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You are a Plastic Surgeon with your own practice at the Plastic & Hand Surgery; you are also the Medical Director of The MedSpa, and formulated the therapies there as well as the in-house skin care line. You are a busy man, Is 24 hours a day enough?
I often wish that each day had 36 hours instead of 24.
What is your greatest achievement?
My biggest achievement is my family. I'm extremely proud of my three beautiful girls: Alexandra is 10 years old, Georgia is 8 and Phillipa is 3. My wife, Ann, is pregnant with our fourth child.
Wow, so how long have you been married?
I've been married for 11 years. Ann is my practice manager so I'm her employee. *grins mischievously* She runs the show at MedSpa immaculately so that everything goes smoothly. You could say that she is a superwoman: manager, mother and wife - all in one!!
How do you strike a balance between work and family?
I try to keep normal working hours, reserve the weekends for my family and be home as much as possible. We try to go on a holiday once a year to enjoy some peace and tranquility. I'm quite a workaholic. Taking a rest is against my internal norm so I'm very grateful that my wife insists that I do so.
Are you the 'good guy' who spoils the children or the 'bad guy' who disciplines them?
I'm a bit of both. I'm quite rigorous when it comes to the kids' school work but I also make sure I spend fun time with them. At times I can be quite an old-fashioned Chinese dad but generally I'm the softie when it comes to discipline. There're all girls . so I'm emotionally blackmailed to treat them nicely. To them I'm the best; the nicest and the funniest dad.
What is one piece of advice that you emphasize to your children?
I always encourage them to have an enquiring mind. It's only when one is curious that one will discover things, remember them and realize how magical life is. The important thing is to ask questions all the time.
Do your children resemble you in terms of temperament?
Alex has my gentleness. Georgia's quite artistic and she loves to draw; drawing and sketching was one thing that I used to do all the time when I was little. They've both become very competitive in school as well so it's obvious they have inherited some of my genes.
What characteristics do you hope your children will inherit from you ?
I want them to be self-driven, do well and achieve their ambitions but I think they also need to maintain a sense of honesty, fair play and understand the concept of family, which a lot of us take for granted.
Any unforgettable family trips ?
We went to Margaret River in Perth last year. It was a simple straightforward holiday and we did the most banal things like feeding llamas, sheep, and ponies, going horse riding, playing by the seashore and jumping on trampolines; but I was extremely happy just being with my children and giving them free rein the choice of activities. Moreover, the landscape was beautiful and that was the first time I felt completely relaxed! This was the first continuous Christmas to New Year break I had taken since I became a doctor.
What's your typical weekend?
We have dinner with my parents on Friday nights. Saturdays are usually spent attending parties and other social functions. On Sundays, I'll take Alexandra to church, and this is followed by lunch with my in-laws comprising enormous quantities of hawker food bought from all parts of the island. We do really simple things together with the kids: running and going on adventure treks, activities which I used to enjoy as a boy. Quite often I take the kids shopping or to parties as they have very active social lives! On take it easy days we have a reading session with the kids or veg and watch telly together.
You're such a family man!
I wasn't a family man before marriage but have evolved to become one. I used to be terrified of children, and Pediatrics was the rotation I liked the least when I was a medical student! I have since begun to appreciate and understand kids, especially now that I have my own! My kids mean so much to me and they really brighten my day.
What makes your life fulfilling?
My clinical work as a Plastic Surgeon is the broadest expression of my surgical and artistic strengths while getting new results for my laboratory work satisfies my basic scientific curiosity. Most of all, my very supportive family makes it all worth while. I'm very blessed.
You've extraordinary credentials, qualifications and awards such as the Yahya Cohen Gold Medal and Ian MacGregor Gold Medal. Would you credit your achievements to yourself or the environment you've been brought up in?
Possibly a bit of both. I have a very high achieving father who imbued in me similar attributes and was a great source of motivation. Attending schools with a competitive environment such as Raffles Institution also had part to play. In fact, I still have a close-knit group of friends from my RI days and till now we still goad each other on.
While studying, you lived abroad for quite a while. What did you miss most about Singapore?
I spent nearly 8 years overseas. I missed my family, the food, the culture and the efficient infrastructure in Singapore. When I was living in South Kensington in London, there was a time when we were without a telephone line for nearly three weeks which I thought was quite bizarre for a developed country. I also missed the heat and humidity of tropical Singapore. I was offered two Consultant jobs in the UK after my fellowship but still returned home because I couldn't see myself living in England forever. Ultimately, I remain for all intents and purposes a tropical boy!
Any guilty pleasures?
I used to be a regular at the Sunday afternoon gigs at Harry's bar many years ago when I would sing jazz and jam with the musicians there; sadly I just can't find the time or opportunity to participate in these sessions anymore. I also like fine wines and eating well - at least there is still time to do these things! I do love cars with a passion, especially sports cars; invariably, though, my wife and the tax advisor will reign me in. *laughs heartily*
What's on your plate for 2007?
We're getting ready for the imminent arrival of Baby Number Four in April or May next year. Another thing weighing heavy on my mind are the renovations which are starting for our new house in early 2007. On the work front I'll have to continue working on CellResearch Corporation, my biotech start up company focusing on umbilical cord lining stem cell research and last but not least, I'm looking forward to the continued growth of MedSpa and my practice at The Plastic & Hand Surgery!
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