This series of write up is by Tee Chian, Expedio’s Technical Director and also the main lead for this project/ initiative. Throughout this duration, he plans and coordinates all the material, suppliers, fabrication, liaising with hospitals and the delivery of the project.
The Ongs have been phenomenal ever since expedio design started doing this. The whole family chipped in and they have produce at least 700 face shields to the front liners.
The Ongs are from Serdang, one of the most interesting communities I have been (I can say so because I spend quite a bit of time there because An Chee Lee is from Serdang). For those who don't know, the heart of Serdang is Serdang New Village (Kampung Baru Serdang). Most of the Serdang residents originated from the new village and have since developed housing around that area. Serdang people don't like to go out of Serdang, if they could, I think they'll stay there forever. Coming from PJ, Serdang feels very foreign as the lifestyle there is still very much like a village. Residents in the new village live in wooden houses extended to modern bricks and zinc roofs. Some have also tore down the houses and built much bigger grander ones. I've always been very curious who approves the drawings. The houses on the hillls can be of any design they desire. One can also conveniently run a restaurant or business out of your home there. I don't know how they get away with authorities but you can have a Curry Mee shop right in someone's porch. Your neighbour can also be selling shoes beside you. Everyone seems to also know everyone in Serdang. They get together, meet at the market to sit together, hold festivals together and in our case, you can even go to neighbours to ask them if they have elastic bands.
Mama Ong with her trusted tools.
The Ongs are master shoemakers. Don't ask me how they met because I'll leave that to your imagination. But it is very cute that Papa Ong is in charged of the "shoe base" (sole) and Mama Ong is in charged of the "shoe top" (body). Together, they can complete a pair of shoe. Damn perfect match right? Serdang is very well known for its shoes. The Blackhammer or Kangaroo safety shoes that you are wearing all originated from Serdang. They are also make very good at formal shoes. The Ong parents have schooled Expedio Design in many sewing related projects. We don't argue with auntie when she tells us the best way to sew or approach things. Her sewing machine can puncture leather leh... we are not going to argue with someone who has tools like that.
When their daughter brought the stuff home, I don't think they asked much and jumped in straight away. They pulled black elastic from their store rooms, borrowed from neighbours and friends, they got someone in the community to donate 500 A4 transparencies... man, they were running a mini production business out of their home this whole MCO. I'm very grateful to this Serdang Hub and the Ongs. Thank you uncle and auntie and sister.
