SHENTONISTA

“Back in 2010, I spent a year in Bangkok on exchange at Thammasat University. In that time, I made a lot of local friends, saw some political protests on the streets, and travelled extensively alone to neighbouring countries like Laos and Myanmar.”

“I met my online friend of 15 years for the first time in person when she visited Singapore from the Philippines, and I was surprised because there was no awkwardness at all. We just slipped into old routines and had a great time hanging out and getting to know each other offline.”

“To me, writing is so fun because it’s as if you become other people, and it is an opportunity to live different lives. It helps me live and experience more. You can tell stories, you can get people concerned with social issues, and they can get involved in political themes, all in the same novel.”

"I teach writing in university and write novels on the side. What I like most about writing is that it’s my world that I’m creating. I'm engulfed in this world, and everything is up to me.”

We spotted Mdm Ho on a cold, dreary morning in Chinatown, when the streets were slick with rain and unusually quiet. Initially hesitant to be photographed, Mdm Ho gradually warmed up to us as we chatted with her, and began striking various poses for us, from the classic hands-on-hips to throwing up the youthful peace sign.

“I worked in retail for 15 years, but when COVID struck, I made a career switch and have been working as a personal assistant for the past two years. I was quite worried, because it’s been a long time since I’ve worked in an office. But my employer and colleagues are very friendly and supportive, so I don’t feel left out when I'm in the office.”

“Outside of my day job, I shoot street-style photography, which is how I met one of my exes actually. We initially bonded because we started a conversation talking about cats, so it's quite an interesting job I would say.”

“I was a stickler for plans, and used to always think that I was going to have to plan far ahead for my future and everything. But I've learned that there's a lot of things that can happen that can change your plans, your future, your career path, and everything.”

“I think tattoos are a very personal expression of yourself, because you get to choose each design. For me, each tattoo represents a specific phase in my life, especially since I like to get impromptu tattoos when I travel.”

“My family and I love Bukit Brown. Not very many people know about it, but it's actually a Chinese cemetery. It's beautiful, and it was our saving grace during COVID. We took the kids to the cemetery on a regular basis, because it’s so peaceful and quiet, and near where we live.”

“I normally pair my socks with something that is very different from from my outfit so that it can stand out. It's my first time being in a photoshoot, but whenever I go out, people will ask me about my dress.”

“It takes a lot of social and leadership skills, as well as the ability to think on your feet and multitask to be a flight attendant, because you have to deal with a lot of very different types of people. You need to be very flexible and adapt your working style to different people.”