The World Of Tzu Chi December 2019 (Vol.117)

2019 • 12 40 By Koh Poo Leng Translated by Wong Mun Heng Photograph by Tai Fuey Tat ouching Life Story Chew Ah Ngah, 81, sang her way to fame during her younger days. Now, the former songstress suffers from kidney complications and lives a solitary life. She initially seemed aloof towards the volunteers and struggled to connect with them due to her mistrust of others, but eventually opened up to them, moved by their kindness and sincerity. Ag ing but Never Alone C hew Ah Ngah’s deep, resonant voice reverberated across the room as she broke into a nostalgic rendition of the classic Chinese oldie “New Moon”. The song held fond memories for Ah Ngah, who performed it to the crowd gathered at Stadium Merdeka 62 years ago towitness the proclamation ofMalaysia’s independence from colonial rule.Ah Ngah, now 81, still takes immense pride in the opportunity to sing onstage for the Merdeka Day celebrations and cherishes it as one of her proudest achievements to this day. In the 1950s, Ah Ngah attended singing lessons and stood out with her unique vocals, landing her under the spotlight when she was selected to serenade the spectators of the Independence Day festivities. Her newfound fame peaked at the age of 19 as she performed at various venues across the nation and attained celebrity status. But the glory years of youth had passed her by, leaving her with wizened features and greying hair. Ah Ngah stopped abruptly mid-tune, having pushed her vocals to the limit. “My singing is now out of tune. I cannot control my vocal cords anymore. I sound awful!” lamentedAh Ngah, clad