Such an emotional end to a wonderful series! Didn’t expect to tear up, but here I am. Thank you Boon Keng, Iskandar, Rusdi, Graceson and Khai! We are all rooting for you!
I don’t even know iskandar but i teared when he got his results. I want more of this kind of series , it is really heartwarming. And when Graceson called his daughter, that part made me cried.
Genuinely wish all the best to them, especially Iskandar. He just got his results and is so optimistic, but there's still 7 more years until release and he'll be 48 then. Hope companies will still give him a chance, despite him being older and a ex-convict. Great series CNA, this was a great ride.
For these cases such as Iskandar where a great personal effort is clearly visible, they should give them a serious chance early on. The same probably also applies to Graceson.
Ok lah. For the classifieds, he was looking at store keeper rather than manager or executive. So if he is willing to be reasonable, I think there is a job out there for him
I teared with Graceson. He may not have been a good citizen but he's clearly a good father and wants to do better for his teenage daughter. That's so heart wrenching but reassuring at the same time!
Never thought just the word "papa" while cracking her voice made me teared. I have a kid of my own and I just imagine how Graceson felt like having a loved one out there still waiting on him. Thank you CNA for doing this series. I wish all the inmates good journey to recovery mentally, physically and also to the society. Thank you Boon Keng, Rusdi, Graceson, Khai and Iskandar. All the best!
@@nochannelname240 ikr😃Boon Keng actually remind me like those good students in class , v obedient type . The part may I hug you sir , really warm the cockles of everyone heart ❤️
CNA has had a stellar record of producing great documentaries in recent years, but this has got to be the best one yet. Honest, engaging and humanising these inmates, but without whitewashing their flaws or the crimes they had previously committed. Sergeant Muthan definitely deserves a raise for how he manages the inmates and their needs and emotions - certainly not an easy task by any means. I'm sure Graceson was glad that Sergeant Muthan was the one in the room with him when he was calling his daughter! I wish all the guys well from the bottom of my heart - may you one day read this comment when you've been released, and remember that your community is here to support you in your continuing journey away from crime and towards reintegration to our society. ♥
Humanizing the inmates? Inmates get into trouble for having an extra towel hook in the bathroom and they have to tuck their shirt in or else they'd be in trouble lol these guys in primary school? Lol what a joke of a system
What an *EXCELLENT* 4-part series. Kudos to the Prisons Service and the CNA production team for making this. Loads of lessons and insights here for all. I teared up more than once. Boon Keng, Iskandar, Rusdi, Graceson and Khai - thanks for letting us into your souls. It must have taken a lot to open up to the public that way. We will never forget it. May you all have peace, balance and success in your lives always!!!!
I was almost moved to tears when I see Rusdi’s mom hug him upon his release. And also the moment when Graceson’s daughter calling her dad PaPa. Indeed family is the very one thing people miss the most when behind bars. Hopefully this series can serve as a reminder to the society at large that crime does not pay. Beside thanking CNA, we also wanna thank Prison Service for granting the permission to allow the production of this wonderful series. Thanks a million. We’ll done CNA.
Let's go Iskandar!!!! Rooting for his improvement in citizen behaviour when he gets released. I know that he will work very hard, but I hope that he can successfully get a diploma in logistics. Honestly with this documentary, I'm hoping more employers can let down their guards when they think to hire and give such people new chances in the society. Please.🙌🏼
This whole entire documentary make me realise that we shouldn't take the smallest thing for granted and always be thankful for every thing and choose your path wisely ❤️
wow i love iskandar’s character. he has an amazing attitude and he even wants to help others who were at the same position as him. i have some mad respect for that man !! i think graceson is a lovely man too. he really wants the best for his daughter and he wants to make changes for better too. Kudos to all the prisoners.. I hope their lives will be filled with more hope & happiness after their release
Cried a few times watching this episode especially during the call between Graceson and his daughter.. I could hear how much his daughter must have missed him when she uttered "papa". Hopefully Graceson keeps his promise to always be with his family. Also happy for Iskandar for achieving satisfactory results! It was heartwarming to see Khai providing peer support. Wish Boon luck on passing the assessment and grant early release. Last but not least, sending good wishes to Rusdi, i hope he's adapting well outside. Thank you CNA for this wholesome series.
Yeah and it takes a village prison officers, medical personnel, psychologists in prison then follow up by social workers for aftercare. Need the community though but you know community like many employers see you ex offenders got tattoos dont want you alr.
To everyone on the series, especially Rusdi, if you're reading this, best wishes and I hope you and your families can heal. May you never reenter prison and stay on the right path!
