I was born in a social service family: My uncle and brother are soldiers, my father is a police officer and my mother is a teacher. They couldn’t accept that I’m not a man.

I couldn’t believe it the first time I won. At that time I had no hair—I was undergoing military training. The prize was B10,000, but half of it went to my mentor. I was very proud that I could buy stuff I wanted with my own money.

I have had pressure put on me since I was little, but I can’t change. I wanted to, but I cannot. My father punished me a lot for playing like a girl.

The first time I saw Miss Tiffany, I never thought I would be on that stage. I was on the Lopburi volleyball team then, and I was obsessed with volleyball.

I wasn’t that interested in beauty contests, but I couldn’t resist my friends. They saw my potential.

I don’t like winning beauty pageants because I’m vain but because it’s something I earn.

The beauty pageant lifestyle isn’t as glamorous as I thought. It’s competitive. The mentors of other candidates have contested the results when I won or tried to prevent me from entering contests.

I’ve learned to wear a mask. It’s something one has to do sometimes in ladyboy society.

I started with the provincial contests, without my father knowing.

I’ve gotten new friends and experiences through beauty pageants. I see people’s kindness too.

There are times when help comes from my competitors. It impressed me when one of my heels got stuck in my dress and another candidate pulled it out for me.

The contests enlarge my vision. I’m studying hospitality and tourism so I want to learn more about good things in Thailand. Because of these contests I’ve gotten to travel to different provinces, go sightseeing and learn more about the local culture.

I wanted to rise to my potential, so I thought I should try a big stage like Miss Tiffany.

My parents now accept me as I am. They used to refuse to acknowledge that I was gay, but now they wholeheartedly call me their daughter. That’s what’s made me happiest.

People can dislike me or look down on me—I don’t care. My family understands me—that’s enough.

I dream of being a guide because that’s what I’m studying. I know I can get along with people, and I love getting to know new faces.

People think beauty queens are dumb, but they’re wrong. All 10 finalists from Miss Tiffany are intelligent. They all gave good answers to the questions.

I believe that ladyboys nowadays are brainy: They can do all kinds of jobs. The problem is Thailand doesn’t offer much for ladyboys in terms of careers, so they’re limited to beauty business jobs like make-up artist, showgirl or costume designer.

In Thailand, many people still have a negative attitude toward gays. But gays are the same as straight men and women—some are good and some are bad.

How did you get involved in this project?
Through my company, although I would like to clarify that I’m not the person who is in charge of the overall project; I’m just supervising this particular phase of it.

What phase is it in?
It is in installation. Basically, we’re installing the roofing material, which we normally call “membrane.”

What are the structures actually called?
I don’t know if there is an actual name for these structures. For us, while we are on the job, we simply call them by their individual parts; “membrane” is our name for the roofing material.

Do you think of this current project as something that is out of the ordinary?
It is just like any other normal job, to be honest. I suppose you would admire the roof structures when you are finished with them, but during the installation process you do not have the time to think about this.

I suppose you would have to be up on the roofs all the time, while the project is ongoing?
Yeah, pretty much. For safety reasons, those who are going up onto the roofing structures will be strapped onto safety harnesses. The actual ascent is done through industrial equipment, such as the boom-lift.

How do you clean them?
The cleaning is actually done using just water and some soap.

What is the biggest problem you would have to deal with while on the job?
I suppose it would have to be the weather. If it rains suddenly and we are still up there fixing the “membrane,” we just continue; we can’t just stop whatever we are doing.

Fear of heights would be a big no-no if you want to be in this line, right?
Yes, of course. If you do not have a fear of heights, then it is only a matter of being careful while you are on the job. If you do have a fear of heights, then it is better if you do not come into this line.

Fresh from her short-lived Parliament days, former Nominated MP Eunice Olsen is disarmingly friendly and chatty. Apart from pursuing the piano and volunteering her time to worthy causes, the ex-Miss Singapore-Universe is also co-hosting Art Central’s very upbeat arts program Front with Debbie Wong and Kumar.

What is your current state of mind?
While in Cambodia on a goodwill trip in May, I met a 13-year-old girl who was forced into prostitution. She had to have sex with at least 10 men every day. She tried to escape, but was caught and tortured. Today, her brains are slowly being eaten up by AIDS. Her plight has pulled me into reflection. What if I had been born there? What would have happened to me? I understand fully that it is the doing and not the reading that is most important.

