Oct 31, 2011 - ST Forum
PRIME Minister Lee Hsien Loong's wrap-up speech in Parliament
was indeed heartening ('From void deck to Nobel Prize lab'; Oct
21). His warning about an ageing Singapore society is timely.
At 50, I have already prepared myself to explore new grounds and
have entered an industry where old age is not a handicap.
From a qualified engineer, I switched to become a taxidermist
and obtained training in New Zealand. But when I tried to ply this
trade here, I had to surmount many bureaucratic hurdles.
The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) does not seem to be
supportive of taxidermy exports from Singapore. Wild animals, birds
and fish that died naturally or were killed in road accidents
cannot be taxidermied, much less exhibited. Essential chemicals
needed for this trade are not allowed to be imported, so
substitutes that are less effective have to be used instead.
Despite these obstacles, I was able to compete in the recently
concluded New Zealand Taxidermy Association Championship with a
pair of mantis shrimp procured from the local supermarket. I won
third place.
Every year, a world taxidermy championship attracts taxidermists
from many countries. I am sure Singapore can benefit from hosting
such an event.
Casinos were deemed unsuitable and eschewed for a long time in
Singapore. Yet, we now have two operating here. Should not
taxidermy be relooked in a new light with stringent and outdated
rules replaced with more pragmatic ones?
Ken Mar
