For People Without Disability, Technology Makes Things Easier. For People With Disabilities, Technology Makes Things Possible.
At Engineering Good, Johann is the executive director working with his small team to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged communities through humanitarian engineering. He resolved to leave the world a better place than he found it after seeing the struggle to survive at a refugee camp in Pakistan and has been working hard to do so with Engineering Good.
1) Why did you start your organization? What got you started on doing what you do?
Actually I didnt set it up! It was one of my friends who had the idea, and she brought together a group of us to form the founding group, back in 2014. We were initially created to do work regionally, like Engineers Without Borders, but found that our work was also needed locally, so decided to concentrate our work here first.
Personally for me though, my interest in humanitarian work started when I was cycling in Pakistan in 03, and visited a refugee camp, and truly saw how the world was different for different people, and how some people struggled to survive. Then I resolved to leave this world a better place than I found it.
2) When you look back on your work so far, what touches you most or what compels you to want to do more?
As an organization that works primarily through other organizations, our distance from the end users sometimes dilutes the experience and reduces the drive for staff and volunteers alike. But the fact that we not only keep going, but that more and more people join our ranks, gives me impetus to do more work for the people who need it.
3) What was one set back you experienced? What do you say to your naysayers?
There was difficulty at the start to get going as we were short on funds, but many Singaporean individuals and groups (like TMT) came unsolicited and donated to us. in our work we have found many people who were fearful of doing things for the difficulties that they may face, but I always say, as long as youre doing the right thing, there will be people who will support you. Your light will shine for others to follow.
4) What keeps you going?
My kids, and a promise of a better future for them
5) What is one highlight / experience / message you would like to share with the public? Why?
Never underestimate the power of an individual to change the world – in fact, it’s the only thing that ever has.
6) Who inspires you and why?
My wife. Because she can tahan being married to me. Oh, and people like this: https://mothership.sg/2021/03/syakirah-fitness-instructor-born-without-hands/
7) What does thriving mean to you?
Not only to exist, but to live.