REWIND TO THE PAST
Past versus present generation
Children used to run about in the kampong, and led very interesting and playful times. Now, they are being controlled by technology. On their hands everyday are computers, notebooks, laptops, handphones.. totally different from us.
I love plants and animals during my growing up years. When I learnt botany, I found joy and happiness because of my interest in remembering the names of the plants.
Poverty background
My parents migrated from China and they did not have proper jobs. I had 6 siblings. We lived very poorly, and depended on clothing given by neighbours e.g. I had to wear a dress when I was a small boy.
As children – we ran about a lot but did not practice proper hygiene, which is why I had “smelly head” (dialect term “Cao Tao”). This caused a lot of patches in my scalp. When people notice my head even now, they assume I was a big time gangster in the past because of these patches that look like “knife cuts” scars on my head.
Past backpacking trips
After saving up – I went for a few backpacking trips as a young adult without thinking much, as I just wanted to explore the world. I was exposed to so many things.
These trips made me realised – we Singaporeans are very lucky. Some people in the world cannot even afford a basic education, or have to travel very far just to reach their schools. I talked to the locals casually and to my astonishment, they could work the whole day just for a few dollars.
STRIVING IN THE CRANE INDUSTRY
From a crane operator to a crane trainer
I left the air force in 1980 after a 6 year stint, joining the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) as a crane operator, and subsequently progressed from there. I became a crane trainer in 1994. Till now, I am still in the crane industry.
Were you a pioneer in this line of crane work?
Not really, but I was one of the first few people who started the tower crane operator’s training, and certification of tower crane operators. I have been in the crane industry for 35 years, and teaching trainees for the past 21 years.
I enjoy imparting skills to new crane operators so that they can earn a good salary upon entering the crane industry. At the same time, I also enjoy sharing with my students the joy of working with cranes.
How have you contributed to the industry?
Over the years, I have trained many crane operators in Singapore, and helped set up the crane training center to train tower/crawler/mobile crane operators.
I was also part of various crane operations and hoisting teams that help built various commercial buildings – e.g. IMM in Jurong East, Ngee Ann City, Republic Plaza, and South Point project.
Every time when we pass by these building, I would tell my children “Papa was part of the team that build it.” I feel a sense of accomplishment when I think back on my associations with these buildings, and they reminded me too – of the sweat and hard work put in during my younger years.
Written By: (Anonymous)
Age: –
Race: Chinese
Religion: Catholic
Occupation: Crane Trainer
