VIDEO

48 Singaporean Seconds: Uncle Ringo brings joy to the heartland kids

Mr Ringo Lee sees himself as a clown of sorts. He loves bringing joy to other people and especially gets satisfaction from seeing children laugh. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM
Mr Ringo Lee sees himself as a clown of sorts. He loves bringing joy to other people and especially gets satisfaction from seeing children laugh. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND LIM

Singapore celebrates its 48th birthday on Aug 9, and to tie in with this,The Straits Times Photo Desk has put together 48 Singaporean Seconds, an audio-visual tribute to Singaporeans who have made this little red dot their home.

We are releasing their stories and videos in the next few weeks. In the sixth instalment of our series, we talk to amusement park company boss Ringo Lee.

Ringo Lee, 60, owner of travelling amusement park company

Mr Ringo Lee sees himself as a clown of sorts. He loves bringing joy to other people and especially gets satisfaction from seeing children laugh.

The 60-year-old is the owner of Uncle Ringo, a travelling amusement park which usually sets up shop at night markets in the heartlands with its stable of rides like old-school bumper cars and Viking ships. "We are bringing happiness straight to the heartlands. Parents don't have to travel far to give their children some enjoyment," he says.

He started the business in 1984 just before the birth of his daughter, Joyce. Today, almost 30 years on, he runs the business with the help of his daughter, now 29 and the company's sales and marketing manager, as well as about 15 employees.

But it is more than a business for the affable Mr Lee. "The motto for us is to make the children happy," he says.

He is unfazed by competition from modern entertainment like video games.

"When Uncle Ringo comes, they play with their friends and siblings. When you play computer games, you are by yourself. The feeling is different," he says.

Photos and videos by The Straits Times Picture Desk

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