One Birthday, Two Celebrations

After Paul and Junshi organized a special pre-birthday dinner for their mother (Read here), one might think the birthday celebrations were over. But not quite! Now it is Dad’s turn to take his beloved wife out for another birthday celebration dinner - this time, just the two of them. The venue? Cham’s Roast & Grill.

It is quite amusing how birthdays change as we grow older. When we were young, birthdays were often about cakes, presents, balloons and parties with friends. As the years go by, the things that matter most become much simpler - good food, meaningful conversations, laughter around the table and, most importantly, having the people we love close by. The celebration may become smaller, but somehow the meaning becomes deeper.

Paul and Junshi had already made their mum feel special with their thoughtful pre-birthday dinner. Now the husband wanted to do his part - not with an elaborate celebration, but with a simple gesture that says, “You are still special to me.” 

There is something rather touching about celebrating birthdays together in our later years. We begin to realize that the greatest gift is not what is wrapped in a box or placed on the dinner table. It is the gift of time - time spent together, sharing stories, recalling memories, enjoying a meal and simply being present. The years have taught us that these ordinary moments are often the ones we treasure most.

Perhaps that is what makes this second birthday dinner equally meaningful. It is not merely another celebration, but a small expression of love and gratitude from a husband to his wife - a reminder that after all these years, there are still reasons to celebrate each other, still memories to make, and still joy to be found in simply being together.

************************************************

But the celebration did not end at Cham’s Roast & Grill. Once we were back home, we continued the evening with a session of Sapporo Premium Beer. After our visit to the Sapporo Beer Museum (Read here), we were pleasantly surprised to discover that this familiar beer is also available in a supermarket in KK. As we raised our glasses, the beer brought back sweet memories of our family trip to Hokkaido just over a month ago.

A Birthday Celebration to Remember

It was a wonderful surprise when Paul and Junshi arranged a pre-birthday celebration on 11 August for my wife, their mother, during their short trip back to KK in August.

For the past few years, celebrating my wife’s birthday had mostly been a two-person affair. This celebration was therefore especially meaningful, as it gave us the opportunity to celebrate together as a family. Sharing such a special occasion with our close family members made it all the more memorable and precious.

The second surprise was the choice of venue. To my delight, they had selected the same restaurant, the Kinsly in Damai Plaza where Sam had arranged my own birthday celebration when he and Maddie came back to KK for a short break in October last year. It was a lovely coincidence and made the evening even more meaningful.

The dishes they carefully selected turned out to be very impressive, and we thoroughly enjoyed the meal and the time spent together. We thought the evening would end after dinner, but there was yet another surprise. Just when we least expected it, the restaurant staff appeared with a small birthday cake, bringing the celebration to a wonderful climax.

It was truly a memorable and unforgettable evening - not only because of the delicious food and the thoughtful arrangements, but, most importantly, because of the love and effort that went into making the occasion special.

For my wife, the birthday “girl” of the evening, it was certainly a celebration she will remember for a long time. It was a beautiful reminder that the greatest birthday gifts are not necessarily things we receive, but the love, thoughtfulness and precious moments shared with family.

How a Stranger in Beijing Led Us to "Dear You"

We also spent two hours in the afternoon of Duan Wu Festival watching the highly acclaimed Chinese movie "Dear You" (给阿嬷的情书). This low-budget film, produced in China in the Teochew dialect with a production cost of only ¥14 million RMB (approximately RM9.0 million), has achieved extraordinary success. Since its release in April 2026, it has grossed ¥1.8 billion RMB (around RM1.12 billion) as of 19 June 2026 - an astonishing achievement for a regional, dialect-based family drama.

The story of how we came to know about this movie is equally fascinating. During our visit to Prince Gong’s Mansion in Beijing on 21 May 2026, we stopped at the man-made rocky garden. My wife sat on a bench for a brief rest, where a Chinese lady happened to be seated beside her.

She introduced herself as a local Beijinger, and upon learning that my wife was an overseas Chinese, she immediately began speaking about a movie she had recently watched - one that had deeply moved and captivated her. She shared that she had wept throughout much of the film. It had left such a profound impression on her that it changed the way she viewed overseas Chinese communities.

