I Am Swee Ching

I could have been a Connie.

When I was born, my parents debated whether to give me an English name. My mother thought of the name Connie. My father objected to the whole idea of an English name, because we are Chinese. Being conservative, he even argued that only bargirls (in the exact term he used) have English names. So my mother didn't insist. (Heng ah! I really cannot picture myself as a Connie : P)

As I was growing up, I disliked my dialect name Swee Ching. I was much more used to my Chinese name (pronounced as Ruijing), and I cringed every time someone called me by my dialect name. I then dreamt of having an English name. I thought I could be a Dorothy, a Adeline, or a Caryn.

Then I was a Jeryn.

When I was 17, I decided that I will be Jeryn. I plucked that name from the air, thinking that it sounds cheerful and happy and fun, and the spelling is unique. My JC friends, to Uni friends, to URA colleagues all know me as Jeryn.

But I am really Swee Ching.

After I left URA, I joined a private company and had the opportunity to fly to China, as the company has offices in Beijing and Shanghai. When I set foot in Beijing, something happened. I was totally awed and humbled by the Chinese culture and history. I realized that I am a descendent of the Chinese people, and I should be proud of my Chinese heritage and identity. I decided that I should embrace my given name, chosen by my parents, which is a true reflection of my Chinese roots. So I am Swee Ching. Was, is and will be. Always and forever.

Oh! And please! It's Ng Swee Ching, not Swee Ching Ng. Because I am a Chinese.