Esplanade, Cinemas & Rediffusion
"Esplanade was nearby. The water came right up to the war memorial."
During that period, before the land was reclaimed, Beach Road was along the seaside.
"On weekends we would go for walks to enjoy the seaside. Those were the simple joys of life." Kam Ying reminisced with affection.
There were many cinemas in the vicinity and going to the cinemas was a favourite pastime.
"Odeon... and there was also Pavilion where Cantonese movies were screened."
Few people had the luxury of television at that period. For many, the only entertainment was Rediffusion.
"I enjoyed listening to songs and stories. We tuned in daily to listen to the radio instead of watching television." Kam Ying chuckled as she recalled the simple life of her teenage years.
Kam Ying married an accountant in 1968. She shared that they would either go to the cinemas or to the seaside during their dating days.
Standard 7, 8 & 9 at MGS (1952 – 1954)
Kam Ying's missionary teacher in the Methodist school in Kuantan had written to Methodist Girls' School or MGS in Singapore, helping her secure a place, in standard 7 or present day secondary 2.
"MGS was behind Cathay Building. From North Bridge Road, I had to cross seven roads to get to school on foot. I also took the bus which cost five cents then."
Top of the Class
The Methodist school she went to in Kuantan was very small. In her class there were only seven or eight students and they were taught by a lady missionary who was very kind to the students.
Till this day, Kam Ying wondered if her school in Kuantan had any proper syllabus. She seemed to be doing very well and was getting good grades. In fact, she was always top of the class.
Culture Shock
"So when I came to Singapore, ai yah, I had a culture shock! When I wrote my composition, the teacher tore it into pieces," Kam Ying related with glee. "No lah! Not literally. The teacher just crossed out many words." Looking back, she was able to see the lighter side of the then traumatic and distressing experience.
She often used contractions liberally and had made all sorts of grammar mistakes.
"I didn't know any better. I had to struggle very hard during standard 7 and 8 but I managed to pull through and passed the 'O' levels or standard 9 in 1954."
In retrospect, Kam Ling realised how ignorant they had been.
"We should have engaged a private tutor. We could afford that but we didn't know any better."
This story was documented as part of SMP’s collaboration with Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Alexandra Health Services.
