Counting Down To A Life Beyond Bars | Beyond Maximum Security | Part 2/3

It’s a galore of bittersweet goodbyes as Boon Keng and Graceson transfer into the community. Like caged animals freshly let out into an enclosure, they savour their newfound freedoms. But as they build their new life, some wounds remain raw. Can they stave off the lure of the outside world, or do old habits die hard?
0:00 Introduction
01:30 Before Boon Keng’s release from prison
05:51 Boon Keng leaves prison for correctional unit
15:26 Graceson is released from prison
22:25 Graceson enters halfway house
26:46 Graceson reunites with family
28:37 Boon Keng’s first day in the community
31:48 Graceson’s first day at work at halfway house
38:45 Boon Keng makes an overdue visit
41:58 Graceson’s first home leave
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About the show:
In this sequel to Inside Maximum Security, four familiar faces prepare themselves for life outside Changi Prison. Staying on track was easy in maximum security. The real test starts now.
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#CNAInsider #CNAMaximumSecurity #CNADocumentary #Prison #Jail #Crime #Inmates #SingaporePrisons
WATCH: Beyond Maximum Security
Part 1: • A Taste Of Freedom Fro...
Part 2: • Counting Down To A Lif...
Part 3: • Road To Redemption: Wi...
WATCH: Inside Maximum Security
Part 1: • How Tough Is Singapore...
Part 2: • Coping With Family Pro...
Part 3: • How Do You Break Bad H...
Part 4: • Getting Ready To Be Re...
Bonus digital episode: • Life Behind Bars: In P...
Behind the scenes: • What We Learnt Filming...
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[@annelin6376]

Boon Keng and Graceson, rooting for you guys to do well back in the community!! (im sure the rest of Singapore are also rallying behind you!) don't give up when the going gets tough, keep in mind your family and loved ones who never gave up on you. You can do it!!

[@HONG38]

yes. all de best in their new found life and pls do not go back to crimes. its not worth it

[@doreenoh2003]

M

[@joeraymond3486]

Not worth it in sg for crime

[@doccan3848]

this graeson is crazy. he dont complain squating in dirty prison toilet. but complain his clothes not washed 😂

[@jantjehouten5806]

Boon Keng's fiancé super solid to stay on for 2 years while Boon Keng was in prison. He found himself a treasure.

[@hilaryho2362]

This series really shows the importance of having loved ones support you back into society. Major kudos to them for being there for Graceson and Boon Keng - it's not easy to welcome someone back into your life after being away for so long. You can see the tinge of awkwardness when Graceson reunites with his family, but what really warms my heart is seeing how everyone is trying. Boon Keng has a lovely fiance supporting him by accompanying him throughout the day and organising his essential documents. It's sad to hear how he doesn't think he can safely say he loves his mom because it feels insincere due to his actions, but I hope that he finds closure and (one day) feels worthy of her love. And please God, I'd hate to think Graceson slips up. That ending scene is such a cliffhanger!

[@dryden28]

I'm so glad that Graceson can be with his loving family again and Boon Keng having his fiancee to support him. Absolutely rooting for them to power through the tough times ahead.

[@joetangkamweng1635]

Boon Keng, your mum will be very happy to know you are a changed person. Don’t worry, your mum will forgive you from heaven. 👍

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

But Graceson's back again

[@lindc1070]

Graceson loves his family and wants to try but I think he needs to work on anger management. He gets triggered easily. Like even about the clothes. He is right they shouldnt have kept the clothes for 4 years without laundering. But in his position he needs to learn to let go.

[@williamlee5260]

My full respect to the Govt of Singapore for having such good programs for the prisoners. I pray that these young men do not fall into temptation when they are outside. Also, I hope people in the Singapore community will give them their support as I can sense that these young men are sincerely looking to turn their lives around. Excellent documentary.

