I was born to wealth, with 5Cs all at my disposal the day I could utter my first words, but my family was bankrupted by a series of incidents where trust was misplaced.
I remember studying for PSLE under a candlelight as had no money to pay for electricity and having to illegally take water from the public taps for toothbrushing and a simple drink.
Changi Airport was my location of choice for studying my O levels and Poly.
I have no hero story to say how I turned things around and came out tops or that I ate a lot of salt, but I know I am far better off now.
Truth be told, the person that I am today was largely because of an anonymous benefactor who has since, I am told, carried this secret to his grave; A large portion of my overseas education was paid by him and it was seen to that my family would not go hungry while I was away.
Which has since inspired me to act kindly and unconditionally to many of the less fortunate that would occansionally cross my path till today.