Writer Of The Week

Mr Chung is concerned about the welfare and well-being of the vulnerable and disadvantaged in society, and hopes to be able to raise awareness and spark action for them.
Mr Chung is concerned about the welfare and well-being of the vulnerable and disadvantaged in society, and hopes to be able to raise awareness and spark action for them. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CLEMENT CHUNG BENG KWONG

Who: Clement Chung Beng Kwong, 47, unemployed.

My family: Married to a quality assurance manager working in an American multinational corporation.

My home: An HDB flat in the western part of Singapore.

My passions: Scuba diving, jogging, cycling and travelling.

I first started writing to the Forum page in...: 2008.

In the midst of the sub-prime crisis, I was concerned that donations to charities would be affected. I wrote in to remind people not to forget to support charities in those tough times.

I was very encouraged when then chief executive of the National Council of Social Service, Ms Ang Bee Lian, later wrote an e-mail to me to thank me for voicing this concern.

What I write about: As I naturally gravitate towards issues that concern the welfare and well-being of the vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our society, most of my letters are related to matters and issues in the social service sector.

Why I write: I feel that issues related to the vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society don't get enough mind space in the daily lives of most Singaporeans.

I want to make a little contribution to raise awareness and, hopefully, some discussions and actions.

I read the Forum page because...: It is a good reflection of what concerns Singaporeans most over time, and reflects the thinking and sentiments of readers.

My wish for Singapore: That all Singaporeans will be able to enjoy a good share of the fruits of success of the country and that people will have a wider perspective that there are many ways to live a meaningful and purposeful life, other than academic, career and material pursuits.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 11, 2016, with the headline Writer Of The Week. Subscribe