They have been together for more than six decades, but their children have never heard them exchange a harsh word.

Yesterday, Mr Lim Sai Meng, 91, and his wife, Madam Poh Boon Quee, 86, renewed their vows after 67 years of marriage.

It was a joyous affair, as they went on stage with five other couples for the ceremony, which ended with hugs and kisses all round.

Their five children, aged 54 to 61, were all at the celebratory dinner.

Granddaughter Janet Ong, 34, described the couple as the binding force of their family, and noted that everybody gathered at their home in Aljunied for meals each weekend.

"Sometimes they shout at each other and people may think they are fighting," said the social media strategist with a smile.

"But it's actually because they can't hear each other."

The couple, who have 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, met for the first time on their wedding day in Anxi county, in China's Fujian province.

Mr Lim, who used to run his own traditional Chinese medicine business, said in Hokkien that his wife was a "filial daughter-in-law" who took good care of the family.

As for his advice for a good marriage?

"Give and take. Never let an argument go unresolved before the night ends."

Carolyn Khew