Segamat Life
Souvenirs of a better life
/ 0
From Johor Buzz
Interview with Tay Chee Hong by Sim Bak Heng
I TRAVELLED to work between Segamat and Kuala Lumpur every weekend for eight years before I called it a day in 2007. I was at the peak of my career when I gave up everything for the sake of my wife and children. It was a difficult choice to make but I know that when one gate is closed, another gate will open. Looking at the progress of my small business and being able to spend time with my family, I have no regrets making that decision.
I married after completing Form Five at SMJK Seg Hwa. As my wife, Sim Lai Meng, helped her mother run a souvenir shop, I pursued a two-year diploma in automobile in Kuala Lumpur before I joined an automobile company as a technical adviser in 2001. I had thought of coming back to work in Segamat but low pay and limited jobs had kept me at bay.
In 1996, I began planning with my wife to start a souvenir shop in Segamat. I knew that if I did not plan early, it would be difficult later. The planning took two years. I resigned from my post as a service manager and returned to Segamat to open a gift shop with my wife in December 2007. My wife and mother-in-law helped me a lot as I was new to the field. It was a total change from dealing with cars to selling souvenirs.
I had to handle everything on my own, including stock order, accounting, administration and manpower. On a positive note, I feel more relaxed as life in Segamat is slow but steady. My shop opens from 10am to 10pm but my time is flexible as my wife helps me. It was different when I was working in Kuala Lumpur as I had to leave Segamat at 6am to make it to work at 8am. By the time I reached home, it would be after 7pm. My work drained me of energy and the only thing I could do was to sleep.
In Segamat, I have time for my family and friends. I have also begun to do charity work. I donate my souvenirs to welfare workers and schools when they ask me for help. I hope to join a charitable organisation in the future. Life is more meaningful when one shares with others. Tay Chee Hong, 30, runs de fairytales florist and gift shop with his wife, Sim Lai Meng, 30, at Jalan Sia Her Yam, Segamat
