MAN WITH BACKBONE: After taking a five-year part-time diploma course, Mr Ng Seong Geak, 52, got his licence to practise TCM at age 47. He then went on to pursue a master's degree in medicine at Guangxi TCM University. This year, he opened a TCM clinic. -- ST PHOTO: CHEW SENG KIM

Keen on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), he took a five-year part-time diploma course and got his licence to practise TCM at 47.

But he did not stop there.

Two years later, at age 49, he pursued a master's degree in medicine at Guangxi TCM University.

At least twice a year, he took no-pay leave, for a month each time, to go for lessons in China. He also flew in a tutor from China to check his practical TCM skills while volunteering at a Tampines clinic.

He got his degree this year, coinciding with his retirement from the prison service, and opened a TCM clinic in Katong Plaza.

Today, at age 52, Mr Ng is a role model of a lifelong learner, whose achievement was highlighted by Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen.

Said Dr Ng yesterday: 'He has shown us that with good planning and execution, you can achieve what you set out to do. He can look forward to a second fulfilling and rewarding career for many years ahead.'

The minister was speaking at a ceremony of the annual Lifelong Learner Awards, introduced in 2002 to recognise individuals and organisations for their zeal for learning.

Dr Ng also told the audience at Raffles Hotel about Mr Mohd Rosdi Mohd Hanafi, 42, who worked his way up from a sailor to a lecturer at STET Maritime Education, an institute and unit of Singapore Technologies Electronics.

'Both Seong Geak and Rosdi remind us all that we can take charge of our future - that circumstances do change for the better if we can keep a positive attitude and are prepared to work hard to fulfil our aspirations,' said Dr Ng.

Mr Ng told The Straits Times he decided on a TCM career because it had no age limit. He worked the night shift on weekends and public holidays in order to attend classes four nights a week.

Spare time was spent on homework, with little time for his wife and two children, now aged 26 and 22.

He recalls wanting to give up his studies initially, feeling defeated by the tough medical terms.'Then I saw a student who was 68 years old. He still had the drive to come for night classes. And I was only 40. How could I give up?'

Added his wife, Madam Esther Koh, 50: 'He's doing something worthwhile for the family, so I gave him the support by taking care of the children.'

Mr Ng was among 16 individuals and six employers chosen out of 1,073 nominees to receive awards from President

S R Nathan. Each individual got a certificate and $500 cash, and the firms received a plaque.

Acknowledging bosses' efforts in upgrading workers' skills, Dr Ng gave a pat on the back to employers like Alexandra Hospital. It provided training for porters to be patient care associates.

He also praised landscaper Swee Bee Contractor and curry puff chain Old Chang Kee for training their older workers; plane engine repairer Eagle Services Asia for giving its workers exposure in different jobs; DHL Express for having individual training plans for its 500 employees; and Robinsons store for gathering workers every week on the shopfloor to share lessons learnt.

In his speech, Dr Ng pledged that the Government 'will continue to create more avenues for workers to up-skill and re-skill to stay relevant to the economy'.

Since it was formed in 2003, the Singapore Workforce Development Agency has laid a 'good foundation' for continuing education and training, he said.

chinlian@sph.com.sg