Credit: The Straits Times
Tell us more about yourself.
Actually applied to KR when I went to Law in 83/84. But was REJECTED, so came in as new senior in 84 and stayed for 3 years.
Was in D Block throughout my 3 years of stay in KR. Was Dance Chair in 85/86 and voted Resident of the Block D in 86/87. Built very good relations in the Hall. The saying "once a KentRidgean, always a KentRidgean" is true. I can now pick up a phone to a KentRidgean and would be able to call upon favours from my Seniors as well as my Juniors.
I still keep in touch with my good friends from Kent Ridge days - especially with Sing (Lim Sing Yuen - dance Chair 83/84, now an owner of Jitterbugs Swingapore) and Yuch (Wong YuChien - dance Chair 84/85, now a retired but aspiring chef). We still meet very often (with other KentRidgeans) at Yuch's famous sing-till-the-dawn wine dinner/parties.
What were your most memorable moments in KR?
Time spent between doing StarBurst and preparing for it, and some Hall functions such as Mooncake Festival, charity concerts, AGMs and others.
Organized Assam-Manis, an impromptu Charity concert for a fellow KentRidgean in need. Raised funds for her through selling tickets for a concert.
Memories of late night suppers, scavenging for raw materials to build sets for shows and creating costumes from scraps of materials for numerous Hall functions.
What experience have you gained in KR that has helped you in your career or life?
The ability to work under stress, managing different personalities and the mentality of There is NO Problems, only Solutions.
We've been very very creative about budgets - able to do a lot with very little.
The close proximity of living together enables ties that bind for life.... regardless of faith, beliefs and prejudices.
An example was that in 1992 we formed the KRAS (Kent Ridge Alumni Singers) for the Sing Singapore contest and won Best Group, Best Costume and Best Choreography, sweeping all the awards. All our friends just turned out from the woodworks and came forward, some with money, some with efforts and some just supporting.
How was the KR‐SH relationship during your period of hall stay?
I would say friendly rivalry. Like siblings, we were always competing - them winning us in Rag&Flag (don’t know why we never got it right) and us beating them at Talentime. But we also collaborated on other matters. It was never an "enemy" type of relationship. Even now, when I meet some of the Shearites, we still laugh at the things we did back then. But all is forgotten (and forgiven - I hope), now.
The rivalry has push both sides to greater heights, either in sports or in the arts.
Do you have any advice for current residents?
Not sure what is the state of Hostel living right now. But open your doors, and make friends - I guarantee the friends you make in your hostel days will be friends you will make for life.
Yes, studying is important, but a varsity life is more than getting good grades. It also prepares your for the university of life - the art of living graciously, happily and most of all, contentedly, is gained not by earning money, but living with people.
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