It Changed My Life

It Changed My Life: This licensed plumber holds a PhD in early childhood education

Licensed plumber Weelai Suwanarat holds a PhD in early childhood education

SPH Brightcove Video
Dr Weelai Suwanarat was one of Singapore's first licensed female plumbers in the 1980s. When the recession hit, she was laid off and later decided to go into early childhood education. Today, she co-owns a learning and development consultancy.
Dr Weelai Suwanarat was one of Singapore's first licensed female plumbers, but when the recession hit in the 1980s, she lost her job in the construction industry and became a pre-school teacher. Over the past three decades, she has risen to be an ind
Dr Weelai Suwanarat was one of Singapore's first licensed female plumbers, but when the recession hit in the 1980s, she lost her job in the construction industry and became a pre-school teacher. Over the past three decades, she has risen to be an industry expert in early childhood education and is often invited to speak on training and development issues at conferences. ST PHOTO: ONG WEE JIN
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

Dr Weelai Suwanarat can tell a pipe wrench from a basin wrench and is pretty dexterous with a pair of tongue-and-groove pliers.

She can fix a leaking pipe and also knows how to stop a faucet from dripping.

Already a subscriber? 

Read the full story and more at $9.90/month

Get exclusive reports and insights with more than 500 subscriber-only articles every month

Unlock these benefits

  • All subscriber-only content on ST app and straitstimes.com

  • Easy access any time via ST app on 1 mobile device

  • E-paper with 2-week archive so you won't miss out on content that matters to you

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on March 10, 2019, with the headline It Changed My Life: This licensed plumber holds a PhD in early childhood education. Subscribe