The man who refuses to retire.
At an age when many are taking it easy, Uncle Ch’ng is still going strong.
He runs an economy rice stall at Red House, the red-roofed building near Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Olympic-sized swimming pool.
I was a regular too, back in my undergraduate days.
Today was a quiet day, so Uncle Ch’ng chatted with me.
What a treasure trove of stories that unlocked!
He started working here at just 12, when the Vice Chancellor was the late Hamzah Sendut. Back then, he helped his uncle run the very first university canteen, serving hawker fare like curry mee, char kuay teow, and Hainanese chicken rice.
That canteen stood near where Subaidah Nasi Kandar sits today, before moving to its current location in 1990 and pivoting to economy rice.
Red House’s homestyle Chinese dishes, served with a liberal dose of Uncle Ch’ng’s humour, nourished my body and soul, when I was living away from home for the first time.
More than 20 years later, he still presides at the head of the table, tabulating the price of our rice and individual dishes, without the aid of a calculator.
At nearly 80, he has more stamina and gusto than many half his age.
If I don’t come for more than a week, he’ll ask, “Long time never see you. Went for holiday out of town?”
That’s how you hook a customer for life.
You make them feel seen and build relationships.
What a champion. 🙌
When I grow up, I want to be just like you, Uncle Ch’ng.
👉 Who’s the unsung hero in your community who inspires you?
Photo: my lunch of “kam sua hu” , Red House’s signature fried fish steak, vegetable and rice.
By Alex
Alex is a human interest storyteller.
ET