Brief Description

One of the richest countries in the world, Singapore gained the reputation of being the “Best Place to be during COVID-19” as an exemplar of administrative efficiency, invested resources and decisiveness. This success, however, did not benefit everybody in equal measure, with low-income people, especially elderly citizens, and migrants excluded from such support

For more than two years and irrespective of their COVID-19 infection status, over 300,000 migrant workers were isolated in their dormitories and subjected to movement restrictions distinct from that of the general population.

Given their often low-paid jobs in the service sector, the elderly working poor also were particularly vulnerable. Furthermore, no support was provided to non-citizen groups, including a majority of generally “unlicensed” entertainment and sex-workers who had no sources of income after the closure of karaoke lounges and other venues.

These and other double standards and social protection gaps, were highlighted by non-profit groups and the services which they provided to alleviate widespread needs, but to this day, they still remain to be addressed at the policy level.

About the photographer

Grace Baey is a photographer and filmmaker based in Singapore. Trained as a human geographer, she has a keen eye and sensitivity for crafting human-interest stories that are authentic, emotional and thoughtful. She’s especially interested in issues of migration and mobility, gender, identity, and place. Her personal work focuses on queer and gender identity in Southeast Asia. Member of @womenphotograph @diversifyphoto @authoritycollective @equallens. See further www.gracebaey.com 

The photos were first exhibited at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC) from 17 October to 5 November titled “Who Cares? COVID-19 Divides in Southeast Asia” With the exception of Myanmar, selected photos from the countries’ documentation also served to illustrate the book, “Who Cares? COVID-19 Social Protection Response in Southeast Asia”, edited by Rosalia Sciortino and published by Silkworm Books.