AT first glance, Lo Khere Chiang doesn’t look his age.
With his sprightly strides and quiet confidence, the
Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman appears youthful and energetic despite
being over 50.
Born on March 9, 1960 in Kuching, Lo was brought up in an
ordinary Chinese family with four younger siblings.
His father Lo Chung Soon, who was a Penghulu for Third
Mile area, ran a small business with his mother Tan Say Moi.
Sarawak Spotlight unravels Lo’s journey through life from
young till the day he was made MPP chairman.
Question: What was your education like? How and where was
school?
Answer: I’m a full-fledged Thomian. I went to St.Thomas’
Primary school and then St. Thomas’ Secondary School here in the city.
After finishing my secondary school, I went to further my
studies in Engineering overseas. I graduated as a Civil Engineer from Glasgow
University, Scotland in 1983.
I was happy in school because I got on well with my
teachers and my peers. Though I was not top in class I tried as much as
possible to set a good example for my younger brother and sisters by doing what
my parents expected of me - study hard.
When you were young, what was it that drove you to do well
in studies?
My father taught us to respect others, help people when we
are able to, think before we act and the importance of family values. I get my
sense of humor from my mother who is able to see the positive and lighter side
of everything even when things do not look so rosy.
After University and returning back to Sarawak, what did
you do?
My first job was as an engineer with an engineering firm
in Kuching, WTS Konsultant. My first employer was Alex Ting and Sim Kwang Meng,
my mentor and best friends till this day.
I started work in the Kuching Rural District Council as a
civil engineer in April 1987. The council has since progressed to become Majlis
Perbandaraan Padawan (MPP) till today. So basically I was there since the
beginning of my civil service career. I was also a councillor there before.
What made you stay on very long at MPP?
I enjoy working with and being around people. I like to
listen to their problems and be able to offer as much help as I can to
alleviate some of their difficulties. It is gratifying to know that I can be in
a position to do my job well and be able to lend a helping hand at the same
time.
I have had tough calls to make in my profession but I do
the very best I can and try to move on ahead to do the work that I am supposed
to do. I try to follow the principle of ‘fairplay and honesty’ when executing
my duties.
Throughout your work, what was your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement in life and work is the good
working relationship and firm, trustworthy friendships that I have built over
the years. These priceless achievements have been invaluable to me over many
years.
Many Kuching people and those staying within MPP
jurisdiction who often deal with you said you are very reserved, calm,
well-mannered and a quiet man. What do you think?
I am flattered to be described like that and I have my
parents and many life experiences to thank for shaping me in this way.
What is the most important thing in your life?
My family means everything to me and I am extremely lucky
to have a wonderful wife, Margaret Lim, and two children who love and support
me in my work.
Though work is demanding and the balancing act between the
two is often tough, I never allow it to get between us because it is my family
who gives me a true sense of purpose and belonging. I enjoy a good meal whilst
spending time relaxing with friends and family in my free time.
Is there any philosophy or principle that you live by day
by day?
Orson Welles once said, “We’re born alone, we live alone,
we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion
for the moment that we’re not alone.”
It is only because of the love from our parents, our
spouses, children, brothers, sisters, work colleagues, members of the public
whom we meet on a day-to-day basis and precious friends that make life as
meaningful as it is now. For me, I thank everyone around me for helping me
remember that I am not alone in everything that I strive to do, if only for a
moment.
I am not alone and neither is anyone else out there.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/news/community/2012/11/26/the-quiet-captain/#vCKvYo5WJOlVKyhP.99
