Success Stories | Smiles Mobile Remittance Singapore |

Smiles Success Stories: Siti’s Journey From Helper in Singapore to Business Owner

Lilia — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:06:23 +0000

Smiles Mobile Remittance, known as Japan’s most popular global mobile money transfer service, is dedicated to supporting hardworking individuals who send money overseas to their families back home. Smiles help create a better life for people working abroad and promote peace and sustainability within the international community.

Loved by loyal customers since the beginning, Smiles is excited to “Share Smiles” by telling inspiring stories from users worldwide. These stories showcase how Smiles Mobile Remittance provides its service to people determined to achieve their dreams and support their loved ones, no matter where they are.

Meet Siti!

My name is Siti. I come from the Gunung Kawi area in Malang, East Java, a place known for its natural beauty and rich history. I am a single mother raising one daughter. For 21 years, I worked as a domestic helper in Singapore. I made the decision to work abroad to support my family, provide for my daughter, and help my parents. At that time, I had to leave my daughter behind when she was only four years old in hopes of giving her a better life.

Today, many years later, my daughter is all grown up. At the age of 25, she is now married and blessed with two children. Seeing her grow up and build a family of her own is the greatest reward for all the sacrifices I have made.

Hardships and challenges that made you a stronger person

One of the biggest challenges in my life while working in Singapore was having to leave my young daughter behind to earn a living. Those years were never easy. Every ounce of hard work, every tear and every moment of longing was driven by the hope that she would have a better life than I did.

I did everything I could to support her needs from milk and clothes to ensuring she received a proper education, even though distance separated us for many years. In the midst of my struggles, I am deeply grateful that during my time in Singapore, God placed me with kind and sincere employers.

For 19 years, I cared for their three children as if they were my own, watching them grow from toddlers into adults. There were many memories, laughter and life lessons shared with that family. When all three children eventually became independent, my journey continued with a new employer. All these experiences both joyful and painful shaped me into a stronger, more patient and more grateful person.

Proudest moment(s) since starting your journey living abroad

One of the most unforgettable moments in my life happened in 2014. That year, my friends and I came together to establish a religious study community at Wak Tanjong Mosque in Singapore. Our intention was simple: to fill our rest days with learning, reminding one another to do good and finding peace in the middle of our busy lives far from home.

From that small beginning, the PIS AL HIDAYAH community was born. By God’s grace, it has now grown significantly and has hundreds of members. Seeing this community flourish fills my heart with gratitude, as I witnessed firsthand how God multiplies goodness that comes from sincere intentions.

During my 21 years of working abroad, I never stopped being grateful. God gave me the strength to provide for my daughter and my family, even through tears and homesickness. Slowly, God opened one door after another. Through hard work, I was able to buy several plots of land and gardens, build the dream house I once only imagined, and start a business that has now grown and expanded into several branches in Indonesia.

Looking back, I realize that every step, every prayer, and every moment of patience brought me to where I am today. These achievements are not mine alone—they are the result of sacrifices, my family’s prayers, and God’s help that always came at the right time.

Life lessons and advice for living overseas

Living and working abroad is a long journey that tests not only your strength but also your resilience. In a foreign land, we learn that every struggle carries new hope and the power to change our lives. Not every day is easy. There are moments filled with longing, exhaustion, and the need to stay strong for the sake of the family who motivates us to keep going.

During our time in Singapore, we learn to stay alert, protect ourselves, and hold firmly to honesty. The trust given by our employers is more than just a job—it is a test of sincerity and integrity. Working with a sincere heart reflects who we are, and honesty opens the doors to countless blessings.

In the midst of the challenges of living far from home, taking care of our health and safety becomes essential because there are loved ones in Indonesia who wait for us with hope and prayer every single day.

In the end, this journey is not just about earning a living—it is about growing in maturity, strengthening our faith, and understanding that every drop of sweat will be rewarded by God at the most perfect time. We return home not only with income, but with dignity, valuable experiences, and life stories that will be remembered forever.

