Singapore F1 2009 - Race Officials

Seen here is group of officials working in an office erected within the car park premises of the Singapore Flyer. As one of the Stewards for the Supporting Races, this is also the place where I have spent the past 3 days during the event.
The Singapore F1 GP 2009 will flag off tonight. This is the 2nd time the Republic is hosting the event and it is still the only Night Race in the world. Preparations by various bodies including Singapore Sports Council, Singapore Motor Sports Association (SMSA) and Singapore GP (SGP) started as soon as last year’s event ended.

Earlier this year, I attended this training for race officials held at SMU.
In June, a seminar on the topic "Towards Motor Sports Safety - Race Organisation and the International Sporting Code" was held as part of the training for senior officials. The seminar was successfully conducted by Mr. Jeff Amin, seen here with Gabriel Tan (Clerk of the Course, Singapore F1 GP 2009).
On the same occasion, SMSA’s President, Mr Tan Teng Lip (center) presented special accreditation to these two Senior Officials.
The shakedown was held 3 weeks ago at Pasir Gudang Racing Circuit. Final briefing for Senior Officials was conducted by Gabriel and Janette Tan (Chief Course Marshal) on Wednesday night in this Viewing Gallery above the Bay Grandstand.
I saw this group of track marshals below The Benjamin Sheares Bridge. They were waiting for instructions before being dispatched to their respective sectors.

Despite our busy schedule, the marshals and officials managed to find time to pose for this big 'family' shot.

F1 star driver, Lewis Hamilton, said during an interview: “Marshals are fantastic people. They can save lives and, if anything, they are braver than us Formula One drivers, but no one gets to see them and they don’t get the credit they deserve.” Fortunately, this remark has not fallen on deaf ears. As a token of appreciation, SGP has kindly given Family Passes to volunteers. And here are the complimentary passes which I shall hand to my close ones.
Lastly, I'll leave you with a peek at the Time Control Room ....
....and the all-important Race Control Room.

ACS Class of 79

An ex-schoolmate, Poon Kum Kwun, forwarded this invitation to me.

After 30 years, I must admit that I have felt somewhat disconnected with ACS. The acres of open space with vast greeneries had given way to modern facilities and expansive use of air-conditioning. Yet, given such a long time and the inevitable changes, I was instantly touched by the warmth of the ACSian spirit as I entered ACS Oldham Hall.

It appeared that more than a quarter of the cohort had responded to this call-up. Like any reunion dinner, old classmates exchange stories on the transformation from boys to men. Amid the chatting and camaraderie, I noted a familiar pattern i.e. those from the Science Class were still talking among themselves and vis-à-vis for the former Technical or Arts students. This phenomenon hasn’t changed even after a span of 30 years. It is clearly a case of mingling with familiar faces and settling into each other's ‘comfort zone’.

The model student look of Head Prefect 1979, Oon Jin Tiek, remains unchanged after this length of time. He gave a brief introduction before welcoming our ex-principal, Mr Ernest Lau, to address us (again!!). Mr Lau may have aged but the impeccable delivery of his speech has not changed. He reminded us with this simple yet moving message ~ “Whatever business, job or profession one may be, serve one’s fellow mankind to the highest order”.


We sang the school anthem with pride and posed this group shot.

The reunion dinner was reasonably priced @ $30. The amount bought us a decent spread of buffet dinner, soft drinks and beer! But, to my surprise, everyone was given this ACS Class of 79 Paneria-style commemorative mechanical watch.

Given the relatively small order size and the fine finishing of the timepiece, the watch itself will cost more than $30! I am certain of this fact because I am in the watch trade. It is apparent that the members of the Organising Committee had gone an extra mile to make this possible. That’s a case in point of serving fellow mankind to the highest order!
It was an enjoyable evening for me although I spent time mostly with ex-class mates of 4k. Come another 30 years, I hope I’ll look for faces beyond those belonging to 4k of 1979!
Meanwhile, check out the Facebook of Mohan Balagopal for a comprehensive album of photographs captured during the gathering. Also, thanks to all who had contributed time, effort, money and initiative towards this special occasion. Looking forward to more good times as The Best Is Yet To Be.