Seeing Sound

What’s something interesting people don’t really know about you?
I have synesthesia. I associate numbers and alphabets with personalities and genders.

If you could trade lives with anyone in the world for just a day, who would it be and why?
It’d be my seven-year-old son, Joshua—he is the only person I know personally who is ambidextrous and has synesthesia like me. He associates numbers and alphabets with personalities, genders and colours. He is also dyslexic, so I’m really curious about how he thinks and wonders with these super powers! It’d also help me to understand him better.

If you could invite three people to your fantasy dinner party, living or dead, who would you invite and why?
They would be my two kids and my dad, who passed on five years ago. I miss my dad so it would be nice to be able to catch up with him and also let him meet my daughter whom he hasn’t met. I’m sure my son would also like to share his deep passion for trees with his granddad and to find out how life is in heaven!

You seem to be quite into fitness—share with us a little more about that.
I walk and think a lot. I’m a designer so I’m constantly thinking and creative problem-solving. They say you burn more energy during intense cognitive tasks! (laughs)

What’s a skill you’ve always wanted to have?
To play the violin! I feel the violin is one of the most beautiful-sounding musical instruments.

What life skills are rarely taught but extremely useful?
Socio-emotional awareness. It helps us to resolve conflicts, read and respond to others’ needs, and be in control of our own emotions. I believe with this life skill, there will be stronger relationships built, lesser conflicts and more peace, whether it’s with ourselves or with others.