Marlini Binte Ismail grew up in a family of volunteers, which instilled in her the importance of volunteerism and humanitarian work from a tender age. Her Red Cross Journey started with a role as a Red Cross Youth Link in 1989, coming full circle later in life as the now 42-year-old pursues a career she is passionate about with the Singapore Red Cross (SRC).

Inculcated from a Young Age

Marlini Binte Ismail fondly recalls childhood memories of tagging along with her grandparents, who were active volunteers at various mosques. 

From assisting with food preparation for the mosque’s cooking team to lending a hand in keeping the mosque premises spick and span, Marlini’s grandmother was dedicated in her volunteering efforts. Aside from her contributions to mosques, her grandmother would also occasionally care for children for days at a time when their parents were occupied, keeping them safe and fed.

Being surrounded by many other family members who also engaged in volunteerism inculcated a strong sense of service to the community in Marlini. She too wanted to help others, realising that making people happy filled her with happiness. In 1989, nine-year-old Marlini became a Red Cross Youth Link at Shuqun Primary School.

Certificate of Marlini enrolled as a Member of the Red Cross Youth

“It is very heartwarming and fulfilling when you witness the impact you leave on others and see them become happier,” she explains. 

‘To Do What I Love Doing the Most’

Entering adulthood, Marlini’s desire to help others blossomed. She pursued a Diploma in Community Services in Perth, Australia. As part of fulfilling the requirements of her course, she was given numerous opportunities to engage in volunteer work. For instance, Marlini helped refugees settling in Australia, by guiding them to integrate into the community while offering services such as in-house counselling. 

Following in her family's footsteps, Marlini started volunteering with the Australian Red Cross in her 30s. It was there she found her calling, finding fulfilment in helping others. 

Nostalgic for the days she was part of the SRC, Marlini thought that it would be nice to resume her Red Cross Journey upon her return to Singapore, too. Coincidentally, a friend who worked at SRC was in Australia for a visit, and encouraged Marlini to apply for a job at SRC upon returning to Singapore. 

Thankful for an Unexpected Turn of Events

Initially, Marlini hoped to take on an administrative role. As there were no administrative vacancies available at that time, she joined the TransportAid (TA) team instead, with the hope of an internal transfer later on. Little did Marlini know working with the TA team would be the one of the best decisions that she made at SRC. 

“I joined SRC on 21 March 2017. That date is etched deeply in my mind,” she reminisces. 

Making history as SRC’s first female TransportAid driver and responder, Marlini ferried patients to and from their medical appointments. Doubling as a responder, Marlini took up many responsibilities, from reassuring patients that they were in safe hands, to providing Psychological First Aid for patients who were in trauma.

Not only did she enjoy a rewarding and fulfilling career, Marlini also found her true love at SRC — a fellow TransportAid driver who shares her goal of helping others. They tied the knot a year and a half after their first meeting, and the loving couple now heads a family of six.

Marlini and her husband, Danial at the Singapore Red Cross Award 2018

Marlini’s Red Cross Journey

After spending six months under TransportAid, Marlini switched paths to work with Community Services. Her responsibilities included providing first aid coverage, volunteer deployment for first aid duties, disaster management and civil emergencies. Marlini thoroughly enjoyed her job of doing good while working with people from different walks of life. 

Subsequently, she joined SRC’s Family LifeAid programme, where she conducted case assessments to evaluate the needs of less privileged families, and provided them with food vouchers. 

Almost two years later, Marlini set foot in the Community Health on Wheels programme (CHoW), a community-based mobile healthcare programme that brings basic medical care such as health checks, psychosocial support, and therapy to the elderly, foreign domestic worker and migrant worker communities. She took on this role while concurrently maintaining her position as a TransportAid driver. 

CHoW @ Pulau Ubin conducting a health check for the elderly residents, January 2020

While the job has brought Marlini joy and contentment, there have also been hurdles and challenges to overcome. 

Keeping True to Her Oath

As a wife and a mother of four, juggling her family and work life is no easy feat. With her heart full of determination and a supportive family, Marlini continues to brave through every obstacle that comes her way, till today. 

“Each time life gets hard or I feel like I’m about to give up, I remind myself of the vow that I took many years ago when I was a Red Cross Youth Link in 1989 – to serve the sick and those suffering,” she quotes.

Receiving the Long Service Award to mark Marlini's 5th year with the Singapore Red Cross, April 2022

Today, Marlini is a Senior Project Coordinator under SRC’s Centre for Occupational Learning and Employment (COLE) services. Targeted towards Singaporeans whose livelihoods have been adversely impacted by the pandemic, Marlini co-facilitates monthly workshops for attendees to upskill professionally. She is also involved in case assessments to better understand the needs of participants.

“It is nice to give them the sense that people are on the lookout for them, and they are not alone. When I contribute to something sincerely, it is heartwarming when they appreciate it. Every little contribution in a person’s life counts, and makes a difference,” she shares.

By Daeshni Preethi, Marketing Communications & Partnerships Intern
Copyedited by Shahirah Mohamed Ansari