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Tan Boon Hua

The Mountain Climbing Geoscientist

 


What do you like to do outside of your job?
I love to try different things and won't say no to something new. I live life by the philosophies of "no pain, no gain", "practice makes perfect", but also in "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy". So I'm very receptive to many different activities, as long as they are intellectually challenging and inspiring. In general though, to answer your question, I love travelling, photography, going on outdoor adventures like hiking, camping, skiing and rafting.


I do also love spending my time trying to find out what's happening in the world and the types of problems mankind is facing - and trying to see if any of my ideas can help in the solution of these problems. And this is all away from work! It enriches me. My 2 favourite magazines; National Geographic and Time are my staple of natural sciences and current affairs. I'm pretty active on Facebook, giving "pseudo" commentaries on current affairs, politics, natural sciences and anything that I find interesting. Haha, become my friend if you want an update on what's happening around you in the world!


What else do you do to unwind?
I don’t seem to have much time to unwind lately! When I do find the time, I love to pop Jazz CD into the player and just chill. I recently bought a piano, so sometimes I’ll just play a Michael Buble number, or do some serious practicing of a Chopin Impromptu. I was a Grade 8 classical student in school so I figure that it's about time I reconnected with that! Singing can be very therapeutic too. I have a group of hardcore karaoke crazies who are extremely gifted in the voice department whom I hang out with. It's all good fun!


Do you like to travel?
Absolutely! There’s just so much to see and learn on travels; and to simply to soak in nature. The number 1 priority for me when I'm travelling is great natural beauty. Especially mountains. I guess it connects back to my love for natural science. During my studies, I visited New Zealand 3 times for the very simple fact that it is a country with such rich natural beauty. I've also climbed Mount Kinabalu...TWICE and I’m still very much attracted to it. I wouldn’t mind doing a 3rd time actually. My next plan is to backpack across southern China and Tibet. Fingers crossed!


Sounds like you're a bit of a daredevil...
I guess you could say that. I just love the outdoors. I used to do a lot of skiing every winter during my university days...and burnt a lot of dollars in the process! Mountaineering, white water rafting and hiking are things that just come naturally to me. I have also tried bungie jumping...but that is something I don't think I'll ever be doing again! How's that for being a "daredevil"?


I'm also into a lot of other sports that I suppose you could call "more down to earth". Swimming, running, badminton. I joined a gym last year and signed up for some serious personal training sessions! I'm still going strong on that and who knows, maybe someday I'll be able to help someone else improve his or her fitness by devising a new fitness regime. Just a thought...


What's your creative output?
I’m generally a pretty structured person. I need discipline in my life and in the things that I do. I don’t really see myself as the creative type, but structured creativity could the thing for me. I believe that I need to master something through diligent work and practice, before I can freely express myself in that department. For example, practicing a technically challenging classical piece. Only once I've mastered it, I'll perform it for others the way I want it expressed. No pain no gain. I do have a plan to pick up Jazz piano and maybe someday freelance at a Jazz bar! It sounds like a very long term project though!


I suppose you could call dancing once of my creative outputs as well (at least since you haven't seen me dance). Dancing in a sense, frees and liberates me from my rather structured self.


What do you think you've not done enough of and wish to do more of?
Help the needy and contribute back to society. I think after joining the rat race that is the working world, I've been severely lacking in this department. Lack of time is always a poor excuse and if I don’t start doing it soon, I know I'll regret it one day. I understand my tiny place in the whole scheme of things, but I always think and hope that I can make a difference, in whatever circumstance that I'm in.


Read a summary about Boon Hua and the why he loves his job so much.  

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