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In an alternate, pandemic-free universe, Esther, 29, would have been married by now.

A Malaysian citizen with a Singaporean fiance, the last time she was in Singapore was back in early March. “I think I’m forever scarred,” she recalls. “Before leaving the house, I said, ‘Bye auntie! See you in two weeks!”

As Covid-19 sees many go online to learn and communicate, The Straits Times captures some of their experiences.

For seven years, Ms Sook Tan was living the life she had long sought: A stint in Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur, followed by the neon lights of Japan’s Tokyo and finally the buzz of cosmopolitan Hong Kong where she worked as a business coordinator for a coworking operator.

Isolated and anxious, migrant workers in Singapore are grappling with the fallout of COVID-19. But in this time of shared crisis, their long-endured struggles are finally being seen and heard. Resilient despite their circumstances, they continue to receive overwhelming support from the community. And these connections are building friendships and deepening respect and understanding.

For those who sleep on the streets, Transit Point @ Margaret Drive offers shelter and a listening ear while they get back on their feet.