Terence Ang | Updates

A Walk, A Book, A Beautiful Surprise

Terence Ang — Sun, 1 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Today was simple.

But it meant so much.

Michiko invited me for brunch at Plaza Singapura. We ate, laughed, talked. Then we decided to walk all the way to Ngee Ann City. It wasn’t a short walk, but sometimes the best conversations happen when you’re just walking side by side.

We went into Kinokuniya Main Store @kinokuniya_singapore — and there it was.

My book.

《雷霆一击 Thunderstroke》 sitting quietly on the shelf.

I don’t know how to describe that feeling. Every time I see my book in a bookstore, it still feels unreal. A few years ago, after my stroke, even forming sentences was difficult. Today, I stood in a bookstore holding my own words in my hands.

I took photos. I smiled like a child.

We took a Grab home after that. By the time I reached home, I was tired — the good kind of tired.

Then Michiko quietly took something out of her bag.

It was my book.

She had bought 《雷霆一击 Thunderstroke》 without telling me.

I was so touched. Truly.

It’s one thing for strangers to support your work.

It’s another when a friend chooses to support you quietly, sincerely, without announcement.

Thank you, Michiko.

For the brunch.

For the long walk.

For the laughter.

For believing in my words enough to bring them home.

Some friendships don’t need big gestures.

Just presence. Just heart.

And today, my heart is very full.

#FriendshipMatters

#StrokeSurvivor

#AphasiaAwareness

#HealingThroughWords

#FromStrokeToShelf

#MomentsThatMatter

#NeverGiveUp

#stroke

#strokesurvivor

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The Intelligence of Staying Quiet

Terence Ang — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

You know what is strange?

Before my stroke, I was articulate.

Words were my strength.

I could speak clearly. Confidently. Fast.

Then everything changed.

Now I speak slower.

Sometimes I lose the word halfway.

Sometimes my brain blanks out at the worst time.

And I see it.

That flicker in people’s eyes.

The moment they wonder if I understand.

If I am still… sharp.

Let me say this clearly.

It is not just after my stroke.

It still happens now.

Even today.

And for a while, it hurt.

It made me feel small.

Like I had to prove I was still intelligent.

But something shifted in me.

I realised — intelligence is not about speaking the fastest.

It is not about winning arguments.

It is not about correcting everyone in the room.

Sometimes, real intelligence is choosing not to react.

I have sat with people who talk loudly about what they know.

Who pretend certainty.

Who perform intelligence like it is a competition.

And I have stayed quiet.

Not because I do not know.

Not because I cannot respond.

But because I no longer need to.

There is a different kind of strength in silence.

In restraint.

In watching without interrupting.

The stroke slowed my speech.

But it sharpened my awareness.

I see more now.

I understand more now.

I choose my energy carefully now.

If someone underestimates me,

I let them.

Because I know who I am.

And I do not need to pretend to be intelligent.

I just need to live it.

Quietly. Steadily. Fully.

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A Midnight Rendezvous with the Boston Aphasia Community Group

Terence Ang — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Last weekend, I had the privilege of spending time with the Boston Aphasia Community Group—though for me, it happened at a rather unusual hour.

The Boston Aphasia Community Group has been quietly building a caring and supportive space for decades. Founded in 1990 by speech-language pathologist Jerome Kaplan together with individuals living with aphasia, the group has grown into a close-knit community rooted in understanding, respect, and shared experience. What began as regular in-person gatherings at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital gradually evolved, and the group later became part of the Aphasia Resource Center at Boston University’s Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

For more than thirty years, the group has offered connection, encouragement, and practical support to people whose lives have been shaped by aphasia. Today, it continues to meet online twice a month, creating a welcoming space where people come together to learn from one another and to be heard.
Through a contact in the United States, I was introduced to Jerome Kaplan—Jerry, as everyone knows him. Last December, Jerry reached out to ask if I would be interested in doing a virtual visit with the Boston Aphasia Community Group. I was genuinely excited by the invitation and agreed without hesitation.

Last Saturday night—or rather, early Sunday morning for me—I logged into Zoom at midnight Singapore time. When the group meets at 11:00 a.m. in Boston, it is exactly 12:00 a.m. on my side of the world. Thankfully, I am not an early-to-bed person, so midnight was still very doable.
I was deeply honoured when Jerry asked if I would read one or two poems from my book Thunderstroke prior to the meeting. This was something I had never done before. Given my stuttering and speech challenges caused by aphasia, reading poetry aloud has always felt daunting and remains a sensitive area for me since my stroke.

Still, I saw this as an opportunity—to challenge myself and take a step toward becoming more confident in my speech. To support myself, I prepared a PowerPoint deck to guide me through the reading of selected poems from Thunderstroke. As the book has three chapters, it felt meaningful to read one poem from each chapter.

That morning marked many firsts for me.
It was the first time I read poems from Thunderstroke aloud to a group.
It was the first time I presented to participants from the United States via Zoom.
And it was the first time I presented at the wee hours of the morning.
As I prepared my slides, many thoughts ran through my mind.
Would they understand what I was saying?
Would they understand my Singlish?
Would they like my poems?
Could they feel my words?
And many other worries that tend to surface before moments like this.
The meeting began almost exactly on time. As participants joined the Zoom call, the numbers slowly grew until there were more than twenty people present. It reminded me very much of the Aphasia SG Zoom meetings back home. There was something familiar and comforting about the atmosphere. The group was warm, respectful, and deeply attentive whenever someone spoke. Almost immediately, I felt at ease.

