'Lawrence boy!' PM Wong reconnects with former Haig Boys' School clerk, 89, during Marine Parade walkabout
Mary, 89, a former school clerk at Haig Boys' Primary School, telling PM Wong: "I am very happy for you."
PHOTO: Facebook/Lawrence Wong
PUBLISHED ONOctober 05, 2026 1:52 AMBYSean LerPrime Minister Lawrence Wong enjoyed a heartwarming trip down memory lane during a walkabout at Marine Terrace Market and Hawker Centre on Saturday (Oct 3) with Senior Minister of State Goh Pei Ming.
In a video posted on his social media on Sunday, PM Wong shared footage of his encounter with Mary, 89, a retired school clerk from Haig Boys' School, where he studied as a boy.
"Lawrence boy!" the sprightly senior called out to the prime minister as he shook hands with her while making his way through the hawker centre, greeting residents.
Hearing that, PM Wong sat down and asked for her name.
"Mary," she replied firmly, still clasping his hands, before continuing: "Haig Boys. I was a school clerk."
The mention of the school appeared to bring back memories for PM Wong, who said he remembered her.
"You were the clerk for the principal, Mr Soh, throughout, right? For a long time," said PM Wong.
The prime minister was referring to David Soh Biow Chee, who was principal at Haig Boys' Primary School between 1964 and 1979.
PM Wong attended the school, where his mother also taught.
The pair then posed for a photograph, during which Mary had one more request.
"Send my regards to your mother," she told him.
"Of course," he replied. "I'm sure she will remember you."
"Sure?" she asked.
"Of course," he reassured her. "I do remember you, so how can she not?"
Later, as PM Wong was leaving the hawker centre, Mary approached him again and said: "I want to tell you. I am very happy for you, okay? See you from young until now."
PM Wong described the reunion as a "lovely encounter", noting that Mary was still as energetic and cheerful as ever.
A lovely encounter at Marine Terrace — I met Mary, who used to be our school clerk at Haig Boys’ School. She is 89 now, and still as energetic and cheerful as ever!
The prime minister is no stranger to such walkabouts. From time to time, he joins MPs on visits to neighbourhoods across Singapore.
Earlier in June, he had a warm interaction with diners at Yuhua Place Market and Hawker Centre. They thanked him for the CDC vouchers that they used to pay for a bak kut teh (pork rib soup) meal.
[[nid:738968]]