Do you think apathy is prevalent in Singapore?
It doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist if you don’t see it. In Singapore, our system of education enables us. We should use it to enable others. That’s education.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to merge the piano and volunteerism. I write soppy instrumental ballads and pair them with my pictures of Cambodia. I’m finding more ways to merge all that I do.

What was your NMP experience like?
Amazing and invaluable. I miss Parliament. When you do the work it seems overwhelming, but you have to constantly bring yourself back to why you’re doing it. I look back and realize I was a part of something constructive. Parliament was dissolved before I could fulfill my two years. Now, I’m suffering withdrawal symptoms.

What is your biggest achievement?
I have two, to know that I helped initiate the child-sex tourism issue and the handicap ramps in buses / accessibility issue.

Do you think you’ll be an NMP again?
I would love to because I’m not done yet. I’ve always wanted to speak in Mandarin in Parliament. I hope to be given a chance to do that.

How do you spend your Sunday mornings?
My dad works in Batam and returns on weekdays, so family days are on weekdays. I use Sundays to read, play the piano, hang out with friends and try to go to church.

What is your idea of hell?
Not being able to find meaning in anything I do. Questioning myself all the time. Am I happy? Should I have done something else?

What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolates and more chocolates!

What inspires you?
My mum, dad and godmother. They always say whatever I choose to do, believe in it and commit to it.

How do you recharge?
Doing absolutely nothing. There’s a lot of pleasure in doing absolutely nothing.

What’s playing in your ipod/MP3/CD player?
Black Eyed Peas, Sergio Mendes, and “Absolutely Everybody” by Vanessa Amorosi.

What accessory sets you apart?
Watches. If I don’t wear anything else I must at least wear a watch. I wear my watches to sleep.

What did you believe at 18 that you wish you still believed now?
Oh! I was so young then! My perception on volunteering has evolved. You have to walk the talk.

What trait do you appreciate most in others?
Compassion. I’m drawn to people who are compassionate.

Which living person do you admire most and would like to invite for dinner?
Bill Gates. What brilliance and magnanimity! A great businessman with a greater heart … I want to know how we can hook up, man! Mr. Bill Gates, you’re invited to dinner, anytime!

The Sincharoen Brothers are everywhere these days. When they’re not busy with UBC’s Sincharoen Choern Kaek and 102.5 FM One’s Sincharoen Breakfast Show, they’re appearing in the flesh at events all around Bangkok. In fact, Bom Sutthisak, Ble Theerayuth and Boy Thananchai are rarely seen apart. The trio released two albums before founding Independent Artists, a group of musicians who do singing and dancing street performances. Bom and Boy take the lead as we chat up these funny, friendly brothers; the quieter Ble mostly nods and plays along on the guitar.

Boy: The core of our lives, since childhood, has been music. Every day we work with music, and it introduces us to new faces and new jobs all the time.

Bom: Business is not in our nature at all. We manage this business of ours in a chao baan way—get money, spend some and keep some.

Boy: Many people thought we had more opportunity because we were well-to-do, but we aren’t. After the unsuccessful second album, we didn’t have much money.

Bom: A work should begin naturally, with what you have, with things around yourself. Not with the thought of how to make the most famous or the most unique TV show.

Boy: We dare to do things we believe in knowing that if we crash and burn we’ll still have our mom and dad and a home to come back to.

Boy: Our nature is when one of us does something, the other two will also join. Bom began playing guitar, and Ble and me soon followed.

Bom: We once got a chance to play in Brunei, and people there liked us so they created a Brunei band with us as the inspiration. Now it’s a successful band that wears similar outfits to us and plays the same instruments.

Boy: Once when we were flying to Loei, we played on the plane. When we landed, the passengers and crew stood up and clapped. That’s something I won’t forget.

Bom: When the music industry was in decline, when many people were making so-called mass-market music—we started Independent Artists.

Bom: We wanted to entertain Thailand and to encourage people to create good works once more, by showing them what music is all about.

Ble: Independent Artists allowed us to do what we wanted, to be daring, to have fun and to try what we had never tried. I had to learn to play the drums and saxophone, and Boy started doing percussion. It made our music more fun.

