We hear of the Pioneer Generation and the benefits that the Singapore government awards them for their contributions to the country. But our memories are short. There are many forgotten pioneers.
This is a short story of Homer Cheng Hui Ming (1906-1954), a man of integrity, as written by his daughter-in-law, Cheng Shiang.
Emigration to Singapore
In 1927, Dr Hsu King Eng, the first female doctor from Foochow (Fuzhou), China, was advised to leave Foochow because of anti-Christian movement there. Dr Hsu obtained her medical doctor’s degree from the USA. She chose to go to Singapore with her family.
Among the family members who left with Dr Hsu was her son-in-law, Homer Cheng Hui Ming.
Education and Career
Homer Cheng graduated from Anglo-Chinese College and Fukien University in China. He was proficient in English, Mandarin, and several Chinese dialects. In Singapore, he managed to obtain a job as a translator at the Chinese Secretariat. He was promoted to Chief Translator and then rose to the position of Chinese Assistant to the Secretary for Chinese Affairs. His immediate superior, a Chinese, was an opium smoker. He would tell Homer to carry out his work while he would go to check the situation on the ground. He actually headed for opium dens. When he retired, Homer had no trouble fitting into his boss’ post.
Homer had the confidence of the British colonial government of Singapore because of his ability, spirit of service, and integrity. He was a member of the Anti-Corruption Committee. In his desire to strengthen the ties between the government and the local Chinese community, he established the Chinese Advisory Board, the Chinese Schools Co-ordinating Committee and the China Society. He was the Chinese film censor, he approved pawnshop tenders, was the registrar of Chinese societies, and was trusted with the approval of applications for entry for Chinese families.
Leader of Chinese Community
The government approached Dr Chen Su Lan, a well-known doctor those days, to start the Chinese YMCA. This would provide an avenue for youths to learn useful skills such as journalism, commerce, etc., and facilities for sports such as badminton. Dr Chen passed this project to Homer.
Building Family Home
Homer was provided government quarters for him and his family to live in. When he wanted to buy his own home, he bought a piece of land without looking at it first, as he was too busy. To his dismay, he found out later that the land was below road level. He had to take a loan to finance the land purchase and to build the house. At the time of his death, he still owed money, which his family had to pay off.
Church Work
A devout Christian, Homer devoted half his life to church work. The church members bought him a large round table as a house-warming present. In return, he bought a sound system for the church sanctuary.
When questioned about his acceptance of a present, Homer informed the government that he paid more for the sound system than the value of the table.
Music Talent
Homer was musically inclined. He could play the piano, trumpet, and flute. He encouraged his children to take up music. All his children inherited his talent.
He was awarded the Member of the British Empire (MBE) by the British Government in 1952.
Death
He suffered a massive heart attack while at church on a Sunday and was sent to the hospital where he died that night. His sudden death at the age of 47 left everyone shocked. His body was brought home on his wife’s lap in his car.
Links: Homer Cheng Hui Ming
Written by Cheng Shiang, the daughter-in=law of Homer Cheng Hui Ming. Cheng Shiang is a retiree, having worked most of her life in the Public Utilities Board and later Singapore Power.