Andy Goh showing his genial, infectious smile
AFP/Roslan Rahman

The very stressed out city-state of Singapore finally saw the face of their happiest resident in form of a 35 year old engineer Andy Goh, beating out over 200 finalists in a search that lasted for a month

A panel of four judges chose him for having successfully met the criteria set by the judges:

“happy smiling disposition, ability to be happy no matter what life presents, a strong sense of community and belonging, a consistent happiness without ups and downs and a contributor to society by bringing happiness to others.”

Goh was nominated by five of his colleagues who said “There is no gathering where he is present where you do not hear the sound of his laughter. It’s hard to be sad with Andy present.”

His secret?

“A lot of times, happiness is not just money and stuff, so you’ve got to count your blessings: health, family, friends, helping other people,” he said. “Look not too far, as it’s probably already close to you,”

He won a trip worth S$2000 to the paradise island resort of Phuket in Thailand and S$200 dollars cash.