A Smoler Founder with a Big Heart

At just 7 years old, Benjamin Tay is the youngest Smol Boss founder, but he has a heart that notices things that he acts on it.

His story began on a hot afternoon in 2023 (he was 5 years old then), just outside his preschool. He spotted a group of migrant workers sitting by the roadside, eating curry rice under the sun. As he stood nearby, enjoying his own ice cream, he turned and asked:

“Can I give them ice cream too?”

It was a simple question, but it showed deep empathy and a natural sense of care for others. His mum explained how his older sister, Elizabeth, had once started her own lemonade stand and wrote letters to ask for sponsorships to help others. That memory had faded during the COVID-19 years, when events like these weren’t allowed for a long time. But Benjamin didn’t forget, and he wanted to follow in her footsteps in his own way. Read about Elizabeth’s journey here.

Driven by his curiosity and compassion, Benjamin took the initiative to plan something himself. He decided to write to Sheng Siong, a supermarket that had supported them in the past. It became his first-ever charity event — and it meant a lot to him.

He took a long time to write the letter, carefully forming each character. It was the longest thing he had ever written, and he did it with patience and pride. That letter was a symbol of his perseverance and determination.

To everyone’s joy, Sheng Siong agreed to sponsor fruit — and Benjamin’s idea came to life. Of course, no Smol Boss event happens alone. Together with his sister, he invited friends to join the effort. After all, giving is more fun when it’s done as a team!

Friends Olivia and Emily jumped in too. They wrote to The Cocoa Tree, who kindly sponsored curry fish head potato chips — a quirky, local treat that added a fun touch to their gift packs for the workers.

From a single question to a full community project, Benjamin’s first charity event was a powerful example of how young children, led by empathy, can spark real change.

We’re so proud of Benjamin — not just for what he did, but for how he did it: with heart, with effort, and with others.

Read about his journey here.