MyStory

Ms Tan Swee Eng
Finance and Admin Manager, IT industry

Do you know that you share a very important birthday with our country? 3rd December is the date when Singapore’s National Anthem, the new flag and Coat of Arms (State Crest) were first unveiled to the newly-self-governing state. How do you feel about that?

Yes, I recalled when I was studying history either in my primary or secondary school days that 3rd December 1959 was a day of significance for Singapore, but I didn’t really know why. I guess it was overshadowed by 9 August 1965. Of course, now that the day is being celebrated, I feel proud to be born on that day.

What were your growing up years like?

Our first house was a rented two storey terrace house on Veerasamy Road. It was pretty comfortable, although there were only two rooms for the seven of us - so we girls slept in the bigger room with my parents and my brothers took the smaller room.  We slept on mats on the floor as it couldn’t hold so many beds! As far as I can recall, we were quite comfortable, but I think we lived quite frugally too. Eating out was reserved for very special occasions, and bottled soft drinks was only for Chinese New Year. Travelling by taxi was rare. 

I think my fondest memories will be from my childhood days, of celebrations of festive occasions. 

At Veerasamy Road, we had neighbours who celebrated other festivals, and I remember always waiting in anticipation on the eve of those days when they would bring over to our house a sampling of their goodies for us to try. December was also a special time because it was the month of my birthday and my father's birthday as well Christmas at end of the year and school holidays - so i would always look forward to going shopping and seeing the Santa Clauses and hear carols being played. Chinese New Year itself was also much anticipated - the reunion dinner, the new clothes, the fire crackers, the soft drinks, the new year goodies, the ang pows (Hokkein: red packets) and the rounds of visits.

What are some of the biggest changes between the Singapore of your childhood and now? Could you share more about them?

Well certainly the sky line has changed not only just in the city but throughout Singapore. There are a lot more high rise commercial and residential buildings all over. Shopping malls have spouted up in the heartlands whereas previously, going shopping meant going downtown to High Street . There is also a big improvement in public transport for the masses in terms of quality and quantity . I used to take trishaw rides with my mother when I was young as it was relatively cheap. Trishaws are now for tourists!

The life of a student has also changed dramatically. I didn’t have any pre-primary education. When I was in primary school, I had time to play before and after school.  Enrichment classes was also unheard of. Not so today.

We have six national symbols - the Flag, National Anthem, Pledge, State Crest, the Lion Head and the National Flower. Which of these symbols mean the most to you? In what way, and why?

The pledge is the most meaningful to me because it speaks of unity through equality.

What does ‘Home’ mean to you?

"Home" is where I feel comfortable, safe and loved.

Would you see Singapore as your home? Why is that so?

Yes, I was born here and have lived all my life here. My family is here, and I can’t imagine myself living anywhere else.

When you think about Singapore, what are the first things that come to mind?

A little red dot that is well known for its efficiency ; a cosmopolitan city that is always trying to improve.

What does it mean to be a Singaporean to you?

The ability to understand and speak Singlish?  On a more serious note, I guess it means appreciating our history and heritage and being proud of our achievements.

What hopes and aspirations do you hold for Singapore?

I hope that Singapore will continue to progress and prosper without compromising our moral and  social fabric, and that Singaporeans will continue to live in harmony with each other.