Jerry hosted the session and introduced James and me to the group. Shortly after, I was given the “stage” to read my poems. James supported me by providing context and background about Thunderstroke and each chapter. After I read a poem, he also offered a short summary connecting the poem to the broader themes of the book.

When I finished reading all three poems, I felt a quiet sense of pride. I had done the best I could in that moment, and I had followed through on something that once felt impossible.
What surprised me most was how deeply the reading resonated with the group. Much of the remaining time was spent in discussion—about the poems, about aphasia, and about personal experiences. Several participants shared their own stories, and some expressed appreciation for the work I had shared. It meant a great deal to know that my poems could connect with a group of people I had just met for the very first time.

This midnight rendezvous reminded me once again why I want to continue reaching out to the community. If my books or presentations can truly make a difference to someone—if they help someone feel seen, understood, or less alone—then it is not all in vain.

#Aphasia #StrokeRecovery #Thunderstroke #PoetryAsHealing
#AphasiaAwareness #LivedExperience #FindingMyVoice
#CommunityConnection #DisabilityVoices #HealingThroughArt

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From Singapore to Taipei: 《雷霆一击》 at the Taipei International Book Exhibition 2026 (3–8 February)

Terence Ang — Mon, 2 Feb 2026 00:00:00 +0000

With gratitude to Grassroots Book Room and Monsoon Books for giving 《雷霆一击》 a home overseas

Some moments arrive quietly — and then they stay with you.

I am deeply grateful and genuinely moved that my book 《雷霆一击》 Thunderstroke is being featured by 季風帶（Monsoon Books）台北 at the Taipei International Book Exhibition 2026, taking place from 3 to 8 February.

To see my book standing on a shelf in Taipei feels surreal. What began as a very personal journey — shaped by silence, recovery, and finding my way back to language — has now travelled beyond borders. My words have found a new place, a new audience, and a new voice overseas.

The Taipei International Book Exhibition 台北國際書展 is one of Asia’s most significant literary gatherings — a meeting point where stories cross languages, cultures, and histories. To be part of this space, in this city, at this moment, is something I hold with deep respect and gratitude.

My heartfelt thanks to my publisher 草根書室 (Grassroots Book Room) , and to 林韋地

（台灣季風帶文化創辦人、新加坡草根書室董事、馬來西亞三三出版社發行人）

for believing in this book and for bringing 《雷霆一击》 to Taiwan. Your trust has allowed this story to travel further than I ever imagined.

Thank you as well to the dedicated team at 季風帶（Monsoon Books）@Monsoon Books 季風帶馬來西亞 季風帶馬來西亞 for the care, effort, and thoughtfulness behind the booth — for creating a space where books are not just displayed, but truly housed.

Thank you too to Huiling Koh for keeping me posted on the event — I truly appreciate it.

If you happen to be in Taiwan between 3 and 8 February, do drop by the exhibition and show your support. Sometimes, all a book needs is a reader willing to pause, open a page, and listen.

Wishing 季風帶 every success at the Taipei International Book Exhibition 2026 台北國際書展

And to my book — keep travelling. Keep speaking. Keep finding hearts.

从新加坡到台北：《雷霆一击》亮相 2026 台北国际书展（2 月 3–8 日）

谨此致谢草根书室与季风带（Monsoon Books ） Monsoon Books 季風帶馬來西亞，为《雷霆一击》在海外提供一个温暖的家

有些时刻，是悄然来到的——

却会在心里停留很久。

我怀着深深的感恩与感动，与大家分享：《雷霆一击》（Thunderstroke）将由季风带（Monsoon Books）台北在 2026 台北国际书展展出，书展将于 2 月 3 日至 8 日举行。

当我知道自己的书静静地站在台北书展的书架上，那一刻真的很难形容。这个故事，起初源自一段非常私人的旅程——关于沉默、复原，以及重新找回语言的过程。如今，它跨越了国界，在另一个城市，遇见新的读者，拥有新的声音。

台北国际书展是亚洲最重要的文学盛会之一，是一个让故事、语言与文化彼此交会的空间。能够在这样的城市、这样的书展中，成为其中一部分，我心怀敬意，也满怀感激。

我由衷感谢我的出版方 草根書室 (Grassroots Book Room)，以及 林韋地

（台湾季风带文化创办人、新加坡草根书室董事、马来西亚三三出版社发行人），

因为你们的信任与坚持，让《雷霆一击》得以走进台湾。正是这份信任，让这本书走得比我当初想象的更远。

也衷心感谢季风带（Monsoon Books）团队在幕后付出的心力与努力——你们不只是搭建了一个展位，而是为书、为故事，安置了一个真正的“家”。

同时，也感谢慧玲（@Huiling Koh）一直为我跟进书展的相关信息，我非常感激你的用心。

如果你恰好在 2 月 3 日至 8 日期间身在台湾，欢迎到台北国际书展走一走、看一看，给予支持。有时候，一本书真正需要的，只是一位愿意停下脚步、翻开书页、静静倾听的读者。

祝愿季风带在 2026 台北國際書展 一切顺利、收获满满。

也祝愿我的书——继续前行，继续发声，继续被更多心灵遇见。

#雷霆一击

#Thunderstroke

#台北國際書展

#TaipeiInternationalBookExhibition

#TIBE2026

#GrassrootsBookRoo

#BooksBeyondBorders

#TIBE2026

#MonsoonBooks

#booksbeyondborders

#2026TiBE

#閱讀泰精彩

#TaipeiInternationalBookExhibition

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I Met My Book at the Library: Thunderstroke 《雷霆一击》

Terence Ang — Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Yesterday, I went to Punggol Library with no expectations.

