Aw Hai Jian and Hunter Loh Hwee Hung
My Life, Our Stories
Aw Hai Jian:
Journey To New Home
Born in Post was Singapore, my grandma managed to buy our first home - a grass rooftop hut at Woodlands when I was 3! It was a 2km walk away from the main road. The address was changed from Woodlands to Lorong Jelapang, although I didn't move. We made improvements to the home gradually, from grass rooftop to attap house and finally a half brick wall with zinc roof. A proper dwelling house until the land was acquired by the government for further development in 1984. This is now my home, a 4-room HDB flat.
School
I went to study in Bukit Panjang English School at 10 years old. Not knowing a word of ABC, I was allocated to class P4B. After 3 years, I managed to get promoted to P6c and sit for the first national exam PSLE. Of course I failed. After spending 2 years in post primary, I sat for a special exam and got into Jurong Special Secondary School. I failed my main subject English and was super emotional at the end of Secondary 2.
Working Life
First job application was to the Singapore Police Force but was rejected due to age. A relative recommended me to work in Johore Bahru Rest House as a waiter with a salary of $60 per month. Ever since I started work, there is not a single day that I was unemployed. I worked as a waiter at a coffee stall at Chin Nam Street, bartender and cook at Singapore Yatch Club, Hotel Ambassador at Hotel Equatorial and Radio Technician. Finally, I settled down as a Taxi Driver and will be retiring next year.
Family Life
I got married at 30 and is blessed with 2 kids, a daughter and a son. Being the sole breadwinner and also taking care of my aged parents, life was tough. But we were happy as an extended family. After my parents passed away, I decided to join the RC as a volunteer until today.
Active Ageing
One more year to go before I retire from my job as a taxi driver! Upon retirement, I look forward to enjoying my retirement life with my grandchildren and live an active, healthy and socially engaged life. I can now sit back and watch as Singapore and my future generations grow together.
Hunter Loh Hwee Hung:
My Home
I stay in a HDB flat in Bukit Panjang. My mother told me she grew up in a Kampong at Jelapang. During weekdays, my grandparents take care of me and my sister at their home when my parents are working.
School
I started going to school at 3 years old. My sister started school even earlier at 2 years old. We both study at PCF Sparkletots near my grandparents place. I am in West Spring Primary School now.
Life in School
School time started with two hours in N1 and now it is 7 hours in primary school. I enjoy recess time as I get to choose what I can buy. I like all my subjects in school.
Family Life
I love going on holidays. We usually travel with my grandparents. Sometimes my father and I would go with my mother when she goes for her overseas work trips. But now with Covid, we can only go for staycations in Singapore.
Past, Present, Future
My grandparents teach me about the practices and traditions at home. My grandfather is also my barber. He has been cutting my hair since I was born. When I group up, I want to be a YouTuber.