She explained that, after watching the movie, she gained a much deeper appreciation of the hardships and sacrifices endured by the forefathers of many overseas Chinese families. Their migration journeys were often marked by poverty, uncertainty, separation, and immense personal sacrifice, as they left their homeland in search of better opportunities abroad. Her words were sincere and heartfelt, and the emotional weight of her reflection was unmistakable.

That brief yet meaningful encounter stayed with us long after we left. It was that chance meeting in Beijing that eventually prompted us to watch Dear You for ourselves.

The film has resonated deeply with audiences across China and many parts of Southeast Asia because its story reflects a shared collective memory shaped by migration, separation, hardship, and familial sacrifice. For many overseas Chinese families, its themes feel intensely personal. The experiences portrayed in the film mirror the journeys of countless Chinese migrants whose forefathers left their ancestral homes in search of better opportunities abroad, often enduring poverty, loneliness, and prolonged separation from those they loved.

For my wife, whose maternal ancestors migrated from Chaoshan (潮汕), and whose grandfather came from Dongshan (东山), Fujian, to Malaya in the early 1900s, this shared history gave the film an even deeper emotional resonance. As she watched, the story became more than a narrative unfolding on screen - it became a reflection of her own family’s lived experiences and inherited memories.

That evening, she shared more about her family’s experiences during the late 1950s and early 1960s, when many parts of China were suffering from severe famine during the Great Leap Forward. The suffering in southern China was deeply felt by relatives overseas, who remained emotionally and financially tied to their ancestral hometowns despite the distance.

She recalled accompanying her paternal grandmother to BP town to send letters and money to relatives living in Dongshan. In those days, letter writing itself was often a communal service. Professional letter writers rented small corners in shop houses, helping those who were illiterate - or those who struggled to express difficult emotions in writing - compose messages to loved ones across the sea. 

She also vividly remembered one extraordinary act of care and sacrifice. At one point, the family slaughtered a pig, cooked the meat, preserved it in oil, and packed it tightly into several metal biscuit tins. The tins were then carefully soldered shut to preserve the contents for the long journey. They were shipped to China and eventually delivered to their ancestral hometown in Dongshan, where relatives facing food shortages received them as precious sustenance. To modern readers, such an act may seem almost unimaginable, but for families separated by migration, sending food was not merely charity - it was an expression of duty, love, and survival.

For me, the film stirred equally powerful memories of both my paternal and maternal grandfathers, who migrated from Guangdong to North Borneo in the early 1900s. Their journeys, struggles, and sacrifices echoed profoundly throughout the film. As I watched, I could not help but think of the hardships they endured - the uncertainty of leaving home, the struggle to build a life in unfamiliar lands, and the quiet resilience that enabled future generations to flourish.

What makes Dear You especially effective is its authenticity. It portrays the lasting connections between generations, the quiet sacrifices people make, and the significance of letters, memories, and unspoken care. The film shows that family history is often shaped not only by major events, but also by small acts of dedication - money carefully saved and sent home, letters written late at night, and food prepared with care for loved ones far away.

In many ways, Dear You is more than just a film. It serves as a tribute to the history, resilience, and legacy of the Chinese diaspora. It highlights that behind every migrant story are hardship and sacrifice, as well as lasting bonds that continue across distance and generations.

Teaching Roots, Global Dreams - The Story of a Sabah Family

It was about two months ago that I last visited Papar on 26.09.2025 (Read here). Thanks to my wife, I had another chance on 22.11.2025 to drive her to attend another wedding celebration of the daughter of Abidin, a former high school principal in the District of Papar.

Remarkably, it had been almost twenty years since my wife left SMK St, Mary in 2006. And now, Abidin has since risen to become the Deputy Director of the Sabah State Education Department.

The celebration was held at his home in Kampong Berundong to mark the wedding of his daughter, Nur Khaleeda, and her Irish husband, Matthew O’Riodan - both of whom are medical doctors.

Later, in a casual conversation with Abidin, we asked whether any of his children had followed in his footsteps by becoming teachers. His answer was no. Through that exchange, it became clear that in many rural parts of Sabah, the older generation often began their careers as teachers, an honorable and stable profession that opened doors for entire families. Over time, this foundation in education has enabled many of their children to pursue higher education and rise to become doctors, engineers, lawyers and other professionals.

