In a heartwarming testament to enduring love, Mr Peter Chua, 91, and Madam Molly Foong, 86, celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this February, marking nearly seven decades of companionship that began with a chance meeting on a school bus. Their story, shared during the Golden Jubilee Wedding Celebrations on 16 February, not only highlights the personal commitment behind a lifelong marriage but also coincides with Singapore’s renewed efforts to support couples embarking on their own marital journeys.
The event, held to honour 202 couples married for over 50 years, was graced by President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and his spouse, Ms Jane Ittogi. It provided a backdrop for Minister for Social and Family Development Masagos Zulkifli to announce enhanced support for Singaporean and permanent resident couples. From 1 July, those completing marriage preparation programmes will receive a higher rebate of $170, up from the current $70 for evidence-informed programmes and $140 for evidence-based ones, with full subsidies for lower-income couples. This initiative, alongside upcoming online learning modules on topics like communication and financial management, underscores the government’s focus on fostering strong family foundations.
For Mr Chua and Madam Foong, the secret to their lasting bond lies in simple, intentional acts. “I always make sure that we have breakfast, lunch, and dinner together,” Madam Foong shared. “When I go out for my exercise, I make sure that I come back on time so we can eat together.” Their relationship, which started as teenagers locking eyes on a bus, grew through shared meals, mutual care, and a deep sense of dependence. Mr Chua recalled a time of separation in their early years, realising how much he missed her—a feeling that cemented their connection. 
Married in 1956, the couple built a life together, raising three children and welcoming seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Mr Chua worked for 30 years as a tanker allocator for Esso, while Madam Foong dedicated herself to homemaking. Their shared experiences extend beyond family, with travels across Europe, Japan, Hong Kong, and Canada. A particularly poignant moment came in 2015 when Mr Chua cared for Madam Foong after her spinal surgery. “In our lives, we have gone through so much,” she reflected. “We really take care of each other.”
Their story resonates at a time when Singapore is actively encouraging couples to invest in their relationships. Minister Masagos emphasised that “nurturing a life-long marriage requires effort, communication and, above all, commitment.” He noted that over 10,500 couples have completed a relationship health quiz, and more than 200 have sought mentorship for their first year of marriage. Additionally, 31,000 Muslim couples have received guidance from religious officials. The expansion of 17 complimentary online modules—previously available only to Muslim couples—to all couples later in 2025 aims to equip them with skills for navigating challenges like conflict resolution and in-law relationships.
The Golden Jubilee event, organised by the Families for Life Council, the Registry of Marriages, and the Registry of Muslim Marriages, was a celebration of resilience and love. President Tharman presented Mr Chua and Madam Foong with a commemorative marriage certificate and gifts, honouring a bond that began with a simple “bye” and grew into a lifetime of shared moments. Their advice—avoiding anger and prioritising quality time—offers a timeless lesson as Singapore seeks to build stronger marital foundations for future generations.
As the nation looks to support new unions through rebates and resources, stories like that of Mr Chua and Madam Foong serve as a reminder of the enduring power of commitment. Their 69 years together stand as an inspiration, reflecting the personal dedication and societal support that can help love last a lifetime.
