SINGAPORE - Maya does not like to travel.

The Indonesian, who has been in Singapore for more than two years, said: "I think it is because I have been spending my life out of my country that when I'm back in Jakarta, all I want is my own bed."

She has been away from her home since she was nine years old.

"I just do not want to leave my house. I bake and cook with mum and I want to eat food cooked by my parents and grandma," she added.

"I was a volunteer teacher at church and I visit the children weekly. Some of them don't spend time with their families.

"I love my parents, but I never knew how great my family was until I saw the church kids' situations.

"I am really thankful to God that I have such an amazing family."

If Maya is named winner of The New Paper New Face 2013, a big part of her $10,000 prize is earmarked for her family.

She said: "I will give some to the church and I will send my parents on a tour of Israel."

Get The New Paper for more stories.