Kiat Goh
Age: 31
Occupation: Singer / Songwriter
Nationality: Singaporean
When people have opinions, but are afraid to say them and pretend that they don’t have an opinion… I rather that people be a bit offensive, it’s more fun and much more honest.
- on his pet peeve
A man of substance is...
Someone who understands his surroundings, the people around him and knows what he wants.
Which male icon or celebrity do you admire and why?
I studied classical music, so my ultimate music idol is J.S. Bach just for the vast amount of classical work that he has composed. I believe that without his music, music would be very different from it is today. He’s known as the Godfather of classical music.
What style item can you not live without?
Plain t-shirts of any colour. They are the best things to wear.
What are your pet peeves?
When people have opinions, but are afraid to say them and pretend that they don’t have an opinion. It happens quite a lot in Singapore where many people try to be neutral about everything. It’s boring. I rather that people be a bit offensive, it’s more fun and much more honest. But it’s definitely changing, people are voicing more opinions now especially on Facebook. Baby steps. Another thing I’ve observed since returning to Singapore after spending several years in Europe is that people here aren’t used to courtesy. When I say “Thank you” or “How are you?” at the hawker centre, some uncles and aunties give me funny looks like I’m a weirdo and wonder what I want from them (laughs).
If you were marooned on an island, what 3 essential items would you need to stay sane?
I need music, so my iPod. I'd listen to Bach and the Beatles. Nasi lemak, preferably with lots of lots of extra side dishes. I’m also quite a clean freak, so I need a travel kit with the amenities, toothbrush, floss, all that.
In your opinion, what are the issues affecting the modern man today?
It’s difficult to be a gentleman these days. I was discussing this with a female friend the other day. If I try to be a gentleman like by opening the door for her, she would find it offensive, because she believes in equality of the sexes. I remember in Germany when I gave up my seat to a lady, she was offended as well. So it's really difficult to balance between respecting feminism and being gentlemanly. It's really hard to gauge what individual females appreciate, but I’ll keep trying (laughs).
Name three of your favourite movies.
2001: A Space Odyssey, Barry Lyndon and Dr. Strangelove. Yes, they are all Stanley Kubrick movies which I find very thought provoking. I’ve seen Dr Strangelove more than 10 times.
I shall gather more votes by…
Truly expressing who I am and hopefully people will find it appealing. At least, I know it’ll be an honest result.