Singaporeans at MME

Today, some of our top racers are currently fighting with the best drivers from the region for top honours in the Merdeka Millennium Endurance Race at Sepang F1 circuit. Among them is Kevin Kwee – a well known businessman who was featured in Life on 23^rd Aug 2008.

This is THE best known endurance race in South East Asia, easily attracting more than 100 entries each year. Under the regulations and for safety reason, only the top 77 cars (comprising the fastest qualifiers in respective categories) will start the race. Hence, Kevin seemed rather pleased yesterday when he called to inform me that his car has qualified mid-field and 5^th fastest in class. And, he has good reasons to feel excited too. After all, his team has spent months (and monies) preparing for the race and unconsciously, their expectations have naturally inched upwards. I had the same feelings when I took part in 2003 and, in particular 2005 when my team and I ran an unforgettable race. We were then the founding members of the newly launched Team Singapore, Motorsports. Here’s an extract from my e-mail dated 30^th Aug 2005 which I sent to close friends and families after that event:

“Our team, Team Stamford Continental was one of Singaporean teams at last weekend’s 12-hour endurance race held at Sepang.

Qualifying 11^th out of 77 cars on the grid, we progressively worked our way to the front of the charging pack. We built on our strengths, using a combination of cautious driving antics and professionally executed pit-stop maneuvers.

By early afternoon, we had already secured 4^th position on the field and our car was performing flawlessly. On the 9^th hour, we looked set to be on our way to a promising podium finish.

To our dismay and disbelieve, our machine suddenly came to an abrupt halt at 8:22pm after having completed a total of 187 laps. While it lasted, we withstood the onslaught of extremely powerful big-budget race teams and their specially prepared race machines like Porsche GT3s and Lotus works cars. Everyone in the team can lay claim that we did a great job!

This cannot be said for the other Singaporean teams.

During the course of the race, a dispute had broken out at the paddock between teams involving other Singaporeans. The resulting brawl and ungentlemanly behaviour were brought to the attention of track officials who immediately called the police.

The incident was reported on the front page of TODAY

…….and SHIN MING DAILY.

It may have led to some of you worrying about my safety. The truth is - we had a great race!”

Among this year’s notable entries from Singapore is Jansen Tan, our undisputed drift king.

Like Kevin, he is participating in such event for the first time. (Read Kevin’s progress at http://www.choonsracing.blogspot.com/)

Those gunning for top places include fast-charging Melvin Choo, Desmond Soh and, of course, Denis Lian. Yesterday’s front runner, Mok and his gang, is ably supported by Andy Tan from Espace Service Centre – one of the best race car tuners from the Republic. Here’s a note to all countrymen flying our flag in Sepang this weekend: “Stand up for Singapore, do the best you can AND have a safe race!”

Orient Delights

The Orient brand name has been left without an agent in Singapore since the early 90’s. Unknown to many, the company was established since 1950 and is now part of the Seiko Epson family.

According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orient_Watch, “as of 2006, Orient Watch has the largest Japanese mechanical movement production exceeding Seiko's and Citizen’s combined production figures.” Thus, it was no surprise that I have been receiving enquiries for these watches recently. I have also learned that some watch enthusiasts have purchased latest Orients from Thailand (where the brand enjoys a good presence), via internet or local grey imports. This phenomenon had prompted me to make direct contact with the manufacturer. I am glad that the good people at Orient have responded positively. So here’s the good news for all Japanese mechanical watch lovers. The latest collection from Orient watches is now officially available at Big Time.

Price ranges from $143 to $2,233. The watches are truly well finished and clearly great value for money. This is totally in line with our quest of bringing you quality watches at affordable price. And, best of all, we provide manufacturer's warranty and original individual gift box.

Please click http://www.orient-watch.jp/ for more information.

