Growing Up Days
I was the playful and mischievous kid with bad habits like wiping my perspiration on my sleeve, waiting till the last minute to do my homework, and even playing truant for Chinese tuition and catechism classes.

Money Matters
When I was young, my mum would always bring me along to the bank. She would make occasional contributions to my savings account and let me see how much it has grown. I always remember walking out with this big smile on my face! I would do the same for my kids and also give them 3 opportunities in a year, for me to help them buy what they want. This means I’ll only fork out a certain amount and let them pay the rest with their own savings. Hopefully, they will learn to handle money wisely.

Leading With Respect
Dad always made sure we did our chores and our homework before letting us play outside. He has worked hard all his life and I remember him getting up very early in the morning to cut fruits to sell at his drinks stall at a secondary school in Upper Serangoon. He would make us say the rosary together daily no matter how tired he was. We would spring clean together before Chinese New Year, cut the grass, and pick up the rotten fruits that have fallen to the ground, as well as burn leaves and old furniture at the back of our kampung. He always taught us to be humble and never to procrastinate. He believes that the best way to teach is to lead by example.

The Devoted Mum – Huang Biren

On Saving For Rainy Days
My parents have always emphasised on the need to save for rainy days since I was young. Being brought up that way, I am very conscious about saving and make it a point to pass this virtue onto my son. I train him to save a certain percentage of his allowance on a regular basis to teach him the importance of putting aside money for emergencies and to spend prudently.

Loving Unconditionally
Growing up in a closely-knit family has taught me the importance of kinship and I want my children to feel this way as well. I want them to grow up in a warm, nurturing and safe home. One thing I learnt from my parents is to always love the children wholeheartedly and unconditionally. I try to give them the best of everything, in ever aspect.

Staying in Touch
I'm very close to my family and they are the ones who are always there for me. Even though I’m not living with my mum, I make it a point to call her every day and visit her at least once a week together with the kids. We also spend the first 3 days of every Chinese New Year together with the rest of the family. I appreciate my parents for everything they have done, especially my mum, who has always been supportive of me.

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