Celebrating 10 Years of ActiveSG: The Leong Brothers

First conceptualised as a national movement for sport in 2014, ActiveSG is coming to its 10th year of enabling Singaporeans to live better through sport! In celebration of this precious milestone, we want to bring the limelight to interesting and inspiring individuals who have played a pivotal part in our ActiveSG journey.

It’s not often that brothers become colleagues in the same organisation, let alone both of them serving for more than ten years. Older brother Leong Wai Kit (WK) is a lifeguard at Bukit Batok Swimming Complex with 13 years of service, while younger brother Leong Wai Seng (WS) is the Assistant Centre Manager for ActiveSG Jurong East/Jurong Lake Gardens/Jurong Town with
18 years of service. Let’s get to know the Leong Brothers, our lifesaving duo of ActiveSG.

How do you feel about working in the same organization with your brother?

Wai Seng (WS): Having a family member in the same line of work has been both a blessing and curse haha.. The good thing is having each other’s back. We have so many common topics and we never run out of things to share, including work challenges and experiences.

Wai Kit (WK): Yea! When there is something I need to check and clarify, my brother is my go-to person. But that also means our endless conversations often revolve around work.

How did both of you decide to become a lifeguard?

Wai Seng (WS): Our parents enrolled us into swimming lessons at a young age. After completing the swimming course syllabus, we advanced to the lifesaving programme and I started working as a part-time lifeguard upon obtaining the bronze medallion. That went on for a while until I completed my National Service and converted into full-time.

Wai Kit (WK): For me, I kind of took a detour. I went on to work in a different field after finishing the programme. It was only after I left my previous company that I started swimming regularly again, and the idea of working as a lifeguard came to my mind.  

With your long service, you must have encountered a fair share of rescue incidents. Have there been any memorable or unusual experiences? 

Wai Seng (WS): Some years back – I still remember it was a Sunday morning – I was informed over the walkie-talkie that a gym user working out at the Level 5 gym spotted a hanging motionless man at the opposite multi-storey carpark. After verifying the information, I was ready to grab the soft pack and go over with my team members to provide first-aid. However, the Singapore Police Force soon arrived and we did not get to proceed with the rescue.

Wai Kit (WK): In my case, I once rescused a cyclist who collapsed outside our facilities at Jurong Lake Gardens. It left quite a deep impact on me, because I realised anything could happen to anyone anywhere. It’s immensely important to be trained in first-aid, and to stay alert at all times. 

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in joining the sports industry?

Wai Seng (WS): Gain practical experience through internships, volunteer work, or part-time roles. Practice makes perfect. Building a strong network within the industry is very crucial, so try to attend more events and connect with professionals. Most importantly, be passionate, proactive, and resilient in pursuing your goals.

Wai Kit (WK): My sentiments exactly. That’s why we share many things in common. 

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” 

At ActiveSG, we are ready to go further with the people who made it possible.

We give our deepest appreciation to every former and current colleague who has journeyed with us for the past 10 years. Here’s to the next 10 years!