Born in Penang, Malaysia in 1929. He graduated from the Royal College of Art, London. Termed the "Angry Young Man of Malaysia" in the seventies for his aggression and polemics in the twin fields of art and drama, John was nevertheless awarded Best Playwright for three consecutive years. His life changed when he had a born-again experience after migrating with his family to Melbourne. In October, 2008 John and his family enjoyed a Retrospective Exhibition of his paintings in Penang, an honour usually reserved for those who have gone to God.