Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Turning Adversity into Opportunity

Have you met someone who wears only handstitched clothing?

Meet LB senior Loi Kok Jong, 100, who has been sewing and wearing only her own clothing since young up to now!

The centenarian who migrated to Singapore from China in her late 20s, grew up in adversity and used to work hard labour in harsh conditions at farms at a young age.

During those times, she was taught various skills by her mother to ensure that even without formal education, she could still survive with her handiwork!

As the situation in her village in China worsened, her mother betrothed a 30-year-old Kok Jong to a groom working in Singapore, and sent her away so that she could have a brighter future…

Her husband had a small stall that sold Chinese food, akin to our current “Economy Rice”, and she worked at the stall with him.

Kok Jong helped to prepare the ingredients, cook, clean, and take care of the stall with her husband.

Although the business was struggling, their family grew with the addition of a daughter and three sons.

To support her husband and family, Kok Jong started doing odd jobs around the vicinity, thanks to the early exposure to handiworks by her mother.

A Mother’s Sacrifice

From making satay sticks, weaving baskets, making handicrafts, and even selling butter door to door – Kok Jong was an entrepreneurial mother who strived hard to raise her four children.

Living in a kampung without electricity or tap water, life was difficult for the family. Kok Jong took it in her stride and ensured that her children had enough food and encouraged them to concentrate on their studies.

Her son, Steven Tan, 65, said he remembers vividly how his mother would sacrifice on a daily basis for him and his siblings.

“On rare occasions when we have fish for our meal, she’d serve us rice with the flesh, and she’d take the bones. She even says she loves to suck on the bones compared to eating the flesh, if we’d offer her our portion,” he said.

Steven added that his mother would always steer them to look at matters positively always, instead of focusing on the negatives.

Loi Kok Jong when in her younger days...

Of Grit and Determination 

Strapped with cash, Kok Jong saved money in many ways possible – including sewing her own clothes and even for her children.

Anne Tan Ai Peng, 68, her eldest daughter, said amidst the hustle and bustle of her mother’s never-ending odd jobs, she would still find time to sew their clothes and even school uniforms.

“We saw how hard she worked for the little money that she gets. With that, she’d buy materials and painstakingly sew them to fit. She had no formal education, nor any training, but she was amazing with her sewing skills that she even sold hand-sewn decorative items!” said Anne, adding that her mother’s grit inspired her and her siblings.

Kok Jong used to also bring along her children after school to assist her in some of the odd jobs.

“I remember making satay sticks from coconut tree leaves as a child, there were those magnetic alphabets that we had to assemble as well, among other odd jobs. Despite the money crunch, she never made us skip school to work, instead, she told us we must study hard and complete our education, and not to worry about money as it is her responsibility,” said Steven.

Soon, as Kok Jong’s children grew up, they took the initiative to work part-time during school holidays and started earning as well to reduce their mother’s burden.

Working until 70?

“Of course, we can’t just sit and watch our mother suffer. I have never seen her taking a break for herself. 

“Once I finished school and started a job, I told her to stop working but she refused.

“I even gifted her a SINGER sewing machine in hopes of helping her in her sewing endeavours, but she only used it sparingly and eventually returned it to me as she prefers to do it by hand,” chuckled Anne while caressing her mother’s hand.

She said her mother has been working hard all her life and refused to quit working until she reached her 70s where she was working as a cleaner at a petrol station.

“My mother eventually agreed to relax, and she has been going to the LB AAC that was opposite her flat since its inception where she found new friends and enjoyed the activities there,” said Steven on Kok Jong’s affinity towards LB AAC @ Ang Mo Kio 318.

LB AAC @ Ang Mo Kio 318 celebrated her 100th birthday! From left, Steven Tan (son), Wang Xiuzhen (daughter-in-law), Tan Xiuyi (granddaughter), Anne Tan Ai Peng (eldest daughter), and James Tan Seow Tham (youngest son)

AAC as her Second Home

He added that Kok Jong’s life changed drastically and regards the AAC as her second home.

“One of the reasons that my mother is still going on strong until now at 100 years old is this AAC. She loves the activities where she learns new things, physical exercises every morning, she actively participates in the sewing club, and she enjoys the time with her friends there,” said Steven.

Unfortunately, after a recent fall and long-term hospitalisation, Kok Jong now must rely on a helper with her daily activities and getting around in a wheelchair.

“We are glad that she is fine to a certain extent for her age, but after this incident, she is unable to converse much, but perks up whenever she meets her five grandchildren or when doing activities at the AAC. 

“Up to this incident, she used to be super active and cook for herself, take a walk, bathe, and take care of herself well. So much so that she protested when we hired a helper to accompany her,” said Anne.

Kok Jong continues to attend her exercise sessions, meet her friends, and participate in other activities at the LB AAC with her helper, always with a smile.

We hope that these stories would inspire you to reach out and touch the lives of others.

If you would like to share your thoughts on these stories, please feel free to email us at cp@lb.org.sg

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