Love Knows No Race

Some mixed-race couples are in the teeth of racial stigma – one of society’s biggest issues. But why do they still choose to love?

Written By: Vong Xiu Mei | Photos By: Adam Bin Zulkifly

Biracial couple Adam Bin Zulkifly and Pui Si Hui, both aged 20, have been in a romantic relationship for more than two years. They met each other through the Polytechnic Foundation Programme (PFP) in Republic Polytechnic, back in 2017.

“I was going through a rough patch at that time,” Si Hui recalled. Adam, a concerned classmate, lent her a shoulder to cry on and the two formed an emotional bond. Si Hui eventually fell in love with Adam, and Adam soon realised that by wanting to ease Si Hui’s agony, he was in love with her too.

Regardless Of Race

Adam and Si Hui’s parents were not supportive of their relationship because of their racial and cultural differences – Adam is Malay, while Si Hui is Chinese.

Si Hui explained: “Due to their traditional mindsets, they wanted us to marry someone of our own ethnicity.”

She recalls how her mother had remarked: "There are so many better Chinese guys out there; must you date him?"

As long as race exists as a social construct, internalised oppression will manifest. Perhaps it was the shame and embarrassment of breaking significant traditions, or the fear that his son would lose his identity as a Malay.

Choose To Accept 

Through lengthy discourse and tolerance over two years, eventually parents on both sides have now become receptive to the young couple’s relationship.

“Adam’s mother is busy with charity work. But one time, she bought a keychain to support an organisation and gifted it to me through Adam,” Si Hui chirped. “To show my appreciation, I got Adam to pass her a bracelet I made during my volunteer travel.”

Although Si Hui has yet to see Adam’s mother in person, this small exchange proved the mother’s gradual yet unconditional acceptance of her son’s decision.

Adam and Si Hui hope that their love story and many alike can colour a future with better racial understanding.

Are NYP students open to the idea of interracial relationships? Watch this video to find out:

Here’s another heartwarming recount of an interracial couple: