Born and raised in Cape Town South Africa, Robert obtained his bachelor degree, higher diploma in education and bachelor of education degrees at the University of the Western Cape with Honors & MA degrees at University of South Africa.
He has been in education for 25 years as a teacher and an administrator. He and his family lived and worked in Atlanta USA for three years prior to arriving in Macau in 2005. Accompanied by his wife Cruchenda, and sons Liam and Luke, he joined Macau Anglican College as a P4 teacher. In 2009 he was appointed as assistant principal and in 2016 as principal of the college.
He is also actively involved in the life of Morrison and MAC Anglican Church. His passion for humanitarian work has led the college to adopt various outreach projects over the years like the “Yolanda Project” – a joint project with ASF Macau (Architect Sans Frontiers’) for the rebuilding of classrooms in the 2015 typhoon hit area of the Philippines.
– What’s your idea of a perfect day?
It would include a balance of being productive, physically active and spending quality time with those dearest to me.
– If you could go back in time to any event in history, what would it be?
1994 which marked the end of the apartheid era in South Africa and when the first democratic elections were held in which all South Africans regardless of colour were allowed to vote for the first time. It marked the beginning of the freedom of oppressed South Africans.
– What’s your favorite book?
Survival in the Killing Fields by Haing Ngor with Roger Warner. It’s a gripping memoir of the author’s life under Cambodia’s communist Khumer Rouge regime, and reveals the country’s descent and is a testament to human resilience.
– And your favorite singer/ band?
Maroon 5.
– Who is your hero?
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town. A cleric and theologian, who is one of South Africa’s most prominent anti-apartheid and human rights activists. I’m inspired by his humbleness and determination to fight for the rights of all human beings and to transcend political and religious barriers to achieve what he believes he’s called to do.
– What can always cheer you up when you are having a bad day?
A good meal, good company and a good laugh!
– What’s your worst habit?
Late night snacking.
– If you could only have one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Any home cooked stew.
– If you could retire tomorrow what would you do?
Volunteer humanitarian work.
– What’s your favourite season or festival?
Christmas, it’s a familiar time as everything that I experienced as a child is still done today. The Christmas mince pies for breakfast and a family lunch followed by the opening of presents has become a family ritual. It’s a time of caring for loved ones and others. My mom always had food parcels ready for anyone who came knocking at our door for food on Christmas and in fact any other day. This year we will not be going home but friends and family will be visiting us in Macau and will be honouring this custom of delivering food parcels to less fortunate children in Manila.
– What’s your favourite place in Macau?
Fisherman’s Wharf, sitting outside enjoying a Thai meal.
