Chalked Up

Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do for work.
I used to work in an agency before pivoting into the public sector. Now, I’m in charge of social media and branding for my organisation.

Do you prefer government work as opposed to the agency life?
The whole reason why I shifted to the government sector was because, as cliché as it sounds, I quite enjoy seeing the impact that I can make on people. So, knowing that what goes out there can directly impact the people around me, it makes me more motivated and passionate about my work.

Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Bouldering! It’s a hobby that I just picked up two months ago, and I try to go at least once a week. Apart from that, I sometimes draw.

Wow, that’s quite tough!
Yeah, but it’s so fun! It feels like I’m revisiting my childhood, because I used to love climbing trees when I was little.

That’s precious! Let’s talk a bit about your tattoos—which was your first one, and which is your most recent one?
I got my first tattoo when I was 18, and it was inspired by a HYUKOH music video, while my most recent one is a flash piece by a tattoo artist from Hong Kong. The design is called Ruyi, which is also my name, so I thought it was quite apt. I got it earlier this year at the Singapore Tattoo Convention. It’s a Chinese sceptre, but the artist replaced the traditional orb with a flower instead.

Cool! HYUKOH recently came to Singapore, did you manage to see them in concert?
No, not the most recent one because I couldn’t get tickets! But I have seen them live before, though.

One last question: if you’re having a particularly tough time, what do you do to decompress?
I have two pets at home—a rag doll cat and a shih tzu. They both get along surprisingly well, so when I’m home, I just love cuddling up with them!