5 Minutes With… Shiona Raj
Communications Executive Shiona Raj is the kind of person you’d like to invite to a dinner party. We ask her who she would invite to hers, and feel lucky she chose Accela Communications over the Puppy Bowl.
What was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I worked at Universal Studios Singapore as an Attractions Operator. I was a Rocketeer for the Elmo’s Spaghetti Space Chase. It was a great time, you got to explore the park and figure out the best times for rides. Working there gave me a new sense of client management, working in tourism and hospitality I think prepares you for that anyway.
What is one thing you can’t live without?
Spotify: I need a podcast or music. I don’t know how I would do in a room filled with silence.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I am a krumper (style of street dance). I started krumping in Melbourne, Australia and now I krump (when regulations allow it) in Singapore. Krumping is just my way of escaping the world and expressing my creativity.
If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
Puppy Bowl Referee. If you haven’t heard of the puppy bowl, visit YouTube and enjoy!
What is the best book you’ve ever read?
It’s a graphic novel called This Place: 150 Years Retold. It is a gorgeous book that highlights indigenous voices, creators and stories. This year it has been one of my resolutions to read more books by people of colour and indigenous writers and creators and it has been amazing.
And the best movie you’ve ever seen?
Best movie is hard but, I think Treasure Planet by Disney is top-tier! The storyline and characters were just well-fleshed out, and even though it was a cartoon it covered some really interesting themes. Despite it being a flop in the box office, I would argue Treasure Planet is one of Disney’s better pieces.
What’s the most memorable meal you’ve ever had?
These are hard questions! But I have got to say that my dad’s cooking will always be memorable. His cooking has no fixed recipe, everything changes but somehow always tastes the same!
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice that I have been given is this: “The world is wide enough for you. You don’t have to run in anyone else’s race.”
Who would be your ultimate dinner party guest?
My ultimate party guest would be Lin-Manuel Miranda, the man who came up with the hip-hop musical: Hamilton. Just to pick his creativity and his thought process would be intriguing.
What’s on your bucket list of food and drink to try and places to visit either in Singapore or elsewhere (once travel opens up)?
The best tacos I’ve ever had were from this shack in Kensington Market, Toronto, and I would give my left arm to go there again. I would love to go back to Melbourne just to see family and friends again and enjoy some amazing food and drinks. There was a secret bar called Pizza, Pizza, Pizza where we had to say a password to be let in and they had some of the best concoctions there.
