Meet Derrick, whose story is one of painful lows and hard-won redemption. Raised in a loving but complex family environment, Derrick fell into gang activity and drug abuse during his teenage years, eventually serving time in both Singapore and Malaysia. His journey from incarceration to reinvention has not been easy, marked by raw self-awareness, the courage to change, and the determination to rebuild from rock bottom.

Today, Derrick uses content creation as a tool for connection and recovery, openly sharing his past to help others who may be struggling with addiction, criminal records, or societal rejection. Through discipline, second chances, and the support of those who believed in him, he now walks a path of purpose, humility, and service. His unfiltered and sincere voice is helping to destigmatise the ex-offender experience in Singapore.

Can you share what led you down the path that eventually landed you in prison, and what was going through your mind during that period of your life?

I grew up in a complete family. My parents were present, loving, and supportive. I received a lot of attention and care, and there was no lack of love at home. As a teenager, I got involved in activities like lion dance, but along the way, I also started mixing with the wrong crowd.

That gradually led to gang involvement and drug use. One poor decision led to another, and eventually I ended up in prison, both in Singapore and Malaysia. During that period, fear and curiosity played a big role. Fear of consequences, and curiosity about things I should never have explored. Those two emotions shaped many of the choices I made at that time.

Was there a specific moment or realisation that made you decide you could not continue living this way?

Yes. When I was caught and eventually returned to Singapore, I realised I was left with nothing. I was at my lowest point. That was when it became very clear to me that everything had to stop. There was no further down to go. The only direction left was up.

What were some of the biggest emotional or social challenges you faced after your release, and how did you rebuild trust with yourself and others?

One of the biggest challenges was my lack of education. I only had my PSLE, and people often judged me by my past and my criminal record. Trust was another major issue. Finding a job was extremely difficult. My first legal job with CPF contributions only came when I was 32 years old.

I had no formal skills or work experience, so surviving in society was tough. To rebuild trust, I focused on discipline. I filtered my friendships carefully and cut off contact with people who could pull me back into my old ways. Rebuilding self-discipline became my foundation.

I would share two of the happiest days of my life instead. The first was when I received my first salary from a legal job at the age of 32. It meant stability, dignity, and a second chance.

Why did you choose content creation as your platform for moving forward, and what message do you want your audience to take away from your journey?

It became a way to share my journey honestly. The message I want to send is especially for people who are still struggling in life, like I once was. Do not be afraid to change. Acknowledge your mistakes. Remember that recovery is for life, and relapse is always around the corner.

If you need help, seek professional support. I also want to thank all my followers and the people around me who have been supportive of my content creation journey.

How different or similar are you in real life compared to your online persona?

In real life, I am the same Derrick people see online. I value authenticity and connection. The attention I receive online is encouraging, but I remain grounded and focused on staying true to who I am.

Can you describe the happiest day of your life?

I would share two of the happiest days of my life instead. The first was when I received my first salary from a legal job at the age of 32. It meant stability, dignity, and a second chance. From there, things slowly began to fall into place, and that made the experience deeply meaningful.

The second was the day my daughter was born.

What’s your vision for Singapore in the next five years?

I hope to see a strong economy that feels fair to middle- and lower-income families as well. I hope the cost of living can be better managed, and that there will be more support for people seeking a second chance.

I also wish for a society that values family and time, while continuing to remain clean, efficient, and trustworthy.

If you could have a superpower for one day, what would it be and why?

I would want the power to turn back time, to avoid taking the wrong path in the first place.