Commemorating 67th Independence Day of the Federation of Malaya (31 August 1957)
I am dedicated to capturing and preserving the precious memories of my life’s journey before they begin to fade. This commitment stems from a deep desire to hold on to these cherished moments while I still can. Memories of family and friends have the power to illuminate our shared experiences, traditions, places and practices, offering inspiration and connection in meaningful ways.
In the quiet town of Telok Panglima Garang, Banting, Malaysia, the name Simon Tek Chye is remembered with warmth and respect by those who had the privilege of knowing him. Affectionately known as the “Cable Man,” my father lived a life characterised by resilience, humility and unwavering dedication. Born into hardship, Simon faced the world with a determination that belied his modest beginnings. Raised by a stern stepmother in a family with many mouths to feed and as a step-son, young Simon quickly learned that life was a battleground. He quickly learned that life was a constant struggle. Yet, in the shade of cocoa and coconut trees in a small kebun or plantation, he began to forge his own path with quiet strength.
Simon’s formal education was brief, cut short after only a few years of primary school. The harshness of his upbringing and the demands of survival shaped his youth, leaving behind scars on his head and a shortened index finger as silent testimonies to the trials he endured. Despite these challenges, Simon was sent by his father to Assumption Church in Petaling Jaya, where he assisted the priest and helped at the sacristy. It was in this humble setting that he honed his conversational English, a skill that would later serve him well. This move to the church was as much about easing his family’s burden as it was about offering Simon a chance at a different life.
In 1965, my father met my mother, Annie, through a family aunt who arranged their marriage. I was born in 1966, followed by my brother Stephen a year later, and our youngest brother Andrew in 1978. Together, they built a family grounded in love, sacrifice and shared dreams.
As Malaya celebrated its independence in 1957, Petaling Jaya was on the brink of transformation. During this period, Malayan Cables Berhad (MCB), a British-owned factory, began its pioneering work in cable manufacturing. My father, then a young man with limited formal education, joined the company as a machine operator. His employee code, 368, became a symbol of his unwavering commitment to building a better future for his family. The RM300 monthly wage he earned was modest, but his dedication to his work was immeasurable.
The cable industry, though perhaps underappreciated at the time, was vital to the nation’s post-independence infrastructure. My father’s efforts, alongside those of countless other hardworking Malaysians, ensured that every cable they touched was reliable and safe. Their quiet dedication was essential, even if it often went unnoticed by the broader world.
The manufacturing process was demanding and intricate. I remember visiting Dad during the factory’s Family and Open Day, where he proudly showed me his work. His tasks included managing the continuous supply of raw materials, overseeing the precise extrusion of cable layers, and ensuring that each step of the process was meticulously controlled. He often shared the challenges he faced – feeding coils into drums, dealing with frequent interruptions, and the frustration of restarting the process.
Despite the challenges of union activities and factory demands, Dad always sought peaceful resolutions, avoiding conflicts to continue providing for our family. His role, especially after the company was acquired by the Sapura Group in the 1980s, required rotating shifts that disrupted his sleep and imposed physical strain. Yet, he never complained, carrying out his duties with pride and resilience. Even when faced with difficulties from supervisors and colleagues, Dad remained focused on his responsibilities, demonstrating a quiet strength and humility.
When he retired at 55, Dad left behind more than just a job well done. Employee No. 368, the “Cable Man,” was a symbol of perseverance, integrity and unyielding dedication.
Family was everything to Simon. Together with my mother, Annie—a remarkable and resilient woman – they shared a deep commitment to their family. Annie supported the household by tapping rubber and later working as a seamstress – until an eye injury forced her to stop. Despite their modest means, they raised three sons with unwavering dedication. One son was fortunate to embark on a successful career in the corporate world, while the other two pursued successful paths as engineers.
Our family’s life took a significant turn sometime around 1972 when my parents borrowed money from my maternal grandmother to purchase a modest house in Petaling Jaya. Although the space was tight, it was filled with warmth and love. Simon’s commute to work became easier, and with hard work and sacrifice, my parents were able to improve our home, creating a foundation for a better future.