@@DJNicShogunStfu and point your nose elsewhere. People like you always gotta have a opinion…Always gotta have a voice. Take that negativity elsewhere.
I hope Graceson's daughter watches this episode. Please, CNA, can you contact his daughter to alert her specially to this episode? I think it will mean a lot to her to know how much her dad loves and cares for her, and that she's not alone in this world.
Iskandar has come a long way and has done really well. Not many of us can cramp an entire 4-year syllabus into a single year whilst lacking resources like tuition and timely remedial classes from teachers. I sincerely wish him all the best, and hope he will be able to find a stable job and stay clean for the rest of this life.
I hope Rusdi will appreciate his mother more and not rely on her financially. After all the pain he put her through, she is his priority to take care of. All the best to all the inmates on this documentary.
@@issadraco532 thanks. i thought i was the only one who doesn't have high hopes on him hahaha. i guess the turning point for me was when he said he wanted to relax and not work to his mum. even if it's just a seemingly minor ranting, it's a HUGE RED FLAG. oh and also the fact he wanted to leave sg just cause of the drug laws here
Rusdi is what we would call the 'incorrigible' type. He can either change his mindset about drugs, or he can jolly well leave the country. Else he will be spending the rest of his life in drug rehabs and prison.
As much as we hope they won't go back to prison anymore, we as a society too need to give them a chance to adapt and change. Would be great to know how Rusdi is getting on now :)
Me too, interested to know how Rusdi is now. I was worried about him when I was watching Part 3 after knowing his thoughts about drugs. Hope he will and still cherish the freedom he has now. I really hope he is doing well and doesn't break the heart of his loved one again. We on the other hand should provide an opportunity for them to become better.
Not very confident for him but hope he pulls through.from someone thats been in his position it looks like hes counting down the days till release and get back into his old scene and use drugs.hes motivated to visit another country thats more accessable for drugs with lenient punishments.
@@vincenttan98 You and others like minded, not we. Speak for yourself la bro, bashing on every positive comments. We as viewers can only give them best wishes
There were many touching moments as mentioned by others. One particular moment that stood out for me was when Khai volunteered to be a peer supporter to his fellow prison inmate. Giving Khai the opportunity to be a peer supporter is an empowering and encouraging initiative. However, knowing that Khai made full use of that opportunity to listen to, empathise with, provide advice and even make jokes with his fellow inmate is even more heartwarming. These moments of having someone to positively connect with in their isolation can seem so simple, yet impactful for a person’s mental well-being. This is especially after knowing Khai’s heartbreaking childhood and how far he has come since then, to make the best out of his current situation and be able to help others. Many kudos too to the police officers that interacted respectfully with the inmates. Being firm yet respectful is a difficult balance and a skill. The police officers and psychologists also gave them a safe space to share their struggles and provide them advice and assistance. I sincerely wish Khai, Iskandar, Boon Keng, Graceson and Rusdi all the best in their journey, with all its ups and downs!
I've teared up so much while watching all 4 parts of this eye-opening documentary. All the best to Iskandar, Rusdi, Boon Keng, Graceson and Khai for your future plans. Hope to hear more about their progress sooner/ later.
After this 4 part doccumentary, i can better understand that its not just about cops and crims....a Prisoner's Life in a prison is not just about facing cops at every instance but also facing therapist, medics....counsellors and facilitators who would ensure they are living a humane life in the prison. Yes, i agree a leopard cant change its spots but if there was a moral thing to be accomplished...It is to give them the chance to at least enable a change rather than just letting them accept the life of crime...they probably grew up within, mixed with and lived with.
You act as though the inmates are totally stupid. It's not about the staff training the inmates but it's about that inmates deftly training the staff. In my opinion you've got it backwards, you feel as though the staff have conquered the inmates when it's the other way around.
I feel so invested in these guys now, and the staff. I hope we see another series. Thank you, and good luck guys, rooting for you. Rusdi, if you read this, be good and look after your mama
My favourite is Iskandar. Even thou he had to serve a long sentence, he has dreams and want to study and be better. Next is graceson, and I hope he can repent for his family.
Really wishes Iskandar to get that Diploma and pursue his Bachelors right after. I can tell he has untapped potential. For Graceson, really wish him the strength and right guidance for him and his family.
accidentally clicked the first ep and now here I am to the last part. I cried during Graceson's phone call with his daughter, I know how much a struggle it is not having your father around while growing up. I'm also rooting for Iskandar, this guy is so grateful and optismistic! I hope he can do all his plans after his release and inspire others. such an interesting series, I was so amazed with their facilities and the programs for inmates, kudos also to the officers and psychologists!
