William Chin and Jane Bi Jing Ying
William Chin:
My name is William Chin, for an age of 76 year old man, my passion is already downhill & should let our young generation to continue with great passion suitable to our country. There are not much interest to me at this sunset age except I like to listen to old songs. Every food is good in Singapore but the most tasteful food is from my wife, haha.
During my young age in Chinatown, my family of 6 was staying in a rented room at the old conservation shop flat (3-storey) in Mosque Street. The room was simple with one big bench (Multi-purpose bed) of 120 Sq Ft. My father who had been left at the year of 1960, was the only bread maker for the whole family. It was a poor family until the year of 1957.
Why I said that because by year 1957, we were lucky to get a 2-room rented flat which was built by Lim Yew Hock government. During my young age at Chinatown, I had tasted all sort of hardship and luckily I & my brothers were given a chance of schooling. There were many funny games that nobody had ever encountered but it was exciting and enjoyable.
During my age at year 1960, our family had lost our valuable person, my father. He died of cancer. At that moment, My mother was forced to work in the factory for survival. My elder brother was given a job in the local bank & my 2nd brother worked as a teacher 2 years later. I was still in sec 4 & yet to make a living. Luckily, at the moment, Lim Y H government was quite helpful to our Singaporeans.
After the year of hardship, by 1970 as I was only secondary 4 standard, I found a govt job in the Car Park Division to help my mother from working so hard. By 1971, as I was very interested in design so I took up an apprenticeship in a local Architect company. After a 2 year struggle, I was given a chance to become a Technician in HDB & that began my progression. By 1975, I was promoted as Senior Technician in a private sector to begin my stable occupation.
By year 1976, I was lucky to have a hardworking girl. We got together & we lived together with my mother in a 4-room purchased HDB flat at Ang Mo Kio. I was lucky to have 3 children at the year 1985. They were all given a chance to the local schools until completing their studies. My elder son graduated from Sydney & the rest of them got poly diplomas & with uni completed.
By 1992, due to 3-generation policy implemented by PAP govt, we shifted to a maisonette HDB flat at Serangoon North. From this particular year, I volunteered at GRC until present moment still in force. My elder son was convinced by me, joining as a volunteer from year 2002 until now. PAP govt is really offered many many to our nation.
Jane Bi Jing Yi:
Mr. William is similar age to my grandpa. So I believe his early days reflected my grandpa’s as well. Time flies and the life of my generation changed much. I’m Jane, 27 years old now. I was born in China. I feel fortunate to born in 1990s, as I no longer need to worry about food and roof. My childhood is full of best memories. I flew the kite in the wheat field, caught small tadpoles in a pond, and ran along with the dragonflies. My grandma smashed flower petals to dye my nails. It’s days of sunshine and happiness.
As I grew up, my parents started to bring me to learn painting and English. The first becomes my lifelong-hobby, and the second one paved the way for me to overseas studies. During my primary-/middle-/high-schools, my grades ranked top in school all the time, which finally helped me win the full scholarship offered by MOE and NTU. That’s the new chapter of my life, also the greatest turning point I've ever had.
I arrived in Singapore in 2012 and started my bridging course and Nanyang Technical University (NTU). I got to know other scholars and made many good friends. During this year I also got a chance to experience local school life. I became an unofficial Art & Design teacher at St. Margaret’s Secondary School for 2 months. I taught students design Beijing opera masks, traditional costumes and paper cut.
During my undergraduate studies at NTU, I made friends from various races and countries. That built me a diverse and inclusive mindset. I spent my Year 2 summer in a Thailand village and volunteering there to teach English. I still clearly remember the brightest eyes of my students. I cried so much when I was about to depart. If you could imagine, I finally went back Thailand after 6 years, and took photos with those kids who have grown up. How nice!!
Thank you, Singapore.
I’m so appreciative to receive the full scholarship and study in Singapore. Thus, I always keep in mind to return back to community. I’m continuously doing volunteering work these years, to help kids with autism, elderlies at care centre, as well as those poor families in need. I got to know other volunteers and deeply encouraged by them. They proved me how fortunate we are to live in such a great era, full of love, willingness to help, and pass blessings to others.
