Skip to main content
Home The New Paper
  • Home
  • News
    • Singapore
    • World
    • Business
    • Views
    • Backstage
    • Others
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Singapore Football
    • Team Singapore
    • School Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Cricket
    • Swimming
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Racing
    • Others
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV
    • Star Style
    • School of Frock
  • Lifestyle
    • Makan
    • Hed Chef
    • Weets Eats
    • Health
    • Tech
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
    • Biker Boy
    • Celeb Chow
    • Others
  • Racing
  • Your Tip-Offs
  • Read E-Paper
  • Contests
  • Coupon
  • Team

Popular

  • COURT & CRIME
  • Food & Drink
Singapore

Ailing grandmother's words inspired her to study hard

This article is more than 12 months old
Ailing grandmother's words inspired her to study hard
CLOSE: Miss Vivian Kek's grandmother Yap Ah Choo brought her up from the time she was six.

Nurul Asyikin Yusoff
May 02, 2016 06:00 am
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • E-mail this article
  • 0 Engagements

Growing up, Miss Vivian Kek was never conscientious about her studies.

It was her paternal grandmother, Madam Yap Ah Choo, 69, who gave her a wake-up call when she was 17.

The elderly woman was very ill, but she managed to impart some important advice to her granddaughter.

Miss Kek, now 21, told The New Paper: "She said, 'You don't have to live for me. But you need to think of your future and live for you.'"

Miss Kek's parents split up when she was six, leaving her in the care of Madam Yap. She is still estranged from her parents.

Madam Yap, who also cares for Miss Kek's 19-year-old sister, earns a living by helping out at a fruit stall.

Mr Daryl Yeo Kang He (centre) gifted his classmates broccoli during their graduation.
World

Ditch flowers, gift veggies

May 13, 2016

Related Stories

She is now more aware about the poor in Singapore

Meeting patient changed his life

From gang member to honour roll valedictorian

Even when times were hard, she never failed to provide for Miss Kek and her sister.

Madam Yap's perseverance inspired Miss Kek, not just to study hardbut also to be kind to others.

Last year, Miss Kek received the Republic Award, which is given to students who demonstrate good character and values.

She was picked for the award because she had mentored a classmate who was struggling to juggle family problems and studies.

Miss Kek, who will graduate with a diploma in wellness, lifestyle and spa management, said: "I do what I can to help people who need it, even if it's just being there for them.

"Having the emotional support is important."

CLOSE: Miss Vivian Kek's grandmother Yap Ah Choo brought her up from the time she was six.

Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now

graduationPolytechnicFamilyUncategorised

Nurul Asyikin Yusoff

Read articles by Nurul Asyikin Yusoff
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • E-mail this article
  • Newslink -  Purchase this article for republication

Top Stories this Month

ICA officers find contraband cigarettes in God of Fortune figurines
Singapore

Thousands of duty unpaid cigarettes found in CNY figurines on lorry: ICA

Jan 18, 2021
Collision with bike leaves girl, 8, needing eye surgery
Singapore

Collision with bike leaves girl, 8, needing eye surgery

Jan 18, 2021
Covid-19 vaccination centres to be opened soon
Singapore

Singapore set to open Covid-19 vaccination centres

Jan 12, 2021
Home
  • Contests
  • Coupon
  • Team
  • Home
  • News
    • Singapore
    • World
    • Business
    • Views
    • Backstage
    • Others
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Singapore Football
    • Team Singapore
    • School Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Cricket
    • Swimming
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Racing
    • Others
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV
    • Star Style
    • School of Frock
  • Lifestyle
    • Makan
    • Hed Chef
    • Weets Eats
    • Health
    • Tech
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
    • Biker Boy
    • Celeb Chow
    • Others
  • Racing
  • Your Tip-Offs
  • Read E-Paper
  • Contact TNP
  • About SPH
  • Privacy Statement
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Member Terms & Conditions
  • Website Terms & Conditions
SPH Digital News Copyright © 2021 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co. Regn No. 198402868E