Optician for 42 years at Plaza Sing recalls mall as 'Orchard Yaohan'

Madam Theresa Tok probably knows more about one Singapore shopping landmark than most.

She has been working in the same shop at the same mall since 1979.

The 57-year-old optician has seen Plaza Singapura (PS) undergo two major revamps during 42 years she has been there. And she's still there for its latest new look.

"It used to have the nickname 'Orchard Yaohan' when Yaohan was still around," said the 57-year-old.

"It was also a popular place for Japanese tourists back in the 90s. Nowadays, we see more local youngsters and families."

ANNIVERSARY

To mark its 42nd anniversary, the mall is organising activities such as Bring Home a Piece of PS and showcasing a wall mural - a depiction of the history of the mall and the Dhoby Ghaut area.

The wall mural makes Madam Tok, who works at Paris Miki, nostalgic.

While she thinks the mall looks more modern now, "I still prefer the previous exterior of the mall, which was more structured" she said.

"The new one is a little too wavy for me."

How did she come to work there for so long? It was because of her customers, she said.

"I witnessed my customers grow from a kids to adults. It's really heartwarming," she said.

"Sometimes they would even wait one to two hours so that I could serve them."

The mall, which was revamped recently, will conduct woodworking workshops for shoppers to create a hand-carved wooden trinket dish using recycled wood from the mall's recent refurbishment efforts.

All shoppers need to qualify is a minimum of $30 in a single receipt.

This article was first published on November 22, 2016.
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