Andy Goh showing his genial, infectious smile
AFP/Roslan Rahman

The very stressed out city-state of Singapore finally saw the face of their happiest resident in form of a 35 year old engineer Andy Goh, beating out over 200 finalists in a search that lasted for a month

A panel of four judges chose him for having successfully met the criteria set by the judges:

“happy smiling disposition, ability to be happy no matter what life presents, a strong sense of community and belonging, a consistent happiness without ups and downs and a contributor to society by bringing happiness to others.”

Goh was nominated by five of his colleagues who said “There is no gathering where he is present where you do not hear the sound of his laughter. It’s hard to be sad with Andy present.”

His secret?

“A lot of times, happiness is not just money and stuff, so you’ve got to count your blessings: health, family, friends, helping other people,” he said. “Look not too far, as it’s probably already close to you,”

He won a trip worth S$2000 to the paradise island resort of Phuket in Thailand and S$200 dollars cash.

After a month long search, Singapore’s Happiest Person is finally chosen. He will be presented to the public at the end of the New Science of Happiness and Well-Being Conference conference from April 16 - 17 organized by Philip Merry and his wife.”I literally thought when we launched… ‘are we going to get anybody?’ Not only did we get 207 stories but we’ve got such fantastic stories,” he said. “There is a lot of happy people that we just don’t talk about or recognize.”

The nominees were sorted out to four, each coming from different backgrounds and had a common denominator: they were comfortable with themselves. They are hospital porter Stella Fernandez, 43, record keeper Ng Chai Lee, 61, manager Andy Goh, 35, and training consultant Zaibun Siraj, 61.

Alarmed by the recent survey that 90% of Singaporeans are less than happy, an extensive search was initiated for the happiest person in Singapore.

Philip Merry, chief executive of Global Leadership Academy who has been tasked to look for the jolly individual said:

“Singaporeans fret about financial security and retirement. Many Singaporeans are concerned they do not have enough money to grow old gracefully, and that seems to make them unhappy,”

Until March 30, anyone over the age of 18 can be nominated.

“The ‘chosen one’ will be judged on their smile, ability to bring happiness to others and how he or she remains positive. A strong sense of belonging and community is also a prerequisite.”

The happiest person will be decided on April 4 and will enjoy a trip to the island resort of Phuket in Thailand.

(Image courtesy of Qi.)