The 46-year-old is not just your friendly doorman at Raffles Hotel; he is also an icon of Singapore being one of the city’s most photographed faces, along with his younger sibling Swaran Pal Singh and colleague Narajan Singh, the hotel’s two other distinguished gatekeepers. The 46-year-old father of two has worked at the hotel for 16 years and travels widely picking up awards for Raffles Hotel. He chats with Julian Tan about his favourite characters, and that immaculate Gieves & Hawkes uniform.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE ONE OF THE MOST PHOTOGRAPHED PEOPLE IN THE WORLD?
I feel very grateful because I personally don’t always have my own photographs taken, and now they are all over the world and people come up to me every day to take pictures. I enjoy it, and I love my job.
WHAT KIND OF PERSONALITY MAKES A GOOD DOORMAN?
When I come to work in the morning, I always think: I want to be happy and to enjoy each day.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEMORABLE THING SOMEONE HAS EVER SAID TO YOU?
One American lady guest said she was very happy with my service and that she wanted to take me back with her. She said: “If I build a hotel, I will have you as my doorman.”
NAME THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO MEET.
Muhammad Ali, David Copperfield and Lionel Richie. I already met Michael Jackson.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A BAD DAY? HOW DO YOU ALWAYS KEEP A SMILE IN FRONT OF YOUR CUSTOMERS?
I day dream, I imagine myself as a rich man. (Smiling)
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR UNIFORM?
Every guest who sees me, will say: “Wow, look at you, you look like a maharajah!” And that makes me proud (of wearing it). Most of my regular guests when they come back and see me, they will hug me and say: “You are still here.”
YOU TRAVEL WIDELY. ANY FAVOURITE PLACE?
Bangkok – I love tom yam soup.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?
I help my wife cook, clean the house and do the laundry.
