Page 56 - Stories from our Grandparents

I
was born in Singapore close to the end of World War
2. My childhood was unlike those of teenagers today.
was born in 1942. Although From a young age, I had to help with household chores
Mr Richard Wee I was born during the Japanese and work for my parents. As a result, I did not
BORN 1942 Ichildhood, playing many experience I have of my childhood was playing with
By Goh Ji Ming Occupation, I led a carefree enjoy much of my childhood days. One memorable
kampong games as there was no
Ping Yi Secondary School
such thing as computer games. rubber seeds as I was able to start a fire with them. This was a popular
childhood game and hobby at that time. I also indulged in playing with
I had many friends from different fighting fishes. I was born slightly after World War 2 and fortunately did
races. Life back then was simple. not experience any misfortunes nor danger. During those days, I lived in a
kampong village in an attap house. It was also generally safe at that time.
I can remember that after the Japanese Occupation, many things were
scarce. There was a serious shortage of housing and food. We had lack of Before Singapore gained how to make noodles, I also had
amenities such as electricity and gas too. We did not have a car back then to make several deliveries and
so we took the bus most of the time, or travel long distances by foot. independence, transportation manage the finance of the factory.
in Singapore was not well
Many people were without jobs. I was lucky as I was developed and many My family business was renowned
employed in the government service. Getting a job in for our Kway Teow. My delivery
the government service was a blessing as it was what we call people preferred to ride hours stretched for as long as 30
“铁饭碗”which directly bicycles or trishaws. hours. Most of the time, I delivered
translates into metal rice Also, we had to use oil noodles by bicycle and it was only
bowl in English. lamps as there were when I got my driving license at 18
that I started to do deliveries with
What it really means is having a job that can provide you with a steady no lamp posts and the help of a lorry. I feel very proud
income. But for most people, when offered a job back then, they would only minimal light of modern Singapore, as I live to
just take it as jobs were hard to find. at night. see how she has become a first
Growing up, Singapore was very different. A lot of people Water was not available through world country. I wish for my own
family and descendants to keep my
struggled to make ends meet.
taps and we had to collect water traditions going strong.
from the nearby water well. I used
Singapore is very progressive today and to live in the Ulu Sembawang I feel blessed that I get to
see my family grow each
the people seem to live better now. The Kampong area. I helped out my day but perhaps, my
people are more financially independent family as a businessman and only regret was to shut
delivery man in our family business.
and the country is politically stable. The My family had a noodle factory down the family factory
younger generation is very lucky today as and not only did I have to learn and noodle business.
there are many opportunities for them.
Their future is bright.

Mr Heng Ah Em
BORN 1943

By Heng Jia Ning Kylie
56 Grandpa Stories Queenstown Secondary School