Ivan Khong has been a Pedal Ubin guide for Toddycats for half a decade now. Last night, he shared his reflection with fellow guides on why he has been guiding at Pulau Ubin regularly all these years and continues to do so.
The Pedal Ubin Guides are also known as the Jungle Fowls hence the feathery allusions.
“Reflections on the Puddles of Ubin,” by Ivan Khong, to Pedal Ubin Guides, 15 Mar 2009.
‘Ol Jungle Cock was doing some thinking last weekend. After roosting on my “throne”, here’s a little something to share..
Returning from work last sun, I did think about what most of us feel about the feeling of routine and perhaps even disillusionment we get from guiding. In my line of work, we probably say the same something at least a hundred times a week. But by doing so, lives are saved from adverse decisions (from doctors and nurses who are usually victims of too much/too little information). The patients are thus lucky because we humans speak the same language. The same can’t be said for nature.
For those of us who know and realize the importance and beauty of Mother Nature, it is our voice `she` depends on to air her plight and suffering (and importance). By doing what we do- by reaching out and informing the public through our work, we are slowly but surely spreading the word and light on conservation, preservation and much more. What may sound like same old to us could be enlightenment to others.
We had good rides and bumpy rides. We all had our foul ups and foul flights. Sometimes our feathers were ruffled; sometimes we added feathers to our cap. But one thing is for certain- each time we’re on Ubin doing what we do, we are slowly and surely creating and ensuring a better future for everyone, no matter how little we feel we’re doing. One drop of water doesn’t make a puddle, but if we all continue to work together, we can create an ocean.
Have a smooth wheeling and dealing week ahead!
NUS Toddycats! 
Nice reflection, Ivan!