The writer surrounded by family, relatives and friends at his 75th birthday celebration. Photos: Pola Singh
Growing up in a family of 12 in the modest surroundings of Jalan Air Leleh, Melaka, birthdays were far from being a tradition. My father, a cowherd, and my mother, a housewife, worked tirelessly to make ends meet. With 10 siblings, our lives revolved around survival rather than celebration. Birthdays came and went like any other day. They were neither acknowledged nor missed, as celebrating them was simply not part of our way of life.
That perspective shifted dramatically when I got married at 28. My wife, who had grown up celebrating her birthdays, introduced me to the significance of the day. Determined to honour her tradition, I started with small gestures – buying the most expressive Hallmark cards I could find. These celebrations were intimate and low-key, just the two of us marking the day with quiet joy.
The real transformation came when we welcomed our firstborn, Cheryl. Her first birthday was the first true celebration I participated in. It was magical – with balloons, decorations, a cake-cutting ceremony, and the joy of children running around, giggling. For the first time, I understood the beauty of celebrating milestones. When my son was born two years later, we continued the tradition, initially combining their birthdays for practicality's sake. But we quickly realised that each child deserved their own day to shine, and the annual celebrations became a cherished family affair.
Fast-forward to my 60th birthday – it was unforgettable, with a surprise party thrown by Cheryl and her husband, Chris. For the first time, I was the centre of attention, surrounded by my nine siblings and their families, and close friends. It dawned on me how precious these gatherings were. Life, especially as we age, becomes unpredictable. Cheryl's thoughtful gesture reminded me to live in the moment and seize the opportunities to celebrate life with loved ones.
By the time I turned 70, birthday celebrations had become grander and more meaningful. That year, I hosted a lavish party at an outside venue, where my grandkids, Hannah and Nathan, played a big role. They handcrafted special birthday cards that warmed my heart. The highlight, however, was hearing each of my siblings speak. They shared heartfelt stories about the role I played in keeping our family together after our parents' passing. Their words were a revelation — I hadn’t realised the impact I’d made. Tears of joy flowed as I listened to their speeches. Those moments were recorded, and remain a treasure.
Last year, I celebrated my 75th birthday in a unique way. Instead of gifts, I requested handwritten birthday cards from my guests. While it was a tall order for some, the heartfelt messages I received were deeply touching. Each guest took the time to express their thoughts, and hearing those words read aloud was the highlight of the evening. I felt so loved and appreciated; it was an overwhelming experience.
This celebration extended to another group close to my heart – SeniorsAloud, led by its founder Lily Fu. We had a fantastic time at the Royal Selangor Club, singing karaoke, dancing, and sharing stories. The energy and camaraderie were infectious. When we later parted ways, many expressed the desire to celebrate life more frequently, and not just on birthdays. It reinforced my belief that such gatherings foster emotional well-being and remind us that age is no barrier to enjoying life.
The writer (back row, left) celebrating his birthday with SeniorsAloud members. Its founder Lily Fu is second from the right.
Reflecting on these experiences, I’ve come to realise that celebrating birthdays is more than just marking another year. It’s about expressing gratitude for life’s blessings, strengthening bonds with loved ones, and creating joyous memories. Each celebration is a testament to resilience, a reminder of the journey, and a chance to embrace the present.
One of the most transformative influences in my life has been the dynamic duo of LT Lim and his wife Pansy from the "Happy and Healthy" group. Their joyful outlook on life has inspired me to approach each day with positivity and gratitude. I look forward to celebrating my next birthday with them and spreading their infectious spirit to everyone present.
To those reading this, especially seniors, my message is simple: Celebrate your birthdays every year. Celebrate because you deserve it. After a lifetime of hard work, love, and contribution, it’s your right to mark the day with joy and pride. Life is short, and each birthday is a milestone — a tribute to the life you’ve built, the people you’ve touched, and the memories you’ve created.
So go ahead. Gather your loved ones, cut that cake, sing and dance, and revel in the moment. Let your birthday be a celebration of life, love and legacy. I’ve made a promise to myself to celebrate my birthday every year — and I hope you will too.
Here’s to more birthdays and more joy — for us all.