The marriage of Matthew, who comes from Ireland, a predominantly Roman Catholic country (over 70%) to a Muslim woman from Sabah represents yet another sign of generational change. In an increasingly interconnected world, such unions are becoming more common, reflecting broader openness and global exposure among today’s youth. It would not be surprising if the newlyweds eventually choose to build their future in Ireland or the UK rather than in Sabah.

This shift symbolizes a wider societal transformation: as education, mobility and global awareness expand, younger generations are empowered to imagine possibilities far beyond the boundaries of their hometowns.

With the bride's father, Abidin and another ex-staff member of SMK St. Mary, Limbahau, Mr. Han.

With the newly wed couple, bridegroom's parents and his brother. 

With Halim, brother-in-law of the bride's father. We attended the wedding of the son of Halim also held in Papar back on 02.12.2023 (Read here).

With Halim's wife (2nd from left) and Aziz (right), a former lecturer of Gaya Teachers Training College where my wife spent almost three years (2006 - 2008) as the Deputy Director of the college.

At the Photo Booth.

A Brief Journey into Sri Gading's Roots

In March 2024, when Sam and his family visited Kota Kinabalu, I took my granddaughter, Livvie, for a short walk along the old track that once led to my childhood home - a modest house nestled in a quiet valley beside Jalan Istana ((Read here). It was a simple walk, yet deeply meaningful, as I retraced the same path my younger self once took daily, now hand in hand with the next generation.

Then, on 11.10.2025, Livvie, her sister Maddie, their parents and grandparents (I and my wife) visited the old family house in Sri Gading - the place where my wife spent her own childhood before moving to Sabah in 1979. Standing once again before that familiar house, they could sense the echoes of family stories and memories that have spanned decades and crossed states - a bridge between past and present.

If there is one object that best captures the essence and significance of this house, it would be the old swing beneath the roof overhang just outside the main door. That swing has silently witnessed the passage of time - from the laughter of Gen Y children to the conversations of forty-something adults reminiscing about their youth. Now, with the newest members of the family, Livvie and Maddie, joyfully taking their turns on it, another beautiful cycle has come full circle. It feels especially poignant knowing that their father once played on the very same swing some forty one years ago in 1984 and a couple of times more in subsequent visits to Sri Gading - a simple yet powerful reminder of how this home continues to hold the threads of family, memory, and continuity across generations (Read here). 

Seeing Livvie and Maddie playing on the swing, I couldn’t help but recall an old photograph taken in July 1984 - at this very same spot - when their father was just a year and a half old. The image of him on the swing four decades ago, now mirrored by his daughters’ laughter, beautifully captures the passage of time and the enduring spirit of family across generations.

Another cherished photograph, taken in February 1990 in front of the main door, captures Livvie and Maddie’s father at seven years old. Seated beside him are his cousin Tai Tai and his younger brother, Paul. The image - three children frozen in time - beautifully preserves their carefree smiles, a timeless reflection of childhood innocence and the enduring family bonds that continue to unite them today.

**************************************************

Inside the old house.

**********************************************

When Paul and Junshi visited Sri Gading in November 2017 to attend my mother-in-law’s 87th birthday celebration, they were also brought to see the canal that runs alongside Jalan Sri Gading (Read here). It has long been a family tradition to take first-time visitors to this small but historically significant canal.

The surrounding area was once part of a thriving agricultural landscape dominated by rubber plantations. During the early to mid-20th century, when road infrastructure was still limited, the area was interlaced with small canals and drainage channels, known locally as parit, which served both as irrigation systems and minor transport routes. This canal was once used by small boats to transport rubber sheets from local plantations to the main river. Over time, as roads improved and lorries replaced boats, the use of these canals for transport declined. 

****************************************************

Another must-see landmark in Sri Gading is the road sign for Jalan Lim Kheng Siang, a street named in honor of my father-in-law. Erected by the roadside, the signboard serves as a lasting tribute to his years of service to the local community. From the 1950s through the 1980s, he was a respected community leader, remembered for his integrity and commitment to public welfare. During that period, he served as the Chairman of the Sri Gading Local Council. His name on the signboard today stands as both a historical marker and a symbol of gratitude from the community he once served.

