The Singaporean actor with a neuromuscular disorder: Chew Chor Meng’s story | I AM

[@shawnhow4163]

When I watched the Star Awards ceremony when he received the Special Achievement award on stage, I really felt touched by his speech and he's definitely a role model. All these years, I watched his sitcom and his dramas while growing up. He's a very humble and inspiring local actor, Mr Chew. Hope you continue doing what you do best, as a fellow audience, you'll definitely have my utmost support. Here wishing you everlasting happiness and good health. Philippians 4:13

[@zhizian]

Wish someone write a drama about this sickness and have Chor Meng act in it. Educate the public about the sickness at the same time give Chor Meng a good Piece to stay with all of us.

[@iVengeancee]

绝对没有人嫌弃过你，继续加油。我们全部支持你

[@marcyeo4635]

Why are people so cruel with the words & actions? Is there a need to stare and gossip & criticise? Chor Meng is a very forgiving soul even to think that others have a different way of handling their concern for him when they gawk & whisper You are a fighter and had & still am an inspiration to many! All the best to you, Mr Chew ❤

[@张扬声器]

人心很不好的居然批评他走路慢真没有同情心。做人要懂感同身受要懂别人感受不能只顾自己。得这个病很可怜了还嫌他。如果是自己会如何。我有一个人就是从来不懂感同身受不懂人痛苦很不好 我就不会 我很有同情心

[@张扬声器]

有些人的嘴巴真不好一直批评人。那个我认识的人很会岐视人很不好。所以我们断绝关系。其实不好就别要。收音机说爱自别让别人伤害我们 真的伤害我们一定不是爱我们 可被伤害一定深爱。如果我是周，他们嘴啃定乱批评我健康。很不好的人。

[@marcyeo4635]

@@alexgibb8406 lowlife

[@kl2549]

No one will understand how much he and his family went though during this whole battle.. I always look up to CCM and it will continue.. have a happy and blessed life!

[@MrVG86]

Chor Meng. Stay strong. We would love to see him in acting despite his condition. His passion and inspiration deserves loves from everybody

[@eunicefong4456]

Thank you for sharing your story. It must be take a lot of courage to tell the world about your condition.

[@eunicefong4456]

@@alexgibb8406 I think you take my message in the wrong way. I actually compliment CCM for being courageous and his openness will eventually give encouragement to those who face the same situation. Perhaps you have to learn to see things from the right perspective e.g. either see a glass half full or half empty. 😉

[@denliv9474]

多年前听到你有这个病 我还是学生 我记得我很逃避听有关你的新闻 因为不敢面对这个难受的心情 今天看到这视频 你的勇敢，勇气让我觉得你真的很棒👍 替你的家人感到骄傲🥰

[@redlee64]

One of my fav actors. To carry on each day is already testament to your courage.

[@siangjamchi5194]

I salute you for being a brave human being.

[@mohmeegaik6686]

Luckily he is in Singapore where help can be available to him. Jia you Mr Chew

[@PIPERON]

Bro Chor Meng, PLEASE do not give up. You are one of the BEST actor I supported for many years (especially the LOBANG KING). I had deadly cancer on my right leg but it was miraculously healed and now also suffering from chronic illness that have the same effect like you (Osteoarthritis). I am taking LIVEON product and greatly helped to ease my numbness, pain and stiffness of my four limbs. Be optimistic bro because your family need you to be strong and ignored those idiots who trashed on you and your illness coz one day they will experience themselves. May the LOVE be with you always!

[@everywinter14]

Please know this, SG television is more wholesome when you are in it. It has always been. We are absolutely thankful that we have known you. Your presence brings strength to many, like you said, never never give up. JIA YOUUUUUUUUUUUU!!! =]

[@Adrian-rz4in]

It's not easy to share your story but thank you very very much for that. Stories like that is a wake up call for me to treasure my life and family even more.

[@rodivaaa]

One of my favourite actors growing up watching him on Channel 8. Wishing him well & to always stay positive 💗

[@brmin7312]

Wishing you all the best and may God's blessings be with you always. I love your courage and frankness. Keep going CCM.

