Datin Penny Yong didn’t only give both her daughters her brilliant smile and warm geniality, she also shared with them her priceless enthusiasm for life and an unmatched sense of humour.
A relationship between a mother and her daughter is one of the most complex in the world. Yet, it is also one of the strongest, most cherished and unparalleled.
Datin Penny Yong and her eldest daughter of 2, Yong Mei Ling, share one of those rare bonds. Datin Penny didn’t only give both her daughters her brilliant smile and warm geniality, she also shared with them her priceless enthusiasm for life and an unmatched sense of humour. They are never afraid to let their hair down and dance like nobody is watching whenever they are spotted together.
After hearing from Clifford Khong on how his mother shaped his life, we now speak to Mei Ling to find out how much her mother’s support means to her.
What is the one fondest memory you have with your mother?
My fondest memory with my mum would have to be when we used to blast Backstreet Boys 'Everybody' and danced around the living room.
What are some of her favourite things to indulge in?
I would say a good high tea. Being born and raised in England, she loves scones with jam and a dollop of cream, also a good cup of tea of course. Another thing would be champagne mani/pedi’s, where she can get her nails done with a chilled glass of bubbly.
Growing up, how did she keep you in check? Was she the bad cop or the good cop?
Mum was good cop and dad was bad cop. No messing with him. She’d always try to talk things out and reason with us, to try help us understand the mistake and how to right our wrongs.
She’d always emphasise on communication and I think through that, she kept us in check as understanding why things are the way they are, or why things happen a certain way leaves a stronger impact.
How much has your relationship with your mum changed from when you were younger compared to now?
When I was a teenager, I couldn’t envision me and my mum being as close in the way I spent time with those I considered my best friends at the time. But a decade on, I can’t imagine her not being the person I turn to with life’s most difficult questions, advising me in my unsure moments and reminding me that it is okay to be uncertain. And I can’t believe I am saying this but thank you for all of those lectures I endured as a teenager. They are finally starting to make sense now.
What is one of her habits that you’ve always found amusing?
Her love for karaoke even though she can’t hit a single note, but her enthusiasm is contagious and will definitely put a smile on your face. She just lights up the room with her energy. Her favourite song is Donna Summers’ 'Last Dance'.
This Mother’s Day, what are some of the plans you have in store for her?
This Mother’s Day, my sister and me are planning to pamper her starting with brunch at her favourite café (Yeast Bistronomy), getting a champagne mani/pedi, followed by a massage. Total relaxation day to unwind.
What is the most important lesson she has imparted to you while growing up?
It would be to not take life too seriously. Being able to laugh, to find humour in difficult situations, and to always look for the positive in a bad situation. She has always taught us to find the positive as problems exist, that is the fact of life, and making mistakes is a characteristic of being human.
One quote that I feel like sums it up would be this: “Always find a reason to laugh. It may not add years to your life but will surely add life to your years." Laugh often. And then laugh some more. Needless to say, I love the culture of joy my mum has established in our home.
How much has she shaped the person you are today?
She’s always raised me to chase my dreams and aided my creativity on all avenues. When 10-year-old me wanted to be a dancer, she sent me for latin classes, attended all my competitions, was always my favourite cheerleader. When 12-year-old me wanted to become an actress, she sent me for classes with KLPAC. She is the most encouraging person and never told me that there was anything I couldn’t do. She's always pushing me out of my comfort zone but I was okay with that, because I knew I’d always have family to fall back on.
So in a way, she has shaped me so much because thanks to her, I will continue to embrace the riskier things in life, because it’s not that scary after all.
She will be reading this, no doubt. What would you want to say to her?
You inspire.
I can’t say that the journey to where we are now has been an entirely smooth ride, but I can say that it is a ride that I will never forget -- a ride that will continue to be my main source of inspiration. You have a serious level of independence, strength, and forward-thinking. You have certainly set a high bar for my future mom-self. I have enjoyed travelling the world with you, our coffee conversations where we’d laugh till our tummy’s hurt.
One thing I am really thankful for is the patience you had with me. Perhaps it is easier for me to express my frustrations with you than anyone else in this world because you love me limitlessly and unconditionally. There were times when I wasn’t the easiest child. Still, you loved me anyway, and always found a way to get through to me. For that, I am forever grateful.
As I get older, I realise more and more how much you have done for me and continue to do every day.
Thank you. Happy Mother’s Day.
(Photos: Yong Mei Ling)
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