[@leannsfearcocktail9420]

Boon Keng I’m hoping good things come your way. Watching you visit your mother’s grave broke my heart seeing your pain. I live in Santa Monica, California and I wanted you to know people all around the world are pulling for you and want good things to happen during this new chapter in your life. I hope you and your fiancé live happily ever after! Take care. I’m so happy Graceson is back with his family and can now make up for lost time. You touched my heart… Your concern and the well being of your mother and daughter was palpable!

[@kiamweeoh]

Good job CNA for sharing this real life. Boon Keng and Graceson, don't despair. Your family members will support you throughout. Cheers

[@miyathequeenant6679]

Being sober for 4 years, that is the best feeling of all time!!! Temptation, triggers, relapse are just the process of change to be a better person.... We all belief you guys can do it!!!

[@sylviaplath1128]

I high now

[@annew5380]

Really good programme CNA. Been loving all your CNA insider's content. This is the kind of content creation I really like, kudos to the content creators and preparation team behind these. Also thankful for the prisons team and organisations like Helping Hand for the thoughtful programmes. All the best to all those seeking a turnaround after their brush with the law. Live well and live proud for yourselves and your loved ones. God bless!

[@yashvgaikwad]

My heart goes out to boon keng and graceson. I really wish just the absolute best for them and I really hope and pray that they don’t ever have to come back to the prison. I cried when graceson read that letter his daughter gave him, it was such a meaningful and important moment. Please boon keng and graceson don’t mess this up

[@asarudeenfahad.m.y.2631]

Graceson and khai,man you guys made me to cry the whole episode. Enjoy life with family and friends

[@BudgetStudios]

Well done Boon Keng and Graceson! Also, I love this series so much! GOOD JOB CNA! You really bringing up the quality!

[@alyssatan7743]

Boon Keng and Graceson, I hope you guys can continue making good journeys ahead! Don't give up, so many people want you guys to succeed and be happy!

[@sutirmasharjono7720]

Solid documentary.. Wish all the best for boon keng and graceson.. Pls stay out of trouble

[@chrisho9023]

For both Boon Keng and Graceson. Thank you for sharing your stories! 加油! 向前看, 相信你们是可以做到的! All the best to both of you!!!

[@zek7353]

40:40 @ Boon Keng, as sons and daughters all of us fail our parents in one way or another. No one is perfect. I too spent the most part of my adult life being the source of pain and worry for my parents. It's now too late to make amends since they've passed. What we can do, is honor their memory by doing our best every day. Let the chips fall where they may. I'm sure your mom is very proud that you've come a long way and dedicated effort to better your life. Keep your chin up and know that many viewers are rooting for you. Wishing you a fresh start in the coming year bro. 加油!

[@ivantan5690]

The prison should really consider providing every releasing inmate with a set of new clothes...

[@coconutx887]

Yes

[@josephc.9520]

Yeah it's horrible to keep clothes for so long. It would be a great parting gift to the inmates to symbolise a new life (new clothes) Im sure theyd appreciate

[@ivantan5690]

@@josephc.9520 Yea, if its just for a few days still understandable... but years? where's the prison standard of hygiene?

[@mancode3864]

Agree and this can be done through CSR from garment companies, like donating their untagged rejects

[@peidanzhok]

It's never too late Boon Keng. Go make the best out of the life that your mum has given you. You can do it. Jiayou! Jiayou too Papa Graceson! Be the best role model for your children!

[@rickylow1655]

Boon Keng is very likeable guy. He is also very optimistic in his outlook which is a good thing for him. Wish him all the good luck.

[@mrcoco3562]

I cry when boon keng visit his mum, this is the most touching moment and word cannot be expressed

[@ezann]

Such an emotional series i had to pause halfway 😢😢.. I wish you guys all the best ! Kudos to your family for being there for you.

[@lightsphere1]

To agree to appearing in this program already shows your determination to turn over a new leaf. Graceson and Boon Keng, wish you the best in the journey ahead...

[@Emp_Ress1415]

I've been waiting for this! Thank you to all the prisoners. They are brave enough to share their stories.

