Mr. Toilet: The World's #2 Man 2019

What happens when you blend an unconventional self-made individual with an abundance of, quite literally, waste? The answer is Jack Sim. To the casual observer, he may seem like a man fixated on toilets. However, to those familiar with his remarkable journey, he’s Mr. Toilet, a passionate advocate for global sanitation issues. Having grown up in the impoverished neighborhoods of Singapore, Jack Sim experienced the harsh realities of living without proper restroom facilities. This life-altering experience has driven him to confront a crisis that remains shrouded in silence: sanitation.

The absence of a reliable place “to go” is a significant issue affecting 2.4 billion people across the globe, with India facing staggering statistics—200,000 children die each year due to inadequate sanitation, while women are vulnerable to assaults as they are forced to relieve themselves in public areas. Jack’s children humorously liken him to a “12-year-old trapped in a 60-year-old’s body,” underscoring his playful spirit. Despite his lighthearted demeanor, he approaches this serious matter with essential humor, wielding it as a powerful tool in his battle against societal taboos surrounding bathrooms.

As the founder of the World Toilet Organization, Jack has dedicated over 13 years to advocating for change in 193 countries, spotlighting the critical need for adequate sanitation. Among his notable achievements is the successful push for the United Nations to declare World Toilet Day, marking the first international celebration of its kind.

Now, Jack is faced with his greatest obstacle yet: securing 6 million toilets for the ambitious “Clean India” initiative. However, he’s confronted with limited resources and a lack of governmental support, putting his monumental project and credibility on the line. As doubts begin to creep in among his once-enthusiastic team, and as tensions rise within his family due to his relentless commitment, he starts to question whether he’s finally met a challenge too great.

In this journey, Mr. Toilet comes to understand that being the world’s leading advocate for sanitation comes with its own sacrifices. Nevertheless, as a true su-poo-hero, he remains unwavering in his mission, recognizing that quitting is simply not an option.