'It was the right thing to do': SBS bus driver returns S$35,000 diamond ring he found on bus

A Straits Time (ST) forum letter writer expressed her appreciation for SBS driver, Teo Lai Huat.

The woman, Clarissa Tan, had left her diamond solitaire ring on Bus 10 after alighting at East Coast Road at night.

The ring was worth about S$35,000 and was important to Tan, not only for the monetary value, but the sentimental value as well.

A separate Facebook post by SBS detailed things from Teo's perspective.

Senior bus captain Teo had parked his bus at Kent Ridge Terminal, and conducted a routine sweep of the bus to make sure nothing was left behind.

A S$35,000 something was very much left behind.

Teo didn't hesitate, he took the ring and immediately reported it, passing it off to his supervisor for safekeeping.

The next morning Tan called SBS, and they promptly informed her that the ring was safe with them.

"She burst into tears when she saw the ring again," recalled Teo, saying he "could tell how much it meant to her."

Tan wrote in her forum letter that she hoped the company would recognise Teo for his exemplary conduct, adding that people like him make a real difference to the lives of others.

Teo however brushes off that high praise.

"It was the right thing to do," Teo said in the SBS post.

"I just hoped that the ring could be returned to its rightful owner as soon as possible."