The Life of Irene Ang: 50 years of Pain to Peace with My Mother

Hi everyone, this is the director, Pei Fang. Thank you all for sharing your personal experiences with your parents and for your kind words about Irene and her mum. When I was working on the story, I was struck by how Irene and her mom have different perspectives on forgiveness. Revisiting their past reopened old wounds, and it was truly raw and painful for everyone involved. Discussing family traumas and generational pains is incredibly challenging, especially in a society that places such a high value on filial piety. It’s not easy to put yourself out there for public scrutiny, so I hope we can approach them with empathy and understanding. Let's keep the conversation open and respectful in the comments :) - Pei Fang

Irene, I am so proud of you. You went through so much. You are still strong. Yet you grew up to be a person of good value. You are so awesome and can be an inspiration to many who are going through the same difficulties and traumas.

Mom puts her pride down to go public about what she has done. She has gone through alot herself. No family is perfect. Hope Irene and her mom can live happily ever after.

This broke me. I totally understand when she said, "I don't want to be out of control, ever." Living your childhood through trauma, abuse and abandonment can produce one of two things: either you grow up super vigilant, independent and somewhat hardened emotionally yet determined to not fail, because you fear the loss of control you felt as a child, or you let your circumstances swallow you up and give in. Being someone who knows and identifies with what she went through, I totally understand her stance, no one asked for forgiveness and it took years well into my adulthood to come to terms with what happened to me, but I choose to forgive, and some days it's harder to do that, but I know now forgiveness is for me, not for them. I took care of myself and accomplished milestones myself, and when you're so used to doing that, your adult relationships with people often suffers. And I'm thankful that I broke the generational curse and chose peace. It's still a battle sometimes to keep your mind in check and not fall into despair, but I have the tools, and I'm thankful to have God and faith and good people around me to cheer me on. I wish Madam Irene all the best in life.

It is not easy being a celebrity and come out to pour out past history. Both ladies are very courageous and it takes guts. 🙏.

My opinion is that some of the older generation are not equipped with the tools to deal with their emotions/ actions/ egos.

ngl one reason why a lot of the older generation don’t feel bad about why they have done to their children is bc they have the mentality that since their child grew up fine into a working adult, it’s all good!

I hope the Mum can watch this and sincerely apologise to Irene for what she put her through. It seems like that's what Irene wants, a clear and unequivocal apology and acknowledgement of what happened, not just doing things to make up for it.

Although my dad supported me financially and even overseas to study, the only childhood that I remember of him, is the physical abuse he rained upon me when I was a child. Never beat your kids, they will remember it forever. Even if they forgive you, they will never forget. It is a scar that they carry with them through life.

Wow. Had always known Irene Ang to be that super cheerful, strong and talented personality. Never know she had such a tough childhood. Makes me look at her differently and admire her more.

You set yourself free, Irene. You're absolutely right that forgiveness did more for you than for her. I grew up in a home with violence too and my parents have never once acknowledged my suffering either - I have come to accept that they never will and it's ok because it's on them, not me. Every family member of generational trauma is a victim, our parents are products of their time and their trauma. What can we do other than to set ourselves free? Thank you for sharing your story with such brave honesty ❤

I admire both of them for sharing their story, warts and all. This is why our country is so tough on drugs. Thank you for this video, even if it's short. Also, Irene's mother looks more like her sister. They're both beautiful and youthful. ❤

I am still unable to forgive my parents till today. There has been no apologies and no remorse. I still live with them, see them every morning and every night. I will cry myself to sleep and celebrate once I get my own house.

I can relate to the drug addicted mother & all her regrets bc I was also a drug addict with kids & there's so much regret 😢. Now I'm sober & I made ammends with my daughters thank God. AMEN ❤️ 🙏 😊

Irene is an amazing woman of strength and courage and compassion, she remind me of the many Singaporean families of her age where many grew up with similar background where parents are into drugs and gambling. the past is past, the present is what we should be focusing NOW, the future is yet to come and nobody know what will happen. Irene you are an amazing woman salute to you for letting the past go and forgiving your mom and by forgiving your mom you are actually forgiving yourself, so proud of your courage and love for her.

I understand how Irene felt! Been there done that due to abject poverty! I was miserable and hated my life then. The best years was with my late husband. He changed my life and I am forever grateful

I can relate to Irene story of her family problems and struggles. Not an easy thing to say and I appreciate her bravery and seeing her getting back together with her mother, is such a blessing

What Irene said "I dont want to be out of control, ever" is such a strong statement. Only meeting singaporeans when I entered SG to study, alot of them wants to 'give up control and just have fun" never realizing that each time you do so, you have to be lucky to come out unscathed. But drugs and the indulgence of substances that are the precursor to drugs, only have to be lucky once. I adore Irene's work since I was young and to discover part of her early life just makes me want to give her a hug.

Dear Irene, Takes alot of courage to share your story with the world. Every story is worth listening to and learning from. Life will forever be a lesson we can only learn once. Wishing you great health and harmony in all relations around your life!

I started crying after only watching half of it. Irene , you are one darn strong woman! Mama Tan regrets it. Big hugs and lots of love! If I ever see you in the streets, I’ll give you a hug! You love because He first loved us!