Just a simple visit. Just another day.

And then I saw it.

My new book — Thunderstroke 《雷霆一击》 — sitting quietly on the shelf.

No announcement.

No spotlight.

Just there.

Among other books.

Waiting for a reader.

I stood there for a moment longer than I expected to. I didn’t rush. I didn’t take it lightly. Because this moment meant more than seeing my name on a cover.

It meant arrival.

Not the loud kind.

The quiet, meaningful kind.

What moved me even more was realising that this book isn’t just in one library. It’s across Singapore — Tampines, Toa Payoh, Woodlands, Jurong, Queenstown, Bishan, Bedok, Ang Mo Kio, HarbourFront… quietly finding its place in different neighbourhoods, different lives.

From one shelf, many journeys begin.

Out of the six books I’ve written, three are now available through our libraries. For me, that matters deeply. Libraries were once places I walked into unsure of myself, unsure of words, unsure of who I was becoming after my stroke.

Now, my words sit there — in both English and Chinese — speaking when I sometimes cannot.

There’s something profoundly humbling about that.

This isn’t about numbers or reach.

It’s about access.

It’s about someone discovering a book on a hard day.

It’s about a reader who might feel less alone.

Yesterday reminded me that stories don’t need to shout.

They just need to be present.

Grateful.

Quietly proud.

And deeply thankful for the journey — from silence, to shelves.

For those who wish to own a personal copy of my books, they are also available at:

草根書室 (Grassroots Book Room)
25 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore
Union Book 友联书局
Blk 231 Bain Street, #03-01 Bras Basah Complex, Singapore
bookshop.sg

Thank you for reading, and for allowing these stories to find a place — on shelves, and perhaps, in hearts too.

— Terence Ang

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Independent Press Award 2026 Distinguished Favorite - Terence Ang

Terence Ang — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Some books are written with confidence.

This one was written with pauses, fragments, and a lot of courage.

Thunderstroke: A Poetry Memoir Inspired by a True Story was born after my stroke, when words no longer came easily and silence became part of my everyday life. Poetry became a way for me to speak again — slowly, imperfectly, honestly.

To have this book recognised as a 2026 Distinguished Favorite (Inspiration) by the Independent Press Award means more than I can put into words.

This recognition is not just for the book.

It’s for anyone who has ever struggled to find their voice again.

For those learning to live, speak, and hope in a different way.

Thank you to everyone who has walked with me, believed in this work, and held space for my voice while I was finding it again.

— Terence Ang

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Terence Ang — Sat, 27 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Thank you to SG Daily for sharing this video and helping amplify the voices from Aphasia Reframed. For many of us, being seen and heard is already a big step.

I am deeply grateful to the friends who came to support the event — Serena and her husband, Wilson and Jolin, Chim, Vincent, Maya and Melvin, Wendy, Janet and family, Sam and Chew Yen, Jeanie, Dr Isaac, Alton, Si Jie, and Glenn. Your presence meant more than you may realise. Some of you have walked parts of this journey with me for years, and seeing you there reminded me that I am not walking it alone.

My heartfelt thanks to the community from Aphasia SG — Linda Kong, Veronica (Anthony’s wife), Anthony Choon, Sherwin, and Nicholas. Thank you for standing up, speaking out, and advocating for aphasia with courage and generosity. Your voices create space for others to find theirs.

I am also thankful to Espressivo and Singapore Management University for believing in this work and supporting it so wholeheartedly.

Thank you for being part of the journey.

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A Tree of Artworks, A Season of Giving

Terence Ang — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I first got to know Shin Ying through the @casualpoetlibrary . She has always been incredibly supportive of my books, and what touched me deeply was learning that she even purchased copies to place at the A&E Department of Changi General Hospital—a quiet but meaningful act of kindness.

Through her Instagram, I later discovered that Shin Ying @life_with_an_artitude is more than a medical doctor. She is also an avid artist who truly embraces life_with_an_artitude. She creates because it brings her joy—and that joy is evident in every piece she makes 🎨🖌️🩷

She also welcomes commissioned works, with all proceeds gifted to @worldvisionsg , which makes her art even more meaningful.

This Christmas, Shin Ying has created a beautiful series of hand-painted postcards, with proceeds once again going to World Vision. When I saw them on her IG, I instantly fell in love. I placed my order, and the cards have just arrived.

They are now going up on my Christmas tree.

I am calling it my tree of artworks.

I know it will be the centre of attention—and a conversation piece—for my guests this Christmas. More than decorations, these little artworks carry stories of generosity, creativity, and joy. And that, to me, is what the season is truly about ❤️🎄

#TreeOfArtworks

#ChristmasWithMeaning

#ChristmasTreeMoments

#CreativeJoy

#GratefulHeart

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❤️ More Than a Film, A Shared Conversation

Terence Ang — Wed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Thankful to Vibes by @vibesby8world for featuring Can You Hear Me? and for the care taken in telling this story.

In the article, Evelyn Khoo, founder of @aphasia.sg , shared:

“Aphasia: Reframed was a rare opportunity for honest conversations with the public. Can You Hear Me? captured the loneliness and social isolation experienced by persons with aphasia. I hope everyone in Singapore will get to watch this someday.”

I was deeply moved by the reflections shared by friends and members of the audience after the screening.

Wendy Lim shared,

“A stroke changed how Terence speaks, not what he wants to say.”

Janet Leaw reflected,

“Witnessing how deeply aphasia affects a person’s life was heartbreaking. I hope greater awareness helps people feel seen and supported.”

