A heartwarming initiative by the Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong has received praise for their thoughtful way of helping Singaporeans amidst ongoing protests.
On Sunday (1 Sep), Hong Kong Airport express train services were suspended after protests escalated with “black-clad protesters” barricading the public transport stations linked to the terminals.
The Singapore team in Hong Kong, immediately posted a helpful update on Facebook, to quell rising anxiety for locals who were headed there.
Two staff members went on duty that day, to help guide tourists or HK residents around, if they couldn’t catch the trains.
Here’s their statement in full, we outline the context of events leading up to the airport situation below.
Dear Singaporeans in Hong Kong,
As at 5pm today, Airport Express train services are suspended in both directions.
Our Consular team has been at the airport since noon and you may approach them at the T1 arrival hall (see attached picture), and they will provide you with more information and advice if you need assistance.
For your safety, do continue to monitor local media, follow advice from local authorities and check with your airline or www.hongkongairport.com for flight information.
If you require urgent consular assistance in Hong Kong, you may contact us at +852 2527 2212 or +852 9466 1251 (after office hours).
Stay safe!
On Sunday (1 Sep) afternoon, escalating tensions reached a boiling point at 4pm when protesters took to the fringes of Hong Kong’s main airport, in a bid to be heard by their government.
Baggage trolleys which were free-to-use were used to create ‘road blocks’ to the Hong Kong International Airport.
The Hong Kong police also claimed that a “large group of protesters hurled numerous iron poles, bricks and rocks” onto the track near the airport’s station, while others allegedly “trespassed” causing serious obstructions to “train services”.
The stalemate continued till 10.30pm, when express train services were finally restored reports Channel NewsAsia.
Some Singaporeans were understandably concerned about how to get to and fro the airport, if express trains weren’t available.
That’s why the consulate quickly stepped in, by deploying 2 friendly guides to help shepherd Singaporeans arriving after their flights to the airport.
The pair were clad in easily recognisable jackets bearing the Singapore flag, and tagged with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ name.
They were reportedly waiting to assist locals at the airport since 12pm, to provide information for those affected by airport’s train service closures.
Being stationed at the airport in the midst of protests couldn’t have been an easy assignment for the pair, so netizens were quick to express their thanks as the post went viral.
This commenter thanked the organisation for their “great effort” in providing a solution for Singaporeans.
Others were proud that they stepped up to help, and hoped they would “stay vigilant and safe”.
This netizen felt that the move would be “heartwarming” for locals affected by the closures, when they recognised the Singapore flag on our representatives.
As stated in the useful Facebook post, you may also contact these hotlines if you find yourself in need of urgent assistance:
The team has also created a neat 10-sec timelapse video for directions to the bus terminal and bus info counters here.
Regardless of the reasons you’ll be headed to Hong Kong in the coming weeks, Singaporeans are reminded to stay vigilant to ensure your personal safety.
Kudos to the staff representing Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs too, for doing their best to help locals who may be affected.
We just want to say that Singapore appreciate your efforts, and hope you’ll remain safe too.
Featured image adapted from Singapore Consulate-General in Hong Kong on Facebook and France 24.
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