“For years, I ran alone, up to 9km, along ECP.” — An interview with Foreign Minister George Yeo

Interview by Leslie Tan/Red Sports

George Yeo is Singapore’s Foreign Minister and a Member of Parliament for the Aljunied Group Representation Constituency (GRC). Exercise plays a big part in his life and for the last two years, he ran in the 10km category of the Singapore Marathon.

Mr Yeo studied at St Patrick’s School and St Stephen’s School for his primary education, then went on to St Patrick’s School and St Joseph’s Institution for his secondary education. He topped his O Level cohort in 1970 and became a President’s Scholar as well as a Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) Scholar in 1973. He then went on to study Engineering at Cambridge University where he graduated with a Double First in 1976.

In an exclusive interview with Red Sports, Foreign Minister George Yeo shares with us the role sports and exercise has played in his life.

Leslie Tan, Red Sports: What part has sports and exercise played in your life?
George Yeo: I’m not a sporty sort and don’t have good ball sense.  But keeping fit (or trying to) has been a part of my life since late secondary school days.  In Sec 2, I became tubby and was told off by my elder brother. I have never been overweight since then. In the Army, I had to do PT of course.  

I enjoy swimming, especially in the sea, but don’t do it regularly.

Running has always been a part of my life. For years, I ran alone, up to 9km, along ECP. It was like a kind of meditation. Nowadays, I run with friends, often in my own constituency. Mostly at Bedok Reservoir.

I was ‘persuaded’ to take up golf in the Army by Gen Winston Choo. Never really mastered it. Don’t really enjoy it. Maybe, when I retire, I’ll go back to it. My handicap is terrible.

Started using gyms regularly from the early 30s. Wished I had done so earlier and had better coaching.

Please share one significant moment, story or achievement from your experience playing or participating in sports and exercise.
Swimming off Changi Beach Club beyond the safety buoys. Suddenly found myself helpless against strong current even though I’m a reasonably strong swimmer. Luckily I knew the area well. Instead of fighting the current, I swam with it and beached at Changi Sailing Club. Then walked back from there. If you panic and fight the current, you can drown.

What’s your perspective on how physically rugged Singaporeans are as a people?
Varies a lot.  Many more young Singaporeans use gyms now to look good.  I advise my kids that what matters is persistence, making it a part of their lives. Should not only be pursued as fashion or fad. I advise those who are in their early 30s not to let go and lose control, as many do.

I see Singaporeans generally more health-conscious. Senior citizens love the exercise equipment that are increasingly available in housing estates and public parks. Qigong, taiji and other traditional exercises are popular.

I’ve been learning taijigong for almost two years now and find it enormously helpful and interesting.  It is a new universe for me. Those who learn yoga feel the same way too.

Physical, mental and spiritual health are connected. I’m slowing understanding this.

Sports in Singapore is growing in significance. What is your wish for Singapore’s sporting future?
Good health is more important than anything else. But in the end we all grow old and die. What is important is that while we live, we should live life to the full and make the world around us a little better.  

Spectator Sports as entertainment is only entertainment.

Sports as an expression of what the human body, mind and spirit are capable of is wondrous.

George Yeo Fitness Fact File
10 km run:  1 hour 6 mins
5 km run:  30min
2.4 km: don’t run this distance anymore
Age: 57
Height: 1.73m
Weight: 69kg