I grew up in a kampung near Yio Chu Kang, one of twelve children in a family where money was always tight. I went on to spend more than forty years as a dedicated assistant chemist, rarely missing a single day of work. My hope is simple: study hard, work hard, and doors will open that earlier generations could only dream of.
I grew up in a kampung near Yio Chu Kang in the 1960s. I was one of twelve children, and our family lived in cramped conditions. My father worked as an odd-job labourer, and money was often tight. From a young age, I helped care for my younger siblings. Life was not easy, but we made do with what we had. One thing I always looked forward to was festive occasions, when we could enjoy special food treats that were otherwise rare.
I attended a Chinese-medium school, so English was not my first language. Like many children of my generation, I understood that education and hard work were important if we wanted a better future.
I spent more than forty years working as an assistant chemist in the same company. My job involved testing food samples for chemical compounds according to the requirements of overseas clients. Looking back, what I am most proud of is my dedication to my work. I rarely took sick leave because I genuinely enjoyed what I did and took responsibility for my role.
Outside of work, I enjoy simple pleasures, such as watching Chinese dating shows on television. They help me relax and bring a little laughter into my day.
If there is one lesson I hope younger people can learn from my life, it is the importance of studying hard and making the most of educational opportunities. I always encouraged my children to do their best in school so they could enjoy a more comfortable life as adults. Hard work may not bring instant rewards, but over time it can open doors to opportunities that previous generations could only dream of.