Experimental Forms

Tell us a bit about what you do for work.
I’m an editor—my background’s in journalism. I used to edit news and features, but I’m in between jobs right now because I’ll be working for a new publication that’s launching soon, so I’m just waiting for that. We’re aiming to publish mid-2022.

How long have you been in this industry, and how has it been for you?
I’ve been in this industry for 20-odd years, and it’s been good! I moved between journalism and social responsibility, and I worked for a non-profit organisation as well in between—the Singapore Environment Council. Though I’m more into developmental issues, like poverty and women’s rights, it was still a good opportunity for me.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt from that experience?
That it’s hard to run an NGO or non-profit organisation in Singapore because of funding. But the Singapore Environment Council was supported by the government and the ministry, so it really helped.

I think there’s a lot of issues that need to be tackled in Singapore. I also think that what’s lacking are collaborations between charities and non-profits, because a lot of them do very repetitive work. If they collaborated more, they might find a better way to use the limited funds that they have.

What are some other interests that you have outside of work?
Photography. I’ve been taking photographs since O-Levels, where I did it as an O-Level subject. It was fun then because I could use the dark room, but now I don’t have that luxury anymore. Other than that, I’m mostly a homebody (laughs). I prefer to stay home. I’m not very sociable, so I like experiences like visiting museums, because you can do it by yourself.

Is there anything you’re looking to pick up or learn this year?
Yes, dance! I just signed up for dance classes. I’m trying to understand movement because there are no clubs anymore, and I miss that kind of freeform dancing. I’ve never really danced before, and it’s contemporary dance that I’ll be doing, so it’s very scary.

I’m also quite self-conscious, so I think that, for me, is the main thing to get over—that fear of being looked at, or being judged. That’s the main goal, really. That, and to just lose myself, because I tend to think too much before I do stuff.

What’s one piece of advice you would give to your past self?
To not give a shit what people think—I’m still learning to do that. I would also say just be fearless, and do things that allow you to discover more of the people around you, or even yourself. To not think so hard about things, and to go with your gut. I think that would be it—to live, basically.