His Life Journey

In Malaysia, he believed that talent alone wasn’t enough, without background or connections, there was no path forward. So, he felt compelled to seek better prospects in Singapore.

But life there was even harsher. His insomnia worsened; he barely slept for an entire month, and not even sleeping pills could help. At work, he endured constant verbal abuse and psychological pressure, treated as nothing more than a disposable “Ma-lau” - a Malaysian laborer.

In a moment of reflection, he told Yong Lin that he finally understood, success in Singapore was a matter of luck. Not everyone was destined to make it big.

After being diagnosed with cancer, he came to understand why people seek something to believe in, it gave meaning in the face of suffering.

During his solo bus rides to Kuala Lumpur for chemotherapy, he had time to reflect and gained many insights about life. Although there was a disconnect between him and his family, he held no resentment. He recognized that their lives hadn’t been easy either, and that realization made him more determined to stay strong.

In time, he made peace with his situation. To him, life was just a journey... his might simply be ending a bit sooner than others.

He reassured those close to him not to worry. He no longer felt sorrow, nor did he have thoughts of giving up. The pain had become something he was numb to.

He laughed with relief... as he had beaten cancer. The grueling chemotherapy had been worth it. With the insurance payout, he could finally open a photography studio in Johor Bahru and pursue what he truly loved, free from the torment of his old boss in Singapore.

After enduring a year of pain, he longed for a trip to Taiwan and casually asked me if I were free to join.

Still, a quiet fear lingered. He worried the cancer might return. And if it did, he said with a half-smile, he’d be watching over them from above.

With a weary sigh, he acknowledged that the cancer had indeed returned. He was utterly exhausted. Yet, despite everything, the memories of his travels brought him genuine joy and he said he had no regrets.

His brother once reflected, “Have you noticed? Ever since he passed, no matter how difficult life became, I somehow managed to get through it. Most of his life was filled with suffering, maybe he came into this world with a purpose. Now that he’s been released so young, perhaps he’s up there holding some higher position among the souls.”

In the end, his life was not defined by how long he lived, but by how deeply he felt, how bravely he endured, and how sincerely he loved. Though much of his journey was marked by hardship... mental strain, betrayal, illness, and loss, he chose not to be bitter. He travelled, forgave, and found clarity in solitude. He carried his pain without complaint and lived fully in the moments he could claim as his own.