Issue No: 1/2010 - MINDS

Interview with our new Patron,
Dr Cheong Choong Kong
On September 2009, Miss Lee Seok
Tin stepped down as the Patron of
MINDS and Dr Cheong Choong Kong
joined us as the new Patron. MINDS
would like to convey our deepest
appreciation to Miss Lee for all her
time and commitment since the
inception of SARC/MINDS in 1962.
As we welcome Dr Cheong to our
MINDS family, MINDSpeak had a
little interview with this stalwart of the
industry.
MINDSpeak: Dr Cheong, thank you
so much for being our Patron. What
sparked off your interest in MINDS
initially? And what prompted you to
take on this additional role?
Dr Cheong: My acquaintance with
MINDS was made during my days as
CEO of Singapore Airlines. I recall we
wanted to adopt a worthy charity that
we could support not just with money,
but also through the voluntary efforts
of our employees. MINDS was an
easy choice. It needed to construct
the building on 800 Margaret Drive
and we were able and happy to
contribute the necessary funds. The
work of MINDS provided an avenue
for SIA people to help and interact
with people less well endowed, which
was also one of our aims.
When I was invited by MINDS to
become its Patron, I had no hesitation
in saying yes because of my past
association and shared values. It is an
honour.
MINDSpeak: We all know of your
acting role in the local television
sitcom “The Yang Sisters”. How did
you chance upon this role of San Poh.
Dr Cheong: I was asked, I went for
an audition, and the rest followed.
The acting experience was nothing
terribly new, but it was nonetheless
great fun.
MINDSpeak: You have served as
an Associate Professor and Head of
the Department for the University of
Malaya. You then took on a career
switch in 1974, left the academic
world and joined Singapore Airlines,
where you subsequently became
its CEO. In 1998, Fortune named
you Asian Businessman of the Year,
noting that SIA had an “unbroken
27-year record of profitability
through turbulent economic times”
What is your formula for such great
achievement?
Dr Cheong: There is no magic
formula. As always, it is all about
hard work, integrity, a deep sense of
responsibility to all stakeholders –
employees, customers and owners
in my case – and a good deal of luck.
These are crucial elements in any field
of activity, including those that staff
members of MINDS are engaged in.
MINDSpeak: Lastly, can we get
a quote from you on your general
feeling about Intellectual Disability
and/or about people with Intellectual
Disability?
Dr Cheong: The intellectually
disabled among us need our care
and protection. The support and
attention we give them can make a
big difference to their lives. And to
ours too.
03 mindspeak: the heartvoice of special people