Writer Of The Week

Ms Ng has enjoyed reading the news from a young age. She hopes for a strong kampung spirit and racial harmony for Singapore and that "we never lose our Singlish".
Ms Ng has enjoyed reading the news from a young age. She hopes for a strong kampung spirit and racial harmony for Singapore and that "we never lose our Singlish". PHOTO: COURTESY OF NG WEE CHEW

Who: Ng Wee Chew, 44, a senior finance executive in an oil and gas multinational corporation.

My family: I am married to a Singapore permanent resident.

My home: We have a flat in Katong, but I was posted to Britain for a work assignment three years ago, so home is currently a flat in London.

My passions: I have always been a news junkie. When we were young, the first thing my brothers and I would do on a weekend morning was wrestle for the newspaper. Today, I spend about an hour daily going through The Straits Times, BBC and other online reads.

My other passion is doing my part where I can to help those who need a lift in life. My alma mater, St Anthony's Convent, and my parents taught me to look out for others - through a smile, words of encouragement, a deed, or financial contribution. I don't feel I do enough though - something to keep improving on.

I started writing to the Forum page...: In 2009. My first letter was about the need to increase investment education for the public.

What I write about: I write on a range of issues that catch my eye while reading the papers.

I have written about historical events, local political affairs, social and community issues, travel and even the death of my pet.

Why I write: I write on topics which are important to me, and about which I have an opinion to share.

I read the Forum page because...: It is a platform to read about different views on current affairs, and it helps me to form my own views.

Besides the Forum page, the Opinion pages also offer excellent insights and help in critical thinking.

My wish for Singapore: I hope for Singaporeans to have a strong kampung spirit and racial harmony: one people, one Singapore.

I also hope our young can devote more time to non-academic interests, be it sports, literature, nature or community work. Academic certificates do not guarantee success in work or life.

Lastly, may we never lose our Singlish.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 03, 2016, with the headline Writer Of The Week. Subscribe