From The Straits Times    |


Image: Desmond Wee

SINGAPORE – They have been married for 54 years, but on Monday (Jan 1), Mr Ang See Kee, 80, and Madam Chua Ai Tee, 75, said “I do” again to each other.

They were among 32 couples who spent the first day of the year reaffirming their marriage vows outside Botanic Gardens MRT station, as part of a grassroots initiative to promote family bonding.

Among the participants, Mr Ang and Madam Chua held the honour of being married for the longest number of years. “Vows are just a formality. What is more important is to stay loving and tolerant of each other,” Madam Chua said in Mandarin.


Image: Desmond Wee

This is the 10th year in which couples renewed their vows together, in the initiative organised by the People’s Association Family Life Champions (FLCs), who are grassroots leaders tasked with promoting family life in the community.

See also: 4 MARRIAGE AND RELATIONSHIP TIPS TO SEE YOU THROUGH TO YOUR 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY​

The FLCs involved this year hail from the Yew Tee, Ayer Rajah, Clementi, Keat Hong, Limbang and Yuhua divisions.


Image: Desmond Wee

For this year’s edition, called Mass Romantic Trip, the 32 couples also took the train to HarbourFront Centre, where they enjoyed a banquet dinner with friends and relatives.

They were joined by Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC MP Alex Yam, who presented the couples with their renewal of vows certificates.

This article was first published in The Straits Times.

See also: OVER 50 YEARS ON: 6 ELDERLY COUPLES SAY “I DO” ALL OVER AGAIN AT SINGAPORE’S REGISTRY OF MARRIAGES