One Full Circle
THOUGH only in his early 30s, Louis Ang felt like he has already come a full circle from where he was years ago.
After his release from prison, Louis started working in a F&B and hospitality company. A positive attitude and sheer determination helped him raise him through the ranks and he became a Senior Operations Executive for the company.
Louis was recently awarded the May Day award in May. It was also in the same month his life took a huge turn when he got married. Embracing all these successes that knocked on his door almost consecutively, Louis expressed that he is thankful and grateful for his past. If not for the storm, he would not have gotten the rainbow.
He shares his thoughts with us.
1. What was your greatest fear when you were released?
I was afraid that I would not be able to find a job because society has negative perception of ex-offenders.
2. What is your main motivation for not going back to crime?
It would be my family. The kind of life I used to lead in the past was different. I put my friends above family. But when I was in trouble with the law, my friends did not help. My parents were the ones who helped me. They went all out; the care and concern they showed during their regular visits in prison were different.
3. Did you ever think you would be where you are now when you were incarcerated?
No. I never expected things to turn out so well.
4. Was there any incident that made you feel like giving up?
After my release, I went looking for a job. But I got nowhere. Companies asked for past working experience. And my past was a barrier.
5. What stopped you from giving up?
I decided to come clean with myself. I wanted to get a stable job to support my family and become a better person. The moment I changed my mentality and outlook in life, I got a job with the company. With a proper job and stable income, I stopped night activities and got out of bad influence.
6. Do you still feel that you are being discriminated by the society?
No. I'm very happy now. I feel like any normal person, living my life to the fullest. And things are really going well for me. It has been a bonus month for me. I am now a Marketing Sales Executive; and enjoying my job; and I recently got my May Day award. I also just got married this month. And now I'm being interviewed.
7. If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
I wouldn't change anything. During the period of time when I was incarcerated, I realized what I really wanted in life. And that changed my direction towards life. If not for the imprisonment, I would not have changed.
8. What is your advice to other ex-offenders?
If you want to make a change, things will work out if you try hard. If you put your heart into doing something, the results will show. Put in effort. Put words into action.
9. Is there a message that you would like to bring across to employers?
There are lots of ex-convicts who are just like me. Be patient with them and you will see the results.
Video on Louis
Video courtesy of NTUC
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