Meet Mun Chong

 

When Mun Chong was 16, a rare viral infection attacked his brain. Suddenly, he couldn't stand or sit; neither could he walk or talk. Such daily functions had to be learnt from scratch - which Mun Chong did. Bit by bit, pieces by pieces. The road to independence was not exactly hurdle-free. Countless falls and many attempts later, not to mention fractured toes and dislocated elbows, Mun Chong could walk with elbow crutches.

Mun Chong now lives alone and his meals are delivered to him by the Moral Home Help Service. He's able to live independently because he learnt to do household chores when he was with TOUCH Unit Hostel, a hostel for persons with intellectual and physical disabilities. Mun Chong cherishes his independence. "The real independence is now and I enjoy it very much. It was in 2002 that I rented a one-room flat and it has been five years. I hope I will have many more five years to go!"

Mun Chong doesn't just lead an independent life; he leads a life that bursts with creative energy. "Painting helps me to focus, calms me down and gives me the freedom to do things on my own. I started with abstract art because I cannot draw straight lines. I can express myself freely through my art. I will continue to paint and hope that I can bring joy and cheer to others with my paintings."