Collin Chee bid an emotional farewell to his eldest daughter Jia Ying as she left for London to pursue a master’s degree.
The 59-year-old actor shared a heartfelt Instagram post on Sept 13, writing: “Daughter, daddy wishes you all the best. My daughter arrived in the UK yesterday to begin her one-year master’s degree programme.”
He revealed that before her departure, they had afternoon tea together and discussed her trip at length, including the goals she hopes to achieve during her time in London.
“After our conversation, we shared a hug, and I kissed her on the cheek. That embrace stirred deep emotions within me. My child has grown up and is finally setting out to explore the wider world,” he wrote.
“Although we don’t see each other often, whenever we do, we always have so much to talk about.”
He shared that his greatest wish for her in the coming year was simply to give her his blessings, adding: “May you be safe, healthy and happy, and may you face every challenge with courage.
“Go out and explore, spread your wings without worry. I believe in you, and I know you will forge a path that is your own.
“Remember, no matter how far you go, daddy will always be your strongest pillar of support.”
Jia Ying, one of four children Collin shares with his ex-wife, has reportedly enrolled at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where she will pursue a master’s degree in Psychological and Behavioural Science.
Collin married his former wife in 1997. In 2023, he disclosed that they had divorced in 2019 after 22 years of marriage, but said they remain good friends.
Daughter worked at SIA for 3 years to fund overseas studies
In a phone interview with Lianhe Zaobao, Collin admitted that he had shed some tears before his daughter left.
“But they were happy tears, and I was deeply moved; time flies so fast. Seeing my children grow up to be independent and lead their own lives brings me great comfort and pride as a father,” he said.
“Jia Ying has always had a strong personality and a fighting spirit. My ex-wife is currently accompanying our daughter to London to get everything settled, and I plan to fly to the UK to visit her before the end of the year.”
He also revealed that after graduating from the National University of Singapore with a degree in Psychology, Jia Ying spent three years working at Singapore Airlines (SIA) in the human resources department to save up for her overseas education.
“Family members helped pool the funds for her tuition fees, while her living expenses came from the money she saved while working,” said Collin, adding that the total expenses come to around $90,000.
Collin debuted with the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (now Mediacorp) after Star Search 1993 and left showbiz in 1996. He returned to acting after a 27-year hiatus in King of Hawkers (2024).
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esther.lam@asiaone.com
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