So proud of Iskandar for his O level results!!! Especially his English omg! I also cried when Graceson was speaking to his daughter :') when she said papa and started crying omg... really hope he is able to step up and be a great father once he's released!
Not an understatement to say that I am totally captivated watching every single episode, and when this final episode comes to an end, my heartbeat nearly stops hoping the sharings can continue just for another minute. It is my sincere prayer wishing these 4 gentlemen will receive all the support from the community at large, hold their heads high when they face the intense pressure outside prison, and may even return to the prison as a volunteer counselor working alongside these outstanding prison officers in rehabilitating the inmates. Every story featured here is just so heartwrenching and their sharings so authentic, totally unpretentious in front of the camera, I salute their courage in bearing their vulnerability which offers invaluable learning points for the public. Thanks to CNA for your oscar-class production and our prison officers, psychologists...whole "village" for your selfless dedication to reforming the inmates. Salute!
Okay can we talk about Iskandar’s result?! Wow. He freaking ACED it. Even English that he was a nervous wreck about, he managed to get a C6. A1, B3 in accounting and maths? He must have studied really really hard, especially considering learning at this age. I’m rooting for him so much.😭.
To those guys who were in there and made it out transformed, each of you is a hero in your life. I'm particularly touched by Graceson and and Rusdi. Iskandar's sterling performance in POA was especially heart-warming. Yes, "we're all rooting for you!"
I want inmates to know that we are rooting for their success. As the series progressed, I became emotionally involved in their stories. I really hope that they can succeed on the outside and don't end up in prison again. This was such a fantastic series. It really gave me a much better understanding of the prison system in Singapore.
Graceson’s conversation with his daughter made me tear up, but i couldn’t help but chuckle when boon kheng tried to hug the officer. I really feel for all of the inmates, and hope they’ll have the chance to turn over a new leaf.
I binged watching this series tonight from part 1 and part 4 conveniently uploaded as soon as I finished part 3. I wholeheartedly wish each inmate to achieve tranquility and success. Graceson, I hope you and your family reunited well, they are your strengths. Boon Keng, I hope you can get through it, stay strong. Rusdi, stay focused on your goals even when it gets more challenging out there. Iskandar, I am proud of your academic achievements and growth shown here, I wish you success in your journey to contribute to Singaporean society. Lastly, thank you to the prison officers and staff who becomes part of these indviduals journey and thank you to the production crew for capturing these valuable insights. (I am just another internet stranger who wishes the best for you all)
Safety of the officers la. The officers are armed and have many items on their uniform. Inmates could steal smth from the officer. (Not implying that Boon Keng would, but these are general safety protocols)
@@tanyeehern i mean ya la obviously, its just amazing to see how they are so vulnerable and they need someone to be there for them. i bet when they first enter the place they acted tough. but in the end gave in (we're all human after all). props to the officer's.
I am so touched by this episode.. I cried on the part when Graceson called his daughter, when Iskandar received his O level and did so well, when Boon Keng going for his interview in hope to get job placement and when Rusdi released from prison.. The sight of seeing sunlight shined onto to him and the hug with his mum. Really enjoyed this series! All of them look so great in their own !
Great job CNA for this docu-series! Thank you Boon Keng, Graceson, Khai, Rusdi and Iskandar for sharing a part of your life with us. Definitely covered emotional (e.g. Graceson's conversation with his daughter), and empowering moments (e.g. Khai's peer counselling with fellow inmate). Heartfelt congratulations to Rusdi on his release, and Iskandar for a job well done in O Levels! Also wishing Boon Keng all the best with his interview results, hopefully he'll be granted community service for his remaining term.
I spent a two year sentence in a US prison as a result of addiction. That feeling of being called for release, the thick emotion that comes with hearing your name, is something I needed to remember. I have turned my life around considerably and work at an addiction treatment center, but to remember what it was like to live in a concrete box was something I needed today. To those on camera and off who are suffering from addiction or inside those walls... there is hope. There is a way to move forward and thrive. The suffering can crystallize the vision of the things that are good and true. The sun can shine on your life again.
It’s been long since I watch documentary and is very interested on how inmates feel inside. Makes me interested in working in Singapore prison service as a career
But salary wise, it’s not really that high though and you need to be mentally strong as well,not just physically.Of course if you think you are up for this,by all means go for it.It is a fulfilling career helping people.
Also to Graceson’s daughter if you are watching: Know that your Papa loves you a lot!! And we are also rooting for your papa to go back to you safely and become a better man☺️
I hope the prison officers could help to convey to the featured inmates how many people are deeply moved by their stories and we are all rooting for them! Hope that they will truly turn over a new leaf and wishing them success in life!