Bom: We were on CNN, international and local magazines and Thai TV.

Boy: When we were in the group, some people invited to us to do albums with their labels, but we would have been going back to the same system—music label, promotion, marketing—all the same process.

Bom: Now we are doing a new album on our own, so we can focus on our own purpose and goals and not have to go on campus tours again, playing for elementary school kids.

Bom: Whenever we have a guest in our living room, we always have fun talking, and we thought other people might have fun watching it. That idea became Sincharoen Choern Kaek.

Bom: We did everything from scratch, shooting in our living room. We did the lighting, the production, everything, from what we had.

Bom: Wouldn’t it be fun to see Abhisit on TV, singing and chatting about nothing political at all? We had him on, but because of his image, the tape couldn’t be broadcast.

Ble: Our duty is to present what we want, invite the guests we like. Thailand needs daring people who can guide it in a good way.

You’d be emptying your pockets for the privilege of catching an act like the Eldee Young Trio in New York, Chicago or Tokyo. Lucky you—it just so happens that this former member of the renowned Ramsey Lewis Trio likes Thailand—a lot—and has made the Living Room at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit his second home.

Even if you’re not having fun, be assured that Eldee is—that smile on his face is genuine. Not surprising for a man who has been doing what he loves since the time when Big Bands and jazz trios ruled the radio, the stage and the recording industry. He handles the jazz bass like it is part of him. His vocals are at times tongue-in-cheek, but expertly delivered with a mellowness and depth reminiscent of Nat King Cole.

Drop in on Eldee Young, Shawn Kelly on drums and Taurey Butler on piano, and get hip to how lucky you are to live in Bangkok.

How do you keep your performances fresh?
I love music. I love playing for people. In my heart I’m having a ball. I enjoy doing what I am doing for a living. I am blessed in that sense in so many ways.

How has the jazz scene and the music business changed over the years?
The whole business of music is going crazy. The promotion line is everything is young; you’re either young or you’re dead. Everything over maybe 35 is heading towards extinction. The music and everything is geared toward the young, and the sensual. Kids think you can’t dance to jazz. But that’s just not true.

What do you think about the evolution of the jazz scene here?
The growth of jazz is fantastic in Thailand. There have always been good musicians here who play local and pop music, but there are some musicians around now who are playing jazz very, very well. In Asia, the first city for jazz was always Tokyo followed by Singapore. Now they have jazz festivals in Thailand and they turn out great. I feel good about it.

Who were your major musical influences?
Duke Ellington, for sure. One of the big deals of my life was to meet the man and shake his hand. When I was just a kid, my oldest brother took me to see one of his concerts. The horns were shining and the music was beautiful... Josephine Baker had just returned from Europe, and here was this beautiful woman who came out on stage. I was maybe 11 years old, but I appreciated that woman. I told my brother, that’s what I want to do: Go up there and play on the bandstand.

Which female vocalists do you most admire?
Aretha Franklin is the Queen now. She can sing jazz, she can sing standards—she can do whatever she wants to do. Aretha used to come by the club I played in Detroit when I was with the Ramsey Lewis Trio. We played a gig one Saturday night and Aretha was hanging out with us. After we finished, at 7:30 in the morning, we went to her house. Her sisters were up and she sat down at the piano and she and her sisters sang some gospel music for us. She was very sweet. I really, really love Aretha.

What is Pan-Afro Electro?
It’s like a fusion between Detroit techno, minimal African percussion and traditional house music. It’s all about the sophistication and simplicity of an arrangement that makes it Pan-Afro Electro. The electronic part is the Western contribution and the minimalist Afro rhythms are the African part. Together it makes unusual but special tunes.

What can Bangkok expect from your set?
Honestly, it might sound arrogant but I don’t have a “bad” song in my record box—and if we have a good crowd, I can sure keep the energy moving. I’m not going to play just one style but move around with lots and lots of energy. Expect great music, Bangkok.

How long have you been DJing?
As far as I remember, I started DJing when I was 11 years old, but I won’t tell you how old I am now. It was sometime in the 1980s.

