In this year’s Education Merit Award Ceremony, Nee Soon GRC Member of Parliament, K. Shanmugam, presented a prestigious award to 9-year-old Eben Yong for his outstanding performance at Yishun Primary School. Little did he know that this moment would hold a deeper connection to his own past.
Following the award presentation, Shanmugam had the opportunity to capture a group photograph with Eben and his family. It was then that Eben’s mother, Sharon, shared a precious photograph with him—a snapshot from the past that held a special significance.
The photo depicted a much younger Shanmugam presenting the Edusave Scholarship award to Sharon in 1996. At that time, Shanmugam served as the Member of Parliament for Chong Pang, which fell under Sembawang GRC, while Sharon was a Secondary 1 student at Naval Base Secondary School.
Fast forward 27 years later, the tables had turned, and it was Sharon’s son who was being honored with an education award from the very same person who had recognized her achievements in the past.
Sharon, a lifelong resident of Nee Soon for over 35 years, was deeply touched by the remarkable connection and continuity of recognition from one generation to another.
Expressing his joy, Shanmugam acknowledged Sharon’s decision to continue building her family in Nee Soon and extended his heartfelt wishes for their future endeavors.
Shanmugam’s Facebook post
[From mother to son – I gave awards to both!]
At this year’s Education Merit Award Ceremony, I gave out an award to 9-year-old Eben Yong for his good performance in Yishun Primary School.
After taking a group shot with the family, Eben’s mother, Sharon, showed me this old photo. It was of me giving out the Edusave Scholarship award to her back in 1996.
I was the MP for Chong Pang (which was under Sembawang GRC then), and Sharon was a Secondary 1 student at Naval Base Secondary School. 27 years later, it was now her son receiving an education award from me.
Sharon has been a Nee Soon resident for over 35 years, since she was a little girl. I am happy she has also chosen to build her family here too. I wish her and the family the very best.