Ive been down a rabbit hole on RU-vid on prison systems in other countries, and I have to say, Singapore is doing a great job (if these videos are as they seem and there’s nothing outright nastier). The cells are clean, not over-crowded and prisoners have plenty of time to reflect on what they’ve done in humane conditions (even if they have to sleep on the cold hard floor). There’s less violence and a lot more intervention from psychologists and guards. Prisoners can even go to school. Really appreciate our prison system and it’s angle towards integrity and rehabilitation. Of course, those incarcerated still have a difficult time and need to do their time - but I’m just happy to see that the prison system at least cares about their rehabilitation
I don't know where to start, I had this documentary recommended to me by the RU-vid algorithm since I watch prison documentaries. Started watching the first part of this documentary four days ago then continuing it with the second part. I was so engaged with this documentary that I was waiting for the remaining parts to be uploaded. Yesterday I have watched the third part and when I opened RU-vid today and saw that the fourth and final part of this documentary was uploaded just 28 minutes ago , I immediately wore my earbud and watched the documentary even though my phone was low bat. Its been a long time since i felt very engaged to a documentary, I learned multiple life lessons from watching this perfect and detailed documentary. I sincerely hope Boon Keng , Khai , Graceson , Rusdi , Iskandar and every inmate and non inmates to not fall into the dark ways and that they will find peace and happiness in life . Salute to everyone in Changi Prison for all of the programs and guidance given to every inmate. Congratulations to Rusdi on your release enjoy your time in the outside world. Thank you CNA for this wonderful documentary, I do hope you extend this series and give an update on these 5 inmates in the future.
This is a very interesting docu-series. I enjoyed it because I was once incarcerated for a crime I did not make. I am so happy that though justice system here is too slow, still it is going on and I know one day, truth will prevail. In this docu-series, I remembered my life when I was inside, most of the nicest people are behind bars. Give them chance to be part of the society again. I hope more companies will allow ex-cons to work for them. Because it is very important for them to get a job.
I don’t know about others, but I really feel Iskandar, he had been working so hard since episode 2 and 3. I’m so glad I see he got what he deserved on the result. And... I actually legitimately smile like I’m one of his family, in front of the screen watching this! Hope some employer hire him and grant him a work after his release, he worked so hard for his second chance! If I’m in Singapore, I’ll be the employer!
I'm so proud of Iskandar and the rest of the men, they showed to us that its never too late to change for a better. These people needs an acceptance in the community once they released from the prison. I hope they will make a follow up documentaries to these people once they are outside. KUDOS to CNA for a wonderful documentaries.
This was such a pleasant watching experience, with so much feelings/emotions for me to process. Thank you to these men for allowing us to sorta get close and personal with them, the production team and SPS. I’ve never given any care or thought about inmates or after their release. This series has shown me that they’re just like me, we have our insecurities and demons, we sin as well. I found myself being able to relate to their situations and feelings to an extent. I sincerely wish them the best and hope that they would be able to find their goal/purpose in life and try to live their best lives for themselves. In the end, we only have 1 life to live and just gotta try to make the best of the limited time we have ☺️
I admire the government putting so many supports in place - counseling, peer support programs, education, accomodations for newly released people. They all seem really interested in making sure people don't slip back into old habits.
Thanks CNA you for the deep inspiration..SG'reans have a heart of gold..Have been to your beautiful island nation many times..Am from Madagascar..My story : I got divorced 5 months ago..now my cell is my house, feeling lonely and angry, want to quit work, argueing w. others for no reasons..but your documentary have taught me others are in a worse case than myself..and still they strive for a better future because their loved ones need them..my 5 yrs old son needs me..I understand now no need to be upset, to take things personnally..reflect on what I did wrong and start anew, build a better me..Praying with a clear mind (off ganja 1 months now, never going back) and wholeheartedly changed me as well..Thank you guys for sharing your journey..am 49yrs and still learning..and Iskandar, hang in there, you will get that logistics diploma brother and reunite with your mother..God Bless us all
Great series by CNA, really enjoyed it. It is interesting to see life through the perspectives of the different inmates. All the best to the inmates for their future endeavors.
CNA, you deserve an award for this series. And Boon Keng, Graceson, Rusdi, Khai, Iskandar, and many others still inside using this time to get their lives back on track are all champions for trying. I hope we as a society can look past the past and give them their second chances.
i hope the Philippines can learn from the prison system that Singapore has. Singapore's system treats inmates as human beings who need help, rehabilitation is literally rehabilitation. There are psychologists and teachers who help them. This was a good documentary.
