Staff Feature: An Old Friend, Mr Lim Yew Luan
(by Jasmin Tay)
'A small-built, jovial and amiable person' is how his colleagues
describe him - Mr. Lim Yew Luan, who recently retired in 2003, was
a Technical Support Officer who has rendered 45 years of contributions
to OED and NUS.
Mr. Ishak Moosia, supervisor of Yew Luan for more than 20 years,
remember him as a dedicated worker who was always willing to come
to work as early as 6 am on a Sunday morning or stay back late till
past midnight whenever required. With his excellent service and
positive working attitude, he has helped to boost the image of OED's
Audio and Visual Section in NUS. According to Yew Luan, there is
no such word as "difficult or nasty customers" in his
dictionary, and with his experience and excellent service, Yew Luan
was able to resolve many challenging tasks assigned to him.
"I remember most vividly, that we would always fight when
food is concerned. Yew Luan would always insist on paying whenever
we go out for meals together. At times, we even fought in front
of the stall on who is to pay for the food", Ishak chuckles
fondly. Indeed, when a group of us paid Yew Luan a visit during
the Lunar New Year festive season, he welcomed us into his humble
home, flooded us with food and chatted happily with us.
Here are some of Yew Luan's comments when we interviewed him:
What has inspired you to work in OED/NUS for 45 years?
" I first joined the Department of Political Science in 1956,
then transferred to NUS Libraries in 1972 and then joined OED in
1982. What has inspired me to work in NUS for 45 years is all the
kindness and cooperation that all the Heads of Departments and lecturers
have given me. This makes me more motivated and thus inspired me
to work in OED and NUS for 45 years."
How do you juggle work and family life?
" I have full support from my wife and mother-in-law. I constantly
share cards and words of encouragement from students and lecturers
with my family. This makes them appreciate my work better. My wife,
Madam Loh Niap Jong, has also worked in NUS for 36 years. She joined
the NUS libraries in 1965 and stayed there for 20 years, after which
she joined the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Dean’s Office
and then finally to Department of Japanese Studies in 1989."
There are many changes in OED, how do you embrace the changes?
" Being understanding and co-operative allows me to embrace
changes."
Who is the person you admire most in OED/NUS?
" Madam Low Hwee Kuan (Deputy Director, OED) my boss for several
years. She is a very understanding and encouraging leader. This
gives me confidence in my work."
What are your plans after your retirement?
" I spend more time doing physical exercises such as Tai-chi.
I am also spending more time with my wife and grandchildren. I have
3 grandchildren aging from 11 months to 5 years old. I leave home
at 6.30 am every morning to do the 21 steps to keep fit, then go
for my usual Tai-chi session at 8 am, and lastly brisk-walk at MacRitchie
Reservoir. My wife and I accompany our grandchildren for their usual
swimming lessons four times a week. At times, I even go swimming
with them."
Mr. Lim Yew Luan even demonstrated a few Tai-Chi strokes for us.
What are some of the things that you will miss most about
OED/NUS?
" I miss mostly the students and lecturers, especially those
from Theatre Studies. They respect my work and it gives me joy to
serve them."
What advice you like to share with the OED and NUS community?
" It is the heart of serving people that makes one appreciate
his/her job which, in turn, gives joy to others."
Looking at Yew Luan enjoying his old age with his wife, children
and grandchildren and the happiness in his eyes whenever we asked
about his family, we all felt very happy for him.
Therefore, we wish Yew Luan all the best in his future endeavours,
and may he find fulfilment in his retirement. We will all miss you!
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