Join the Smiles Family

Smiles strives to “Share Smiles” all over the world and aims to connect migrant workers in the international community. To join the Smiles Family in Japan, Canada and/or Singapore and follow one of the Smiles Facebook fan pages:

Be more inspired and read more success stories here

Smiles Success Stories: Jhoy as OFW Domestic Helper to Achiever in Singapore
Smiles Success Stories: Jelly Pie’s Life from Poverty to Prosperity

Smiles Success Stories: Jelly Pie’s Life from Poverty to Prosperity

Lilia — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 01:39:14 +0000

Loved by loyal customers since the beginning, Smiles is now excited to “Share Smiles” by telling inspiring stories from users worldwide. These stories showcase how Smiles Mobile Remittance provides its service to people determined to achieve their dreams and support their loved ones, no matter where they are.

Meet Jelly Pie!

I was born and raised in Tina-an, a city of Naga, Cebu, Philippines. I had big dreams in life. I wanted to finish school and go to college. One of my dreams was to become a teacher. For me, teaching is a great profession, that’s what I had in my mind when I was in high school. But sadly, I couldn’t go to college because of my financial situation. After I graduated from high school, I decided to apply for a job so I could help my family.

I worked as a sales associate in a department store for two years. After that, I worked as a sales promoter of a clothing brand for 5 years. It seemed like nothing had changed in my life. I was just focused on one job, which is a sales promoter; I wanted something to change. I didn’t want to stay at my job for too long. So one of my co-workers encouraged me to apply for a job abroad. We decided to apply to an agency as factory workers in Japan, but unfortunately, I was not accepted because my birth certificate was not registered. During that time, Japan did not accept late registration of birth certificates, so it was like I lost hope.

At that time, I just kept praying that one day I would be able to work abroad. Then one year later, my friend who worked as a factory worker in Japan introduced me to his friend, who is a Japanese guy; we became friends, and he visited me in the Philippines. We started dating, he proposed to me, and we got married. And he took me to live in Japan with him. Now, I work in a factory near my place in Edogawa.

Hardships and challenges that made you a stronger person

The hardest thing I went through before was when I was in elementary and high school, and we were literally poor. We experienced that we only ate once a day and our house had no electricity. When it rained, our house was flooded with rain water and we went to school without food. We heard our parents fighting because of poverty, so I keep in my mind and promise to myself that one day I would be able to make money and provide all the needs of my family, which is why I studied hard in school. During that time, I asked my teachers if I could sell something in the classroom so that I could have money to buy school supplies and school projects until I graduated from high school.

I carried the hardship of my life with me, and I put up in my mind to do my best and never lose hope so that we wouldn’t have to go through the hardship of life again.

Proudest moment(s) since starting your journey living abroad

Since I was here, abroad, many things have changed in my life; not just mine, but also for my family. I am proud to say that I was able to buy/build a house for my family and provide for their needs. I’m proud to say that I brought my mom and niece here to Japan to show them and experience the culture and beauty of Japan. I was able to buy them what they wanted. And lastly, one of my proudest moments here abroad is that I have a job and I’m happy with my life, together with my supportive husband.

Life lessons and advice for living overseas

I have learned so many lessons and gone through so many challenges regarding living my life abroad. I’ve had to learn to become more confident, how to speak new languages, how to deal with new people, and be independent in an unfamiliar world, and much more.

Living abroad can be an expensive, frustrating, confusing, lonely, stressful, and disappointing experience. It can also be wonderful, enriching, fulfilling, and excellent for your personal and professional development journey. It can be both good and bad at the same time. I’ve learned that continually improving your language skills is one of the best things you can do to help the process of living overseas.

Lastly, one of my pieces of advice if you want to live abroad or move overseas, you should follow their rules and just be honest and humble.

Join the Smiles Family

Be more inspired and read more success stories here

Maricel’s Journey from Surigao Del Norte, Philippines to Japan
Hien’s Journey from Vietnam to Japan

Smiles Success Stories: Jhoy as OFW Domestic Helper to Achiever in Singapore

Lilia — Fri, 23 May 2025 01:25:34 +0000

Smiles Mobile Remittance, known as Japan’s most popular global mobile money transfer service, is dedicated to supporting hardworking individuals who send money overseas to their families back home. Smiles helps create a better life for people working abroad and promotes peace and sustainability within the international community.

Meet Jhoy!

I am from Vigan City, Ilocos Sur, Philippines. I have dedicated the past 20 years of my life working as a domestic helper. Recently, I achieved a significant milestone by earning a degree in Business from Kingston University, Singapore.

Inspired by my family, who have always been my greatest source of motivation, I aspire to establish a mini grocery store, building upon our existing sari-sari store. It is my dream to create a simple yet sustainable business that will contribute to our community and provide for my loved ones.

