Page 73 - Stories from our Grandparents

“Owning a television set was
y mother gave birth
to me in one of the a luxury during my childhood
bomb shelters, before days. I recall going to my
Mthe outbreak of neighbour’s house to watch
Mdm Tan Kui Huay Born 1942 World War II in Singapore. That television shows on a black
was a time when the Japanese
and white screen — with the
suspicion and many of them were
By Rodrick Teo treated the Chinese with intense permission of my parents.”
ITE College East tortured, incarcerated and killed,
often at the slightest doubts. There were many other
neighbours of different races who joined in as well. It was to watch
During the World War, food and other essential supplies ran low, and shows together like a big family. There was no distinction between
malnutrition and disease were widespread. Even worse, I did not have race, caste or religion and we were so much happier then.
the privilege of going to school for formal education. Today, Singapore has advanced tremendously. People are

During my younger days, the mode of transportation was trishaws, able to watch their favourite shows on a big LED screen. Life
buses, ships and taxis. There was no MRT or aeroplane. One could has become a rat-race and people have no personal time.
find several shophouses along the streets of Tanjong Pagar and Everyone is glued to their mobile phones and lost in their own
Chinatown with many stalls lining the roads. To prepare for Chinese world. When I try to speak with my grandson, I notice that he
New Year, many people would would be busy with his phone and has no eye contact when
travel there for the large variety of responding to me.
bargains and home-made goodies My sincere advice to everyone – cherish what you have today: most
which were not easily available at importantly your family members. Spending quality time with one another
small kampongs. strengthens family ties. It benefits each and every member in more ways
than you realize.

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