These voices remind me why this film exists.

Can You Hear Me? is not just a film. It is a shared conversation.

Thank you to everyone who watched, reflected, and listened. ❤️

短片“Can You Hear Me?”圆满举行首映礼，失语症患者的内在世界触动观众

逾百名观众日前齐聚新加坡管理大学（SMU）出席短片“Can You Hear Me?”的首映礼，这部作品以真挚的情感呈现失语症患者的内在世界，深深触动在场观众。

此次首映礼是 “Aphasia: Reframed（重塑失语症）” 活动的亮点。活动透过真实生命故事，邀请公众从全新的角度理解失语症。其中，“多媒体人书馆（Mixed Media Human Library）”成为重要环节，让中风幸存者及曾经历脑部创伤、现正与失语症共处的人士，亲自分享他们的生命经验，带来平日难以被听见的声音。

“Can You Hear Me?”由 SMU Espressivo IV 与新加坡失语症协会（Aphasia SG）合作制作，并由中风幸存者、屡获国际文学奖项肯定的作家汪文宝（Terence Ang）担任主演。这也是他首次踏入电影领域。

影片讲述一名失语症患者在语言受限的情况下，仍渴望与世界建立连结的故事。透过肢体、沉默与情绪张力，而非大量对白，影片细腻呈现“被误解却依然渴望被听见”的处境。这是一个关于 “即使失去语言，也渴望被听见” 的故事。

汪文宝表示：“这不仅是一部电影，更是关于在语言失效时，如何仍然被听见的真实写照。我希望观众能感受到失语症的感受，而不只是理解它的定义。在每一次停顿与挣扎背后，依然有挫折、坚韧、情感与连结。”

新加坡失语症协会创办人邱珮莉则说补：“‘Aphasia: Reframed’为我们的社区创造了一个难得的机会，与公众展开真诚的对话。‘Can You Hear Me?’真实捕捉了失语症人士所经历的孤独与社会隔离。我衷心希望，有一天新加坡的每一个人都能看到这部作品。"

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🌟 A Moment I Never Expected: Thunderstroke Named a TOP Pick by Printed Word Reviews 🌟

Terence Ang — Mon, 1 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Some news still feels unreal even when I am looking right at it.

Today, I received the incredible honour of being named one of Printed Word Reviews’ TOP Picks of the season. Thunderstroke, my poetry memoir born from one of the hardest chapters of my life, now stands alongside remarkable books from around the world. And soon, it will light up Times Square in New York City.

Printed Word Reviews selected Thunderstroke as part of its curated list of award-winning and impactful titles that offer insight, imagination, and hope. The team described Thunderstroke as a powerful testament to the human spirit and a message of endurance that deserves one of the biggest stages in the world.

Thunderstroke began as a whisper in the dark.

I wrote it during a season when stroke and aphasia forced me to rebuild my voice from the ground up. Every poem is a piece of that journey.

The fear.

The silence.

The grief.

The search for strength.

And the quiet courage to rise again.

To see it recognised in this way means more than an award. It is a reminder that stories carry light. And sometimes, even when we feel lost, our words can still find their way into someone else’s healing.

Thunderstroke is my journey, but it is not mine alone. It belongs to every survivor who is trying. Every caregiver who refuses to give up. Every person who is quietly rebuilding themselves from the inside out.

On December 13, Thunderstroke will appear in Times Square.

Not as a trophy.

Not as a victory.

But as a symbol of resilience, hope, and the power of finding a voice again.

Thank you to Printed Word Reviews for this honour.

Thank you to everyone who has journeyed with me.

And thank you to every survivor who teaches me every day that rising is a choice we make again and again.

❤️ Sometimes, the most broken chapters become the most beautiful stories.

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Christmas Came Early — Cookies, Calendars, and a Whole Lot of Heart ❤️🎄

Terence Ang — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Today feels like Christmas morning.
Not because of presents under a tree, but because two very special deliveries arrived at my doorstep: my Christmas cookies from the Aphasia SG Bake Sale Fundraiser and the beautiful 2026 calendar created by Junle and his parents.
And just like that, my heart is full.A Calendar Made With Heart

This calendar is one of those creations that feels as if it was made with gentle hands and warm hearts. It holds the love, creativity, and everyday magic of a family who pours themselves into something simple yet deeply meaningful.
The photographs were taken by young Junle during their travels. He may not fully understand concepts like framing or visual intention, but what truly matters is that he is involved, present, and participating in the life of his family. There is something very precious about that.
The words were written by his mother. One month, one reflection. She often laughs and says it feels like “看图作文” (writing a story based on a picture), but her writing always captures the quiet emotions of life and the tender echoes inside each image.
The design was lovingly assembled by the father, and what moved me most this year is the wooden stand. There is something honest and comforting about it. It feels like an object made to journey with you, not something to be thrown away once the year ends. In a world that pushes us to upgrade, replace, and chase the next new thing, this little wooden stand quietly reminds me to pause. It reminds me that the things we already have often carry stories and memories that deserve to stay. We can give them new purpose. We can let them continue to be part of our lives. And in choosing not to discard so quickly, I feel myself slowing down too, appreciating the small, steady things that make life gentler.
At the heart of the calendar lies this message:
《无忧自在》
不是叫你完全放下，
只是提醒自己：
可以慢一点。真的可以。
"Living unburdened does not mean letting go of everything.
It is simply a gentle reminder to slow down. You really can."Cookies for Christmas, Hope for 2026 🍪✨

