A PAGEANT WITH A DIFFERENCE

Minister in the PM's Office, Mr Lim Boon Heng, presenting trophies to the winners Ms Lilian Lim, 62, and Mr Andrew Yap, 59. (Image: Straits Times)

The inaugural Mr and Ms Singapore Senior 2010 was a pageant with a difference. It was open only to those aged 50 and above. Contestants were judged not so much on their looks but more on how they presented themselves on stage, how active their lifestyles are, and how much they have achieved in their community.

The event attracted 170 participants and a boisterous audience of 1200 supporters who cheered their favourite contestants with loud whistles, cymbals and even pots from their kitchen!

Eventual winners Ms Lilian Lim and Mr Andrew Yap are role models of seniors who have adopted very active lifestyles in their retirement. Ms Lim, a former VP at HSBC, enjoys tennis and in-line skating while Mr Yap a former MD of an MNC is very much into sports. He cycles 20km almost daily.

Organisers the People's Association Active Ageing Council and Resorts World Sentosa must be pleased to have found their first Ambassadors of Active Ageing in Ms Lim and Mr Yap.