BENJAMIN KIM

Aviation professional

“Prior to the pandemic, I had inadvertently taken two things for granted—namely health and family—both of which I had assumed would always be fine. While I have never been terribly unhealthy, this episode has driven home the need to be continually conscious and deliberate in maintaining a good dietary and physical fitness regime. I also have had more time to bond with my wife Serene (pictured right) and this has brought us closer

together. Amid the hustle and bustle of pre-covid Singapore, we never really took the time to sit back and just spend time together. My hope is that the new year would bring about a viable vaccine available for us to return to pre-covid activities. Should that happen, I would be over the moon, to say the least, and then I would need to quickly remind myself to stay the course, lest the post-covid euphoria and exuberance insidiously draw me back into the habits of old. It is crucial for me to continue to eat well and exercise, spend time with family, bask in the opportunity to mingle in larger groups, but still deliberately meet in small numbers to make for meaningful conversations. Aside from that, I look forward to Inauguration Day on January 20, when the new president of the United States will be sworn in. It will spell a fresh start for everyone and mark a turning point in global history, seeing world leaders lead in earnest and giving sound, science-based guidance that will see us through this pandemic.”