Consulting firm looking for Singapore's happiest person
Posted: 19 March 2008 1842 hrs

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SINGAPORE : A local consulting firm is looking for Singapore's happiest person. It is part of an effort to organise a well-being conference, which will be held in April.

Singapore, with a number one airport and one of the busiest ports in the world, tops the charts in various areas. But when it comes to happiness, a recent survey found that nine in 10 Singaporeans are stressed out.

So it looks like leadership-consulting firm Global Leadership Academy has a daunting task.

The Singapore-based company is embarking on an inaugural search for Singapore's happiest person.

This is part of its "The New Science of Happiness and Well-Being Conference", to be held in April.

Philip Merry, Founder, Global Leadership Academy, said, "I want people to just look at (the fact) that happiness is all around you, but most of all it's inside, and we don't spend enough time just counting our blessings and realising just how fortunate we are."

To find that person who suits the bill, the firm will choose from a pool of people who are above 18, in a two-week campaign, which started on March 16.

Anyone can nominate a Singapore citizen by email (happiest@simply-happy.com), to be included in the pool.

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. But do these qualify as the attributes of Singapore's happiest person?

Some of the attributes cited by people Channel NewsAsia spoke to include "being successful", "money", "security and love", and "family support and friends".

Organisers will reveal the identity of Singapore's happiest person on April 4. - CNA/ms