Chosen by love, cherished for life
MELAKA: They are the 'Papa' and 'Mama' he has known all his life.
'They adopted me when I was just a month old from my biological parents in Johor. From that moment on, they gave me their love and care,' said Kent Tan Chow Teng, 32.
'My parents love me a lot.
'Papa is not a millionaire but he gave me all that I needed and ensured that I could complete my tertiary education,' said Kent, who is a lawyer.
Ever since he was young, his adoptive parents, Bobby Tan Say Kuan, 67, and Cindy Yeo Inn Inn, 63, had been forthcoming to him about the adoption.
'They told me that I became their own son through divine blessing,' he said.
He added that since his adoption process was completed on Aug 10, 1993, he celebrates his birthday on that date every year.
Kent, who is an only child, said his childhood was blessed beyond measure with a pair of guardian angels in his life.
For the family, Bobby's birthday celebration last Saturday was a bittersweet occasion.
A former businessman dealing in electrical components, Bobby was recently diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver and is now wheelchair-bound.
Kent said his father requires round-the-clock support and with his mother also preparing to undergo back surgery, the family had to arrange nursing care for him.
As such, Bobby is currently staying at a nursing home in Ayer Keroh.
'I remain hopeful that Papa will recover soon and be able to return to our home in Merlimau,' said Kent.
He added that the birthday celebration, which was also attended by Kota Melaka MP Khoo Poay Tiong, was the first ever party for his father.
'He's a simple and modest man who doesn't like any fuss,' he said.
Kent, who is a social activist, said his parents had instilled in him the value of serving others.
The bachelor, who is fluent in Hainanese, Hokkien, Cantonese, and Teochew, as well as Malay, English, and Mandarin, is the chairman of the Heng Leng Lion and Dragon Dance Association.
He is also the legal adviser to about 20 temples and social clubs across the state.
'Papa taught me to help others, and Mama always reminds me to be kind and well-mannered.
'They've done so much for me. It's my turn now to do good,' he said.
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