The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted grand plans for a travelling circus, leaving a bittersweet legacy for the carnival pioneer.
SINGAPORE – For Mr. Lee Woon Chiang, the showman behind Uncle Ringo fun fairs, 2020 tested his optimism like never before. He described the year as one of profound sorrow, especially after reaching a career milestone by staging a circus at Marina Bay with around 50 international performers.
Although the ambitious event ended in financial loss, Mr. Lee, 68, saw it as a proud achievement, proving his company could organize such a large-scale production. Plans were in motion to take the circus into Singapore’s heartlands, with stops in neighborhoods like Yishun and Woodlands.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic turned those dreams upside down. Just one month into the year-long circus stint, the firm had to send the performers home to cut costs, a decision that incurred a $300,000 penalty. Despite the financial setback, Mr. Lee expressed no regrets, prioritizing safety and sustainability for the future of his family-run business, now co-managed by his daughter Joyce.
