Latest news with #ChristineLim
Free Malaysia Today
01-06-2025
- General
- Free Malaysia Today
Pioneering airwomen who broke barriers in the control tower
The first batch of the airwomen at their passing out parade in 1973. PETALING JAYA : When Christine Lim wanted to join the Royal Malaysian Air Force 53 years ago, her late father was against it. He reminded her of the old Chinese saying 'good men don't become soldiers.' Unconvinced, Lim pressed ahead and landed a job as an air traffic controller with the Royal Malaysian Air Force. Her father eventually relented, with reservations. But Lim never looked back, going on to a 23-year career as an air traffic controller, retiring with the rank of sergeant. It was an achievement, something to be proud of – but with one regret. Christine Lim. 'Unfortunately, my father was not around to see my career take off. He died a year after I became an airwoman,' Lim told FMT in an interview in conjunction with the 67th Air Force Day today. The entry of Lim and her colleagues, the first women in the RMAF, was a significant milestone in the history of Malaysian military aviation, laying the groundwork to promote inclusivity and support for women in military roles. Today, women join the RMAF in various trades, even becoming fighter pilots. It has become a norm – but that was far from the case in 1972. Christine Lim on the job at the air traffic control centre. Most parents could not fathom the thought of their daughters donning military attire and undergoing the tough physical training. Rasaletchumi Ratnasingam. Retired major Rasaletchumi Ratnasingam, who hailed from a conservative Indian family, is an example. Her parents tried to dissuade her from her intention to join RMAF as it was not traditionally a feminine field. 'Eventually I managed to convince them to let me go for the interview, by saying I may not be accepted. But I was selected to be trained as an air traffic control officer. My parents eventually came to terms with it. In fact they witnessed my successful career in the RMAF.' Rasaletchumi, was one of the first two female cadets commissioned as RMAF officers in 1975, when she was still in her early 20s. Her career culminated as the commanding officer of the joint air traffic control centre at Subang airport. Siti Salmiah Abu Bakar, also among the first batch of airwomen, faced no objection from her mother even though her mother had lost her police officer husband at a young age in 1956 during the communist insurgency. Siti Salmiah Abu Bakar. 'I was only two then and my mum struggled to bring me up. But she encouraged me when I decided to join the air force. I was offered a post in logistics. 'My mother was full of pride each time she saw me in my uniform,' said Salmiah, who retired as a sergeant. For Pushparanee Seevaratanam it was a case of plain sailing because her father, an ex-serviceman, and mother were very supportive of her aspirations which gave her all the confidence to step forward and serve. 'Although it was mostly a male-dominated society back then, I never saw it as a barrier. I believed that with dedication and hard work, women could stand equally alongside men,' she said, adding that serving the nation against all odds was a fulfilling experience. Pushparanee Seevaratanam (standing, 5th from left) says airwomen were treated with respect even though they were outnumbered by their male colleagues. Not a job of last resort Rasaletchumi said she had many other job opportunities, including those of teacher, newscaster and flight attendant. But the allure of being part of the armed forces, thanks to the movies she watched, made for an easy decision. 'When the opportunity to join the armed forces came, I grabbed it. I was attracted to it as I wanted a challenging career that was something different from the norm.' Rasaletchumi Ratnasingam, Siti Salmiah Abu Bakar and Pushparanee Seevaratanam in their uniforms when they started their career in the RMAF. Lim had been headed for a career in accountancy after her SPM examination but decided to venture into the unknown after seeing an advertisement for recruitment of women into the RMAF. She said her experience as a member of the Red Cross Society who volunteered to help victims of the May 13 riots in 1969, and the great floods of Kuala Lumpur in 1971, had a major influence on her to join the armed forces. Pushparanee Seevaratanam. Pushparanee said jobs were not too difficult to find at that time but she still chose the air force because she had always had a passion for adventure, discipline, and serving the country. 'I wanted a life that was meaningful and challenging, and something to break the barrier then. It wasn't just about employment, it was about being part of something bigger, and to serve the nation,' she said. She was in the administration department. All four of them spoke passionately of how the inter-ethnic harmony was the cornerstone with no one hesitating to help others during difficult moments especially when undergoing basic military training. 'We were so united and relationships were better during that time. We were truly Malaysians in our quest to serve the nation,' said Lim.
Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Straits Times
Spin, stitch and strum: Fun ways to spend your CDC vouchers
Consider spending your CDC vouchers on new experiences, from picking up a new dance move to trying your hand at crafts. PHOTO: ST FILE Spin, stitch and strum: Fun ways to spend your CDC vouchers SINGAPORE – Got your latest tranche of CDC vouchers and not sure where to use them besides your go-to hawker stall? Consider spending them on new experiences , from picking up a new dance move to trying your hand at crafts. All Singaporean households have received $500 in CDC vouchers, with $250 earmarked for use at participating heartland merchants till Dec 31. Here are some fun, offbeat ways to stretch your vouchers. Dance it out Cindini Dance International accepts CDC vouchers for dance essentials. ST PHOTO: SRINIDHI RAGAVENDRAN Ever wanted to try Latin or ballroom dance? Cindini Dance International in Upper Cross Street offers Latin and social dance classes. CDC vouchers can be used to purchase dance essentials such as shoes, dresses and other apparel at the studio . Dance shoes start at $128 . Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned dancer, your vouchers could be your first step onto the dance floor. Where: Cindini Dance International, 03-47 Hong Lim Complex, 531 Upper Cross Street Open: Mondays and Wednesdays to Saturdays, 11am to 5pm; closed on Tuesdays and Sundays Info: Get hands-on with crafts GentleHands studio offers candle-making workshops. PHOTO: GENTLEHANDS CRAFT CANDLE STUDIO At Choo-P Leathercraft, you can browse a wide range of leather or sign up for a leathercraft workshop . The studio i n Kreta Ayer Road accepts CDC vouchers for products and classes. Standard workshops are priced at $135 and include crafting a small namecard holder. This is a beginner-friendly project that teaches the basics of leather cutting, hole punching and hand-stitching. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 to 10pm. For those looking to take on more advanced projects, such as larger bags, prices go up to $600 , depending on materials and design. If you have a nose for scents, consider making your own candle at GentleHands . The craft candle studio in Kreta Ayer Square offers workshops to create your own message candle or room diffuser. Prices range from $39 to $58 a person for a one-hour session. Ms Christine Lim, 50, founder of GentleHands , said that in the past year, at least 30 people have used CDC vouchers to pay for the workshops. Where: Choo-P Leathercraft Singapore, 01-08, 334 Kreta Ayer Road Open: Mondays to Saturdays, 11am to 8pm ; closed on Sundays Info: Where: GentleHands, 01-32, 333 Kreta Ayer Road Open: Tuesdays, 11.30am to 4.30pm; Wednesdays to Fridays, 11.30am to 5pm; Saturdays, 1 to 4pm; closed on Sundays and Mondays Info: Lose yourself in a book Basheer Graphic Books in Bras Basah Complex has a wide collection of magazines. ST PHOTO: SRINIDHI RAGAVENDRAN Trade screen time for page turns at indie bookstores that accept CDC vouchers. At Jing Si Books & Cafe in Geylang East, browse titles on mindfulness, spirituality and personal growth while enjoying a peaceful reading nook and a cup of tea. The space doubles as a quiet retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day. Over at Basheer Graphic Books in Bras Basah Complex, you will find a treasure trove of art and design books, photography collections, architecture magazines and graphic novels. It is a go-to for creatives and curious minds. Whether you are into visual storytelling or philosophy, or just looking for your next paperback , these bookstores are a haven for book lovers seeking something special . Where: Jing Si Books & Cafe, 01-219, 134 Geylang East Avenue 1 Open: Tuesdays to Sundays, 10am to 6pm; closed on Mondays Info: Where: Basheer Graphic Books, 04-19 Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street Open: Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 8pm; Sundays, 10am to 7pm Info: Strike a chord Pick up Chinese instruments at Eight Tones Music School. PHOTO: EIGHTTONESMUSIC/INSTAGRAM Whether it is a Chinese instrument like the erhu or a Western one like the guitar, your CDC vouchers could help kick-start your next musical chapter. At Xin Yue Music Studio in Bras Basah Complex, you can use your vouchers to purchase instruments such as the guitar and ukulele, as well as beginner-friendly music gear. Over at Eight Tones Music School in North Bridge Road, which specialises in Chinese musical instruments, you can pick up the erhu, guzheng and dizi flute, along with accessories such as strings, rosin and padded cases with your vouchers. Where: Xin Yue Music Studio, 02-85 Bras Basah Complex, 231 Bain Street Open: 11am to 6pm daily Info: Where: Eight Tones Music School, 02-5041, 465 North Bridge Road Open: Weekdays, 12.30 to 8.30pm; weekends, 10am to 6pm Info: Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
