Singapore artiste Yahui has been trained and certified in Psychological First Aid (PFA). Akin to a "walking helpline", she can extend psychological support to people in need notwithstanding the location, or time, to help save lives. 

The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has provided PFA training since 2016, one of the forerunners to do so. PFA is an intervention technique comprising theoretical and practical training consolidated in one day. The PFA training equips an individual with the skill sets to provide emotional support to someone in distress or undergoing a crisis. This paves the way for them to regain their composure while providing them with a sense of security.

Not being able to convey the right message

SRC's Ambassador - Yahui, is passionate about mental well-being. It was only after she had attended the PFA course that it dawned on her that she had been conveying the wrong message to people in need. For example, people would often say "You can do it." or "Time will heal all wounds."  may come across as insensitive, failing to acknowledge the depth of psychological trauma.Yahui emphasised that being outside the affected person’s experience makes it hard to fully comprehend their struggles. Instead, a trained psychological First Aider would respond with empathy - “I understand that you need time and space to process things right now. But please feel free to reach out to me if you need a listening ear." 

When the journalist enquired if she would leverage PFA skills to help family members or friends, she said that following her certification in the basic PFA course, she was motivated to enrol in the Advanced PFA course. Equipped with the PFA skills, Yahui understands that using the right words to convey a message is a skill and is now more mindful of her choice of words.

Besides that, Yahui disclosed that she has been collaborating with two partners on a new project in the entertainment sector, which is slated to be launched at the beginning of December. The confidential details will be embargoed till the launch. Though she did not provide monetary support to the new project, the collaboration enabled her to exercise her mental faculties and physical stamina while enabling her to acquire more knowledge and skills. 

Willing an AI lover that looks like Kim Seon Ho

Yahui’s new drama 'Coded Love' will soon be aired. The drama features her romance with an AI lover (with artiste Zong Zijie playing the role of the AI lover). Yahui was asked if she could accept an AI lover instead of a physical lover.  

She responded that if the AI lover could be Korean actor Kim Seon-ho, she could accept it. 

 “I love his radiant smile, it brings me warmth,” she quipped. 

The journalist also enquired, if Yahui's appearance were to be customised as an AI lover, how would she feel? 

She was greatly disturbed by that prospect.

“It would have been grotesque! I cannot accept if some people leverage deep fake applications to customise me as a criminal, what should I do? I would like to amend my above response," she said. 

Back to the character in the new drama  'Coded Love', Yahui takes on the role of an Iron Lady who killed her crush (acted by Zong Zijie). She enjoyed playing the role of the character, who was deranged.  

While filming a car scene, she broke down in tears as she recounted the times when she personally experienced emotional turmoil. 

"The sentiments and temperaments of the Iron Lady in the drama resonated with me. It reminded me of my resignation from Mediacorp, after having worked there for several years. As I was driving and listening to the music, I broke down following the shoot," she said.

Forming ties in 10 seconds 

Local senior filmmaker Daniel Yun is the Producer of the short film 'Homebound', in collaboration with SOSD Singapore, which strives to eradicate the cruelty and abandonment of animals. It is the second instance that Yahui has co-operated with young director Lee Min Han, as the lead actress in 'Friday No.2'. Daniel introduced Yahui to Lee Min Han. Following a 10-second meeting, they embarked on a collaboration. 

It was Yahui's maiden experience participating in a short film. The partner was a blind dog. There was a communication barrier. 

“It was intriguing to have a dog as a partner, there was nothing to prepare in advance. We could not anticipate the surprise that Stevie, the blind dog, would have on its sleeves for us,” she said.

Yet, Yahui was surprised and deeply touched that Stevie accepted her touch, though he resented other people's touch.  She cherished that moment with Stevie. 

Animal lover Yahui hopes to adopt stray dogs when she has her home. But she acknowledged that caring for animals entails tremendous responsibilities and requires a resilient heart, to endure their passing. 

She recalled her grief during her secondary school days, following the demise of her hamster of two years. 

“Though I spent only two years with the hamster, I was saddened when it passed away. Even now when I mention it, I feel like crying," said Yahui. 

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Translated from the original article, ["雅慧获心理急救认证是 “行走的求助热线", Lianhe Zaobao, Pg 5, 10 October 2024". Any errors are the responsibility of the copyeditor.]

Translated by Qin Jiaxin, Volunteer Translator
English translation copyedited by Sondra Foo, Marketing & Communications