Page 47 - Stories from our Grandparents

As the eldest of my 4 siblings, I had the responsibility of making sure the
Mr Ng Yean Hor family was well taken care of. Hence, I sailed to Singapore alone after the
BORN 1923 war ended in order to earn money to support my family back in China.
Singapore was going through the post-war period when I first migrated here.
By T su Hui Lin Cheryl & Koh En Ning Cassia
Paya Lebar Methodist Girls’ School
At that point in time, I was uncertain about my safety here in
Singapore so I did not bring my wife and child with me. Back then,
I this country was nothing like the Singapore we know today, there
was born in Guangzhou, China and lived in a small village in a poor
were frequent riots and fights that broke out along the streets and I
peasant’s family, with 3 younger brothers and a younger sister. I still
did not dare to go outdoors at night.
remember the time I was devastated by my late brother’s passing.
While fixing a well, he inhaled excessive amounts of poisonous gas.
I had a passion for education, however, as my family was not able to I would usually walk to work from the shophouse I lived at, located at the
workers’ quarters in the medicinal hall. However, during the occasions where
afford it, I was unable to further my studies. I fondly recall all the times I had to travel for long distances, I would take the rickshaw.
my siblings and I had the freedom to run and play in the fields.
Today, Singapore has progressed to become a prosperous country
During my time in Guangzhou, I picked up and has been continuously advancing since the day I stepped foot
some skills from my granduncle, who was into the country. Now, transportation is convenient with the train or
a professional Chinese physician, and had bus that can take me anywhere and I can travel by myself safely.
several job experiences. Once, I even
worked at a sugarcane factory to extract
sugar from the sugarcane, it was such a
memorable experience that I had. When
the period of World War II came about,
I was relatively safe from the danger
faced during that time, as my family did
not live in the city. I may have made
it through this period alive and safe,
unfortunately I am unable say the
same for some of my friends.

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