Why I’m Writing This Memoir
Every life has a story worth telling. Mine is no exception. Having lived through childhood, adolescence, adulthood, marriage, parenthood, and now grand-fatherhood, I have come to realise that life is made up of countless moments—some joyful, some painful, some ordinary, and some life-changing. Many of these memories exist only in my mind, and with time they may slowly fade away. Before that happens, I want to preserve them.
This memoir is my attempt to record my life’s journey as honestly as I can remember it. It is not a story of extraordinary achievements, but of an ordinary man trying to live a meaningful life. Along the way, I experienced successes that brought happiness, mistakes that taught valuable lessons, disappointments that built resilience, and blessings that filled me with gratitude. I hope my children and grandchildren will one day read these pages, not simply to know what happened in my life, but to understand the person behind the stories. Through these memories, they may come to know their father and grandfather a little better—his hopes, fears, struggles, beliefs, and the values that guided him throughout his life. If my experiences can offer them even a small lesson, inspire them to persevere during difficult times, or encourage them to appreciate the blessings in their own lives, then writing this memoir will have been worthwhile.
Retirement, Reflection, and Gratitude
My retirement in April 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter in my life. After serving for more than forty years, I finally had the time to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the journey that had brought me to this stage. Looking back, my career did not follow a straight path. After completing my National Service in 1980, I began working as a general clerk at Tan Chong Motor, even though I had trained in Printing Technology at the School of Printing from 1976 to 1978. It was not the career I had envisioned, but every experience has its purpose.
In 1981, an opportunity came when I joined Medidata Pte Ltd as a Printing Coordinator, allowing me to finally put my printing skills to good use. Two years later, in 1983, I was offered a teaching position at Baharuddin Vocational Institute, where I taught basic printing. That opportunity became the defining career of my life. I remained with the organisation, which later became the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), until my retirement in 2024, serving for more than four decades.
Before retiring, I promised myself that I would not allow retirement to become a period of inactivity. I accepted a part-time appointment as a CET Supervisor for just three and a half hours each week, enough to keep me connected with the workplace while allowing me to enjoy the freedom of retirement. I also made a commitment to look after my health. Cycling became my favourite hobby, complemented by regular walking and other forms of exercise. Staying physically active has helped me manage my diabetes while allowing me to continue enjoying an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
As I reflect on my life, I realise how fortunate I have been. Success did not come without challenges, setbacks, or disappointments, but somehow every obstacle became manageable. Looking back now, I believe Allah has guided me through every stage of my journey, often opening doors when I least expected them and surrounding me with people who supported and encouraged me. Above all, I am deeply grateful—to Allah for His countless blessings, to my beloved family for their love and support, to my relatives and friends for walking beside me through different seasons of life, and to the many colleagues, teachers, and mentors who shaped the person I have become. This memoir is, therefore, more than a collection of memories. It is also an expression of gratitude for a life that, despite its imperfections, has been richly blessed.