Lunch with Sumiko

Live every day happily, says Chew Chor Meng, whose kopitiam in Hougang draws the crowds

The actor, who has Kennedy’s disease, recently opened Tam Chiak Kopitiam with three partners. He tells executive editor Sumiko Tan that his condition has deteriorated, but he counts his blessings.

SPH Brightcove Video
Actor Chew Chor Meng has been living with a rare illness – Kennedy's disease – since 2008. He tells executive editor Sumiko Tan that while his condition has deteriorated, he still counts his blessings.
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, actor Chew Chor Meng would swim for exercise.

Because he has Kennedy’s disease, an incurable neuromuscular disorder that causes progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles, he had to enter and get out of the pool with care.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.