[@user-wj9hi8su3z]

well done! i think this work release scheme has made their transition back to the society smoother with self sufficiency. it is good to see that they are given a second chance. if they are not given a stepping ground, they will just keep falling. With this, may they rise up to be a better person.

[@Mrteddyable]

Definitely an eye opening documentary!!!

[@yanijune2459]

Jiayou Boon Keng and Graceson. Your effort will be paid off, so please do not give up. It made me weary when Boon Keng visited his mum. He is not lost, just that he feels that he has failed his mum. As long as, he has turned a new leaf, his mum has given her support.

[@itsmeagain76]

Best wishes guys, great that you both are turning your lives around.

[@stickytopics]

Wonderful way to support those released from jail and back into society.... I pray for them and everyone else who has done regretful things in life... a second chance is what everyone needs ❤ Even so, turn a new leaf, get to know yourself.... and heal from the past hurt... slowly but surely can... you just need the right people and right motivation.... some days will be bad, but I pray the best at the ends

[@jiarui1312]

To Boon Keng, it’s nv too late to make things right. Dont look back and move forward! Jiayou!!!! To Graceson I’m happy that u finally reunite with ur girls and wife! The moral support u always needed. May all those support u had will motivate you guys to move forward! U guys came this far!!! 🎉

[@nalanat]

One of the best series yet by CNA. Thank you.

[@serenefoo145]

Graceson aunty really wished you lots of good health, happiness and so happy to see you and your family together again and please think of your children all the time and be strong for them.

[@m.t972]

Graceson and Boon Keng, jia you, jia you. You have wonderful family members. Don’t give up, we are all rooting for you. ❤❤❤

[@mastervain1583]

My heart hurts so much for boon keng since he didn’t even get to say his last goodbye to his mom and he only found out about her death through the papers.. May god bless boon keng and bring him to greater heights

[@JayJay-st1jj]

Yay the best series ever!

[@Syc88889]

its good that they still receive gst voucher.😊

[@jasxteo]

Yes very good cos the money is so important to them

[@choonkeonglim6178]

They are Singaporean Citizens after all must give. This is why SG gov is good, you meet the criteria, you will get. 😊

[@jackielee4599]

Not only GST they also get $500 -700 remit to their bank account.

[@Timholle]

Sg’s govt really the best

[@damdamWoo]

It makes me tear. These are all good people! Kindness in them.

[@jimmyoh1982]

Family & friends bonding is the most important thing in the whole life.. Take care to all the brother..

[@Trinetra3382]

best series. keep it up CNA

[@19rayrayray90]

I'm Malaysian and I;m rooting for Boon Keng and Graceson ! Kamu boleh !

[@dinamustafa3473]

I am from Indonesia. I wish Indonesia has this kind of program to resocialize the exconvicts to the society. The documentary is well presented. The quality of this CNA insider documentary is like the Nat Geo one. Keep up the good works.CNA insider teams. For the two exconvicts, hope everything will be good for U. You will be able to obey and observe all rules to make U able to be free for good.

[@Emp_Ress1415]

Kudos for the people behind this documentary..

[@shobabridals8839]

This was a great programme, and I watched this few times. Please please all who have released, do not flip Back and go back where they released from. It’s hell, even a jobless or better hv freedom to live his life how he want. But not a prisoner. Love u all for allowing to filmed and letting us feel how it is to be an inmate. It’s hell and we duly understand our law is very very strict.

[@iMarcism]

Really enjoyed this series so much. Do more like this CNA

[@Rachael_khoo]

This series is better than some Hollywood, k drama type. This is pure real Singapore

[@tincoronelarnaprints]

the singapore government support is amazing!!! Kudos . God gave you guys for a new life.. Keep going!!!

[@students2011]

浪子回头，金不换。Boon Keng, it is not late to do anything for your mom even she had passed on. All u need to do is lead a good and decent life, she will rest in peace to see that u r well and happy.

[@Kangkangtraveleatlife]

Great to hear that boon keng secure a job offer. Initial salay is low but work you way up to be Duty manager, Front Office Manager.