Have you been to any gigs in Bangkok?
Of course, many times. From gigs on the islands to RCA, from the clubs to after hour parties. Personally, I think gigs here lack of variety. For example, RCA has a particular sound—there’s a big room with commercial dance songs and commercial hip-hop. Whereas when you go to Bed or Q Bar, which are smaller, you have more variety—you could hear trance, electronica and different kinds of hip-hop. But I think there are more choices out there and changes are coming soon.

What was your best gig so far?
As a DJ, I would say the best was at Club Yellow in Tokyo on New Year’s Eve, 2003. That was my best party, so far.

Who was your inspiration to be a DJ?
Good question. Umm… I was born in Nigeria and there was a DJ performing there on TV called Alex Condi. He was very cool and he made people dance. There was nothing else but him, playing the turntable. It was a strange concept. As a kid, I used to think he was a god. That made me want to be a DJ.

If Bangkok were a type of music, what would it be?
If Bangkok were music, it would be some kind of high-energy music or trance. You can feel the high energy everywhere.

Some say hip-hop is just a trend for now that will go out of style soon. What do you think?
Nah. Absolute nonsense. Every kind of music changes its style. That’s like saying rock n’ roll is going to go away. It just evolves.

What’s good about a DJ career?
Every good thing I have came from DJing. But if you’re talking about the “sex, drugs and rock n’ roll” thing, I don’t do it anymore. If you have some girls waiting for you in every town you stop in, when you have to go back to play in that place again, you are going to have big problems. I just focus on the music, that’s all.

What are the pros and cons of being a dog walker?
If you love dogs, there are only pros. You get to spend time with lots of lovely dogs, which is priceless, and of course you get paid too!

What are the qualifications for being a dog walker?
Basically, you have to be a dog lover. Some experience with your own dog is a plus; it teaches you about dog body language and makes things a lot easier. Sometimes fitness is also important because a huge dog can end up walking you instead of the other way around. Being patient is also a must. A dog can be stubborn, like a child; it won’t do what you want it to do.

What is the worst-case scenario in dog walking?
If the dog gets excited and runs off. It can be hit by a car or get lost. If that happens, don’t chase it and don’t panic. Call the dog’s name. Actually, people on the street are a very good help.

What are the benefits of dog walking?
First, it’s a kind of exercise that you can control. Second, it’s quality time between you and your dog. And third, your dog learns how to socialize with others, so it won’t get over-excited when you bring it out.

What if I don’t have time to walk my dog?
You have to sacrifice some of your time, at least 20 minutes a day, to play with your dog. Games or whatever, try to play with him, make him jump or run. I’m sure that your dog will love playing with you.

For over 30 years, four piece act The Manhattan Transfer has been bringing its phenomenal tunes to discerning jazz devotees all over the world. The vocal group, which comprises Tim Hauser, Alan Paul, Janis Siegel and Cheryl Bentyne, is in town to bring you a riveting concert on Jul 3. We grab the chance to have a chat with Hauser before the group’s concert here.

Hauser, you have been singing since young, and recorded a couple of singles when you were only 15. Have you always wanted to be in a vocal group?
I wanted to be in a vocal group since I was 14. But I did try some other things. I was a marketing research executive for a large manufacturing corporation, and also worked for a large advertising agency. I was also a taxicab driver.

The Manhattan Transfer has been in the scene for more than 30 years. Was the career path of The Manhattan Transfer smooth sailing from the very start? 
It was not smooth sailing from the start. Our style of music was not supposed to be popular. After all, it was not rock ’n’ roll, nor was it post modern. It is a jazz based entity, and jazz is not supposed to be popular in the US. Europe, though, was very accepting of our sound from the beginning. It took us about six years to really gain Americans’ acceptance.

How has the musical direction of the group changed over the years? 
We have gone back and forth doing more jazz inspired albums, to more pop inspired albums. And then sometimes, we do combinations of both.

Is there any album that is particularly memorable?
Yes, our Vocalese album. It is our most critically-acclaimed CD. It is the third most Grammy nominated album of all time, having earned 12 nominations and won two Grammys.

Your latest offering Vibrate is marked by a mix of traditional and progressive jazz, and has elements of Latin, world and pop music. Any plans to attempt other musical genres in future works?
Not at this time. We don’t bring in these influences or varied genres for their own sakes. It really depends on what inspires each individual at a particular point in time.

We are amazed at the group’s versatile sound. How do you people maintain your voices? 
We warm up for 30 minutes before each concert. It’s like working out at the gym.

