Dr Tan Chok Jueh PBM and Tan Wei Wei Celeste
Dr Tan Chok Jueh PBM:
I spent my early childhood in a neighbouring country where nature provides and life was simple. We played among friends of various races and enjoyed the kampong spirit. Gotong Royong was the common phrase and there is harmony. I led a sheltered life and a traditional one too. Family was everything. No TV, kerosene lamp was in and story-telling by Auntie and Uncle was the only entertainment. We made our own toys and played Indians and Cowboys. The cane was the judge and punishment too.
Twelve years of school led me to face the reality of life. Now, I knew what is Discrimination and Disharmony. I faced the world of bias in my country of birth. Fortunately, my big elder brother sponsored my studies in Australia. I did my tertiary and university studies in between part-time work in bars, restaurants, and factories. I faced humility in a western world of bias and again discrimination. I faced physical abuse and verbal one too. After 7 years, I graduated and came home but my profession was not wanted.
Inspired by the views of Lee Kuan Yew, the then PM of Singapore, I found a job and worked my way up the professional ladder. I met many good, happy, and socially conscious friends. I saw a country in progress based on Law and Order, Meritocracy, Racial and Religious Harmony, and Integration. In my mind, this is perfect for a man who wanted nothing more than a life.
I met my wife and started a family. With the arrival of my son, the good life began. We lived in a rental HDB unit and later bought our own 5-room flat before finally settling down in Serangoon Gardens. I also started my own surgery and business was great. I see that hard work and great government policies enabled all citizens and PRs to have a place in Singapore.
With a stable life, I found purpose by volunteering in community work. Here, I learnt humility, compassion, and benevolence. Greatly motivated by the policies and actions of PAP, I became a citizen so as to continue my fight for Peace, Democracy, Progress, Justice, and Equality for all, irrespective of race, religion, and culture for now and the future.
My life is complete but ONLY SINGAPORE made it possible.
Tan Wei Wei Celeste:
Although I am contented with my life, I know that all of these didn’t come easily, so I wanted to let the younger generations know my stories, the stories of the older generation, and the stories that should never be forgotten. I hope that they wouldn’t need to go through all the sufferings and uncertainty we went through, but I also believe that they shouldn’t take things for granted and must learn how to play a part in this society. Only then, Singapore can continue to prosper and progress.
My wife and I know that many things have changed and many new innovations have emerged. In order to keep up, we continue learning! We attend classes, online courses, watch videos, TV shows and even peer-to-peer learning like learning together with my granddaughter!
As they all say, “The greatest wealth is health”. I exercise regularly too! To keep myself healthy and to spend some quality time with nature. I brisk walk with my NC members, friends, and even family. My love for nature allowed me to exercise happily.
As much as I engage in community activities, I still spend quality time with my family watching movies together, having dinner together daily, and doing bonding activities over the weekend is a must.
One day, my family and I came across this community project called “Before I die”. It has lots of thought-provoking questions such as “What is something you regret not doing earlier?”, “Before I die, I want to_____”. It’s our first time coming across such an interesting project and thus, we decided to take some time to reflect and put our thoughts on the board…
