In the spirit of remembering the power and importance of Mothers

In the spirit of remembering the power and importance of Mothers, August Man Malaysia marks the day by asking a few mothers and sons about how motherhood started and how it’s going

BRIAN AND MARK CHOO have a live wire of a mum ‒ a lady with so much Soul (pun intended) and zest for life who has helped shape her two sons to become the men they are today. With Brian taking on the reins of the family’s renowned F&B business, while Mark has paved his own way in the realm of health and fitness, with Tribe Boxing Studio, Cirque Fitness Studio and TeleMe ‒ a data driven healthcare online platform.

We speak to the three of them to get an insight into their fun-loving mother-son relationship.

Michele Kwok What does motherhood mean to you?

Motherhood isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, but I would never trade it for anything in this world. Motherhood means patience, persistency, maturity and wisdom. It has definitely tested my patience and has ‘forced’ me to be on top of my own life ‒ in terms of time, energy, health, mental wellbeing and more, so that I am able to always be there for my boys in terms of strength, stamina and presence of mind. Being a mother has also shifted my own identity - initially as a responsible adult and now to being a confident, well-lived and fulfilled person; in a sense it has made my life feel more complete.

What do you love most about your sons?

Does the fact they annoy me to no end count? Ok, I kid, I love that they like to hang out with me. And I’m proud of the fact that they are adamant to be independent, both financially and in their everyday lives. I cherish the fact that they too love and prioritise family. And I love that they love me loads and loads!

Brian Choo What is your favourite memory surrounding your mother?

Growing up with one of the coolest mums you could ask for, there are plenty to pick from ‒ from clubbing nights together to the holiday trips we spent as a family. The one thing I truly cherish is seeing Mum spending time with my daughter Riley, her first grandchild. I guess in a way, being in the position I’m in now, seeing the one lady you look up to the most, interacting with the most precious bundle of joy in your life makes you realise the pure, raw love that your mother has for you and your family.

What is something unexpected your mother did?

Well, it’s not exactly unexpected but the thing with our mother is that, she will always be the first person to extend a helping hand in any situation, big or small. She will go way beyond her means to help those she cares for and has sacrificed so much to ensure that we are well looked after.

What would you like to say to your mother?

Thank you for being you - the loving, caring, ever thoughtful mother who we can count on through good times and bad. It is always a joy being with you, spending time and just having our casual chats. Look forward to spending many more years with you, with many more grandchildren to come! Love you Mum.

Mark Choo What is your favourite memory surrounding your mother?

Trying out new cuisines or restaurants with my mum is something I look forward to, as she’s quite adventurous and teaches me how to appreciate certain tastes and flavours that I normally wouldn’t try by myself!

What is something unexpected your mother did?

My mum used to send me food everyday while I was recovering from Covid-19 as I lived alone. I thought that was pretty sweet; then I found out later that she was sending food daily to my other friend in a different block under quarantine as well, and that showed just how generous and caring she was, not just as a mother but as a person.

What would you like to say to your mother?

Thanks mum for always supporting & believing in me ‒ you’re my biggest supporter since day one and I hope I’ll continue to make you proud!

SHERSON LIAN AND HIS MUM, ANN IS THE DYNAMIC DUO that most Malaysians are familiar with. While many would avoid the scrutiny and stress that comes from cooking with their mothers, he isn’t one that backs down from a challenge. Together the pair hosted Family Kitchen with Sherson, a popular eight-episode series which features authentic home-cooking helmed by the two-generation family. With the show being such a big hit in the country, it is said that the main ingredients for its success are heart-warming stories paired with mouth-watering dishes with a dash of playful family fun.

Sherson Lian What makes your mum happy?

I believe like all mothers, she’s happy when the family is together, enjoying a meal she has prepared for her loved ones.

If your mum were a character in a book, movie or TV show, who would it be?

Wow I actually don’t have a clue, I just can’t see her as someone else or see someone else resembling her in any way. To me, she will always just be my mum, the mum that raised me and my sibling up.

What makes you proud of your mum?

She is quiet yet resilient, she has single-handedly saved my family during a bad economic downturn by being our provider while taking care of my siblings and I̶be it our studies or our well-being. Until today, there is no knowing what her limits are when it comes to taking care of her family. I remember there was an incident once when my youngest brother fell into a monsoon drain, and without giving it a second thought, my mum jumped in right after him to save him. I mean the strength of this lady really amazes me, till this day.

If your mum won a million ringgit, what do you think she would do with it?

I think she will probably travel the world with my dad. She has always loved traveling but due to certain circumstances, she never really had the chance to do that.

What is the most important thing your mum has taught you?

To work hard! I think that was all we ever saw our mum doing actually. Also, the importance of taking care of family which she has never stopped doing until now. We’re all grown up and while we all live our separate lives pursuing different things, she never stopped caring and has always tried to take care of us in whatever ways she can.

Ann Lian How have your notions of what it means to be a woman changed over your lifetime?

To me, a woman is there to support and uphold the well-being of life which means I need to be there for my children as mother, as wife for my husband and as a daughter for my parents. By doing so I have already experienced the fulfilment and pleasure in life. Now my notion of what it means to be a woman has been reaffirmed even at this age.

