'When my parents found out I was dating a Chinese girl, they told me not to come home. I was shocked and saddened by their reaction.'

The teacher, who is Indian, left home that night to look for a rented room.

That was in 1964 when mixed marriages were frowned on, said Mr Kunalan, now 65.

His wife of 42 years, Yoong Yin, also faced the same cold reception from her family.

She said: 'My dad said I brought shame to the family by going out with an Indian.'

But after the wedding, both their parents came round and accepted the union.

The Kunalans are one of four 'ambassador couples' for a series of activities organised by the National Family Council to promote healthy marriages this year.

The others include former national swimmer Ang Peng Siong and his wife Wendy; sales manager Kodiar Manohar and his wife Ratha; and civil servant Ery Asrul and his fiancee Amirah.

The Kunalans faced another challenge about 10 years ago when Yoong Yin, 65, discovered she had a brain tumour. Later, she also suffered a mild stroke. But throughout it all, she said, she had her husband's love and support.

Keeping the marriage alive involves 'lots of give and take', said the couple who have three daughters.

They also spend most of their time together. She accompanies him to golf games even though she doesn't play golf.

On keeping harmony in the marriage, MrKunalan said: 'If I'm unhappy, I will voice it out. But I don't have to win every argument.'

THERESA TAN