Classic Rolls, Vintage Bentley

It's always good to see great cars from yesteryears and they don't get greater than Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

The green Bentley (SP1234) is the 4250cc All Weather Tourer while the black Rolls-Royce (SV5000B) is a Corniche Convertible. The duo were first introduced in 1937 and 1971 respectively.

Both cars have earlier taken part in a charity event organised by Automobile Association of Singapore. They are proudly owned by Larry Lim, a semi-retired successful businessman. Beside such cars, local ‘green’ fans may have also heard or read about Larry’s ardent passion for eco-friendliness. Well, that may be a topic for another day. As for now, I would like to thank Larry and William for dropping by.

Heaven Can Wait

It has been exactly 3 years since my friends (William Lyou, James Ling and Terence Tan) and I survived a near-fatal accident on Friday, 19^th August 2005. The incident occurred at the 36.1km marker along the North-South Highway at 3:25pm.

James was driving his Subaru Forester at a speed no less than 140 km/h. We were on our way to Sepang for our Merdeka Millennium Endurance race-car test/practice session. All of a sudden, he rammed his Scooby onto the rear of a slow-moving vehicle.

The impact forced the vehicle into a spin, causing it to collide with the road divider and eventually coming to a halt at the centre of the highway.
To make matters worse, the car’s engine compartment caught fire. Thankfully, a passing motorist handed us a fire extinguisher to quench an otherwise potentially explosive situation. The impact of the collision and the continuous spinning had forced all our luggage, belongings and vehicle parts to scatter up to 75 meters radius around the accident site. The sight was akin to the aftermath of a mini-tsunami.

The unfortunate slow-moving vehicle hit by James was a large box-van. Despite its substantial weight and size, I was struck in awe when I realized that the vehicle had flipped on its side due to the intensity of the impact.
Apart from some small cuts, bumps and bruises, all of us were very relieved to escape relatively unscathed. But here are some interesting facts to note.

1. The registration number (3866) of the box-van eerily mirrored the birthday of our driver - James i.e. 3^rd August 1966; and
2. The incident took place on the 15^th day of Lunar 7^th month i.e. the most significant day of the Ghost Month Festival with roaming spirits (aka hungry ghosts) out in full force. According to believers, the ‘official’ hell-gate open house is held annually on this day.

Lastly, in case you ask, the reshaped Forester was written off by the insurer as Total Loss. And, as for the four of us, heaven can wait…..

Singapore 43rd National Day

The flypast during the national anthem has been a regular feature of our National Day Parade(NDP).

This year’s event was somewhat overshadowed by the Beijing Olympic Games Opening Ceremony which was held just hours before our NDP. Nonetheless, the birthday bash at Marina Bay still managed to dazzle with its non-stop action on the sea, at the world’s largest floating platform and up in the skies. Like all previous NDPs, planning and conceptualization of theme took place months before the elaborated rehearsals including thousands of school children were carried out. The organizing committee would reach out to the corporate bodies and private sector for sponsorship and logistic needs. We had the opportunity to provide watches in 2004…..

……and again in 2005Majulah Singapura!

79th SCWTA Annual Ball

The 79^th Singapore Clock and Watch Trade Association (SCWTA) Annual Ball was held last night at the Grand Ballroom of Meritus Mandarin Hotel. More than 500 people, including overseas guests from China , Hong Kong and Malaysia , attended the party.


Here’s a picture of our Guest of Honour, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr S Iswaran chatting with the Hong Kong delegates.

Organising committee members wore custom made pit-shirts befitting our motorsports theme for the night.


Emily (Png Watch Dealer) set the night alive with her rich and fiery voice.

At the same time, 'Elton John' was “a little bit funny”.


But Charles (Montres Carven) was really funny.....

.....and definitely the best merry maker!


There were quiz and games for all, including the very young.

In addition, there were more than 50 lucky draw prizes. The grand prize was gracefully presented by Mrs Tan Soo Khoon .

We thank all friends, members and supporters of SCWTA for the great party. And, our sincere appreciation to Mr S Iswaran.