[@raymondleongdiva]

To CCM who I nvr got to know and I am hardly ever a channel 8 viewer becos I can almost hardly speak Mandarin. But I am of full respect of him for telling us his story. It takes courage and I cannot imagine what he and his family are going thru. It reminds us all to be humble to cherish our loved ones and friends.. In short life as a whole. My prayers for him and his family ... May the good Lord watch over them. Keep the faith CCM... 🙏🇸🇬❤️

[@jolintanhl]

Mothership, great job in doing this story! Very useful to help drive more education around the illness, esp when told from a first person perspective on how it impacts them in their everyday lives. CCM: You're great actor! Jiayou~~

[@bazingabingo2112]

我流泪了。 看他这个样子就能大概想象他实际生活更是会困难重重。it’s a relief to see him keeps on fighting like a true soldier.希望他的病能飞到有效的控制。 平安的过这一生。加油。

[@jlc3288]

You are amazing. It must be devastating to be stricken with this disease that robbed you much of your identity and opportunity. Yet, you stayed so positive and strong to cope as best you can instead of giving up or giving in to depression. You are an inspiration. Keep going, jia you.

[@nicholasbolas]

Chor Meng is right. DON'T GIVE UP. Because the day when you do, you'll collapse (as what he said) I've seen many elderly/sickly, the day they lose motivation, they pass on quickly after. So whether you just retired, lost a love one, or become diagnosed with sickness, KEEP YOUR SPIRITS UP! Find something to work for, tell yourself it's better to be alive than otherwise. It's life-changing, and it takes great humility to accept change. Live on and fight on.

[@CatMeow2023]

We'll root for you & family. Thank you for staying strong!

[@Pingzxz]

His story is really very inspiring!

[@yokey101]

I will always remember you, not just as an actor, but as a brave person.

[@rogue93ying]

Stay strong. Admire your determination to overcome these challenges

[@Jdeepmangath]

One of my favourite actor. Thank you for sharing your life. It takes a lot of courage and selflessness to speak the truth, at the phase of struggle. Best wishes always.

[@CatherineMiloCookiee]

It's not easy and I can tell he's not over it despite him saying to let go etc, but the fact that he is trying to hold on and not give up is very remarkable and courageous! Stay strong and I hope you can continue acting and let your passion go on! Thanks for sharing!! 💪🏻

[@mredwintie]

An example of pure resilience and determination! How many of us would have easily sink into depression and self pity but he has learnt to push on day by day, little by little and to continue on. One of our very own quiet and remarkable Singapore inspiration! To him and his family, we applaud! Take care and stay positive!

[@lidna82]

Thank you for making this video. It reminds us there is a place for more empathy in our society.

[@papichoku2442]

Praise God for his grace and mercy. May God continue to grant Chor Meng His peace and strength.

[@dchew5552]

I remembered when I was a kid, my favourite actor was chew chor meng, especially lobang king, mr kiasu and even till to the recent years like 118, heartland heroes. hearing his story reminds me when I was 17, I struggle with muscle shrinking. partly because I was badly affected by my classmates' remarks as he shouted acrossed the classroom, yelling that I was fat, back then I was an introvert and took it to my heart, I took those word as disgrace and took those word and it affected me so badly I started having trouble swallowing down food. even if I did manage to swallow down food, I ended up throwing them out. it was recent years I think this were anorexia. I had trouble walking and even sitting down on the floor, I had struggle standing up as my muscle was so weak, I couldn't even stand immediately especially for morning assembly, I got shouted out by my classmates to stand up as they thought I didn't want to stand up, but little did they know was I couldn't stand up even when how badly I want to. eventually I shut myself in my room and didn't attend my n level, I only took the English papers as my stress level were only 20% I couldn't cope with math and science. i didn't further my studies after n level and recovered around a year later. but ever since then I copped myself at home for the past eight years as I struggle to get into the society, adult working world and struggle to get my first job for the past eight years. and had nose bleed every year. there's absolute no guidance on how to step into the working world. I initially don't even know how to do up a resume and eventually slowly got to know how to do so after many years, I did send out my resume but there's not even a single return phone call or replies. and majority of the job stated the requirements, but recently there's one replied with o level requirement which wasn't stated in the job requirement. how I wish there's a platform or a support group that will help teenagers to step into the working world, especially for introverts, it feel extremely scary. or courses that specifically target to help to understand more, get the required skills;

[@thescribe7117]

D Chew, Your issue is more psychological. Get help. Don't waste your life just bcs of a few insensutive people. It's very difficult to live well if you allow such people to overcome you. Be your own man. Just IGNORE such immature people and live your best life bcs YOLO!!! CCM's issue was more physical.

[@coliecheong6086]

周初明是我小学开始就很喜欢的其中一个演员。不管是金牌师爷，不老传说，只要有他的戏我一定看。一定追。现在虽然我不看新加坡戏了，可是每次看到有他的片段都会看一下。到现在他还是我最喜欢的新加坡演员之一。很多现在都没办法比了。

[@raynasuan6079]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are a brave and remarkable man. Respect you 💪🏼

[@gohkenny]

CCM is an inspiration. Please stay strong.

