Out And About

How long have you been working in your current job and what’s your favourite part about it?
I’ve been an Insurance Agent for 26 years. While I enjoy the flexibility that this job comes with, I feel that life shouldn’t just be about working.

When starting out in this industry, you do have to work hard, but I believe you also have to work smart. For me, I do enough to get by; just enough for my food and my many accessories can already.

Speaking of accessories, you have a very unique style, have you always dressed like this?
Well, I think my dressing has changed naturally with age. When I was younger, I used to dress more simply, but I’m someone who’s very ai swee (vain), so I love to shop, especially for accessories, now that I’m older.

Apart from accessories, you mentioned that you’re also willing to spend on food. Do you eat to live or live to eat?
Definitely live to eat. For me, food is life! In fact, I eat anything as long as it’s cooked.

I’ve actually been on a dieting programme since 2019, but I don’t let it stop me from enjoying the food I love. I feel that a big reason why people don’t feel confident when it comes to dieting is because they don’t do it sustainably. I believe that our diets should be a part of our lifestyles, and not just when we want to slim down.

That’s why I’ve been documenting every meal I eat for the past four years and sharing them on my Facebook and Instagram. I want to show others that you don’t need to eat sad and boring food in order to watch your diet. Whatever I feel like eating, I eat in moderation. If you keep curbing your cravings, you’ll end up binging on cheat days and the weight will bounce back quickly.

Share with us about your experience as a Taiko drummer and how the interest started.
I picked up Japanese Taiko drumming after watching them being played at my Buddhist temple’s services, and I’ve since been drumming for the past 13 years.

I attend lessons at a community centre every week and we sometimes hold performances as well. Most recently, we participated in Chingay@Heartlands; not the main Chingay parade, we tried that once in 2016 but it was way too intense for me.

I love the powerful and positive vibes I get when playing the drums. Plus, drumming helps me to keep fit, both physically and mentally.

How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to shop, eat, and do anything outside. I don’t like staying at home as I’ll become mouldy and moody.

Tell us more about your nickname, MaoMao.
My friends call me MaoMao because I’m hairy (laughs). They always tell me to shave, but I refuse—I embrace who I am, and I’m proud of it!