Who are the group’s influences?
We like the Swing vocal groups of the ’30s like the Spirits of Rhythm, 4 Vagabonds and Ink Spots. The four part harmony groups of the Big Band Era, such as the Modernaires, Pied Pipers and Delta Rhythm Boys, and the R&B vocal groups of the ’50s like the Moonglows and the Flamingos are some of our influences too. And of course, there’s King Pleasure and Eddie Jefferson. These are just a few.

What can we look forward to in your upcoming concert?
We try and do a reasonable representation of our many albums and CDs. We like to combine our earlier songs with our more recent material. We also like to do a cross-section of our jazz, and pop material.

Do you have anything to say to your loyal fans that have supported you all these years?
We are very grateful for the support you have given us. We will still continue to work hard to entertain you, and to try and give you the best of what we can do.

THE BODY

Rima, Hooters Girl at Hooters

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
I was thinking to myself, “Oh my god, the uniform is so teeny-weeny!” But after I got used to it, I find it kinda cool donning this sporty uniform for work. It’s not an attire that just anyone can pull off!

How did you feel when you wore it the first time?
I didn’t feel confident the first time. It wasn’t until I received compliments from colleagues and guests that I began to feel proud of my uniform. Some of the compliments actually came from ladies!

What do you like about it?
It’s definitely a uniform that screams “Hey, look at me!” But on top of that, I like the sporty cut. Also, it helps me watch my weight.

What don’t you like about it?
People who’re not used to our uniform might have the idea that we are scantily clad waitresses, but the image we’re portraying is actually that of sporty cheerleaders.

Do you ever wear your uniform outside of the office?
We are not allowed to wear the uniform out of Hooters. We have to maintain the exclusivity …

Are you proud of what you do?
I’m definitely proud of what I do. To be a Hooters Girl, you’ve got to have what it takes. The number one criteria is personality.

What else do you wear when you work?
Apart from our spandex and shorts, we wear white sports shoes with white socks, and of course not forgetting our million-dollar smiles!

THE HOST

Paul Ramesh, Assistant Customer Service Manager, Front-of-House at Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay

What did you feel when you wore it the first time?
I felt a real sense of pride to be wearing something that identified me so closely with Esplanade. This uniform makes you look smart, and stand taller.

What do you like about it?
It makes anyone look smart! But it’s also very comfortable. It’s easy to move about in, which is important because we walk around a lot.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes. We’re in the frontline at Esplanade, dealing with customers, helping them feel welcome, doing whatever we can to make sure their experience is the best possible.

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
It’s supplied.

How often do you wash it?
Every time it’s used! It’s a question of hygiene.

THE WELCOMING COMMITTEE

Raymond Paul, Hotel Host at The Scarlet

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
I liked it. It’s unique—in terms of color and texture. It blends in with the hotel.

How did you feel when you wore it the first time?
It’s heavy, it takes some getting used to.

What do you like about it?
It goes with my height.

What don’t you like about it?
It gets a bit warm when I go outside, but otherwise it’s perfect.

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
The hotel supplies it. It’s tailored in London by a London-based designer.

Do you feel proud when you wear it?
Yes! Of course! 101 percent. I feel great. I feel part of the hotel, very bohemian.

THE SCHOOLBOY

Bryan Tan, pre-schooler at The Moral Childcare Centre

What do you think of your uniform, do you like it?
Yes, I like it.

Do you ever wear your uniform outside of school?
No, only in school.

How often do you wash it?
Mum: As they play in the playground every day, it gets quite sweaty, so I wash it every day.

What did you feel when you wear it?
I feel happy.

FLIPPERS FRIEND

Low San San, Marine Mammal Trainee at Underwater World Singapore

What did you think when you saw the uniform for the first time?
My first impression was that it looked very sporty, presentable, vibrant and professional.

How did you feel when you wore it for the first time?
I felt part of the dolphin trainer family. As for the uniform itself, I found it very comfortable.

What do you like about it?
It keeps me warm, during cold weather. Best of all, it protects my skin from UV sunlight.

What don’t you like about it?
It can be too warm for super hot days, especially if I have to work on the beach!

Are you proud of what you do?
Definitely! I enjoy every single moment!

