Nearly five years after surviving a fall from a four-storey building, Aaron Tan, a Penang-born entrepreneur and Mr Grand International winner at the 2023 Mr World Singapore, reflects on how the accident changed his life. Despite the enduring physical and emotional pain, Aaron, now 35, says he is “happy” it happened.

At the time of the accident in 2017, Aaron was reeling from a divorce and sought solace in alcohol. One night, in a drunken stupor, he fell from the balcony of his Kovan condominium. “The first thing I thought was, ‘Oh my God, will I die?'” he recalls. “I felt very down and useless.”

Following the fall, Aaron underwent multiple surgeries on his spine and legs and was administered over 160 doses of morphine to manage the agonizing pain. However, it was the emotional toll on his family that hurt the most. His parents, who flew in from Penang, were devastated to see his suffering. “They cried after they saw what I’ve become,” he says with regret.

This painful chapter became a turning point, propelling Aaron to live life with purpose. “The pain made me realize that I have to do the best every second, every moment,” he shares.

Aaron’s recovery was long and challenging. Bedridden for two months and spending eight months relearning how to walk, he remembers feeling isolated. “I had to force myself to stand up,” he admits. But it was the kindness of doctors and the support from Singaporeans that kept him going. “People gave me so much love,” he says, recounting the patience people showed as he struggled to cross the road.

With his renewed outlook on life, Aaron founded the non-profit organisation Giving Hope in 2017, aiming to give back to the community. He now balances his time between running his hair salon, exercising, and doing charity work. He regularly visits the elderly in Chinatown and Bugis, distributing meals and face masks.

Aaron’s passion for charity also extends to his donations, including a $300,000 cheque to the Sian Chay Medical Institution. “I feel happy doing charity work. If I die one day, I would feel like I didn’t waste any time,” he says.

Having dropped out of school at 14, Aaron is committed to supporting education for underprivileged children in Southeast Asia. Using the platform he gained from Mr World Singapore, he aims to spotlight the struggles of children who can’t afford education.

“I want to let everyone know that Singapore is not only rich, but there are also a lot of kind-hearted people sharing love with the world,” he concludes.