It will not happen, my brother went to the jail for the illegal drugs and we are paying monthly for him to sleep in his back or else you will sleep while sitting. They treat them like an animal they don't have any right, prisons didn't give them enough food (once a day meal and you cannot eat it because it's like an animal food) they don't give personal stuff nor medications when they are sick. So we need to bring him food 3 times a day we are also giving extra for those people who cannot eat inside. The prison guards/police sell all the stuff inside the prison and price are 1000% more . They will not accept the personal stuff that you will bring because they want you to buy it from them unless you know someone inside. That's sad reality and there's no equality in the Philippines when you are in jail.
@@cheche_braz yes i know. Philippine prison system is the worst. Prisoners are not treated correctly, even our justice system is not good enough for death penalty. That's why said I really hope the Philippines can learn from this. We should also vote properly because the prison system is also corrupt, that's why innocent people get jailed and prisoners suffer even more than get rehab.
And when they took my brother he doesn't have any drugs on him.. (he is a user but not stupid enough to bring drugs with him outside / this is what tokhangs all about) policeman put drugs on him called the media and said he is a user/ pusher they even took his celphone didn't return.. 2 1/2 years in prison we had a lawyer and now finally free from hell.
@@GrassTalk4202 try to check the prison in the philippines 😂 no matress no bamboo pad no slippers no personal stuff and sometimes they can't even get a shower
I love how this series is arranged. For one person It's Love, another it's Family, then Education. Very Emotional. Thank you all the ex-immates who shared their story. Remain crime free.
Dk why my comment got deleted 🥲 but when I heard Graceson’s daughter call him Papa my heart broke. There was so much loneliness and desperation in that word. In that moment, I found Graceson the most human I’ve ever seen him. 🥺 You have such a great family waiting for you. Please do the right thing once you’re released. 🥺 So proud of Iskandar’s results! And rooting for the other men as well, even Rusdi, though he still seems scary at times but I’m hoping the release will give him renewed eyes. Seeing his reunion with his mum brought me to tears too as I could feel the love as she hugged him but also the sadness. :”)
I've just found out that the prison in Singapore is very discipline and tidy, each inmate has their own room where they can have the freedom,and the guards were very accommodating. At a first glance,I never thought that such a nice person was literally in prison ,however, those people who are at fault needs to pay for the mistake he/she had done. I truly hope that he will be release sooner and will never comeback not just in prison but also from being inmate.
I always watch shows related to prisoners and had been wondering about life in Changi prison. So this has been an eye-opener for viewers like me. If you want to break laws in order to become rich, think again. Sadly the world is full of crooks who are rich without being imprisoned. Do you think this is a fair world?
I am impressed by the systematic approach Rusdi took in spending his time exercising in the cell and on the books, wishing him all the best when he is released
I cried at the end honestly so nice to see the appreciation he has for freedom, something we all take for granted and never think twice about it. I really hope you will be doing a lot more prison documentaries please it was so good and made me realise how important life is even more. Any chance of a follow up on the Rushdi who left at the end maybe a few months later to see how he is doing that guy is such an amazing person as well.
i’m really happy for rusdi’s release. i really hope he lives his best life ever and doesn’t come back (to jail). i wish good luck to all of the other inmates
saya doakan semoga rusdi senantiasa dimurahkan rezeki dipanjangkan umur diberi kesihatan yang baik dimudahkan segala urusan bahagia bersama keluarga tercinta dalam lindungan dan rahmat allah selalu
This is such a great series. I hope we can see more of these and I hope everything goes well with Graceson and his family. Also I hope Rusdi will be on the good track now. I wish the best for other inmates as well.
@@vandarkholme7759 according to local reports, they were repeatedly arrested for trafficking methamphetamine though. Which country are you from that considers this the lightest of crime?
That Rusdi kid wanted to leave Singapore to go to another country to do drugs more easily. I hope he has stayed drug-free, but the odds are against him.
*I am rooting for Boon Keng and Khai to quickly settle down peacefully into civilian life once released but for Graceson and Rusdi I hope they will have a guidance angel to comfort and control all of their raging expectations and also the anger cos they need more time to build up their confidence once released and for Iskandar it seems like a long journey for him in there cos he is a very hard to read but will wish him all the best and hope for miracle to happen to him*
Got so emotional during this last episode :") Thank you Graceson, Rusdi, Iskandar, Boon Keng & Khai for sharing your stories and precious moments with us (visits, childhood, counsel sessions, etc.). So many moments made me cry but Boon Keng asking the officer if he could hug him cracked me up 🤣 Glad that they're working hard, I hope all of them stay out of prison after they've been released :)