[@CrosbyStill]

"My strength is made perfect in weakness" God's strength is made perfect in your weakness Chor Meng. Your journey is not alone, God is seeing u thru each day through His grace mercy n strength! Pressed on!

[@franktoh3041]

If your God is that great he would have cured him.

[@CrosbyStill]

@@franktoh3041 Hi Frank. Believe me if God allowed us to dictate him based on our wishes, there be no end to us asking God alot of "If God is great why cant......".in our daily life. We be asking God if you are great why dont you prevent me from slipping on a banana skin or why cant u let me strike toto n so on n so forth. To put it in perspective, God do not exist to be our super hero, genie in lamp or wishing well or as someone who act according to our wishes. If u know the bible where the devil took Jesus to a high place n challenge Jesus to jump down by saying "if u are the son of God why dont u throw yourself down n God will ask his angels to save you". Your question is quite similar to this in that you asked "if you are so great why dont you....". To be honest even if God choose to heal this brother, can you honestly say you will believe n turn your life to God? I dont know your heart but God knows every bit of your intentions n motive which I am in no position to judge. By the fact that you are able to wake up to another brand new day each day, are you ever thankful to God that He gave you that brand new day? If you are not then with what certainty are you certain that you will turn your life to God if He choose to heal Chor Meng? Im pretty certain you will not. Cos you will challenge God more n unfortunately like I say God do not exist for that purpose. God is sovereign n He acts according to His purpose to serve his purpose n not ours. Im sure Chor Meng can testify the goodness of God even in his darkest hour. Contentment n peacefulness in our set backs is true Contentment n peaceful. And Contentment n peacefulness only in good times isnt true Contentment n peacefulness. I pray that you will know God personally one day especially in your set backs, u know He will be there for u if you seek him sincerely. Have a blessed day bro. 🙏

[@franktoh3041]

@@CrosbyStill If you believe in him and he can do nothing for you, what's the point of continuing believing? Might as well believe in something else.

[@CrosbyStill]

@@franktoh3041 well I respect your choice bro. As for me I wouldn't give up on my parents simply bcos they cant give me what I want. Wish you well n have a great weekend! 👍

[@franktoh3041]

@@CrosbyStill Religion and God are not your parents. I wouldn't give up my parents either despite them not being able to give me what I want in life but I will dump a religion that can do nothing but sweet talk its believers to part with their hard-earned money.

[@weechinjansonchua8061]

Always love him… what a great character! 👍👍👍💪💪💪

[@ZERO_0594]

I have mad respect for this guy

[@freddytameo]

Incredible and admirable! Keep fighting and never give up!

[@iSnbn]

Appreciate your sharing. I never hear kennedy disease till I saw yr video. May you recover and stay blessed. Loved yr acting so candid and entertaining. Stay strong.

[@mingfutan6105]

Only one word for you la. RESPECT. You will become my new inspiration now. If only i can be half as strong as you. Jiayous for your future career. You are one of my fav SG actor. Hope to see more of you on the televison

[@gaigaishopping8520]

无论怎么样，你永远都是我们的Ah Bee, 加油！加油！加油！💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@aloysiouschng2252]

Thank you so much for sharing your story . We know is hard for you . Pls stay strong !

[@janisskuah1338]

Jia you! A lot of people are supporting you and really love your acting! I'm one of them. Hope to see more of your acting on tv! 👍

[@Josh-hs5hp]

Even to your present Mr Chew, you're amazing. May you be blessed with strength and support. I hope you'll be able to read these comments made to you to know that throughout your career, people appreciate and love you on screen (:

[@vanessacheung7781]

Chor Meng is one of few singaporean actors that i love most.... Please stay STRONG and knowing that all your fans will still love you and pray for your recovery... May God bless you abundantly dear Chor Meng 🙏🏼🥰❤️❤️

[@philippetan9233]

谢谢你多年来的带给我们的优秀作品。 我们永远支持你。 加油！加油！

[@kiasu69]

Mr. Chew, continue your good work and may God continue to sustain and bless you so that you can live your passion for acting for a long, long time. Keep moving forward (as you said)!

