Words of Wisdom, by Folklory

Jimmy Yap reflects on rising from humble beginnings to regional leadership through hard work, honesty, and relationship-building. He shares lessons on learning on the job, earning trust, teamwork, lifelong friendships, and discovering passion by putting oneself forward and staying curious. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Whatever job you do, you have to be honest and work very hard.” “You have to l...

Linda Teo reflects on growing up in a large, modest family and building a meaningful life through thrift, sincerity, and service. She shares wisdom on love, family bonding, perseverance, friendship, and choosing time, values, and contribution over material success. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “You are your own brand, get noticed using your talents.” “It’s not easy to reach 50 years of marriage,...

Rajalingam reflects on entering teaching out of necessity, developing passion over time, and spending forty years educating children. He emphasises respect, perseverance, genuine care for students, and choosing work aligned with values to sustain purpose and resilience. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “You must be passionate about education as a career. If not, you'll be burnt out.” “Back then, ther...

Frances Ong reflects on teaching as a lifelong vocation shaped by faith, compassion, and service. Drawing from decades as an educator and mother of six, she shares wisdom on purpose, boundaries in love, authenticity, and nurturing others without losing oneself. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Teaching can never be a job or career, it must be a vocation to be able to last this long.” “If you go in f...

Lim Hock Lay reflects on joining the police out of necessity, building lifelong bonds through service, and learning resilience, sincerity, and self-control. He shares wisdom on relationships, patience in conflict, face-to-face connection, and sustaining trust in work and love. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Be honest, sincere, friendly, never talk negatively about other people.” “When things get h...

Michael Hogan reflects on a lifelong engineering career driven by curiosity, teamwork, and respect for others’ strengths. He shares lessons on friendship, contribution, passion growing from interest, face-to-face connection, and giving back through volunteering and service to society. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “The secret behind my career was taking an interest in what I was doing.” “Good team...

K. T. Velu reflects on growing up with hardship, building resilience through decades in the police force, and later serving community and sport. He shares wisdom on teamwork, adaptability, lifelong learning, courage, and staying grounded while giving back to society. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Working wasn't a choice. It was something we had to do for survival.” “Working in teams, coordination...

Yang Mama, 94, shares her lifelong spirit of “learning till old age,” reflecting on love, work, and friendship. She urges youth to study before romance, pursue jobs they truly enjoy, value honesty, and nurture meaningful friendships built on sincerity and shared trust.

Lilian reflects on love, career passion, and the importance of values in both work and relationships. She emphasises the evolution of love over time, the importance of integrity, and the need for genuine connections, advocating for compassion and unity in Singapore's future. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Love is something that is active. It is dynamic, it changes form and evolves” “You have to tr...

Dennis reflects on retirement, marriage, and family, emphasising respect and intentional time with loved ones. He stresses that happiness is a choice, shaped by perspective, mindfulness, and generosity, and encourages future generations to pursue joy without causing others harm. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “每一段感情, 每一种relationship, 它都是要有付出以经营的。” "Every romance, every relations...

George reflects on his long career in both the Ministry of Defence and Education. He highlights the importance of adaptability, managing expectations, and understanding the evolving role of parents and teachers. His advice includes pursuing passion, embracing change, and nurturing relationships. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “You have to adapt to what people expect of you. Being military when requ...

Matthew reflects on his long career in the prison service, sharing lessons about courage, honesty, and selflessness. He discusses the value of caring relationships, resilience through challenges, and the importance of community for future generations in Singapore. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Love means getting in touch and caring for each other’s wellbeing and health.” “One should not look for...

Wang Look Keah reflects on her career in journalism and communications, the sacrifices of motherhood, and the meaning of love. She emphasises self-discovery, truthfulness, compassion, and teamwork in relationships, reminding younger generations to embrace change, nurture friendships, and lead with heart and integrity. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Be intentional about discovering yourself… your r...

Benjamin Jeyaraj William recounts his journey from humble beginnings to a distinguished career in diplomacy and humanitarian work. He highlights humility, service, and strong friendships while urging future generations to value racial harmony, avoid complacency, and nurture authentic, in-person relationships beyond social media. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Be big hearted, accept and be able to...

Dr. Keith Goh reflects on a lifelong career in neurosurgery, emphasizing sacrifice, endurance, and meaning in serving patients. He highlights love as commitment and care, the importance of integrity, genuine human connection, and resilience for future generations navigating an uncertain world. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “we should find some work which is meaningful and inspires us to keep going...

Foong Keng Seng reflects on his multi-industry career, resilience through retrenchments, and lessons from battling cancer. He emphasises flexibility, lifelong learning, balance through passions, respect in family and friendships, and encourages younger generations to stay relevant, adaptable, and guided by values in uncertain times. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “You like the job, you continue, yo...

Patrick Antony Vijayan reflects on his career in Singapore since the 1980s, urging young people to follow genuine interests, not external pressures. He emphasises respect within families, patience in relationships, friendships, self-control in a changing world, and staying present in life’s journey. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “You must know yourself first. What you like and dislike. And then yo...

Vara Hariharan reflects on her journey from Malaysia to Singapore, her lifelong dedication to education, and the values of duty, compassion, resilience, and authenticity, while sharing wisdom on love, friendship, intentional living, and the importance of integrity in life. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “you have to have the self-discipline and the integrity to do your duty.” “You are two independe...

Peng Guan reflects on retirement, caregiving, and volunteering, sharing wisdom about patience, empathy, and building friendships. He emphasises that love is a two-way commitment, presence matters more than words, and that resilience, compassion, and contributing meaningfully enrich both community and personal life. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Everyone has a lifelong story to share. Be patient a...

Faizah Jamal shares five guiding principles shaped by motherhood, advocacy, and heritage: trusting the universe, guiding only the willing, speaking truth with courage, walking lightly on Earth, and telling one’s story. Her wisdom emphasises integrity, resilience, community, and living authentically. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “The universe is always out to support me.” “Take along with you only...

Beatrice shares insights on love, family, friendships, and career transitions. She emphasises the importance of unconditional love, maintaining gratitude, and practicing integrity. Her wisdom touches on life lessons from both personal experiences and professional growth in ministry and hospitality. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Love has to be something that has no conditions and no strings attach...

Satish Khattar reflects on his lifelong love for words, shaped by discipline, family values, and resilience. He emphasizes humility, compassion, and gratitude while encouraging younger generations to keep learning, nurture relationships, and use storytelling to inspire and build meaningful connections across communities. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Family is forever.” “However you communicate,...

Sharifah Yokoyama reflects on 37 years in special education, emphasising resilience, joy, and authenticity. She shares lessons on love, parenting, friendship, and community, urging future generations to pause, nurture relationships, embrace kindness, and celebrate small wins in life and learning. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “Happy teachers change the world.” “Comparison is a thief of joy.” “Rela...

Phay Thai shares how volunteering transformed her retirement, bringing healing, purpose, and connection. She emphasises self-love, patience in marriage, treasuring friendships, and teaching younger generations empathy. Her reflections highlight that giving often means receiving, and that respect, humility, and compassion sustain love and community. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “In volunteering, i...

Chng Sok Hui reflects on her 42-year career in banking, emphasising resilience, integrity, mentorship, and teamwork. She shares lessons on leadership, raising a family, unconditional love, and investing in continuous learning, offering wisdom for building both professional excellence and strong relationships. Five “Words of Wisdom” Quotes “I always sort of, pray that I would hire the right team, t...