A personal take on their word of the year

Extract from Author

Words may fail many of us in trying to capture the misery of the past few months, but the folks at Collins Dictionary - lexicographers is the word for them - have hit on 'lockdown' as their word of the year. Hardly surprising, given that its usage has rocketed as shutters came down across the world amid the pandemic. Armed with the adage that a picture is worth a thousand words, The Straits Times photojournalists give a personal take on their word of the year.

Author’s Reflection

What is your personal takeaway from your SOAP story?

Timothy David: Seeing how people around us adapt to the new normal and to visually express that.

Alphonsus: The Circuit Breaker was a very restful period for me; I enjoyed going out into the open spaces without the crowds.

Now that your story has been published for some time, do you have any reflections to share post-publishing?

Timothy David: It was interesting that in order to hang out and chill out with his pet parrot, he had to wear a mask as part of the new normal.

Alphonsus: The crowds are back — it feels as if Covid and the Circuit Breaker never happened.

What did you hope to convey to readers through this story?

Timothy David: To show some form ease in being able to go outdoors, albeit with pets.

Alphonsus: The sense of restfulness and quiet without people.

How do you feel for being recognised for your work?

Timothy David: I feel excited and appreciated!
Alphonsus: Nothing, actually. It is what it is.

Photographed by
Joyce Fang, Jason Quah, Ng Sor Luan, Gavin Foo, Lim Yaohui, Benjamin Seetor, Mark Cheong, Ariffin Jamar, Kevin Lim, Neo Xiaobin, Wang Hui Fen, Kua Chee Siong, Gin Tay, Timothy David, Alphonsus Chern, Desmond Foo, Stephanie Yeow, Ong wee Jin, Kelvin Chng, Desmond Wee, Chong Jun Liang

The Straits Times

Monday,
16 November 2020

Merit Award, Visual