Page 19 - Stories from our Grandparents

Mr Lee Hong Ngon BORN 1942 & 1946 My grandparents both lived in Attap Houses back in post-war
Mdm Lim Ah Hong

By Goh Xin Yan Nicole Singapore. They both mentioned that they were very poor and
ITE College West they barely had anything to eat. Life did not become better after
they married each other as soon after, they had children and my
grandfather’s job as a bus driver was very unstable. My grandfather
explained that the economy back then was unstable, and there
oth of my grandparents from my mother’s side are were days when he didn’t have to work. If he does not work, he
born in Singapore. My grandfather’s most memorable will not get paid and he had to resort to borrowing money from his
experience was when he only had to pay 5 cents to friends and neighbors.
Btake the public transport, and 10 cents to buy a bowl
of noodles. He explained that economic growth also led to During Singapore’s early years of independence, both my grandparents
food and public transport becoming more expensive now. explained that food and public transport cost around 5 cents to 15 cents.
They added that 50 cents was considered “expensive”.
My grandmother’s most memorable experience was My grandfather shared that since he had a driving licence,

back then during Chinese New Year, where there are he applied to be a bus driver. Both my grandparents shared
festivals organized for adults and children to enjoy. that life in Singapore currently is much better as compared
They are able to play games such as five stones, pick-up to back in their days. For example, children are able to get a
sticks, marbles, kuti-kuti, tikam tikam (a guessing game) better education, and when they grow up they’re able to get
& chapteh. My grandmother also recalled that those a better job and salary.
festivals were bustling and very lively as compared to My grandparents hope that the next generation of Singaporeans will
today’s society whereby such festivals and games are become more mature, independent and filial towards their parents.
They reiterated that being filial is extremely important as we have
rarely seen or played. to be appreciative and grateful towards our parents for all that they
have sacrificed for us.

18 Grandpa Stories