Simon was a straightforward man, sometimes blunt in his responses, but always well-meaning. He had a knack for cracking a joke every now and then. Though he lacked formal education, he stayed informed by reading newspapers and enjoyed engaging in conversations. His pastimes included gardening and fishing, and he yearned to travel, despite the challenges posed by his diabetes. He dedicated much of his time to supporting his children and helping to raise his grandchildren.
My father’s life was a testament to his unwavering faith and simplicity. He confronted his health challenges, including diabetes, prostate enlargement, and injuries from road accidents, with the same courage and resilience that had defined his entire life. In 2022, when a heart bypass operation became necessary, Simon chose to undergo the procedure despite our concerns. Even as his heart functioned at only 30%, he remained steadfast, praying faithfully and finding solace in his faith in Jesus Christ. When he woke up from his surgery, he shared with us that he had glimpsed heaven- a beautiful vision that brought him peace. His greatest concern was for my mother, the woman who had been his life partner through every joy and challenge.
On 9 January 2022, amid the Covid-19 pandemic, as Dad prepared to leave the hospital after his surgery, the unimaginable happened. He was having his meal when a Code Blue was announced from his room, signaling a cardiac and respiratory arrest. Despite the advances of modern medicine and his resilient spirit, Simon passed away that day, leaving behind a legacy of grace and resilience at the age of 82. In our hearts, we know that Dad, or Kong-Kong as we lovingly called him, is now in a better place, eternally at peace in heaven.
In our family – like many Chinese and Asian families – openly expressing love and pride isn’t always natural or common. Cultural norms often emphasise restraint and humility, leading to a more reserved way of showing affection. In these families, love and pride might be conveyed through actions rather than words, such as through the sacrifices made for one’s children or the dedication to family responsibilities. This indirect approach can sometimes make it challenging for family members to openly acknowledge or articulate their feelings, but the underlying sentiment remains deeply felt and profoundly significant. When Dad passed away and we sorted through his belongings, my brother discovered that he had meticulously saved numerous newspaper clippings about me. This revealed how much he cared and was proud of me, even if it wasn’t always expressed openly.
I am immensely proud of my dad’s dedication to both his job and our family. Simon Tek Chye was a man of remarkable strength and simplicity. His life, marked by early hardships and unwavering dedication, left an indelible mark on those who knew him. He is remembered not just for his contributions as a hardworking man but for his deep faith, love for his family, and unyielding spirit. His legacy lives on in the lives of his 3 sons, 9 grandchildren and the countless memories they hold dear.
Ultimately, my father’s life is a poignant testament to enduring strength, steadfast dedication, and the quiet dignity that arises from daily struggles in the 1970’s and later. His journey reveals the extraordinary within the ordinary and the deep love embedded in everyday sacrifices. His devotion has shaped and inspired us all in the Tek family.
To Dad and Mum, I want to express my deepest love and gratitude. Both of you were truly extraordinary in the ordinary. Though time may have moved on, let us cherish every moment together with love, hugs, and kisses. May God bless our beloved parents, both here on earth and in heaven.
Joseph Tek Choon Yee is a distinguished leader in the palm oil industry with over 30 years of experience.
His career includes corporate roles such as CEO and Managing Director of a publicly listed company
and Chief Executive of the Malaysian Palm Oil Association (MPOA). Joseph holds a First-Class Honours
Bachelor’s degree in Botany from the National University of Malaysia, an MPhil in Plant Breeding from
Cambridge University, and has completed the ASEAN Senior Management Development Programme
at Harvard Business School. His educational background, combined with his extensive industry
experience, enables him to blend technical expertise with strategic vision and passion. Guided by his
motto, “Aspire to inspire before expire,” Joseph is dedicated to advancing leadership and innovation in
his field. He opted for an early retirement and now lives in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. He is involved with
youth empowerment through TVET especially for marginalised youths in Borneo.