[@jackielee4599]

Looking forward next episode.

[@bobafett5757]

Next episode already out

[@LadySymphora]

My dad works for the halfway house and he told us lots of stories haha. Hope they can change for a better life if not…it’s going to be a cycle. I know its hard to break habits but lets cheer for them

[@shawnkelly8341]

You mean many go back old ways? Judging from their number of times in and out, it really challenging but hope they will turn a new leaf from now on!

[@LadySymphora]

@@shawnkelly8341 Yeap, temptation and pressure of the outside world. In prison, everything is provided for so its easier to control themselves inside prison maybe, idk. Its really harsh facing the world outside.

[@user-yw5wf6kz5t]

I am in tears and sincerely wish all of them to reunite with their loved ones and integrate into society again.

[@lindc1070]

I feel for the kids. It is not easy carrying the baggage and stigma apart from emotional burden of having an ex con dad. I hope the dads in this series will try hard to stay clean. Loving your kids isnt enough, you need to be a good role model, dont embarass them.

[@ragsoh]

To Graceson and Boon Keng and all featured in this program. Many many people are rooting for you and supporting you. Even as CNA viewers, all of us do NOT want to see you in an episode in prison again. Remember 1Cor15:33: Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Flee from all your "old friends" who want you to go back to your old life. I am very very happy for all of you who are out. All the best!

[@bobafett5757]

*Excellent and insightful episode and its so well produced by both CNA and SPF team*

[@sophiezena7034]

I wish both of these men best of luck! I hope they turn their lives for the better

[@moonmun]

I am so happy to see them out--Dunno why but am proud of them haha. Also, Karen Lee's voice is so nice and soothing gosh!

[@ab-15188]

Bless Graceson and Boon Keng. Y'all have such beautiful personalities. Do stay away from crime.

[@marklinang5698]

Graceson kena recalled back?! Or was that from his previous convictions? I hope he doesn't do anything to jeopardise his family relationship again. Jiayou boys! Boon Keng seems so jovial. Haha. Would love to meet him.

[@bobafett5757]

What happened to Graceson ?

[@shawnkelly8341]

Maybe previous like you know playback the past to compare with current stage? Hair seems longer too.

[@janessakoh860]

Love it!❤

[@Potomacstud]

Great documentary superb

[@hanyuan7]

I wonder what would Boon Keng and Graceson say when they see these episodes. They should be proud of themselves. Keeping other young kids out of prison, showing them how tough it is to not have your families around you, simple rights taken away, regrets and remorse. Thank you cna for treating them with integrity, respect and privacy. 浪子回头，回头是岸。It is never too late, and please please just treat them as any other human being. Without discrimination or preconceived bias 😊

[@eswarysakthe1815]

Boon Keng, u have a very caring loving understanding lady in ya life who is with u all out, pls stay strong and I'm sure mom is blessing u from above...best wishes to u bro, take care..

[@flaviapaiva2676]

I wish you Boon Keng and Graceson are very very happy!!! 🌻

[@nda4611]

Just when you thought SG has impressed you enough with all of the things that we don't have in our own country... As someone who has ex-con relative, i am pretty much jealous with this one. Well done SG! As for Boon Keng and Graceson, good luck out there!

[@ava32913]

Graceson and Boon Keng and Khairul too, congrats for being out to community and to be out of prison, Hope there season 3 soon

[@ellee2937]

Thank u CNA for helping us see that prisoners who turned their lives around deserve our respect & suport &! For your amazing sensitivity handled documentaries kudos to u 👍🏻👏🏻😄

[@KyneGG]

Fantastic series

[@bobafett5757]

*Boon Keng crematorium scene is so poignant and gut wrenching and this far both Boon Keng and Khai have made me an emotional weepy train wreck cos I really feel for this two guys*

[@tommyfield8449]

