Having battled with low self-esteem from being bullied during his formative years, Mr Mohamad Amin Othman's decision to join Mr World Singapore was a transformative one. He told TNP that he is not merely seeking validation but hopes to advocate for mental health awareness and promote self-acceptance. "I'm on a journey of personal growth, particularly in building my mental resilience," he shared.
"The hurtful words and taunts from my past left me feeling deeply wounded but instead of letting those scars define me, I'm determined to heal and grow from them." Mr Amin, now 32, said he endured painful name-calling in primary school and the verbal attacks cut deep despite "minimal" physical bullying. However, he refrained from confiding in his parents or teachers because he feared it would exacerbate the situation.
"I didn't want to appear weak by discussing my struggles," he said. Born in jail, raised in welfare home – pageant finalist unfazed by adversities In secondary school, the bullying persisted and influenced him to alter his behaviour in order to stop being a target. "I found refuge in activities like art and fencing," he shared, highlighting how these pursuits provided solace and challenged his abilities.
Reflecting on when he hit rock bottom, Mr Amin said every day felt like a fight he couldn't win. "Hurting myself seemed like the only way to let out all the pain inside me." He managed to crawl out of the darkness after his mother died four years ago.
Her sudden death .