An old photo taken on 21.12.1958 captures the opening of the local Council office premise. My father-in-law, a tall man is seated in the center of the front row.

**************************************************

That particular Saturday when we visited Sri Gading happened to coincide with the local open market day. It was the perfect opportunity for them to experience the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional rural Malaysian marketplace - where local farmers and vendors sold fresh produce, homemade delicacies and everyday goods. The lively chatter, colorful stalls, and aroma of freshly cooked food offered an authentic glimpse into the daily lives and warm community spirit of the local people.

RIP Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin

In the morning of 26.09.2025, I received the heartbreaking news through a WhatsApp chat group that Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin had passed away at 5.50 a.m. that day. The news struck me deeply, coming barely two months after I had been reconnected with my wedding chauffeur (Read here). While Edward was the one who drove the wedding car, it was Rev. Pang who officiated the wedding blessing ceremony, solemnizing our marriage on that memorable morning of 07.04.1979. Her passing feels especially poignant, as both of them are forever intertwined with one of the most significant milestones of my life.

At the time of my wedding, she was just thirty-two - five years my senior - a young pastor appointed as the Pastor-in-Charge of BCCM KK. She was warm, approachable, and down-to-earth, embodying both grace and dedication in her pastoral calling. I had the privilege of working alongside her during my service as a church council member, where she provided steady leadership with humility and kindness.

Later, when she was transferred to BCCM Penampang Chinese congregation, she extended her trust by inviting me several times to helm the pulpit and share sermons with the congregation. Eventually, when she moved on to serve as a lecturer at Sabah Theological Seminary (STS), our paths continued to cross occasionally whenever I attended Board of Governors meetings at the seminary. Each encounter reaffirmed her genuine spirit, steadfast faith and commitment to nurturing others in ministry.

Her life was also deeply connected to mine in another way. Her husband, Liong Fah, an engineer, was my very first colleague when I began my career in April 1978. At that time, he was heading the KK International Airport Unit, while I was assigned to the same office on secondment to assist with the construction of the new terminal building. Our early professional paths crossed in a way that now feels providential, as it was through these connections that I came to know both him and Rev. Pang, whose lives would touch mine so meaningfully.

Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin’s passing is a profound loss. She was not only a pastor and teacher but also a friend, mentor and a significant part of my life’s journey. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched with her faith, humility and dedication to God’s work.

A couple of old photos of our wedding blessing ceremony on 07.04.1979 conducted at BCCM KK Church and solemnized by Rev. Dr. Pang.

At that time, female pastoral workers were not permitted to be ordained with the title of “Reverend”. However, a turning point came when a motion was later passed to amend the constitution of the BCCM, paving the way for women to be officially ordained. Rev. Dr. Pang, together with another female pastor, Rev. Chong Fui Yung, made history as the first two women to be ordained as Reverends in BCCM. Their ordination not only marked a significant milestone for gender equality within the church but also served as an inspiration for future generations of women called to pastoral ministry.

*****************************************************

From left: Me, Pastor Yong Tin Jin (In charge of BCCM KK English Congregation), Rev. Dr. Pang Ken Phin, Captain Donald Soh, WO K Ravi, Rita Ho and WO Liew Yun Fung.

Rev. Dr. Pang also served as the 1st Chaplain of the 2nd Kota Kinabalu Boys Brigade Company which was under the jurisdiction of BCCM KK. I served for a couple of years as a Warrant Officer of the Company in the 1980s.

*****************************************************

The last message I received from both Liong Fah and Rev. Pang was during Christmas 2018, when they shared a Christmas card in the WhatsApp group for former BCCM KK Youth Fellowship members. 

******************************************************

Group photo with some of Rev. Dr. Pang's family members and friends after paying our last respects at the Funeral Parlour in the afternoon of 29.09.2025.

At the funeral parlour, I came to know from her family members that Rev. Dr. Pang had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about four and a half years ago, in 2020, during the difficult period of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite undergoing treatment and bravely facing the illness, she was eventually called home by the Lord Almighty, to enter into her eternal rest.

May her soul rest in peace. 