I have high hope for both Boon Keng & Khai. I think they really realised they need to change for the better. What change Khai mindset is probably his mom situation & his daughter skipping school. Knowing how his own sister family ill treat his mom probably make him change. The only thing he need is self control of his emotion. He need to be the man in the house,knowing his mom & daughter has no one to look up too. Boon Keng seem definitely positive. I am sure he still has regrets especially towards his late mother,but i am happy that his fiancee is encouraging him to just be thoughtful. Knowing Khai & Boon Keng are still young,they need to push to change. Iskandar,well i feel different thought on him. I think he is very positive but he is often sometimes rash/want act smart. He definitely seem someone who express his mind well. He just need more guidance & direction although i know he is older than the rest of them. Graceson need more encouragement not just from his family but friends & surrounding too. You can tell he is just doing the job as it is because he has no choice. You can see the different statement between Boon Keng & Graceson. He mention how it still feel like prison while Boon Keng said it more like a zoo where you can walk freely. It mean that Boon Keng understand the reality while Graceson still feel like in denial. Overall,i think some of them need more guidance. Be more patience towards them since they are not used to working like how iskandar said he is slow with typing. As an employee,i think we should discuss regarding salary.

[@bobafett5757]

@@tommyfield8449 Why didnt u have high hope on Graceson ?

[@CLUBBAHOLIC]

Shower can wait… I need to see part 3 😅😅😅😅

[@SomethingAboutBeautee]

This is one thing I really like about CNA is they actually complete a story by following the participants like in this series. 🙂

[@Daniel-ld7xs]

Sending hugs to both of them

[@elwwmatrix]

Hi Boon Keng and Graceson ❤. Graceson tattoos are thumbs up💪

[@IcyAsh]

Bought quite a few furniture pieces from The Helping Hand before. Friendly guys there and you wouldn't know it was a half-way house until you notice the ankle monitors.

[@KellyWong-bc9tb]

hello! just curious, would it be a good idea to show this series to the inmates in prison as well? to motivate them in someway to avoid coming back into prison? also, i think some inmates might prefer this over the movies they are currently able to watch since the movies are kinda backdated right? just a suggestion from me :>

[@happyaufamily]

Good program for the authorities to air during the leisure time of the immates.

[@chloetoh9879]

So happy for them!!!!!

[@jasxteo]

I like this series too!

[@SparkzMxzXZ]

Graceson’s family is so wholesome 😢

[@Bert_de_Wit]

Graceson looks like he was the kind of guy who didn't take sh*t from anyone. I hope he and Boon Keng get a better life and stay away from crime. And Singapore: the United States could learn a thing or two from you guys. Well done!

[@keefery79]

加油 Boon Keng & Graceson!!

[@Pangolita]

Who needs netflix when you have CNA?

[@edmundizhigh2055]

Was in Changi prison for 16 months. Released on year 2021. This whole documentary isn’t sharing everything. They can as covered a lot of things. Spend about 3 months in Tanah Merah Prison as I was under the age of 21 and when my birthday reaches was transferred to the adult facility in Changi prison A2. Based on experience, not all prisoners have the same treatment, in fact our time there was better. For example, the floors are cleaner, fully Matt plastic. Food taste wise, more different including portion, we get to have breads in the afternoon between lunch and dinner everyday. There’s no stripping of clothings before yards except after. Some cell doors are open a little extra time during medication.. etc a lot more to say..

[@bobafett5757]

Any bromance experience to keep the time passed ?

[@edmundizhigh2055]

@@bobafett5757 , Most memorable was shadow boxing in the cells. Using smuggled plastic bags with water as weights.. some inmates workers are our friends so they smuggled milo , sugar , soaps or chocolate for us.. etc many more

[@areebachewa8318]

Well you guys are so fortunate to have clean prison and have the support from the Singapore government to have a good program so that these prisoners can get back their lives in society comparing to your neighboring country, South America and even in the state where they do not give you these benefits ....

[@bobafett5757]

@@areebachewa8318 Clean and soft environment may not be a deterence for prisoners to return to old bad habits that can end them up in prison again

[@edmundizhigh2055]

@@bobafett5757 , Underwear can potentially be a deadly weapon. Bras can be used to strangle another inmate. Click to expand... clothes and pants cannot strangle..