What else do you wear when you work?
I wear a lycra top and board shorts for the dolphin shows and the company’s polo shirt for the rest of the day.

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
All our uniforms are sponsored by Billabong and Crocs footwear.

How often do you wash it?
I rinse my uniform with fresh water after every show, and wash it at the end of the day.

THE DELIVERY MAN

Suhaimi Abdul Rahman, courier with DHL

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
I like it. It has vibrant colors, is comfortable, long lasting and has special features such as cargo pockets, adjustable waistbands and reflector stripes, which help make my work safer and more comfortable.

How did you feel when you wore it for the first time?
Great! It looks cool and feels cool. The material is thinner and more breathable. I was told our uniforms had undergone many tests to help to minimize skin irritations.

What did you like about it?
I like the red and yellow colors, which make us stand out from the crowd. They also go well with the navy blue pants. We all played a part in the design of the uniform, as employee feedback was sought before it was launched.

Do you wear the uniform outside the office?
For security reasons, we wear our uniforms only during office hours.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes. Even after 14 years, my job is still very challenging. It is not easy to locate some “ulu” place or to deliver a parcel when the lift is out of order. My daily goal is to ensure that the deliveries arrive safely and on time and nothing beats seeing a smile on a customer’s face.

How often do you wash it?
Every day! I want to ensure that I look smart and clean when I meet customers.

THE COFFEE PRINCESS

Ng Cai Lin, waitress at Olio Dôme

How did you feel when you wore it the first time?
It’s a little too big for me, even size S doesn’t fit me, but it’s ok.

What do you like about it?
The logo at the back is special as it is embroidered and is really colorful.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes, it’s fun really, when you bond with your colleagues and see regulars coming to ask for their usual breakfast. And they recognize you!

Is there anyone else’s uniform you really want to wear?
Probably the SIA sarong kebaya, it’s a Singaporean girl’s dream.

What are the pros and cons of your uniform?
Stains are hard to get rid of because it’s white, but the uniform is otherwise comfortable. And it keeps you warm too, as it has long sleeves. My friends really like the beret because it looks smart.

LATTE LADY

Rohani Bte Abd Rahman, barista at Starbucks

What did you think when you saw the uniform for the first time?
The green apron was the first thing that caught my eye. It’s bright and different from the other cafes’.

How did you feel when you wore it for the first time?
I was eager and proud to put on the apron. It gave me a sense of belonging and I was honored to be part of the team. I had always wanted to work in Starbucks Coffee.

What do you like about it?
I love the green! Green represents peace!

Do you ever wear your uniform outside of the office?
Yes, I wear the T-shirt. Customers have asked for the T-shirts. We even have one T-shirt designed by our very own barista (Starbucks employee).

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes. I have been with Starbucks for five years. I love meeting regular customers, who are now my friends. It’s always interesting to get to know new customers and become a part of their lives.

Is there anyone else’s uniform you really want to wear?
If I were not a Starbucks partner, I would really want to wear a nurse’s uniform.

What are the pros and cons of your uniform?
I look good in it and it makes me feel great! I can’t wear it all the time ... only on shifts, when I’m working.

THE BALLOON GIRL

Vivien Goh, Sweetheart the clown

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
I was very happy, because I finally got to see what it would look like, translated from a design that I drew.

How did you feel when you wore it the first time?
Transformed, like Wonder Woman, with special powers to affect the lives of people. For me, I felt like I had the power to make someone happy!

What do you like about it?
The colors and the fact that it is cool when the weather is warm, and warm when the environment is cold.

What don’t you like about it?
If I get fat, everything shows too easily.

Do you ever wear your uniform outside of the office?
All the time, I’ve even been on a bus with the outfit on when I couldn’t find a cab! I’m usually dressed before and after the parties that I go to, so the kids will never see me without my costume.

Are you proud of what you do?
Definitely! I feel very blessed to be able to do this professionally.

What else do you wear when you work?
Two ponytails tied high, and of course, the proper innerwear ... everything is smooooooooth so the innerwear has got to be smooth too, else it looks bumpy.

Is there anyone else’s uniform you really want to wear?
I’ve always wanted to try on a real astronaut’s uniform and try floating around in zero gravity.

What are the pros and cons of your uniform?
I have to change the whole set once every six months or so, because the color fades. The best part is, it is really comfortable and feels like a second skin.

