“No matter how big or how small, the gift is in the blessings that we receive.  Let’s always remember the favours life has given us.”

Dr Sim Quan Seng

As a child, my #ChineseNewYear celebrations in Pontian, Johor was a cross between a sprint and a marathon. After donning our brand new outfits and downing the customary vegetarian meal, the lot of us kids would zip out of the house on our ‘ang pow’ rounds.

We would run as fast and as far as our legs could carry us to as many houses as we could. Even the nun at the temple was not spared. We kids would ‘religiously’ turn up at her doorstep and she would ‘religiously’ give us each a 40 sen ang pow (big money at that time). We would only return home when our legs could not carry us anymore.

CNY these days is still as exciting. Yu Min, my wife, is busy getting the home ready and preparing gifts. Through the years, no matter how little we had, she would always have something for others. The #celebrations are always made more special because of the loving efforts she puts in. “Thank you, Yu Min.”

This year is definitely a reprieve from the last two. Many families are eager to finally meet one another and in organisations, expectations are running high on whether there will be the ‘ang pows’ and bonuses. My take is, if we are able to give, we should. But times have been hard for everyone and perhaps we should appreciate the tradition of giving from the standpoint of the #blessings it contains rather than the monetary quantum it carries.

As we gather around the table, let us be #grateful for the new faces that we see and be reminded of those who are no longer with us. The future still holds much uncertainty but Yu Min and I are sure that the union of tradition will always keep us strong and #unified.

Here’s wishing you and your family a wonderful Chinese New Year.

Stay safe.

Best wishes from,

Dr Sim, Yu Min and all at home

#WhatInspiresMe