My Christmas cookies also arrived, and they carry a purpose far bigger than their sweetness. They are part of the Aphasia SG Bake Sale Fundraiser, supporting community programmes in 2026. Aphasia is a communication disorder caused by conditions such as stroke, brain injury, tumour, infection, or neurological diseases. Aphasia SG is a non profit organisation that supports survivors like me as well as caregivers. Every bottle of cookies helps someone regain connection, rebuild confidence, and rediscover a sense of community. These cookies are lovingly baked by Emicakes, and every purchase directly supports the work that Aphasia SG does for persons with aphasia and their caregivers.Spreading Joy, One Gift at a Time

With Christmas approaching, both the cookies and the calendar have arrived at the perfect moment. I cannot think of a better way to bless someone this season. These gifts carry meaning, intention, and a reminder to slow down and appreciate the things we often take for granted.
I hope more people will learn about this cause and feel moved to support Aphasia SG. I also hope more people will continue to support and encourage talented young local artists like Junle (李俊樂), whose creativity and innocence bring a special kind of light into the world. And I hope all of us will remember, even for a moment, to live a little more 《无忧自在》, to breathe a little easier, and to let life unfold at a slower, kinder rhythm.
This season, may we give meaningfully.
May we give with intention.
And may we give from the heart. ❤️🎁

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Premiere of “Can You Hear Me?” – 13 December at SMU

Terence Ang — Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I am very excited to share something deeply personal with all of you.
On 13 December 2025, the short film Can You Hear Me? will premiere at SMU, as part of Aphasia: Reframed, an event by Espressivo x Aphasia SG.

This film is not just a project. It is a reflection of my journey with aphasia — the struggle to speak, the frustration, the longing for connection, and the quiet moments that say more than words ever could.
Can You Hear Me? follows a man’s quest for companionship as he navigates a life reshaped by aphasia. His longing for human connection pulls him into a deeply cathartic spiral that many of us living with aphasia will recognise.

I hope this film helps people understand that behind every pause and every struggle, there is frustration, resilience, emotion, and connection.

If you are free, I would truly love for you to join me.
Event Details
Saturday, 13 December 2025
3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
SMU CIS B1 Event Space

Free admission
Register by 30 November:
https://www.eventbrite.sg/.../aphasia-reframed-tickets...
There will also be:
Dialogue sessions
A mixed media Human Library
Fringe activities that deepen understanding
Come for the stories, the conversations, the learning… and I hope, for the connection.

Thank you always for your support.
Can you hear me?

Comments

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CONTROL YOUR MIND… OR SOMEONE DUMBER WILL DO IT FOR YOU

Terence Ang — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

CONTROL YOUR MIND… OR SOMEONE DUMBER WILL DO IT FOR YOU

— And trust me, after my stroke, even my own brain tried to outsmart me.

There’s something about this picture that makes me laugh — and wince — at the same time.

Because after my stroke in 2020, I realised one thing very quickly:

If I didn’t take control of my mind, my mind would happily wander off on its own…and return only when it felt like causing trouble.

Aphasia was like having a personal “IT department” in my brain that kept disconnecting the WiFi.

Words disappeared.

Sentences collapsed.

My thoughts took the long, scenic route before arriving anywhere.

But somehow — somehow — all of that chaos turned into something beautiful.

My Stroke: A Plot Twist Nobody Asked For… But I’m Making It Work

When the stroke hit, it felt like the universe pressed the “shuffle” button on my life.

Suddenly, I had to relearn, rewire, re-hope.

But here’s the funny thing:

All the things I thought I lost… came back differently.

More colourful.

More emotional.

More me.

My brain may have been battered, but my will — that stubborn, noisy, never-give-up part — got louder.

(Probably because the quiet part couldn’t find the right words.)

My Books: Proof That Even a Broken Voice Can Still Be Loud

Who knew aphasia would turn me into an author of six books?

Honestly, not me.

I went from:

“I cannot speak properly.”

“Sure, let me publish another book.”

Every book became a piece of the journey —

A Cry in the Dark: my shock, my fear, my survival

Emerging From the Dark: my slow return

Strength in Motion: my recovery

The Boy and The Man: my heart

Thunderstroke: my poetry and my roar

Brokenness Becomes Beautiful: my healing and hope '(COMING SOON)

I used to worry about losing words.

Now I worry about running out of pages.

My Talks: Because Someone Needs to Hear This — “You Are Not Done”

Standing in front of people with my broken speech was scary.

But every time I talk, someone comes up to me and says:

“Thank you. You said what I feel but cannot say.”

And suddenly, the fear disappears.

My talks are not perfect.

But they are human.

Real.

Raw.

And full of hope.

Plus, sometimes the audience laughs at my aphasia jokes —

which means we all win.

My First Acting Role: Lights, Camera… Wait, What’s My Line Again?

Acting in Can You Hear Me? was something I never imagined.

Me?

On screen?

For a short film?

About aphasia?

When the director said “Action!”, my brain said “Let me check my calendar…”

But somehow, it worked.

I found a new way to express myself — without relying too much on words.

Just feelings.

Just truth.

And the best part?

Now I can officially say:

“I survived a stroke AND my first film shoot.”

What’s Next: A Man With a Plan (And a Boy Inside Him Still Learning)

After everything — the stroke, the books, the talks, the film — I realise I’m no longer just rebuilding my life.

I’m recreating it.

I’m stepping into a new chapter with confidence, chaos, courage… and a little bit of comedy.

My plans?

