Grit, charity, courage: New children’s books salute WWII heroes Ee Peng Liang, Elizabeth Choy
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Writer Shawn Seah has penned a new series of books for children, Our Amazing Heroes, to pay tribute to Singapore's pioneers.
ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI
SINGAPORE – Many know the late Dr Ee Peng Liang as Singapore’s “father of charity”. He was a businessman and philanthropist who founded various charity organisations, including the Community Chest.
But it is likely far fewer know that he was also a World War II hero, and was nearly executed during that time by the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police.
To pay tribute to Dr Ee and other pioneers, writer Shawn Seah has penned a new series of books for children, Our Amazing Heroes.
Mrs Elizabeth Choy and Captain Ho Weng Toh are the other two pioneers featured in the books.
The books will be on sale from Feb 15, which is Singapore’s Total Defence Day.
“This year marks the milestone of 60 years of Singapore’s independence,” Mr Seah said. “Coincidentally, it is also 80 years (since) the Japanese surrendered at the end of World War II.”
“I think few people know that (Dr Ee) fought in World War II,” said Mr Seah, who is also a heritage enthusiast and descendant of businessman and philanthropist Seah Eu Chin.
Dr Ee Peng Liang was a World War II hero who was nearly executed during that time by the Kempeitai, the Japanese military police force.
PHOTO: ST FILE
Dr Ee joined the Straits Settlements Volunteer Force (SSVF), a volunteer military organisation to defend the Straits Settlements during the Japanese invasion in 1942.
After Singapore fell, he became a prisoner of war and endured harsh conditions in Japanese prison camps. The ordeal influenced his subsequent dedication to philanthropy and community service in Singapore.
“Dr Ee led a machine gun section of the SSVF,” said Mr Seah, 39. “He was even willing to sacrifice his life for his fellow soldiers and was nearly executed by the Kempeitai, but was pardoned.”
Our Amazing Heroes tells the stories of how Dr Ee, Mrs Choy and Capt Ho overcame challenges during and after the war, and the values they exemplified.
“They represent diverse fields – aviation, charity and education – and their stories showcase values of determination, grit, courage, charity, kindness, and resilience,” said Mr Seah.
Mrs Choy and her husband secretly helped prisoners of war held at Changi Prison by smuggling in food, medicine and messages. She showed fortitude when captured and tortured by the Japanese.
After the war, she became a member of the Legislative Council in 1951, advocating women’s rights, education and social welfare. She also worked as an educator, shaping future generations with her wisdom and resilience.
Mrs Elizabeth Choy showed fortitude when captured and tortured by the Japanese.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE, NATIONAL HERITAGE BOARD
Capt Ho worked alongside the Flying Tigers, who fought against Japanese forces in China during World War II. After the war, he became a pioneer in Singapore’s civil aviation industry, working as a commercial pilot with Malayan Airways, which later evolved into Singapore Airlines.
Captain Ho Weng Toh worked alongside the Flying Tigers, which fought against Japanese forces in China during World War II.
PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO FILE
Retelling these heroes’ stories is important because good values need to be passed on, said Mr Seah, who also wrote another children’s book series, Our Amazing Pioneers, in 2023.
When writing for children, concepts and words cannot be too historical or technical, he added.
Illustrated by local artist Patrick Yee, each story focuses on key moments in the pioneer’s life, and comes with questions at the end for children and their parents to think about.
The project is supported by the Genealogy Society Singapore (GSS). Mr Ng Yew Kang, president of GSS, said the pioneers’ remarkable contributions to society remind everyone of how family ethos, support and legacy inspire acts of courage, compassion, and leadership across generations.
With the recent spate of bookstore closures in Singapore, Mr Seah said it is an uphill battle for local writers to thrive. However, he is driven by a sense of mission and purpose.
“We must continue telling the stories of those who came before us, especially to the young, who will be inspired by reading the books,” he said. “I believe in playing my part to nurture a society where our history, our shared heritage, and our community stories are cherished and celebrated.”
Mr Seah will give a free public talk on the books on Feb 16 from 4pm to 5pm at The Pod, National Library.
Our Amazing Heroes costs $38.00 for a full set of three books, or $14.90 each. The books are also available online at World Scientific’s website, Shopee, Lazada and Amazon.
Chin Soo Fang is senior correspondent at The Straits Times covering topics such as community, politics, social issues, consumer, culture and heritage.
