micro memoir
When I was younger, I believed that happiness would arrive when I achieved the next milestone. When I earned more money. When I became more successful. When I reached the next goal. But life taught me something different. Happiness is not waiting at the end of the journey. It can
micro memoir
My grandparents left China for Nanyang in search of a better life. My parents lived through the Japanese Occupation and experienced poverty. Their generation learned to survive through hard work, thrift, and perseverance. My mother's advice to me was simple: work hard. As for me, I survived years
micro memoir
When I was a young NCO, I truly believed every officer outranked me in every possible way. In the military, it’s easy to feel like your worth is entirely measured by the insignias on your chest. I was the one always saluting and greeting the "superiors," never
micro memoir
In the past, one of my simple pleasures was enjoying a cup of coffee while reading the newspaper from cover to cover. Today, I no longer read newspapers. Instead, I browse social media on my mobile phone to see what is happening in the world. Then I chat with ChatGPT.
micro memoir
When I was in pre-university, my morning classes ended at noon. I would take a bus to the Toa Payoh Library and spend the rest of the day studying. When hunger came, I walked to the chicken rice stall. I watched others order chicken with extra meat while I
micro memoir
I may be old. But the six-year-old inside me still chases butterflies beneath the trees.
micro memoir
During my second year of National Service, I made a decision that surprised many people. I signed on as a regular soldier on a six-year contract. At that time, it was not a popular career choice among educated young men. The pay was attractive, but there was a significant
micro memoir
When I was younger, I wished someone had taught me to play music by ear. I learned the Electone by reading musical notes. That helped me play songs that were written on paper, but it did not teach me how to play from my heart. I could not hear a
micro memoir
"What do you want to be when you grow up?" The classroom buzzed with excited answers. One girl whispered, "Whatever makes my parents happy." Nobody asked what would make her happy.
micro memoir
In 2008, I quit my corporate job. I had no clear plan and did not know what I would do next. So I prayed and looked for opportunities. While reading the classified advertisements in the newspaper, I noticed a problem. Advertisers were paying $45 a day for three lines of
micro memoir
As told by Li PL As the sun began to set, I made my way to my favourite marble table beneath a large tree on the university campus. The evening breeze stirred the leaves as students hurried past with backpacks slung over their shoulders, each chasing a future they hoped
micro memoir
When I was a student, the place that shaped me most was the library. After school, I would head straight to Toa Payoh Library and stay until closing time. It became my second home. The library was a treasure house of knowledge where I sat at the feet of the