Pan Lingling Sends Son Off To Chicago To Pursue Master's Degree; Was Worried About His Safety In US

Kids really grow up so quickly.

Mediacorp actress Pan Lingling's son, Beckham Wee, 25, just graduated from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) two months ago with first-class honours in Computer Science.

And look who's already on his way to further his studies overseas? 

The 54-year-old actress recently was at the airport with family to send Beckham off to Chicago, where he will be pursuing a master's degree in mathematical economics. The program will last about 15 months.

Her actor-husband Huang Shinan, was also flying off, accompanying Beckham to Chicago for 11 days to help him settle in, according to Lingling's interview with Chinese media 8world.

"Seeing your father‘s and your retreating figures the other day, my heart was suddenly filled with a whirlwind of emotions. I felt so proud of you, yet I couldn’t help but feel a touch of sadness," Lingling wrote on Instagram.

The actress, however, is unable to tag along as she's busy filming for two upcoming Mediacorp dramas - The Grind and Old & Dangerous. 

"Luckily, my husband is going with him. Otherwise, I would be so worried," she admitted.

Lingling said was initially very concerned about safety in the US, but felt more at ease after Shinan and Beckham arrived and "reported back” that the environment seemed fine.

She also told Shin Min Daily News that if Beckham lands a job there after graduation, he would be away for another three years.

"This is the first time my son will be away from home for so long. When I was tidying up his room and realised he won’t be living here for over a year, I started feeling a little emotional," she said.  

"But then I reminded myself, this is about his future, and that’s more important."

The couple has a younger son, Kynaston, 23.

She recalled how it "feels like yesterday" Beckham was that little one needing to hold her hand on his way to kindergarten. 

The actress said that she and Shinan had witnessed all of Beckham's efforts and growth all these years, and hence "decided, without hesitation, to support [his] dream of studying abroad". 

"Focus all your energy on pursuing knowledge and your dreams. Our only hope is that you achieve all you set out to learn, stay safe and healthy, and remember to come home," she said.

The proud mum also emphasised that their home will always be Beckham's safe harbour and his "strongest backing". 

Lingling won't be the only one who'll miss Beckham. She shared that her 78-year-old mother hugged her grandson really tightly and was reluctant to let go of her grandchild at the airport. Before he left, the entire family even took turns cooking his favourite dishes.

Beckham's grandmother even made curry — his favourite — twice, which deeply moved him.