Hardships and challenges that made you a stronger person

Challenges and trials in life are inevitable. One of the most difficult challenges I have faced was when my younger sister was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, requiring her to undergo hemodialysis twice a week. It was incredibly hard for me to accept, as she was still so young and full of dreams. However, I knew that the best I could do was to remain strong for her.

Another profound challenge was the passing of my father. I was faced with the heartbreaking decision of staying at work or returning home to see him for the last time. With many responsibilities to consider, I made the difficult choice to continue working to support my family. It was an emotionally painful experience, but once again, I found the strength to endure for the sake of my loved ones.

Proudest moment(s) since starting your journey living abroad

Even the smallest achievements are worth celebrating, and I take pride in milestones such as graduating from Kingston International College, Singapore, joining organizations like Uplifters and CDE, and earning certificates from various webinars. However, the greatest achievement of all was receiving the prestigious Partner of Labour Movement award at the NTUC May Day Award 2024.

Never in my dreams did I imagine being honored with such recognition, especially as a domestic helper. I am deeply grateful to the people who have supported and believed in me, particularly my CDE family, for acknowledging my hard work and dedication.

Life lessons and advice for living overseas

Living and working overseas is a journey filled with both challenges and opportunities. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is the importance of resilience. Being away from family and adapting to a new environment can be overwhelming, but staying strong and focused on my goals has helped me overcome difficult times.

Another important lesson is financial responsibility. Managing earnings wisely and planning for the future are crucial to making the sacrifices worthwhile. I have learned that saving and investing in personal growth, such as education and skill development, are key to securing a better future.

Building a support system is also essential. Surrounding yourself with positive people, joining organizations, and engaging in community activities provide not only emotional support but also opportunities for learning and personal growth.

Lastly, I have learned to embrace every experience with gratitude and an open mind. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow, and every success—no matter how small—is a step closer to achieving my dreams. My advice to others living overseas is to stay determined, never stop learning, and always believe in the power of perseverance and hard work.

Join the Smiles Family

Be more inspired and read more success stories here

Maricel’s Journey from Surigao Del Norte, Philippines to Japan
Miguel’s Journey of Faith, Resilience & Strength from the Philippines to Japan

Success Stories: Peter

Lilia — Thu, 16 Jan 2025 05:58:30 +0000

How was it then?

More than 2 decades ago, when I arrived in Canada in the fall 200x, I remember when I was wearing a silver jacket that my sister gave me. I worked in Manila after college for a few years. I grew up in North Luzon where I spent my childhood and education. I did not have any relatives here, and I only met someone during our orientation in the Canadian embassy in Makati who had a friend who would accommodate her and asked her if I could also be accommodated and pay the required rent. It was a gamble indeed. I knew no one in Canada, but I dreamed of finding a greener pasture and a better quality of life. My first job was in the evening shift, i.e., from 4 pm to midnight – experiencing my first freezing winter and wearing a thick winter coat and a heavy pair of winter boots. It was challenging, but I fought my way through all the struggles and pains. My employer sponsored all my courses, as I was determined to be someone, but I had no clue what I wanted to be at that time. I finished a few industry-acclaimed designations, without spending a single cent – all company-paid education. From a clerical job in the evening shift to customer service at the branch and now, I am working in the head office with high-caliber professionals in the industry.

How is it now?

It was gloomy when I was starting, but there was a light at the end of the tunnel that I am enjoying now. I have learned to be more independent and rely on myself and God. I am self-sufficient and able to help my family and others with financial support. I feel that I have accomplished something I can be proud of, a brand that will not be taken away from me, and I am grateful for what I have achieved and become; nevertheless, I am still aspiring to be a “better” me. I am not wealthy, but I am thankful for whatever I have now.

What’s your takeaway from your experiences?

I have a few takeaways. Believe in yourself. Rely on yourself. Trust yourself. Pray to God for guidance and help, that He will always be with you through thick and thin, during struggles and successes, and for every sunset and sunrise. Be ambitious but you work hard for it. Learn to live in a “more Canadian” way of life in Canada. We have our battles in our everyday lives; choose your battles wisely. Always remember that every cloud has a silver lining. I may have been gifted with mental strength when I was studying, but more important than this, I am blessed with a strong will that survives, and a heart that endures. Life in Canada is not perfect, but find the right path that will make you happy, content and accomplished inside and out. Keep smiling.