🌱 Keep writing

🎤 Keep speaking

🎬 Keep acting

💪 Keep advocating

❤️ Keep living with heart

😂 And keep laughing at myself whenever my brain decides to “take leave”

Life gave me a plot twist.

I turned it into a story.

A book.

A stage.

A voice.

A film.

A mission.

And I’m not done.

Because when you control your mind — even if it takes a bit more effort —

no one else gets to write your story for you.

Not even the “dumber someone” in the picture.

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Thunderstroke, a Finalist — and a Quiet Victory of the Heart

Terence Ang — Sun, 16 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

My heart is very full today.

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.

For someone living with aphasia to have a poetry book recognised on an international stage, in a world where millions of books are available and thousands more are added every month… it feels almost unbelievable.

What touches me most is not the title of “finalist”, but what it represents:

that a voice once broken can still be heard.

I’m especially moved by these words from Evelyn Khoo, my speech therapist and the founder of Aphasia SG:

“I have seen Terence’s journey from patient to author, and I could not be prouder of how far he has come. His words reflect not only his courage, but also his generosity in uplifting others who walk a similar path with stroke and aphasia. Terence has found a way to turn fragments of speech into poetry that exudes strength and inspires hope.”

— Evelyn Khoo, speech therapist & founder of @aphasia.sg

This recognition is for:

James, who has walked beside me through every setback and small victory

My family and friends, who never stopped believing

The stroke and aphasia community, who remind me every day what resilience looks like

Every reader who has found a piece of their own pain and hope inside Thunderstroke

To William R. Potter (Founder of The 2025 IAN Book of the Year Awards) and the IAN team — thank you for seeing the heart behind this book.

And to everyone who has journeyed with me:

this finalist announcement is not just for me.

It is for all of us who were struck down, learned to stand again, and are still finding new ways to speak.

Thunderstroke began as my story.

Today, it feels like our shared victory.

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A Christmas That Means More

Terence Ang — Fri, 14 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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 laughter, clinking glasses, and the smell of good food.

At Oasis Terrace, a mall near my home, Christmas has begun to appear too. The huge Christmas tree and the wide staircase I climb every day on my exercise rounds are now pasted with bright stickers shouting Christmas greetings — gingerbread men, candy canes, snowflakes, “Merry Christmas” on every step. I walk those stairs daily, and it’s nice to see them ushering in Christmas, one of my favourite festivals of the year.

Every year, this preparation takes time, energy, and love. But this year, it feels different. Richer. Deeper. More meaningful.

This year, Christmas carries a new kind of light.

Because this is the year I stepped into something I never imagined for myself after my stroke — acting.

The year I stood in front of a camera, not just as a stroke survivor, but as someone learning to express again, beyond the limits of speech. My short film Can You Hear Me? is more than a creative project. It is a part of me — the part that still struggles, still hopes, still searches for connection in ways words can’t always reach.

And perhaps that is why Christmas feels deeper this year. Because while I decorate my home with ornaments, I also realise I have been slowly decorating my life again — piece by piece — after everything that changed in 2020.

The Christmas tree in the photos reminds me of that journey.

I stand there — one leg supported, one step careful — but still standing. Still moving. Still climbing. Still alive.

This year, I am also planning something close to my heart: a fundraising project for Aphasia.

Aphasia changed my life in ways that many people will never see. But it also gave me a new purpose — to speak through my limitations, to create, to advocate, and to stand for those who feel unseen or unheard. This Christmas, I want to give back to the community that stood by me, taught me patience, and reminded me that communication is more than words.

As I hang up ornaments and string lights across the room, I realise that Christmas is no longer just about celebration.

It is about gratitude.

It is about second chances.

It is about rediscovering joy in small things — like flowers on the table, candles glowing in the evening, or the sound of friends laughing over a home-cooked meal.

It is about looking at the staircase in front of me — bright, colourful, festive — and choosing to climb it anyway, step by step, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

This year, as my home fills with Christmas cheer, my heart fills with something deeper: the understanding that life can break you… and still find beautiful ways to rebuild you.

So here’s to a Christmas that means more.

A Christmas of healing.

A Christmas of giving back.

A Christmas of stories — told through film, through art, through courage, through community.

And most of all, a Christmas where I remind myself that even with aphasia, even with struggles, even with scars…

I am still here. I am still growing. I am still giving.

And I am still finding my voice — in my own way.

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Final Day of Shoot — And I Fell! Boom!

Terence Ang — Wed, 5 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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 first take, disaster struck — I lost my balance mid-turn and fell hard. Boom! It was as if the title of the film itself was asking the audience, “Can you hear me?”

Everyone froze. Within seconds, people rushed up to check on me. I was a bit sore from the fall, but I knew I had to carry on — it was, after all, the first scene of the day.

Unlike my earlier scenes, this one required me to move freely — to dance, to express. As a bit of a perfectionist, I wanted to redo the take a few more times to make sure I had done justice to the moment. But Mun, ever the caring director, decided it was best not to risk another fall. She reassured me that she already had what she needed — and that the scene had captured exactly what it was meant to.

Practising Beside the Wall of Fame

Before the cameras rolled that morning, I had been rehearsing my steps with Tessa along the corridor outside the auditorium. As we moved, I suddenly noticed what was behind me — the Wall of Fame showcasing SMU’s Distinguished Speakers for The Ho Rih Hwa Leadership Lecture Series.

There they were: Mr Lee Kuan Yew, Dr Mahathir Mohamad, His Excellency Dr. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Mr Tharman Shanmugaratnam, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Dame Jacinda Ardern, Mr Lee Hsien Loong, among others.

