From Left: Mr Vincent Ong , Part-time Lecturer, PESS, Mr Anders Ong , BSc(Ed) Year 1 student, NTU-NIE Teaching Scholars Programme (TSP), Mdm Foong Sau Wan (Class of 1987), HOD, PE/CCA, Peirce Secondary School, Mr Ashley Ong, BSc(Ed) Year 1 student and Mr Austin Ong, Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE)(PE) Year 1 student.
The Ong family men share more than just a deep interest in sports (squash, in particular). They are also part of the NIE’s Physical Education and Sports Science (PESS) Academic Group, where they are currently pursuing their respective teaching aspirations. NIEWS finds out who’s who.
They are known as the “legendary brothers” when it comes to squash. Off-court, Mr Austin Ong is embarking on a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) in Physical Education (PE) after having earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Sports Science and Management (SSM). His younger brother, Ashley, is pursuing his BSc (Education) after completing a Diploma in PE. The youngest sibling is Anders, a Year-One student in the NTU-NIE Teaching Scholars Programme (TSP). Their squash coach is none other than Mr Vincent Ong, a part-time PESS lecturer who happens to be their father. We posed some rapid-fire questions to the brothers to test if they were as hard hitting outside the squash court.
Sports is life — agree or disagree?
Austin: I’ve always been passionate about sports and most of my hobbies revolve around sports. But participation wasn’t enough. I wanted to know about the “hows” and “whys” in sports.
Ashley: I do love gaming, like playing FIFA and Call of Duty on Xbox. Is that a sport? My other talents include impersonating different accents. I wanted to be a cast member on “The Noose”.
Anders: My hobbies are predominantly sports related. Even the anime I watch have to do with sports — they motivate me to try out different games and learn new skills!
Your parents inspired you to teach — true or false?
Austin: I’ve had wonderful role models at home and in school. I saw how my parents interacted with their students, and the respect they got in return. In school, my teachers motivated me to be the best version of myself.
Ashley: My parents and some of my secondary school teachers were the ones who shaped my dreams to teach. Other than PE, I’m also studying to teach English.
Anders: The motivation stemmed from my parents’ influence. I also enjoy coaching and helping people, and I see teaching as extremely fun and something I can be passionate in.
What is it like bumping into Dad at PESS?
Austin: I get to see my Dad in action as a teacher, and hear funny stories about his classes. Earlier this year, we coached a PESS squash workshop together. That was truly special.
Ashley: I don’t attend his classes, but I am always thankful to Dad for giving me a lift to school.
Anders: I don’t really see him that much as he teaches the SSM programme. But I get to bombard him with questions about SSM at home.
Growing up in a family of teachers — yay or nay?
Austin: It’s nice to have people who can relate to your work. We often get into interesting conversations about sports and teaching matters at the dinner table.
Ashley: I count myself fortunate to be part of a family of PE teachers. We get to go out as a family to play different sports and have candid conversations about sports and PE.
Anders: It’s unique and fun, especially when our sports discussions turn into heated arguments. On the down side, I can’t hide my exam results as my parents would know when the results are released.
You had a mini Olympic Games at home during Circuit Breaker — hearsay or true story?
Austin: Our living room was transformed into a sports arena. We held tennis, badminton, shooting and even golf competitions, improvising the rules and rearranging our furniture.
Ashley: We livestreamed the “events” on our social media accounts, complete with opening ceremonies, umpires, commentaries and medal presentations.
Anders: What can I say, we’re very competitive with one another!