My Name Is Ah-Tan, For We Are Many...

Do you have any friends or acquaintances who prefer to be addressed by their surnames? As for me, I know three Mister TANs. In my opinion, there's nothing wrong with their preference. It dispenses with formalities altogether but I feel rather awkward about it.

With reference to the illustration above:
In my previous work place in the media industry, I knew two TANs. The first chap preferred to be known simply as 'TAN'. He worked in another department opposite my office. Tall and friendly chap.

The second chap worked in the same department as me. The 'uncle' preferred to be addressed as 'AH-TAN'. Chatty fella who almost never fails to have 'been there, done that' stories to share.

The third is my neighbour living in the adjacent unit. This jovial man also prefers to be known as 'TAN'. But I address him as Mister Tan out of courtesy.

Oddly, none of the LIMs, LEEs, WONGs, etc whom I know ever asked to be addressed by their surnames. Seems like only the TANs have exceptions.