RIP, Rev. Dr. Pang.

60th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration of SMK St. Mary, Limbahau, Papar

On the evening of 26.09.2025, I had the honour of attending the 60th Anniversary Jubilee Celebration of SMK St. Mary Limbahau, Papar, serving as both chauffeur and companion to my wife. Having served as the school principal for eight years, from 1998 to 2006, she was invited as one of the special guests, joining other retired principals in being recognized for their contributions.

As I watched her being welcomed with warmth and respect, my thoughts drifted back to July 2006. That was when I too had the privilege of attending a Farewell Lunch at the Promenade Hotel, organized by the School Board, teaching staff, and supporting staff. The event was held in honour of their beloved principal - my wife - who at that time was preparing for her transfer to the Gaya Teachers Training Institute.

The 60th anniversary celebration, much like that farewell nearly two decades ago, was filled with a sense of gratitude, nostalgia, and deep appreciation for the years of service and dedication that helped shape the school’s legacy (Read here).

The event was not only a celebration of the school’s six decades of history and achievements but also a meaningful occasion for fundraising to support its future development. Held at the ballroom of 10Star Cinemas Parklane in Benoni City, Papar, the evening brought together alumni, educators and well-wishers in a spirit of gratitude, camaraderie and shared purpose.

That evening, three former principals - all ladies - were honoured. Group photo taken with the current principal, Mr. Philip Chiew.

********************************************************

The occasion also provided a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with former colleagues and friends. Many of those who had served under her leadership during the late 1990s and early 2000s have since advanced in their careers, now holding positions as school principals and senior administrators in the education sector. 

The only gentleman in the photo, Mr. Han was another Senior Assistant during her tenure as Principal who is now a principal of SMK St. Peter Telipok. Another teacher at that time (lady seated second from right) is now the Director of Kent Teachers Training Institute.

Zuraida, who had served as one of her three 

Senior Assistants during her tenure as Principal 

is now a school principal of 

SMK Majakir, Papar.

Philip Chiew, the current School Principal of 

SMK St. Mary, Papar was another Senior Assistant 

during her tenure as school principal.

Two of her former staff members, who once served as cleaners, made a special effort to come by and warmly greet their former boss, a gesture that reflected their lasting respect and affection for her.

*********************************************************

The Guest-of-Honour invited to officiate the function that evening was YB Juil Nuatim, the State Assemblyman of the constituency of Limbahau. He won that newly created state seat in 2020 under Party Warisan, but switched to GRS, the party in control of the current state government in 2023 just before the Anti-Party-Hopping law in Sabah was passed by the Sabah State Legislative Assembly on 25.05.2023.

********************************************************

Another invited special guest was Datuk Johnny Mositum whom I recently met on 29.08.2025 (Read here).

Another friend whom I met in the function was Justin Liew, a former student of SMK St. Joseph Papar. He was once a colleague of mine in JKR Sabah in the early 1980s. He stayed on in JKR Sabah until retirement in 2016. His last post was the Principal Assistant Director of JKR Sabah. He is currently holding a lay leadership role in the Roman Catholic Church in Sabah as the Head of the Archdiocesan Education Commission for the Archdiocese of Kota Kinabalu.

********************************************************

Some of the cultural performances that evening.

*******************************************************

Many of her former students, who had known and been taught by her in the late 1990s and early 2000s, are now in their forties. Some of them, in the course of casual conversations, came forward to express their heartfelt gratitude for the impact she had made in their lives.

One gentleman approached her and shared that she had been “the inspiration of his life”. Today, he stands as a successful businessman, running a private educational institution - the Kiara College. A group of ladies also fondly reminisced about their school days, telling her how much they admired her beauty back then, even affectionately nicknaming her the “Celine Dion of the school”.

Listening to these warm words and compliments, I am ever more convinced that my wife truly made a lasting difference in the lives of many during her eight years of dedicated service at the school.

On a personal note, I too felt a quiet sense of comfort knowing that, in a small way, I had contributed to the upgrading of the school’s infrastructure. I was especially pleased to see the school hall, staff room, and the Domestic Science Block - facilities I last visited on 02.12.2023 - still standing as part of the school’s legacy (Read here).