Chang May Choon

Singapore

Assistant Foreign Editor at The Straits Times

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Articles

As I enter my 50s, which are the new 20s, I’m finally free

3 weeks ago | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon

UPDATED Mar 30, 2025, 05:00 AM
I am an awakened Hakka, hear me out

2 months ago | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon

Ngai hei Hakka ngin. These words, which translate to “I am a Hakka person” in English, are the essence of my cultural heritage and ancestry, yet until now I have always had mixed feelings about embracing this identity. Why so? Let me explain. The Hakkas are the fourth-largest dialect group in the Chinese community in Singapore, after the Hokkiens, Cantonese and Teochews. There are some 260,000 of us living here, accounting for roughly 8 per cent of the Chinese population.
No more sugar rush: How did I lose my sweet tooth?

Nov 23, 2024 | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon

Festivals that legitimise the binging of sweet treats have brought the writer as much joy as candy stores. ST ILLUSTRATION: MIEL Updated Nov 24, 2024, 06:29 AM Published Nov 24, 2024, 06:29 AM Something I never thought possible has happened: I have lost my sweet tooth. For as long as I can remember, I have always had a weakness for sugar-laced food. From candies to lollies, chocolates, cakes, ice cream and Milo dinosaur, you name it, I’ve devoured it.
Don’t complain for the sake of it. Make it count

Oct 19, 2024 | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon

The rise of the internet and social media has made it easier for anyone to air grievances in the name of public awareness, says the writer. PHOTO: PEXELS Updated Oct 20, 2024, 05:00 AM Published Oct 20, 2024, 05:00 AM A friend shared recently about how she bombarded a customer service hotline to complain about bad service, but to no avail. How can they ignore her, she fumed, adding: “Maybe I should escalate this and e-mail the CEO...
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to make state visit to Singapore; leader will also attend meetings at Asean Summit

Oct 6, 2024 | thestar.com.my | Chang May Choon

SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/ANN): South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol will make a three-day state visit to Singapore from Oct 7 at the invitation of President Tharman Shanmugaratnam. It will be his first visit to the Republic since he took office in 2022. The trip affirms the excellent relations between the two countries, Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said in a statement issued on Oct 6.
When mini-me is unlike me: Raising a child who is my complete opposite

Sep 7, 2024 | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon

Navigating the uncharted waters of parenting is already challenging, more so when your child is so different from you, says the writer. PHOTO: PEXELS Updated Sep 08, 2024, 05:01 AM Published Sep 08, 2024, 05:00 AM A friend, an introvert, was complaining about her hyperactive seven-year-old daughter sapping all her energy.
Seoul-mates: What South Koreans love about Singapore

Aug 10, 2024 | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon

A vacation to Singapore is even deemed by some South Koreans as bragging rights, compared with say, a holiday in nearby Japan or Vietnam, says the writer. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Updated Aug 11, 2024, 05:02 AM Published Aug 11, 2024, 05:00 AM Singapore has stolen her daughter, my Korean best friend laments as she prepares to send her one and only child back to the city state for her university education.
What price some quiet time at home?

Jul 6, 2024 | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon

I woke up to a beautiful morning on Monday, so peaceful and quiet I could hear birds chirping. How strange, I thought to myself as I rose to find not a single soul on the usually noisy football field belonging to an international school near my house. There were no high-pitched shouts, thunderous cheers or shrill whistles reverberating from the swimming pool near the field either.
With reformist torch-bearer Pezeshkian in the lead, Iran faces severe challenge in run-off presidential vote

Jun 29, 2024 | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon |Jonathan Eyal

Dr Massoud Pezeshkian rose to fame by pleading for the rights of women and ethnic minorities. PHOTO: REUTERS Updated Jun 29, 2024, 10:53 PM Published Jun 29, 2024, 10:53 PM LONDON – Iran is heading for a run-off second presidential ballot after no candidate won 50 per cent of the votes in elections held on June 28. The choice facing Iranians in the second round – now scheduled for July 5 – is momentous.
Five things I miss about my second home, South Korea

May 25, 2024 | straitstimes.com | Chang May Choon

The K-dramas the writer used to love lost their appeal, as she found more scintillating drama bubbling in the daily news headlines about the country. PHOTO: UNSPLASH Updated May 26, 2024, 05:00 AM Published May 26, 2024, 05:00 AM I have a love-hate relationship with my husband’s homeland, South Korea.