Facets of a Multifaceted Man

Expressions of vandenborre’s can-do attitude.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel
Expressions of vandenborre’s can-do attitude.
My Reading Room

01 HE WAS A SCOUTMASTER

At the age of 40, Vandenborre took a 12-week crash course that involved a training camp and trekking activities to become a Scoutmaster to 12 kids. It was to train his sons, who could not join the local scouts' unit as they were enrolled in an international school. Coincidentally, his family home was once the headquarters of The Singapore Scout Association from 1987 to 1996.

02 HE SUBSCRIBES TO NOTES FROM THE UNIVERSE

The website sends out personalised inspirational messages daily. He has come to anticipate its arrival at his inbox at 5.30pm as it allows him to take time out to “meditate and reflect on the day”.

03 HE HAS AN AFFINITY WITH HORSES

A stone sculpture on his front lawn featuring the head and neck of a horse is actually a Sumatran tombstone of a Chinese warrior. Vandenborre used to ride horses in his birth country but stopped when he moved to Singapore because the climate wasn't suitable for him.

04 HE ENVISIONS SG100

He believes it is necessary to grow the country beyond its physical borders. He suggests this can be done by maintaining strong ties with Singaporeans living outside the country, perhaps by allowing dual citizenship. “People can serve the nation abroad – get them to work and forge relationships with peers overseas so they anchor the city from the outside".

More: country