Long Lay Ling and Sarah Goh

Long Lay Ling:

I was born in 1948. Although I was not from a rich family, yet I still lived in a comfortable environment. My father worked in PSA with the free lodging provided by PSA. He was illiterate but was a gentleman who took care of his family.

Life in the early 50s was not as safe as today. There were riots, strikes by workers, and also gang fights between gangsters. Robbery was common too. Public transport was far from satisfactory and convenient as today. We might need to wait a few hours. As a result, buses were packed and commuters had to cling onto the bus entrance, holding on to their life!

Education in those days was not as stressful as today. It might be due to the fact that parents were not as well educated as parents today. And also their expectations were not so high. Yet students were still given the opportunity to pursue higher education.

I was not good in my studies, I only completed my ‘O’ level which at that time was considered good. Getting a job in the 60s was tough. I was fortunate enough to get into the government service as a clerical staff.

Life between today and the past was a great difference. From third-world country, we have progressed into a first-world country. With modern facilities, advanced technology and medical ease, life is more conducive, thanks to our leaders.

Sarah Goh:

I was born in 2010. Although I am not from a rich family, I live comfortably. My father works in an American company and is free to work from home. He is illiterate when it comes to computer games. He has no time for it as he has to take care of us. He is truly a gentleman. 

Life in the 2000s is much safer. There are no riots, strikes by workers, and robbery like in the 50s. But beware of robbery online and so-called new form of strike called cancel culture. Public transport now is more convenient as we only have to wait for a few minutes and the bus is there. The bus will also not be so crowded until the commuters have to cling to the entrance. Now the buses have air-conditioning, not like in the early 50s.

Education now is very stressful and parents have high expectations for us. In the 50s, when they are done with their homework they can go play but now, when we are done, we have to do more work that our parents give us.

I think getting an ideal job is getting harder and harder. That is the reason our parents tell us to study so hard. I think our parents are right as I may not get a job if I do not study hard.

Then and now is very different. A country that was not so safe became one of the safest countries in the world. I am proud that the public transport in Singapore is a lot better than last time.