The Man, The Myth, The Legend

Managing director of Tan Chong International, Glenn Tan reflects on life after his mum’s passing and shares his plans for the future

- Farhan Shah

It was a curious sight. A boy, just a shade taller than a metre, hoisting his arms above his head to hold on to the handlebar of the shopping cart while traversing the supermarket aisles without parental supervision. He would occasionally fish out a handwritten grocery list from his pocket and scan it for the next item he needed to buy while making sure the money his parents had entrusted to him was safely ensconced in the other pocket.

These supermarket expeditions were pivotal to Glenn Tan’s growing-up years. “My parents travelled a lot, so from young, my siblings and I were taught to be independent. To me, it seemed normal to be alone at the supermarket,” Tan reminisces.

Being a child, he was naturally tempted to indulge with the cash in his hands. But buying a chocolate bar or a McDonald’s meal meant lesser money for other household essentials. Others his age studied Saturday cartoons. Tan learned to budget.

It’s a lesson he’s passed on to his daughters – Georgia, 5, and her sister Carla, who will soon be 4. Tan teaches them the value of money and reminds them that nothing comes to them on a silver platter. In his household, crying accomplishes nothing.

“My wife and I make it very clear that if they want something, they will have to explain why they need it. If they cry, they go back to their rooms and don’t get anything. It’s taught them to be responsible,” says Tan.

The managing director of Tan Chong International (TCI) is also a big believer in the power of play. He regularly buys toys for his girls, much to the chagrin of his wife who has to deal with a growing pile of playthings. “I feel that playing with toys builds their imagination, and that’s important. I limit their digital screen time to an hour or two a day.”