“Siow Har cycles to and from work using the Park Connector Network of lanes. She observed that many of the migrant workers were cycling in the dark without a bicycle light. And then one night she herself had a collision with one of them. That gave her the idea. So every month, she would go down to Daiso and purchase a dozen bicycle lights at $2 apiece to give away to migrant workers who cycle. She has been doing this quietly for the last few months.”

“That’s lovely!” Omala exclaimed.

“This is exactly the project we need!” There was a sparkle in Kuan Eng’s eyes. “Simple concept, human interest element, easy to scale up. We should totally do this!”

“Great! I can’t wait to tell Siow Har!” Krison beamed.

An awkward silence followed. It took Krison a few seconds to realise that the impending spotlight would be trained on Jessica, not Siow Har.

“She will understand,” Omala finally said, absolving everyone present of their guilt.

Three days later, Migrant Workers Count Too launched a publicity event titled “Release Them from the Dark”. A group of volunteers, with Jessica among them, stationed themselves outside a Daiso outlet handing out pledge cards. Members of the public were encouraged to pen a message of support to a migrant worker who would be receiving a bicycle light for free.

“I have emailed The Online Citizen too.” Kuan Eng pre-empted Jessica. “They may turn up to interview you, so you have to be prepared for their questions.”

“Why did you invite them? They are the ones who zoomed in on the bruises and triggered the online furore.” Krison frowned.

“The readers of The Online Citizen are precisely the ones we need to connect with,” Kuan Eng explained. “As social activists, we should never fear opposition or haters. We can work to change their perception. The ones we fear are those who are apathetic or claim to be apolitical. When they don’t care enough to even hold an opinion, our cause is doomed. It is important that people are drawn to our cause.”

It turned out that The Online Citizen was not the only online news portal attracted to the publicity event. As Jessica approached the entrance to Daiso, no less than three videographers materialised and aimed their recording devices at her. Several mobile phones were switched to audio record mode and thrust in her face. A quick round of introductions established that both The Real Singapore and Wake Up Singapore were eager to cover the event as well.

“I will answer your questions,” Jessica reassured them. “But can I request that we move over to the booth set up by Migrant Workers Count Too?”