Richard, 53, handles broken zips, alters clothes and tailor-makes suits in Tampines on a daily basis. Work starts early in the morning for him as he has to take the train to Tampines from Jurong East where he lives. However, the good customer base here serves as an encouragement for him to stay, thus he has no plans to relocate his business. He has been working here with his wife for over 15 years. They have two daughters – one a nurse, while the other a student.

Despite fatigue written all over his face, he replies with a smile, and some assurance that he is doing well – “I am used to it.”