Share Your Memories: KanHow's Legacy Lives On

In a corner of the internet, a digital sanctuary exists to preserve the legacy of a remarkable woman - Mdm Lau Kan How. "Memoirs of KanHow" is a digital haven where memories are immortalized, stories are shared, and hardships are overcome with the presence of faith.

The website serves as a tribute to Mdm Lau Kan How, inviting those who have crossed paths with her to contribute their own anecdotes, photographs, and experiences. The goal? To weave together a tapestry of narratives that highlight resilience, compassion, and the unwavering belief in a higher power.

Visitors to the site are encouraged to submit their recollections, knowing that their words may find a home among the digital pages dedicated to Mdm Lau Kan How's life. Whether it's a short story of a shared moment, a photograph capturing a special occasion, or a reflection on the impact she had, every contribution adds depth to the portrait of a remarkable individual.

The website owner curates these submissions, sharing them with the world as they become available. It's a labor of love, honoring the memory of Mdm Lau Kan How and ensuring that her spirit lives on through the narratives of those who knew her best.

As visitors read through the shared memories, they're transported to a world where hardship is met with grace, where challenges are overcome through resilience, and where faith serves as a guiding light through the darkest of days. It's a testament to the power of storytelling, of preserving memories, and of finding solace in the recollections of a life well-lived. So, if you have a story to share, a memory to preserve, or a moment to immortalize, consider adding your voice to the chorus of remembrances on "Memoirs of KanHow." Together, we can ensure that the legacy of Mdm Lau Kan How continues to inspire and uplift those who encounter her digital monument.

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Memories Shared...

My first encounter with Mdm Lau was the day she gingerly stepped into my newly opened restaurant at Faber Drive, way back in 1989. As she walked in, I saw this stern, no-nonsense-looking lady and I was telling myself that this was someone who is either a school principal or an educator. I was keen to find out for myself, so I took the opportunity to seat her down myself.

It turned out to be a blessing as I got to know Mdm Lau better. She is a wonderfully firm but caring person, and surprisingly, with a sense of humour. And moving forward, I eventually got to meet the rest of her family.

One afternoon, I received a call from Mdm Lau. This was the first time I discovered the other side of her. I have always known Mdm Lau to have a calm, collected and cool demeanour – never in a panic. Well, it turns out that a pot of curry meant for a church group gathering that day was ruined and there was not enough time to cook a new batch. I told Mdm Lau to bring it to me to try to salvage it. You can imagine that I still had some diners in the restaurant when Mdm Lau walked in carrying a large pot of curry. All attention was on Mdm Lau and I think that my diners had the impression that I must have outsourced my food preparations.

I managed to rework on the curry and in no time have her on the way to her gathering. Good for her on thinking out of the box!

I don’t remember meeting Mdm Lau for the first time, but I remember crying in front of her for the first time. I was having my weekly math tuition in her house when she returned my mock-test paper that I completed for her the week before. Math was my weakest subject and as expected, I did not do very well. So, in her stern voice, she said, “I am not happy with your results!”

She did not raise her voice nor did she scold me, but my 11-year-old self could not help bursting into tears as soon as I heard that. I suppose I was half-expecting Mdm Lau to get more upset, but instead, she bent over and gave me a hug. She said I must have been very stressed and I was probably just tired.

I did not know it then, but in retrospect, I cried because I was afraid of disappointing her (and in any Asian culture, the fear of disappointing someone only means the utmost form of respect you have for them, am I right? 😊)

This story isn’t a funny one, it is just the most memorable one I have of Mdm Lau. Now that I am an adult, I look back at this fond memory and chuckle to myself. I wish I had savoured her homemade laksa and the Daily Scoop coconut ice cream a bit more that day instead of crying so much!

Mdm Lau Kan How had already been serving in the KKMC WSCS for many years when I was appointed as Pastor-in-Charge of KKMC on 1 January 2012. I have always known her as someone who serves God with full dedication and effort, while encouraging, even expecting, the same of others serving alongside her.

It is her industry for God, even today, that reminds me of the noble lady described in Proverbs 31:10 – 31 (NIV):

10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.

12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.

14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.

15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants.

16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.

18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.

19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.

21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.

25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.

31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Mdm Lau is also someone who says what she means and means what she says.  As such, there is no need to second guess what she is addressing when talking to her.  This is very helpful in a world where too often, people would hesitate to state issues clearly in order to avoid conflict or being questioned about matters.

Also, whatever promise she makes, Mdm Lau will keep and honour it, which is really a manifestation of the “old-school” adage, “My word is my bond!” This is something we are also lacking today as persons are tempted to “change” their stand or “forget” their promise when it is convenient for them to do so.

Mdm Lau has and does exemplify honesty and honour, and love for God and His people.  This is even though her “no nonsense style” can at times seem tough to accept.  But like many persons of the older generation, because they grew up in the midst of very demanding times, they understand the importance of not taking things for granted what they have.  They also may look tough and at times, stern, on the outside, but actually, they are really very soft and gentle on the inside.

May God continue to bless Mdm Lau Kan How as she celebrates another year of life, and another year of service, for God and His glory.

In the vibrant city of Singapore, where tradition meets modernity, resides a remarkable woman known lovingly as Godma Kan How. Her strength, perseverance, and discipline are legendary, inspiring awe far and wide—so much so that even angels might tremble at the thought of not being perfectly prepared to welcome her to heaven just yet.  Although our journey together had begun years ago, it was in 2009 that our bond truly solidified. That year marked my arrival in Singapore to start a new chapter as a student, and it was Godma who graciously opened her home and heart to me.

Godma has been a guiding light in my life, taking on a role that felt as nurturing and protective as my own mother. Her love and care were evident in every aspect of her life. She was strict, perhaps even stricter than my own mother, but it was this discipline that helped shape me into who I am today. Godma continued the parental role that my parents had begun, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

One of the most memorable moments of my time living with Godma was the balance she struck between care and discipline. I vividly recall asking her if I could play basketball with a classmate. Her response was unexpectedly stringent; she requested the names of at least three friends and their parents’ contacts. At first, I felt disheartened and gave up the game as I only had one name to present to her, but with time, I understood her true concern: my safety. It was a lesson in care and responsibility that I carry with me to this day. Now that I have a lovely son, Minh Khoa, born less than a month before her 82nd birthday, I am tempted to try this “three friends” request on him later!

Her support and encouragement were instrumental in helping me overcome the language barrier I faced when coming to a completely new country to live. Every night, she patiently guided me through every English comprehension passages and explained to me composition writing, ensuring I was well-prepared for the government school entrance exam. Her dedication helped me secure a place in an excellent school, studying my favorite subjects stream with pure science.

My life has changed profoundly since then. Godma has been a witness to my growth day by day, present as my second mother at my wedding, and now seeing us build a cozy family with our lovely son.

Our time together has been filled with cherished traditions and joyful activities. Saturday dinners at her house were a highlight of each week, and our Lohei celebrations were nothing short of spectacular. Godma’s life stories sharing and her annual Lohei traditions—extended globally to Vietnam and other countries—are just a few of the many ways she has enriched our lives.

As Godma celebrates her 82nd birthday this year, I am filled with gratitude and admiration. Her influence has been profound, teaching me to endure through hardship and approach every phases in life with resilience and grace. My heartfelt wish for Godma is for continued health, happiness, and many more joyful years with us. I look forward to the day when she can share her wisdom with our baby and perhaps even teach him English with the same dedication and care she bestowed upon me.

Happy 82nd birthday, Godma. Thank you for being an extraordinary mentor, a loving mother, and an irreplaceable part of my life. May this year and many more be filled with joy and cherished moments.