Bruce's Story
From Relapse to Redemption
30 years struggle with drug addiction, 20 years of incarceration.
Now, one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in Singapore.
A Rough Beginning
Ever since his father divorced and left his mother, Bruce was raised by his mother single-handedly. As his mum spent long hours at work, he was often left under the care of his maternal family. However, he had to fend off abuses from his uncles. Growing up as an angry child, he believed violence was the answer to everything.
In his teenage years, his loneliness led him to seek the company of gangsters. That introduced him to the world of drugs. This started 30 years of tumultuous struggle with addiction.
A Dark Past
From robbing to assaulting officers, Bruce committed many crimes to feed his drug addiction. At 22 years old, he was first arrested and imprisoned. Shortly after his release, he returned to his old ways. Not even marriage and fatherhood stopped his drug habits and law-breaking ways.
During his prime years, he was in and out of prison 5 times, received 21 strokes of cane, and spent a total of 20 years behind bars.
The Turning Point
Bruce's daughter visited him in prison on her 4th birthday. On her special day, her only request was to be carried by him. Bruce could not fulfil this simple request with the glass partition separating them. He could only watch his beloved daughter bawl in tears.
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That sight totally broke him. He told himself, ‘Bruce you have to call it a day because if you don’t, this is going to happen again. I don’t think your heart can take it one more time.’
A Motivational Speaker
Since his release in March of 2016, Bruce has been leading an exemplary life - to be a good father and a role model for other ex-offenders.
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With his oratory gift, he speaks about his past story so that others can learn from his mistakes and not repeat what he went through.
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His story shows that recovery is attainable and provides hope and inspiration to those struggling with addiction and their families.