[@chiaailing261]

You are an inspiration such that your faith in God still remains steadfast as I follow through all other interviews you were in. Some of us suffer physically in different ways. As for me I was battling through partial hearing loss accompanied with 24/7 tinnitus for close to 5 years. I have received my miracle and pretty much healed. I definitely share the sentiments that what we have through shaped who we are today, being more empathic, ability to also manage our emotions and positive mindset towards the challenges, situation. Continue to keep move forward in the best you can CCM! God be the Glory!

[@leongsenghwee6506]

Hi Chor Meng, please do not be despair and be strong. Wish you a speedy recovery and be happy.👍 And lastly, thanks for the channel 8 tv drama(顶天立地). Very nice drama.

[@JoanKSX]

Maybe Singapore could make a drama about awareness of rare neuromuscular disorder? I also recently to know an actress (she is very new to me though, I get to know about her since Taiwanese drama 'Mad Doctor' is on hit and it's also on Netflix currently), her name is Tsai Shu Chen, a model and also actress from Taiwan, she has great acting skills to be honest, but to my surprise, some netizens which I believe are her fans left some comments about her health concerns, that she has myofacial pain syndrome, which is another rare disorder...!

[@herocreature]

Will keep supporting your shows!! Salute & keep going on! 💪🏻

[@onghc5892]

Thanks for sharing your story, I really respect you for the determination to overcome all obstacles in your life. You must stay strong and positive for your family. I wish you and your family all the best. 👍👍👍

[@yeocla]

大哥，您很棒。继续加油💪💪永远都会支持您的！！

[@紫微-p2h]

loved him so much in 118, gonna miss him so much

[@peiqi4576]

Yea he is amazing in 118!!

[@kunasundarisuppiah2123]

You are an extraordinary man CCM. You have inspired people like me who are feeling so down. Would pray everyday for this great hero. I will watch all Chinese dramas if you are there. Keep going bro.

[@ngcollin88]

Not forgetting the movies he starred in - his performance in a local 2011 throwback film 大世界 was brilliant

[@kunasundarisuppiah2123]

@@ngcollin88 yes definitely would watch that too. A marvellous actor who brought his passion through his eyes.

[@chrismok4145]

无意间看到这视频真是觉得你以经很厉害了毕竟你是个演员而患上这个病还得面对大众实在不容易!但这视频也让更多的人了解这个病要如何去面对!深信你一定能走出去勇敢面对!祝福您合家平安!我们都会支持你别放弃我们都是你的忠实观众加油!

[@inc.kitten2175]

I rarely watch chinese Tv shows but the ones I do watch, always includes him. He is a wonderful actor and human being

[@mariatachi8398]

You are such an inspiration. Please do not give up❤

[@albertlim5675]

You are my still my SG idol after so many years. All the very best to you...

[@katdidng1321]

加油已经很棒了～敢敢做个开心人

[@chokmoiong8256]

He is with you always...God strength and energy will sustain us....

[@yyl5336]

More shows by him pls!

[@XiaowenXingfu]

Love your acting and can’t wait to see more…..

[@nameme2745]

Stay strong Chor Meng. Love from Malaysia.

[@maxwong6222]

Stay strong, Chor Meng!

[@mystmyst3262]

You are very brave to share with us. An inspiration to all who are struggling through tough times ☺️ if we can look beyond things that don’t matter, we will be able to see that life is beautiful 💪💪

[@beobjective1793]

谢谢你拍这个视频，谢谢你的勇气，你不知道这帮了我多少

[@skittleyrealm2795]

0:33 He actually said 1 in 40,000, not 1 in 400,000.

[@edwardlee5412]

THAT "S THE SPIRIT OF SINGAPOREAN ,,.,.BE MASTER OF YOUR MIND,,,,YOU CAN DO IT.🐅🐅🐅

[@helenng3150]

Amazing actor with amazing personality you are.

[@mutualink]

我一位前同事及朋友也得了一個數十萬人中只有一人得到的怪症，很多年過去了，他還是活得好好的，不要放棄才能看到奇蹟，我們與您共在，您並不弧單！

[@estherkjeilen8540]

Its inspiring what u have said and experienced. Jia you!!!! Never give up and keep moving on 💛❤️

[@akulegenda]

Don't worry, Be happy.