What was it like being a working mum at that time? Would you do it all over again? What would you change?

Being a working mum has made me to be a very single minded person when it comes to the upbringing of my family. I will most definitely do it all over again and instead I will even rope them in closer in everything I am doing in order to avoid any misunderstandings that will arise as they grow older.

What was the day Sherson was born like?

Oh it was the most joyous day of my life. The amount of glee and exhilaration I have felt on that day was even present when I had my three other kids̶all my fears were washed away, I just kept going forward looking intently for ways to improve our lives.

What do you want or wish most for your kids?

Like most mothers, the only wish I have for my kids is to truly experience love and fulfilment in all the phases of their lives. I want them to have a life filled with purpose and drive.

What was life like for you at Sherson’s age?

It was so full of life ̶I went through days where I was filled with happiness but also disappointment, other days I found success while some days I felt like a failure. Nevertheless, I was always filled with hope and I never stopped working hard in order to provide for my family.

My mother is quiet yet resilient, she has single-handedly saved my family during a bad economic downturn by being our provider while taking care of my siblings and I — be it our studies or our well-being

THE OEI BROTHERS ARE DEFINITELY GRATEFUL FOR THEIR MOTHER, Ooi Piek See, who saw through their needs despite being a single mother, after the passing of her husband, while her three sons were in their teenage years.

And while the going was tough back then, as their mother had step out of her role from being a stay-at-home mum, she kept going. Even taking up a few jobs to make ends meet, as she worked through the pain to ensure the best outcome for her sons.

She did such an amazing job raising them, which set the path for all three boys to become successful in their own right. John-Ian started Microbs ‒ a waste management solution provider ‒ back then with his youngest brother, John-Hans. Then, John-Hans, who also co-founded the Malaysia Powerlifting Alliance, co-founded his own venture Cultiveat ‒ a tech-driven urban farming company. All while John-Son, the middle child had made waves with his social enterprise, EPIC, which gave back a lot to society, especially for the orang asli community.

We speak to all three of the Oei brothers about their mother to find out some of their favourite memories and more.

John-Ian Oei What is your favourite memory surrounding your mother?

Back when we were younger, I just loved the times when she would take us out either to the park to play, or even for a meal. Somehow it’s the little things I miss, when we would just spend time together and enjoy each other’s company.

What is something unexpected your mother did?

Well I wouldn’t call it unexpected, but rather unbelievable. As we started managing our own households now, and running our own families, it dawned on me, just how amazing she was. To have single-handedly brought us up. Even if she might not have made enough back then, she never let us know how bad things were; she always made it seem like there was nothing to worry about at all.

What would you like to say to your mother?

Thanks for sacrificing so much for us, and for constantly supporting me in all I do. You’re a real inspiration and I love you.

John-Son Oei What is your favourite memory surrounding your mother?

I’d say it definitely revolves around food; everyone in our family appreciates food. And it’s while sharing a meal that we can get to talking and it’s always a lovely experience. Mostly because she is more than just a mother to us, she’s also a wonderful friend who listens well, and has a tonne of knowledge and wisdom to dispense. She’s definitely a joy and a blessing to be around.

What is something unexpected your mother did?

I wasn’t a good student in school and one year during open day, my mom and I had to pay a visit to the assistant principals office ‒ who

had a list of complaints from many of my teachers. While I felt down listening to the negative comments, my mom had a different idea. Instead of turning around and scolding me, she turned it into a motivational speech to the assistant principal, about how there are many ways to educate individuals, and how she believes in me and that my potential was not based solely in exams and academics. Following that, I felt encouraged and hopeful, while the assistant principal who was now inspired decided to use my mom’s words for her speech later that afternoon. I thought that was pretty hilarious and really showed how extraordinary my mom was.

What would you like to say to your mother?

Happy Mother’s Day Mum. Thanks for modelling out strength, determination and most of all, the faith and courage to live a life driven by Godly ideals; I’m privileged to be your son.

John-Hans Oei What is your favourite memory surrounding your mother?

When we were kids, no matter which neighbourhood we moved to, my house would be the hub where neighbours would gather. My mom prepared food and drinks for the other moms and games for the kids. I remember those evenings fondly, they were simple and carefree times. My mom’s house, till this day (pre-pandemic, at least), is a place of refuge and communion for friends and family. She never lets you leave without something to eat or drink, or without something to take home. She emphasises the importance of living life with your “village.”

What is something unexpected your mother did?

When I was four, I discovered the word ‘sabbatical’ from a movie, which my mum then went on to explain to me. I then asked her if I could take a sabbatical from kindergarten, and she unexpectedly said yes! So I stopped attending kindergarten for a year. When I asked her about it as an adult, she laughed and told me that I had made that decision confidently, and she thought it would be good to have me experience the consequences of my decisions.

What would you like to say to your mother?

Thank you for showing me what it means to love and honour your parents. My mum took care of her parents and my late dad’s father when they had terminal illnesses in their old age, up till their deaths.

Thanks for modelling out strength, determination and most of all, the faith and courage to live a life driven by Godly ideals; I’m privileged to be your son.