What do people call you when they see you in uniform?
Hi Clown.... or “she’s the balloon girl!”

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
It is custom made by my costume maker.

How often do you wash it?
After each and every use, because I perspire a lot during my show!

THE SINGAPORE GIRL

Francine Wan, ex-SIA Girl

What did you think when you saw the uniform for the first time?
I thought it was gorgeous! In fact, I think it should be our national costume.

What did you like about it?
It’s more resilient than it looks. It’s crease-proof, spill-proof and (sometimes) rip-proof.

What didn’t you like about it?
I couldn’t eat as much as I would’ve liked to in most countries. A warning is given to any girl who puts on weight. They’ll ground you. Excess baggage doesn’t just apply to the luggage.

Did you ever wear your uniform outside of the office?
There is a strict rule about that. Wearing it out is only permitted to and from the airport and hotel. Anywhere else is a big no.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes, I was very proud. The uniform had a way of making you feel proud ... although all we did was serve people.

What else do you wear when you work?
Special underwear to ease the pressure on board. They recommend wearing girdles to keep everything in its place and for future mums to protect their fragile wombs.

Is there anyone else’s uniform you really want to wear?
A nun’s habit. I would like to try walking around in it for a day and then go clubbing to see how people respond to me.

What do people call you when they see you in uniform?
Nothing. They just looked to see if I’m really pretty or not. Foreigners asked for pictures to be taken with them.

Do you have to buy it, or is it supplied?
It was supplied. They have a special tailor.

If bought, where?
You can’t buy it, but you can get imitations at all trusted souvenir stores.

WILD CHILD

Sim Hui, Wild Discoverer Guide at Singapore Zoo

What did you think when you saw this uniform for the first time?
It is really unique and different.

How did you feel when you wore it for the first time?
It felt weird the first time I wore it, because it is nothing common or similar to my daily dressing. But after some time, I felt comfortable wearing them, and in fact do feel good wearing them.

What do you like about it?
It looks unique and different from the many types of uniform out in the market. Many guest had commented that they like our pants. Some even enquired if they could purchase the pants from us.

What don’t you like about it?
Because of the additional flap of cloth in front of the pants, it can be quite cumbersome if I need to move around faster. But the flap was to make us look more feminine.

Are you proud of what you do?
Yes, of course I am proud of what I do. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction when I see a guest going home happy.

What else do you wear when you work?
The other form of uniform, which is a white Polo T-shirt and black cargo pants. I wear that when I have to go round the park constantly.

What’s your philosophy when it comes to music?
It must be from the heart, music is all about moving the soul.

Who can sing a cappella?
Those with a good ear and who understand voice, and are willing to learn and practice. A reasonable flair for dance and an awareness of stage are also beneficial.

Why do singers look like they have a potato in their mouth?
That’s the classical singing training. The mouth has to produce resonating sounds with proper vowels and pronunciation, and it’s also to train people to lift the uvula.

Describe a typical day in your life.
I’m free to do concert management in the mornings, and I teach performance techniques before three in the afternoon. Late afternoons are dedicated to training choirs in primary and secondary schools. I do yoga in the evening if I find the time.

What’s your favorite song?
M-Pact’s version of Caroling Caroling. It’s a Christmas song.

Which is the most interesting person or group that you have worked with?
I train Peranakan Voices, the choir wing of the Peranakan Association. The choir sings in Baba Malay, as the Peranakan language has to be featured in their repertoire. We’re composing original works for them right now.

What’s the weirdest thing someone has done during training?
It’s nothing too weird, but I’m particular about how someone presents himself or herself on stage. Holes in shirts and semi-transparent pants are not my cup of tea.

Can you sing upside down?
Sure. Underwater singing might also work, but then you get blurred bubbling sounds. And you might have trouble breathing.

Would you branch out to opera?
Maybe, although I might get kicked in the butt for it.

Who sets your musical standards?
Michelle Poh, a good friend of mine who’s a full-time singer and who also conducts school choirs. She’s a musician with ideals, pays attention to details, and has an avid dedication in what she does—which makes her an amazing musician and gifted teacher.

What sorts of lessons do you like your students to bring home with them?
I tell them that adults are not perfect people, and that I learn from them as much as they do from me.