For a brief moment, it felt as if I were dancing for this remarkable audience. And somehow, that thought filled me with quiet pride — knowing that this short film, in its own small way, could stand alongside great voices by giving one to people like me, stroke survivors with aphasia.

The Rest of the Day

After that dramatic start, the rest of the day flowed beautifully. Scene after scene, outfit after outfit, emotion after emotion — it was a marathon of focus and feeling. Filming a short film is no small feat; it’s a mix of precision, patience, and perseverance.

By the end of the shoot, I was spent — but the entire SMU film crew remained full of energy. That’s the magic of youth: spirited, passionate, and unstoppable.

Working with them made me feel young again. They were all so thoughtful — making sure I was okay, helping me move around, waiting patiently whenever I needed a moment.

Gratitude

I couldn’t have asked for a better team. Tessa inspired me to dance and patiently guided my movements with grace and encouragement. Arielle coordinated the project with warmth and focus — and even carried a bench all the way from Commonwealth to SMU! Calvin was constantly looking out for me, making sure I was alright and even taking me for toilet breaks. Mun made sure I looked good on camera and helped draw out the emotions needed for each scene, while Siew captured every precious moment behind the lens. Alex, thank you for allowing us to make a mess of your home during the first day of shooting. And to everyone else who played a part in making this short film possible — and to the fathers who kindly loaned their clothes for the shoot — thank you all for being part of this journey.

Their warmth, patience, and professionalism turned every challenge — even my fall — into a moment of learning and laughter.

Looking Ahead

As I watched some of the playback, I couldn’t help smiling. The shots looked beautiful, the emotions real. I can’t wait to see the final cut.

This project has been more than a film for me — it’s been a journey of discovery, hope, and connection.

Can You Hear Me? will World Premiere on 13 December at SMU Singapore.

More details will follow — so keep the date free, and I hope to see you there!

#CanYouHearMe #ShortFilm #AphasiaAwareness #StrokeSurvivor #FilmJourney #SMU #BehindTheScenes #NeverGiveUp #VoiceBeyondWords #stroke #strokesurvivor #strokerecovery #StrokeAwareness

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If You Can Walk, You Can Dance

Terence Ang — Sun, 2 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

The room, the floor, the fear

This afternoon my living room became a rehearsal studio. We moved the table, tidied the cables, and cleared a little rectangle of wooden floor. Bare feet on the cool boards. My heart already marching at 120 bpm.

Aphasia steals words. Drop foot steals rhythm. Both like to show up uninvited—especially when I care about something. And I care about this film. It’s my life in another language: movement, breath, presence.

A crash course, and two kind teachers

Tess and Arielle arrived like sunlight—no fuss, no pity. Tess took my hands first, steady and warm.

“Let’s make the room smaller,” she said, meaning: we’ll start where you are.

“One, two, three,” Arielle counted, soft and even, the kind of voice that calms the noise inside your head. We practiced the frame—shoulders down, crown tall, eyes where the horizon might be if the sea were in my living room.

My right foot misbehaved, as expected. It curled. It sulked. It argued with the idea of gliding. Tess didn’t let go. “We’ll teach it kindness,” she smiled. So we did.

What my body remembered

Here’s what my body remembered today:

I can breathe slower than my fear.

I can let someone else lead and still keep my dignity.

I can move imperfectly and still look like I belong in the music.

We didn’t chase perfection. We chased connection—the waltz as a conversation where every step says, I’m here with you. When I stumbled, the beat didn’t punish me; it simply waited for the next one.

Somewhere between the third and fourth attempt, my foot unclenched. It wasn’t pretty—but it was possible. I felt the floor pushing back, the small power that rises when you trust your weight, the miracle of a body that still negotiates with you after everything.

Beyond steps, into meaning

People think a dance scene is about steps. For me, it’s proof of life. After the stroke, I measured progress in tiny units: one extra word found, one extra minute of balance, one less wince on a slope.

Today, I added a new unit:

Three counts, repeated with courage.

Aphasia taught me that speaking is more than words. Drop foot is now teaching me that dancing is more than legs. It’s eyes that say “okay,” hands that say “I’ve got you,” and a spine that says “stand again.”

Next Sunday

Next Sunday we film. I’ll be nervous. My foot might cringe. The cameras might see every wobble. But they’ll also see something else: a man who didn’t sit out when the music started.

If you can walk, you can dance.

If you can dance, you can hope.

If you can hope, you can live out loud—even when the words come slowly.

To Tess and Arielle: thank you for meeting me where I am, for making the room small, and then—step by step—making it big again.

And to anyone reading this who is learning to move through fear (on a dance floor, in a hospital corridor, or across your own living room): start with one, two, three. We’ll learn the rest together.

