Page 115 - Stories from our Grandparents

Mdm ong Kai Eng Born 1940

By Evan Tay
NCC Land St Patricks’ School

y parents were originally from China, but went to live In 1965, after Singapore’s independence, there was public
in Malaysia in the 1930s. In 1952, we had just arrived in transport. For example, buses with no air conditioning, trains
Singapore from Malaysia when I was 12 years old. The that only travel to Malaysia, and taxis.
Mreason was because my brother was going to be recruited
into the Malaysian army. Most people there did not survive as they
fought in the war, so we fled to Singapore. There were not many
good memories during my childhood, but I remember always doing
housework and taking care of other members of the family.

“During those years, males were much more
superior than females. So the males in our family
got the meat of the fish while the females were
only given the fish head and There were already HDBs around Singapore, but there were still
fins of the dish.” kampong villages. After I was married, I worked as a full-time housewife
and it was my job to take care of the family. My husband was the only
breadwinner of the family.
I only arrived in Singapore after the Second World War so
I did not experience it. In my growing up days in post-war Today, I think Singapore has changed for the better and has improved
Singapore, I worked as a maid for a British family, polishing tremendously. Transportation was made easier by MRT, buses and
taxis. Buses and MRT now have air conditioning and reserved seats
cutlery, vases, plates and furniture as well as starch the for old folks. I find it very convenient and especially beneficial to
Naval uniforms to their high standards. I continued this line
of work until I got married in 1966. Working as a helper for have concession for senior citizens. We also get to use devices such
the British family, which is far away from my home, as phones and computers. Finally, I would like the next generation of
Singaporeans to have better manners, be kind and obedient,spend
I got to go back home only once a month. less time on electronic devices and work towards your aspirations
It was very tiring and gruesome work.
and goals in life.

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