[@DreamilyReal]

小时候最喜欢的男演员就是周初明老师了。还记得以前新加坡还有古装剧的，周初明老师就拍了很多部。应该有30年了？虽然人生很多不如意的事，生老病死也是很无奈，不过您也很坚强的走过来了。感谢您一直坚持，一直继续把欢乐带给电视机前的我们。周初明老师加油！

[@somerslim25]

thank you and respect Mr. Chew. May the Creator protect you

[@ar13slau]

加油，阿Bee，你很棒！！

[@karenkaren4126]

Don’t give up ! 加油💪🏻！

[@gracechen1885]

Mr Chew Be strong n God bless u .You are my favourite actor

[@weetingchen]

God bless you Sir

[@JoanKSX]

Thanks for telling us your story. Actually I watch your dramas since my childhood, so you are quite a familiar face on Singaporean dramas, at least for me. Maybe there was quite some time I didn't watch or watched too few Singaporean dramas, and then due to my mum's hype, I remember she watched the '118' drama and then I think I saw your face with slight distorted muscles (I honestly think that's not too bad, maybe you got minor stroke or something? Anyway I didn't know your actual age by the time the drama was broadcasted on Astro AEC) and then now you are giving your words on your Kennedy's disease (which I never heard of it before this video clip of your interview session), I'm not surprise at all honestly, but you are courageous to bring the public attention to this awareness of rare neuromuscular disorder. Your story about when you first find out your Kennedy's disease was actually exactly the same when I was rushed to hospital post half-marathon at my 28 years-old birthday and the medical record my doctor at the accident and emergency department clearly wrote, 'nearly syncope' as my signs and symptoms, and told me that my diagnosis is 'Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome' and hell no I never heard of this? Then they proceed to tell me that it is a congenital heart disorder where your heart has extra electrical signal pathways and the impulses might goes into the 'wrong' extra pathways (which during foetus it's totally normal but after laboured the extra pathways should has been disappear, but not mine) and turning scenario like wrong continuous loop and from there I could have heart failure because my heart muscle is ineffective to pump the blood to my whole body, I might die because of ventricular fibrillation or so... Stay strong, we are here to watch your dramas =) You still indeed a good actor despite of the facial distortion =) Sending loves from Malaysia

[@peminatsetia9249]

Don't give up... Be strong and always there's a way for you.. from.. the Malay family..

[@yangqin2970]

Stay strong and be happy. Hopefully he will recover soon. Amituofo. I will pray for him and his family for good health and happiness

[@tchin6339]

My salute to you, Mr Chew Chor Meng

[@mutualink]

不要放棄，加油！

[@eclcliez]

Watched his drama in 118, wish him all the lucks..

[@milole8628]

加油！我们会支持你！

[@sgmei]

Thank you for sharing. Thank you Mothership!! Jiayou Lobang King!

[@elainechee8626]

Stay positive Chor Meng! Believing God for a miracle for u!

[@franktoh3041]

Miracles don't happen anymore not even in Lourdes.

[@steventay5834]

I feel sorry for you.. u still have a happy family. I am suffering from depression.. equally bad.

[@klairetan179]

Jia you!!!!!

[@baobao-vn1hj]

我心中永远的不老传说和 Lobang King。👍

[@umeshutan6959]

Chor Meng!!!! Keep going!!!!

[@carolineteo8450]

加油💪

[@bomber001]

0:34 Correction: The subtitles should say “1 out of 40,000”

[@shaunphan9039]

I will pray for him.

[@Evangelinec]

Keep up the good fight 💪🏼 & may the Lord keep you healthy, happy and safe all the days of your life

[@franktoh3041]

If the Lord is that powerful he would have recovered.

[@jefm3598]

Jia You Chor Meng!

[@ooglelina1996]

Mr Chew, ganbatte kudasai💪💪💪

[@skc1636]

照顾好自己和家人 , 自己会慢慢好起来的 . 加油💪

[@jasmineyeo2101]

耶稣爱你！周初明加油！我们也爱你！

[@kityong2386]

We will never give you up so please don’t give yourself up ok

[@gabbyfoo2]

A very inspirational man/actor. May I suggest that doing Mindful Meditation or Insight Meditation etc..etc..may be a help. Many Buddhist practitioners practice such meditation daily for good health- both physical and mental wellness. Don't worry if you follow other religion...Meditation practices have does not lean towards any religion. Perth, W. Australia

[@franktoh3041]

Good luck to you for trying to convince him to do Buddhist stuff.

[@Keith-pb3hi]

Mediation has no religion actually. It’s spiritual.

[@franktoh3041]

@@Keith-pb3hi True, but Church fathers won't be telling their flock that.

[@Keith-pb3hi]

@@franktoh3041 then just tell them it's Christian meditation. They can claim they heard an angel or God speaking to them in their meditation. Doesn't matter as long as they improve their health. :)

[@franktoh3041]

@@Keith-pb3hi Good luck to you for trying to convince them that.