Mr Siong, 81 years old, was born in Sungei Lembing, Pahang, Malaysia. He is the eldest of nine siblings. At the age of 4, his family moved to Melaka, and later to Singapore, where he attended Dorset Primary School and Monk’s Hill Secondary School. He was expelled at age 16 for poor academic performance and involvement in gang fights. He joined the secret society ‘369’ at 16-17, and in 1966 was involved in a gang fight that led to his incarceration.
During his youth, he worked as a welder for his father but disliked the job. He also worked as a debt collector for loan sharks while involved in gang activities. He claimed to have avoided being caught by the police for unlawful acts. Mr Siong aspired to be a chef or engineer, drawn to the idea of good food and the technical nature of maintenance work. Despite his tumultuous past, he remains in contact with a former teacher who continued to care for him after his school expulsion.
He was admitted to Bright Hill Evergreen Home in 2021 after living at void decks due to his inability to care for himself. Over the past three years, he has adapted well to life at the Home. However, he has been facing ongoing challenges related to eating and speaking, caused by the loss of his teeth and the gradual loosening of his old denture, further worsened by muscle loss. These issues have not only impacted his physical health but also contributed to a noticeable decline in his confidence and social interactions, which has significantly affected his overall well-being.
Thanks to the generosity of Q&M Dental Group, two kind dentists have stepped forward to sponsor a new denture for Mr Siong. Dr Patel Amit provided the extractions, while Dr Sapphire Gan Tsering made the new denture. After several months of visits, Mr Siong finally received his new smile in September! Since then, he has been enjoying his meals with renewed enthusiasm. With his regained confidence, he even participated in our Golden Talent Time showcase, where he proudly displayed his colouring skills. He is truly happier and feels empowered once again!
Mr Siong’s journey is a testament to
the power of compassion and the difference that a caring community can make in
someone’s life. Thanks to the kindness of the dentists and the support of
Bright Hill Evergreen Home, he has regained not only his physical well-being
but also his sense of self-worth and joy.
