I’m honoured to share that Thunderstroke: A Poetry Memoir Inspired by a True Story has been selected as a Finalist in the 2025 IAN Book of the Year Awards (Poetry Category).
The email was brief, signed by William R. Potter, Founder of the IAN Book of the Year Awards — but for me, it carried the weight of the last few years: stroke, aphasia, fear, frustration, and the long, slow journey of learning to speak and write again.
Christmas has always been a season I cherish — a time when my home transforms into a place of warmth, colour, and welcome. Weeks before December arrives, I start preparing. I pull out the boxes of ornaments, fairy lights, ribbons, and little treasures collected over the years. I buy flowers — always flowers — because they brighten the home and my heart. And then comes the part I love most: planning the lunches and dinners that will fill my flat with...
Last Sunday marked the final day of filming for Can You Hear Me? — and what a day it was! We started early, with six scenes to complete before 10 p.m. The very first scene of the day was the waltz — the one where I dance alone on stage, under the spotlight.
During the trial run, everything went smoothly. I was in my element, moving to the rhythm and feeling the emotion of the moment. But when we began filming the...
When I said yes to acting in Can You Hear Me?, I thought I was saying yes to a story about finding your voice beyond words. Then I read a scene direction that made my stomach drop:
He waltzes.
Me? The guy with drop foot and a right leg that curls into a cringe the moment nerves show up? I laughed out loud, then sat very quietly. Because sometimes laughter is how I buy time while my courage catches up.
What an inspiring day at the SG Book Fair 2025, held at Bras Basah Complex in conjunction with the Singapore Writers Festival!
A Multilingual Experience — the fair features books and authors in English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, creating a truly inclusive platform for literary exploration and cultural connection.
At the Union Book Co Pte Ltd 友联书局 booth, I was delighted to see 《雷霆一击》(Thunderstroke) displayed as one of...
After almost 10 years, I finally have a new passport — and I’m ready for the world.
It may sound simple, but for me, it’s a big step. During COVID, I suffered a stroke. Since then, I’ve been hesitant to travel. Long flights, unfamiliar places, the unknowns — they all felt daunting, especially for someone like me who’s a little rigid, has OCD tendencies, and holds high expectations.
This afternoon, I went to the post office to collect my new passport;...
9vzqg660rq30koog57ky8bzeakww245.5 KBI’m honoured to be featured in this week’s The Weekly Interview by Brand Do!—a Singapore-based personal-branding platform led by Timothy Oh that helps people find their voice and show up with impact through coaching and masterclasses. The piece, “Every Step Counts,” is close to my heart: it explains why a 3km walk isn’t “just a walk” for me—and how community, vulnerability, and purpose keep me moving.
clra5e9fanugwmfgbsjgxw39syr9459.87 KB I’m delighted to share two pieces of news—both reminders that stories can travel, heal, and connect.
Paris Book Festival — Poetry Winner
PARIS — The festival’s top honour this year went to the intriguingly titled novel Being Human. Human Being. In the POETRY category, I’m humbled to share that Thunderstroke was named WINNER.
本地作家、中风康复者者汪文宝（Terence Ang）将在10月25日迈开步伐，参加“Stepping Out For Stroke 2025”慈善快步走筹款活动，以支持新加坡全国预防中风协会（Singapore National Stroke Association）。
今年的“Stepping Out For Stroke”迎来第10周年，象征着“没有人应该独自走路”的信念。汪文宝将首次踏上3km步行之旅，这不仅是一次体能挑战，更是他勇敢跨出的重要一步。他也会发起“Every Step Counts: A Thunderstroke”筹款活动， 以支持新加坡全国预防中风协会。
On 25 August 2020, Terence Ang’s life changed in an instant. A haemorrhagic stroke left him with aphasia, robbing him of his ability to speak or comprehend language. Once articulate, confident, and expressive, Terence suddenly found himself unable to do what he had always taken for granted — communicate.
But even in the silence, he was not alone. His sister Angela,...
d8ldey5526h245eyqzwqct039u88117.41 KBLife has a way of stirring things up. Just when we think everything is calm and clear, something—or someone—comes along and unsettles the waters. Suddenly, what was once peaceful becomes cloudy, messy, and confusing.
Our instinct is often to fix it immediately. We rush to explain ourselves, defend our position, or control the outcome. But just like muddy water, the harder we stir, the cloudier it gets.
yhu282nztvb7lgli9hdye8m4jr1u221.63 KBLife has a way of revealing who truly matters. We often discover that it’s not the loudest voices, the grand gestures, or the ones who show up only in celebration that leave the deepest impact. It’s the quiet, steady presence of people who check in—without needing a reason.
These are the ones who send a simple “How are you?” when the world feels heavy. The ones who notice your silence before anyone else. The ones who remind you that you’re not alone, not...
we5cetpo4k1r1bqz9s77swsbl63y141.45 KBThe Little Things That Used to Matter, Don’t Anymore
Life has a way of shifting our perspective. I used to get caught up in the little things—how I looked, what others thought, chasing perfection. But after going through something life-altering, everything changed. The things I once obsessed over no longer seem important. When you realize how easily everything can be ripped away, you see what truly matters.
ptt14vwjhbap748u3blwv45mtew9374 KBSG60 – A Refreshed Spirit: Celebrating Unity and Resilience at SNSA’s National Day Celebration
Today, Singapore turns 60! It’s a day that feels incredibly special to me. As Singapore celebrates its journey of growth, unity, and resilience, I reflect on my own path. I had the privilege of joining the Singapore National Stroke Association (SNSA) to celebrate, and it was an event full of joy, pride, and community spirit.
So I met a new friend. Let’s call him Dr. Isaac—the kind of guy who helps you row your first dragon boat and then rows straight into your heart with foodie talk. Naturally, we bonded over food! One fine day, he drops me a message: “Free on Monday.” Me: Monday?? Who even does parties on a Monday? My social calendar only recognises Friday to Sunday for house gatherings! But wait—he’s bringing the friend I’d heard so much...
icgiyjdnw5gudx7mjx22mtdl2bt5372.87 KBSingapore’s National Day came early this year—and I’m not complaining! It was my second time celebrating with the amazing folks at Aphasia SG, and honestly, it felt more like a class reunion meets karaoke session—with cake.
The morning was packed with fun and feels. We played a nostalgic game of Bingo that had us time-traveling through Singapore’s rich history—think iconic foods, buildings, famous faces, unforgettable events, and National Day songs that...
l986gypazwpvzij67nnknml3747p296.12 KBI disappear sometimes. It’s my thing.
Not to worry anyone. Not to punish. Not even to be dramatic.
I just… disappear.
There are days when the noise outside gets too loud and the noise inside my head is louder. Days when words don’t come easy—when explaining is more exhausting than staying silent. So I slip away. Quietly. Like a tide pulling back from the shore.
Some people call it isolation. I call it survival.
