From helping ex-offenders reintegrate into society to championing drug abuse prevention, Mr Ramli Abdullah’s dedication shows that even small steps can spark big changes.
For Ramli Abdullah, 50, volunteering isn’t just an activity — it’s a way of life. By day, he earns a living as a private-hire vehicle driver, but his true passion lies in uplifting others and making a difference within Singapore’s community support landscape.
Through his agency, Reforming Support Group (RSG), he provides hope and guidance to ex-offenders and at-risk youths on their reintegration journeys. As a Desistor with the Singapore Prison Service (SPS) and an advocate for drug abuse prevention with agencies like the Central Narcotics Bureau (CNB), National Council Against Drug Abuse (NCADA), and the Dadah Itu Haram initiative, Ramli is committed to supporting those seeking a fresh start. Having recently marked 10 years of being drug-free, he draws on his personal journey to inspire resilience and positive change in others.
In a routine engagement with an ex-inmate last year, Ramli encountered a supervisee struggling with the challenges of reintegration. “He showed signs of giving up, saying there’s no hope for him to change and that he hasn’t been given the opportunity to redeem himself,” Ramli recalls. “It was very difficult to see someone feeling so defeated, especially when they were trying but not seeing progress.”
He focused on a few key actions to help the supervisee regain hope. “I started by listening actively, without judgment, to acknowledge their frustrations. Sometimes, just being heard can make all the difference,” he explains.
As a volunteer, Ramli understands that his role demands both empathy and persistence. Guiding individuals through their darkest moments can be emotionally taxing, but it’s also where his determination shines. After listening, he encourages them to see that every problem has a solution and reminds them to focus on the progress they’ve already made. “What matters is moving forward with determination. Every small step can lead to results if you keep going,” he adds.
This experience reinforced Ramli’s belief in the transformative power of hope and strengthened his resolve to never give up on anyone’s potential, no matter how daunting the journey may be. He says: “Volunteering has taught me that even in the most difficult situations, it’s possible to inspire resilience — not just in others, but in yourself.”
On 20 September 2022, Ramli shared his insights during a discussion on the Danger of Drug Abuse and Success of Reformation Journey, as part of the #DadahItuHaram initiative.
Like any meaningful pursuit, volunteering has its challenges. Progress is often slow, and seeing supervisees struggle can be disheartening.
“I stay motivated by focusing on small, positive actions, such as setting micro-goals, breaking tasks into manageable steps and taking short mental breaks to reset when things feel overwhelming,” he explains. “Even when results take time to show, I remind myself that persistence will eventually pay off.”
This philosophy fuels Ramli’s commitment and optimism, showing how resilience and purpose can help overcome even the toughest obstacles.
Ramli credits much of his ability to persevere to his family — especially his wife, who has been his pillar of support. “She has always supported my passion for giving back,” he says. “Her encouragement and belief in me keep me going during challenging times. She understands the importance of what I do and celebrates my small achievements along the way.”
His family’s unwavering support has been a huge source of strength, enabling Ramli to continue his mission with confidence and determination.
Ramli (second row, checked shirt) with Minister of State, Ministry of Home Affairs & Ministry of National Development, Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim (front row, white shirt), the officer in charge of inmates (back row, first from right) and inmates during the community-based programme organised under the #DadahItuHaram initiative.
Through his volunteer work, Ramli has gained a new understanding of what success truly means. “Success isn’t about grand milestones,” he reflects. “It’s about inspiring change — one small step at a time. Maintaining a positive mindset and taking meaningful actions not only helps others, but also enriches your own life.”
For him, fulfilment comes from knowing that his contributions, no matter how small, are part of a larger purpose.
To those considering volunteerism, Ramli offers this advice: “Be part of the Home Team Volunteer Network and discover the joy of giving back. You can make a real difference and play an important role in the community.”
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOLUNTEER
Ever wondered what it’s like to step into the shoes of someone who dedicates their time to giving back? Here’s a snapshot of Ramli’s routine on a volunteering day:
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