Ex-offender runs own tuition centre, tackles prejudice against convicts

As a young man living a life of vice in the 2000s, Mr Sunny Swee would have laughed at the idea of him teaching children and guiding them to the right path.

- Syarafana Shafeeq

Today, the 42-year-old runs his own tuition centre and breaks down prejudice against former offenders from parents seeking academic help for their children.

Growing up in a troubled household, Mr Swee did badly in his O levels and started mixing with bad company.

His string of convictions started at the age of 18, when he was sentenced in 2000 to five months in prison for selling illegal VCDs. After his release, he went back to his friends and started peddling drugs.

His mother warned that if he continued to make the wrong decisions, his future would be ruined.

Her advice fell on deaf ears and at 27, Mr Swee was imprisoned for drug trafficking. He was sentenced to 8½ years in Changi Prison, and 10 strokes of the cane.

The lengthier sentence hit him like a bucket of cold water.