When There Was No Internet and Social Media

Growing up in the 1970s and 1980s, life had a different rhythm—one that many today may find hard to imagine. In a world without internet, smartphones, or social media, entertainment meant simpler things that brought families together. TV time was the highlight of our evenings, and it wasn’t just about watching our favorite programs; it was a treasured family ritual.

My brothers and I would eagerly wrap up dinner, so we could all settle into the living room in our cozy little house in Moonlight Park, Ipoh. It was our first home, a small single-story house, where the six of us shared countless memories. That house holds some of the best moments of my childhood, where every evening was marked by a comforting routine, all of us gathered around a modest black-and-white TV.  My papa sat on his lazy chair and I sat on the floor next to him, with eyes glued to the TV.

Growing up in Moonlight Park brought other memories just as precious. The house may have been small, but it was home to a world of joy for me and my best friend, Michael Yong, who lived next door. Michael who is the same age as me was my closest playmate , and our parents affectionately called his parents “chu lai,” meaning friends with the same surname in Hakka. We spent endless hours playing outdoors, exploring, and making memories that remain some of the best of my life.  When I was little, I even told myself that when I grew up, I would marry Michael 😂.  I haven't seen Michael for decades and wonder how he and his older brother, Vincent are doing now. I would love to meet up with them one day.

Our lineup of shows was one of pure nostalgia: Mind Your Language, The Six Million Dollar Man, MacGyver, Empat Sekawan, and Eight Is Enough. I can still vividly recall Mr. Brown, the English teacher in Mind Your Language, and how much we all laughed. Even as kids, we learned so much from those shows—they sparked our imagination and made us laugh, giving us something to look forward to each day.

Then, in 1981, everything changed. My papa brought home a video player, and it was a moment of pure excitement for us kids. I was only eight years old, and watching our first videotape—a Chuck Norris action movie—was nothing short of thrilling. Soon after, papa started renting more videotapes. Our early favorites included Jackie Chan movies and, eventually, TVB dramas. Every day, we’d eagerly wait for papa to come home with the next tape, ready for another night of excitement and family bonding.

By the way, Chuck Norris is still alive and he's 84 years old. Bless that man. I loved watching his movies.

The absence of digital devices meant we were fully present. Life in the 80s felt simple but wonderfully rich. There was a sense of happiness and contentment in the small things, and our evenings together filled us with a joy that only grew with time.

Looking back, I’d do anything to go back to those simpler times, to No. 11 Hala Taurus, Moonlight Park, to our cozy living room, and to those cherished family moments that formed the heart of my childhood. I still remember this address even though we moved out of this house 40 years ago!