#CanYouHearMe #StrokeRecovery #AphasiaAwareness #IfYouCanWalkYouCanDance #StrokeSurvivor #NeverGiveUp #FindingMyVoice #HealingJourney #CourageInMotion #DanceOfHope #ShortFilm #stroke #strokesurvivor #StrokeRecovery #strokeprevention Aphasia SG

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.
The room, the floor, the fear
This afternoon my living room became a rehearsal studio. We moved the table, tidied the cables, and cleared a little rectangle of wooden floor. Bare feet on the cool boards. My heart already marching at 120 bpm.
Aphasia steals words. Drop foot steals rhythm. Both like to show up uninvited—especially when I care about something. And I care about this film. It’s my life in another language: movement, breath, presence.
A crash course, and two kind teachers
Tess and Arielle arrived like sunlight—no fuss, no pity. Tess took my hands first, steady and warm.
“Let’s make the room smaller,” she said, meaning: we’ll start where you are.
“One, two, three,” Arielle counted, soft and even, the kind of voice that calms the noise inside your head. We practiced the frame—shoulders down, crown tall, eyes where the horizon might be if the sea were in my living room.
My right foot misbehaved, as expected. It curled. It sulked. It argued with the idea of gliding. Tess didn’t let go. “We’ll teach it kindness,” she smiled. So we did.
What my body remembered
Here’s what my body remembered today:
I can breathe slower than my fear.
I can let someone else lead and still keep my dignity.
I can move imperfectly and still look like I belong in the music.
We didn’t chase perfection. We chased connection—the waltz as a conversation where every step says, I’m here with you. When I stumbled, the beat didn’t punish me; it simply waited for the next one.
Somewhere between the third and fourth attempt, my foot unclenched. It wasn’t pretty—but it was possible. I felt the floor pushing back, the small power that rises when you trust your weight, the miracle of a body that still negotiates with you after everything.
Beyond steps, into meaning
People think a dance scene is about steps. For me, it’s proof of life. After the stroke, I measured progress in tiny units: one extra word found, one extra minute of balance, one less wince on a slope.
Today, I added a new unit:
Three counts, repeated with courage.
Aphasia taught me that speaking is more than words. Drop foot is now teaching me that dancing is more than legs. It’s eyes that say “okay,” hands that say “I’ve got you,” and a spine that says “stand again.”
Next Sunday
Next Sunday we film. I’ll be nervous. My foot might cringe. The cameras might see every wobble. But they’ll also see something else: a man who didn’t sit out when the music started.
If you can walk, you can dance.
If you can dance, you can hope.
If you can hope, you can live out loud—even when the words come slowly.
To Tess and Arielle: thank you for meeting me where I am, for making the room small, and then—step by step—making it big again.
And to anyone reading this who is learning to move through fear (on a dance floor, in a hospital corridor, or across your own living room): start with one, two, three. We’ll learn the rest together.
#CanYouHearMe #StrokeRecovery #AphasiaAwareness #IfYouCanWalkYouCanDance #StrokeSurvivor #NeverGiveUp #FindingMyVoice #HealingJourney #CourageInMotion #DanceOfHope #ShortFilm #stroke #strokesurvivor #StrokeRecovery #strokeprevention Aphasia SG

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SG Book Fair 2025 — A Day to Remember

Terence Ang — Sun, 2 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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 the two recommended reads for the event. When 96.3 好FM DJ: De Ming 王德明 (Wang De Ming) — who is also the host for the Opening Ceremony — came by to interview Jia Wei, the store manager, about his book recommendations, he spoke about 《雷霆一击》. As I happened to be at the booth, Jia Wei mentioned that I was the author — and that’s how I found myself drawn into the interview.

I shared with Wang De Ming how Lim Hwee Hwee and 李俊賢lovingly translated the book, working diligently to keep the Chinese text faithful to my thoughts, emotions, and intent. The book was brought to life with striking illustration and calligraphy created by Li Junle, a gifted youth with autism, together with Bob Lee, who worked closely with him on this project. Their sincerity and talent add depth and authenticity to the book. For someone like me — who has always admired Mandarin but isn’t strong in the language — this edition is more than a translation; it’s a bridge across languages, cultures, and hearts.

A heartfelt thank-you to Union Book’s Managing Director, Ms Margaret Ma, and Jia Wei Yap Chia Wei for their incredible support in promoting my book. When Mayor Denise Phua, the Guest of Honour, came by the Union Book booth, Ms Ma kindly introduced me. I had the honour of sharing both the Chinese and English editions — 《雷霆一击》 and Thunderstroke — with Mayor Phua, who was very encouraging and even bought both versions.

I was also thrilled to see 《雷霆一击》 displayed at the 草根書室 (Grassroots Book Room) booth at the fair — another meaningful moment seeing the book alongside so many inspiring works.

As I walked around the fair, one title caught my eye — a book called “For Always” (长长久久) by Mario Koo at the Union Book booth. The design and visuals immediately captured my attention and gave me ideas for a future project connected to my upcoming short film.

We also took photos together — with Mayor Denise Phua Lay Peng, Ms Margaret Ma, and other key stakeholders of SG Book Fair 2025.

It was a meaningful day of connection and shared love for books. Thank you to everyone who stopped by and supported 《雷霆一击》(Thunderstroke) — your encouragement continues to inspire me.

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✨ America, Here I Come! 🌎✈️

Terence Ang — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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; holding it felt like a small victory — joy, courage… and yes, a bit of fear too. ✈️

I’m dreaming of New York City and the UK — hopefully to attend the award presentation for my book. It still feels surreal. Yet, the resistance to travel is strong. The fear runs so deep that even the thought of crossing the Causeway to Johor makes me pause.

But here I am, choosing courage over comfort, taking the first step toward new adventures. 🌏

One page. One stamp. One journey at a time. 💪💫

I am ready for the world.

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The Weekly Interview by Brand Do! - Terence Ang

Terence Ang — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

I’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.

🔗 Read: https://branddo.co/2025/09/29/every-step-counts/ Brand Do!

If you’re curious about Brand Do!, it’s the space where stories meet practical guidance—home to The Weekly Interview series and built around helping you craft a brand that’s real, memorable, and useful. Brand Do!

#EveryStepCounts #Thunderstroke #AphasiaAwareness #SOFS2025 #PersonalBranding #Singapore

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