Here is a possible response to the question: I think it can be wise to hold on to some traditional values. While embracing modernity is important for progress, traditions also help maintain our cultural identity and provide guidance on moral conduct. Ah Ma in the story values practices like ancestor worship which keep her connected to her heritage and past. Such traditions provide a sense of continuity across generations. They also promote virtues of filial piety and respect for elders. However, not all traditions are equally relevant in a changing world. It is important to evaluate which ones still have meaning and adapt others where needed. The new generation in the story struggles to understand Ah Ma's ways as modern life is very different. Overall, traditions

1. Tanjung Rhu
By Minfong Ho

2. Tanjung Rhu, Singapore

3. Tanjung Rhu

4. Tanjung Rhu

5. Tanjung Rhu

6. About the Author
•A Chinese-American award winning writer
•Born in Myanmar 1951
•Has lived in Singapore and Thailand
•Currently resides in New York
•Studied Chinese History and Literature at
Tunghai University, Taiwan

7. About the Author
• Writes on the lives of people in South East Asia
• Writes stories for young adult readers and young
children
• 1983, worked for National University of Singapore
for 7 years
• Her works have been selected as teaching
material of English Literature in lower secondary
school

8. Synopsis
• Simple yet profound story
• Relationship between Mr T.W. Li , a rich businessman
and Ah Ma, his mother
• Mr Li has his office at Shenton Way and is modern in
ways and ideas.
• Ah Ma is traditional with strong religious beliefs and
practices ancestor worship
• The day after Ah Ma’s funeral, Mr Li recalls the day he
told his mother about using binoculars or see-far
glasses

9. Synopsis
• He wants her to have better vision
• She hopes to see her husband’s shipyard in Tanjung Rhu
• She tells Mr Li she sees his childhood days when they
enjoyed walks on Tanjung Rhu beach
• She then becomes sick and unable to talk much.
• She manages to tell him of a hidden key in the altar
before she passes away
• He promises to fulfil her last wish but is unable to find
the key

10. Mr T. W. Li
Successful business man
Has a happy childhood in Tanjung Rhu
Close relationship with his mother but does not open
up easily
Modern in his ways and ideas
Tolerant- does not interfere in his mother’s traditional
ways
Meticulous- keeps track of the number of ships
everyday

11. Mr T. W. Li
Filial – made sure the funeral of his
mother is done in the right way
Strict and does not entertain disrespect
for the young
Regrets not talking to Ah Ma and never
listens when she talks

12. Ah Ma (Mr Li’s
mother) Traditional with strong religious
beliefs
Values Chinese ancestors worship
Meticulous – keeps prayer
paraphernalia under lock and key
Determined to do things her own way
Often lost in memories – yearns to
see Tanjung Rhu
Old fashioned – doesn’t want surgery
for her eye cataract
Proud of her son’s success

13. Ying (Mr Li’s
daughter)
Loving – takes care of her grandmother
in the hospital
Modern – speaks English to her parents
and takes the traditional customs and
rituals lightly
When young, loves helping her
grandmother to pray
Persuasive – tries to persuade her
grandmother to let her do the praying

14. Themes:
Traditional values vs modern ideas:
- Ah Ma is steeped in traditional values while Mr Li and
Ying represent the modern society.
- Ah Ma has high regard for the traditional practices of
the Chinese community while the new generation does
not place much importance on tradition.

15. Past vs Present:
• Ah Ma represents the past while Mr Li symbolizes
the present.
• Mr Li sees the ships at the harbor at present while
Ah Ma ‘sees’ the port of Tanjung Rhu when they
used to live there in the past

16. Regret:
• Mr Li feels deep regret for the way he treats Ah
Ma after his mother falls ill and later passes away
• He never pays much attention to his mother’s
stories about the past and realizes a little too late
that most of his questions remained unanswered.

17. Generation Gap:
• The characters in 3 different generations – Ah
Ma, Mr Li and Ying
• Each generation behaves differently and has their
own beliefs and ideas, and they do not often
agree with each other.

18. Moral Values:
•Although we live in a modern world, we must not
forget our traditional values
•We must learn to appreciate people while we can
•Money cannot buy everything
•Learn to respect and tolerate each other

19. Question:
In the story Tanjung Rhu, we are exposed
to characters who hold on dearly to
traditional values. Do you think that this
is a wise thing to do? Why?