Thankfully, this motoring journo’s 23-year vocation as writer/editor/multi-purpose vehicle, which started as an occupation like any other and developed into a preoccupation like no other, has notched up decent creativity mileage.
On the long and winding road of my life as a motoring journo in Singapore, there were roadblocks, roadworks and detours that drove me to distraction.
Luckily, I never crashed and burned like a crash test dummy caught in a fiery crash test, although I suffered some burnout along the way and was running on empty in the rougher rally stages.
Thankfully, my 23-year vocation as writer/editor/multi-purpose vehicle, which started as an occupation like any other and developed into a preoccupation like no other, has notched up decent creativity mileage.
I’ve driven an amazing array of cars on the job, written so many automotive articles (some of which were probably not bad) and taken so many photos/videos (some of which were probably not bad, too).
I’ve also done enough media trips to qualify/requalify as a frequent flyer since 1995, earning enough air miles to redeem a small fleet of Star Alliance Airbuses parked on the tabletop tarmac. As a journalistic tourist, or touristic journalist, chasing international stories and testing cars overseas, I’ve travelled to numerous countries around the world – from regional to remote, from nearby to far-flung, from JB to US.
What a joyride it has been for me. Henceforth, the Torque ticket to ride is in the driver’s door pocket of our new man behind the wheel, Jeremy Chua, who will keep the editorial engine of Torque firing on all cylinders.
After I drive off to Leng Kee and change gear in my “car-reer”, one thing shall remain unchanged – objects in my rear view mirror are closer than they appear and always make me reflect upon my editorial past.
