Colin Goh: From Talking Cock to speaking Mandarin

Colin Goh, founder of the satirical humour website, is rediscovering his Chinese heritage through his creative endeavours

Mr Colin Goh and his wife Woo Yen Yen recently moved to Taiwan so their daughter Kai Yen can learn Chinese.
Mr Colin Goh and his wife Woo Yen Yen recently moved to Taiwan so their daughter Kai Yen can learn Chinese. PHOTO: COURTESY OF COLIN GOH
New: Gift this subscriber-only story to your friends and family

The moment was the pre-Google-Translate mid-1990s of Singapore, when maritime lawyer Colin Goh had to arrest a Chinese vessel.

All he needed to say was: "Under the authority of the Sheriff of the Supreme Court of Singapore, I am hereby detaining your vessel until your owners provide security for its release."

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 Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.

A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 20, 2019, with the headline Colin Goh: From Talking Cock to speaking Mandarin. Subscribe