Mr Richard Ashworth’s story begins with the migration of his biological father from Guangzhou to Singapore in 1937. It had been a trying period for the people just before the start of the Japanese Occupation, and his biological mother had been forced to marry his father, for fear that she might be raped, which was a very real threat back then. Though it was initially not a marriage of mutual love, the couple was very productive and had twelve children, of which eight were daughters and 4 were sons. His father worked hard as a coolie after migrating to Singapore, for the sake of a better life, and eventually became a hawker. Mr Richard, initially known as Mr Chan Swee Hua, was supposed to take over his father’s business.
Mr Richard was the pearl of the family, being the eldest son in a Chinese family. He had a weak constitution and was thus given the nickname “Zao Si”, which means to die early in Chinese. A most inauspicious nickname, implying bad luck, but he believes it was his good fortune that led to his adoption. Mr Richard was lucky to be adopted by a wealthy British family as his biological family was huge, and there was no way to survive on a meagre pay.
In 1986, Mr Richard Ashworth won a prize for his sculpture. This was after relentless persuasion from his foster father, for he had failed many times before. Previously, he had registered under the name Chan Swee Hua, but in 1986, he used Richard Ashworth, and was recognised for his artwork. Mr Richard Ashworth says that he is eternally grateful to his foster father: the man who changed his life. Before his adoption, he was about to become a gangster, as was common practice in those days. He admits that he almost became a drug addict, but he knew that there was no turning back and did not go ahead with it.
The young man about to turn gangster was illiterate in English and had an inferiority complex. However, through his foster father’s encouragement, he started work as a clerk and rose in rank to administrative assistant and finally an office manager. He smiles with pride as he mentions how he picked up knowledge as he started work and through hard work, he managed to prove himself. Mr Richard reminds everyone to always be grateful to the people who push you up.
Though Mr Richard understands the difference in a name could result in an acceptance, he has learnt that hard work does pay off. During an interview, Mr Richard says, “There is so much hidden talent out there not being discovered. Possibly, like the old me, they have an inferiority complex.” Mr Richard admits that his stroke of good luck enabled him a good environment to be nurtured in and that he is thankful for it. He credits his young retirement age of 45 to his good luck and hard work. He has a message for all the readers: “Never miss opportunities. Opportunities will slip away. If there is someone willing to help, accept it gratefully. Don’t miss opportunities.”
Mr Richard Ashworth, aged 58, currently resides in Ivory Heights. He is taking care of his 80-year old foster father, and he understands that this is his responsibility and his role as a foster son.
* This memory was collected as part of a collaboration between Nanyang Girls' High School & Yuhua CC in 2012.
