Get ready for an exciting journey to Kukup and delve into the fascinating realm of fish farming alongside Ong Yeong Fang and Kamaludin, the brilliant minds behind Guan Lhee Fish Farm. As the custodians of a family legacy, Mr Ong and his dedicated siblings uphold a proud tradition in the fish industry. Discover the secrets behind their success and the hurdles they overcome, from navigating unpredictable water conditions to ensuring the health and vitality of their prized fish. Kamaludin, hailing from Lombok, Indonesia, brings a unique perspective to the team, infusing the farm with his expertise and unwavering commitment. Prepare to be captivated by their inspiring tales of resilience and innovation as you uncover the vibrant world of fish farming in Kukup.
Mr Ong Yeong Fang, 47, is the second-generation owner of Guan Lhee Fish Farm in Kukup, Johor. He started out working as a fish wholesaler in Johor Bahru before taking over the family business established by his father. Today, Mr Ong runs the farm with his siblings, including his younger brother Ong Yeong Chyuan, 42. With a dedicated team of five workers, the farm supplies fish to markets in both Malaysia and Singapore.
Farming fish in Kukup is a labour-intensive process, taking about two years for each fish to grow to market size. Over the decades, Mr Ong has witnessed a dramatic shift in environmental conditions. In the past, up to 90% of the fish would survive, but today, due to challenges like rain, unpredictable weather, and declining water quality, survival rates have dropped to just 20–30%. Despite these difficulties, Mr Ong and his family remain committed to their work, continuing a generational trade that plays a vital role in the region’s aquaculture industry.
Chua Lai Fong has been volunteering with My Community for about three years, mainly as part of the Tanjong Pagar Tours team. Outside of guiding, she wears many hats – she’s a certified wellness coach and yoga teacher and volunteers in wellness too, combining her passion for well-being with giving back to the community.
What keeps her coming back is simple: “The people at My Community are so committed. I’m inspired by the passion and effort they put into everything.” She enjoys how volunteering allows her to make good use of her time while learning along the way.
One of her favourite memories? Joining as a participant at Chinatown Complex last year, where she gained insights into the lives of hawkers behind the scenes. Experiences like these – and the camaraderie when volunteers gather, whether at an MCF village or a tour guided by Sarafian, May, or Li Yong – really stand out for her.
This year, she’s with the My Singapore (MYSG) team, having contributed to MYSG the year before and MCF village before that. For Lai Fong, it’s all about learning, connecting, and being part of something driven by genuine passion.
Agnes Sek has been a dedicated volunteer with My Community for the past two years, guiding tours around Tiong Bahru and participating in special programmes, including last year’s Chinatown event exploring death-related customs and practices.
A registered and licensed tour guide since 1994, Agnes began her guiding journey in South Africa shortly after the abolition of apartheid, working with her husband to promote tourism. She returned to Singapore in 1997 and, driven by a passion for sharing stories, completed the local tour guiding course in 1999. Since then, she has built a rich freelance career that allows her the flexibility to volunteer regularly.
Her motivation is simple but heartfelt: to give back to society. For nearly 28 years, she has also been a regular blood donor, seeing this as another way to contribute meaningfully. While she humbly says she doesn’t come from a family of heritage or legacies, Agnes takes pride in imparting knowledge to others—especially about places like Tiong Bahru that hold layered histories.
Beyond guiding, Agnes is an avid nature lover. She has walked every nature reserve in Singapore and enjoys hiking both locally and abroad. Her dedication to guiding and volunteering reflects her belief in lifelong learning, connection, and giving back.
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