Marcus Chin: Retirement? That’s Not My Style
Busy Even at 69
In a recent chat with Shin Min Daily News, 69‑year‑old actor Marcus Chin made it crystal clear: he’s not planning to hang up his acting boots just yet. “I’m not rich, how can I retire? Unless I’m dying, I’ll keep working,” he joked, giving us a wholesome slice of his mindset.
Skeptical About the ‘Happy Retirement’ Myth
Marcus scoffs at the idea of a carefree, dollar‑filled retiree life. “A happy retirement is something only a multi‑millionaire would claim,” he said. “Without a job, you lose that sense of purpose, achievements, and the drive that fuels your days.” He estimates that to live comfortably, you’d need roughly a million bucks—especially with the rising cost of living.
Living in Johor, Living a Full Life
- Marcus recently purchased a modest 700‑square‑foot apartment in a retirement village in Johor.
- His former assistant, Eileen Cheah, 32 years his junior, along with their daughter (who just turned 12), also reside in Johor.
- He views this move as more than a home—it’s a strategic partnership, as the retirement complex offered him a generous rate for buying a unit.
Health Over Idle Time
Instead of eyeing the holiday planners, Marcus is putting a premium on his wellbeing. He’s monitoring his diet, staying fit, and actively keeps a spry blend of work and leisure—so that, when he’s older, he can still say: “I’m not just waiting to die.”
Why the Quaint Apartment Matters
With just one bedroom and a living area, Marcus treasures a life that’s simple, focused, and most importantly, “just enough.” “Why should it be big?” he mused, embracing a lifestyle that doesn’t demand space—only substance.
Inside the Retirement Village
Although marketed as a senior sanctuary, the complex offers:
- Indoor golf course
- Four swimming pools
- Cinema & karaoke rooms
- Three nutritionist‑designed meals daily
- Professional housekeepers & medical staff
- Advanced safety: infrared sensors and emergency helplines
All residents are 50+—ensuring a community seasoned with life. Marcus, while enjoying these comforts, remains firmly anchored in his belief: a retirement should never mean a retirement of purpose. He keeps the engine running, ever ready for the next project or performance—because, for him, “never retiring” is truly retirement.