[@sleepyhealer]

All the best to you guys.

[@ZevFei]

believe me, those who have been in prison are better person than those who are out. (not all). because they have already felt the pain of life and learned to be inside without freedom. Problem happen when they come out, society doesn't accept them, and they have to do bad things again to survive.

[@ryantzl3199]

2:21 bro has the amogus on his laptop

[@llljjjyyyy]

Can CNA do a IMH/mental health series?

[@John_Smith_86]

Hmmm. No??? Like patients' privacy, yea?

[@bobafett5757]

What if those patients turn violent ?

[@coclim5712]

Solid la ….all the best brothers….🎉🎉🎉 dun go back to crimes again!!!

[@JasonMason34]

Good luck Boon Keng and Graceson. Please turn over a new leaf, don't go back to prison.

[@dreamdepth8734]

Where is this country is so good for the people make mistake

[@waryviewer488]

Singapore.

[@MoonPrincesses]

I was wondering if their clothes were washed before they sealed into the plastics bag or washed after they have released from jail. It seems that they did not wash their clothes. I do agree with Graceson because it is unhygienic. 🤢 After been lock up so many years, the officers expected them to wear back their clothes including underwear without been washed? Singapore is so humid, all the germs and bacteria are growing inside. Thanks CNA insider and the prisoners for filming this series. Especially the prisoners who showed their face on camera, I think it takes a lot of courage and showing their lives inside prison. I wish all the best to them after their release.

[@pamungkas218]

I'm not crying, you are la....

[@bry120]

Prison in Singapore is like 5star hotel compared to the ones in Philippines

[@John_Smith_86]

Yea, I saw yours on KZbin. Lolz, they are terrible

[@hwaitingshiba]

Is it just me who thinks that Graceson is still really hot-tempered & the way he questioned the officer (for the new set of clothes) was off putting? I agree with his point where the officer relayed the wrong message about washing the clothes but bro, this is the prison, they're not obligated to wash your clothes & you should be grateful to them taking the extra mile to get you a new set of clean clothing. I really hope he can manage his anger better (communicating in a calm manner) & show some gratitude to the people around him & not get angry over the smallest things (take for example, the hooks incident in the previous episodes & this). After all, family is his priority so hopefully he focuses on them instead of all the small little nitty gritty stuff he gets pissed off at. Even if things don't go your way, don't lose it! Good luck for all the released inmates! :)

[@simplesilverstar]

To be frank... the jail could hv informed him the clothes not washed for past 4 years instead of saying they did. Graceson had served his sentence and longing for a change in life and I find his frustrations valid as nobody will want to wear a dirty, non-washed ( for 4 years!! ) clothes if they could.

[@hwaitingshiba]

@@simplesilverstar yes like I've mentioned, I do agree that the point is valid BUT the way he conveyed his message was interrogative & taunting (which imo is not appropriate). Cheers

[@janicetan4626]

@@simplesilverstar Graceson has anger management issue that he needs to work on it. He needs time and hopefully he will mellow down and wise up to stay out of trouble.

[@sylviaplath1128]

He will be in jail for life

[@CAMIDRCS]

Happy graduation!😁😅 Please come again!😊

[@chenyinmei6466]

Praying for all of them

[@curtishughes5430]

Interesting process for the release program. They really set them up to succeed. You would think I would be a easy transition to not re-offend.

[@nnf9431]

Even SG's ex-gangsters seem friendly lol

[@danzy34]

Fella everything also angry 😂😂

[@Reflection_Wave_2023]

Good documentary, government give them the right track.

[@aquakey9834]

there is also a massage parlor in lor 18 called helping hands where they provide hj service

[@blackhellhammer]

Can i know now SPS training is it stay in camp HTA? Now covid, or trainees non residential?

[@martinh619]

that prison is way better than my apartment

[@scht03]

Salary is low, but i hope boon keng can work his way up. to be honest, graceson quite handsome sia