A Sentimental Person, An Antique House [chinese version]

Walking into the pre-war house filled with antique furniture, ornaments, porcelains, antiques, mirrors and oil paintings. In this antique house, the journalist met its sentimental owner.

After having breakfast at Newton Circus Food Centre, checking the map and walking on a small path for five minutes, I finally reached the home of Dr. William Chong, the CEO of Pacific Healthcare Holdings.

Dr Chong spent S$1.38 million dollars for this 2, 800 square feet house in 1994.

That is a house built in 1920 before the war. Upon entering the house, my heart began to calm down – as if transitioning from a polluted, bustling city to a elegant and oriental house.

Night Reading enables me to reflect…

Walking into the house, another feeling emerged. The antique furniture, ornaments, porcelains, antiques, mirrors and oil paintings exudes a strong oriental aura, as if to tell every visitor of the vicissitudes they have witnessed for the past generations.

One thing that I can be sure of is this is a very antique house, just like its sentimental owner. Old things remind one to treasure everything one has now and 43-year-old Dr William Chong relishes in this feeling of nostalgia.

The antique furniture, porcelain and antiques in this ancient house exude a strong oriental aura.

Dr Chong said, “I like to read at night, especially history books as it enlightens us and make us more humble as we move on in our lives”.

Dr Chong came from a humble background and had to take care of his ill father when he was young. This made him more caring towards his family and empathetic towards the underprivileged in society.

Children likes antique furniture too

Dr Chong said, “The company is making profits annually and the business is expanding, but I hope everything the organization is doing will be beneficial to the society.” Hence, he opened a nursing home at Red hill last year because he understands one needs more care and attention in the later years.

Dr Chong has two sons, Renhuang and Renwei. Renwei adores the garden the most because he enjoys gardening in his free time and it feels like a carefree paradise for him.

As he is always occupied with work, Dr. Chong has very little time for his children. However, he said that most of the time not spent at work, will be spent with his two sons whom he shares a strong bonding with. Listening to him share the stories of his two children evidently depicts that he is not a successful professional who neglects his family.

His elder son, Chong Renwei, 11 years old, is autistic and is unable to express himself well. But the younger son, Chong Renhuang, 8 years old, is an intelligent student who always ranked tops in his class.

Dr Chong spent S$1.38million dollars to buy the 2800 square feet house in 1994. His two children grew up in this pre-war terrace house and their colourful childhood contrast greatly with the antique interior setting. Both kids do not dislike the antique furniture but rather, they have grown a strong sense of attachment towards the furniture.

Loves both kids equally

Renhuang said to the journalist: “I love this place, especially my garden. I’ve grown many plants including chili plants. Look, isn’t it beautiful?”

Renwei does not like to talk much. He seems to be living in a world of his own but the occasional giggles from him, warms the hearts of those around.

The fair father treats both sons equally. He hopes they will contribute to the society when they grow up. Dr Chong is however, fearful that his children, who are from a wealthy family, would not be able to understand the trials and tribulations of life. Therefore, he brings his sons to the nursing home every weekend to do voluntary work.

When discussing about work, Dr Chong began to talk passionately. He separates his work and family very clearly. Seeing their father starting to talk about his work, the two children left the living room obediently and proceeded to the garden to play. After a while, the two innocent boys started enjoying themselves and making noises in the garden. From the guest room’s windows, we could see the children’s smiling faces.

Looking at the cupboards, sewing machines, tables, chairs and tightly-covered boxes in the house reminds us of those aged, yellowish photographs which sometimes remind you of your grandmother or even your mother and the thought brings a smile to your face. Sometimes the antique furniture reminds you of your family or friends who have left you, and the thought brings a feeling of loss.

When asked what the most precious item in the house is, Dr. Chong’s replied without hesitation, “My two sons.”

Before the end of the interview, Chong Renhuang ran up to the journalist and said softly:” I’ll take care of my brother forever”

This was a sentimental journey. Walking into the house, with all the memories that linger was an inspiration for me to write. Leaving the house, I learnt a lesson to treasure every moment of the future.

Healthcare entrepreneur helps patients save time and money

A nominee of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2004, Dr. William Chong established Pacific Healthcare Holdings with two friends who are also doctors. He is a dental surgeon.

He said combining multi-disciplinary specialist care under one roof helps patients to save time and money, and at the same time able to provide quality medical service for them.

The stained glass on the dark wooden stairs of Dr Chong’s house emanates a nostalgic feel.

He feels that as our population ages, more patients may develop at the same time. Going to a one-stop multi-disciplinary specialist center allows patients to enjoy medical care without having to undergo the hassle of traveling to several places.

“Judging from the cost factor, this arrangement allows patients to save money. For instance, patients have to only do one body check-up and the results can be shared among our specialists. Furthermore, they can be treated by different specialists at the same time. This will in turn reduce the costs of body check-up and anesthesia used”.

Source: Lianhe Zaobao, 11 September 2005