"Three Gems beautifully narrates the challenges faced by three adolescents with special needs, the private anguish of their families, and the personal growth of their volunteers. It is a celebration of hope and resilience, as well as a nod to kindness, volunteering and support services. We all have the same aspirations, and see the same sun – many who are disadvantaged ask only for equal opportunities and understanding. Three Gems is a clarion call for those who may now be feeling down to step out, step up and want more; and for society to open its heart, to give and also expect more."
- Dr Lynne Lim, Senior ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Consultant
“Having first started as a volunteer myself, I can see that this book clearly reflects the sacrificial love and relentless pursuit that are needed when following up on a beneficiary. The book also give us insights into the inner feelings of beneficiaries and show us how they eventually overcome the difficulties in their own lives. Inspiring.”
- Adeline Wong, Family Care Lead, Prison Fellowship Singapore
In a time when #YOLO (“You Only Live Once”) and the term “strawberry generation” are commonly associated with my generation, it is refreshing to know of a community of devoted and selfless youth volunteers. Instead of chasing their own dreams and caught up in the rat race and pleasure lifestyle, they are willing to slow down to walk alongside others in need of help, and in turn achieve the #YOLO moment in their journey.
In this book, Derek has perceptively captured the challenges, emotions and sacrifices that volunteers and beneficiaries experience. He has given an insight of the anonymous volunteering scene. My greatest pleasure in reading Three Gems is knowing that the good done by the fictional characters is, in fact, real. Highly recommended for those who wish to have their #faithinhumanityrestored, and be inspired to bring out the hidden volunteer inside all of us.”
- Eugene Nai, MINDS MYG Chairperson
“What is the world of silence like, when you are in a world that never stops talking? Derek has managed to capture the real meaning of deafness and the deaf identity as portrayed by Joanne in the book. Insightful and wide-ranging.”
- Ong Shi Yi, Senior Executive with Hearing Impairment.