WRITER OF THE WEEK

Lee Kay Yan: Every letter is like a supernova in the universe

Miss Lee Kay Yan is interested in astronomy and hopes to see a Singaporean travel to the International Space Station. -- PHOTO: COURTESY OF LEE KAY YAN

WHO: Lee Kay Yan, 40, Ngee Ann Polytechnic graduate in building management (year 1994). Currently working in the retail sector.

MY FAMILY: I live with my parents, aged 73 and 64, and my brother, 41, and his small family.

MY HOME: A five-room flat in Punggol.

MY PASSIONS: Reading, writing, baking and the study of astronomy as an amateur.

I STARTED WRITING TO THE FORUM PAGE...: In late October last year, sparked by an idea that dawned on me while I was considering signing the Advance Medical Directive.

WHAT I WRITE ABOUT: I write on topics that interest me, such as issues related to medical care, mental illness, the environment, use of technology and the arts. Sometimes, I would pick a news article and work on a practice letter to see what thoughts and arguments ensue.

WHY I WRITE: I write because I want to be heard and need it as an exercise to further develop my thinking faculties. In our daily lives, we tend to skim the surface of events happening around us without thinking further. But in writing, I can be pushed to develop my ideas in a clear, concise and convincing manner.

I READ THE FORUM PAGE BECAUSE...: Every letter to the Forum page is somewhat like a supernova happening in the vast universe of the media, which in this case is The Straits Times. Each letter illuminates an issue a writer wants to talk about, and enables a wide range of people to observe and comment on it, and perhaps trigger a torrent of discussions which may lead to a useful solution.

I read the Forum page as the astronomer would scan the skies with his telescope for stars, galaxies, planets and so on to further enrich my perception of this beautiful and complicated world I live in.

MY WISH FOR SINGAPORE: That Singapore will remain an international hub for commerce, shipping, research, education and tourism for many more years to come. Another wish of mine is to see the first Singaporean sent on a research mission on board the famous International Space Station within this generation.

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