Upon retiring in 1996 as Director General of Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), Mr. Seow Ewe Hoe was appointed as one of the Trustees for Hostel International (HI) Malaysia. He had served for 30 years in the Malaysian Administrative and Diplomatic (PTD) portfolios attached at various positions in the Treasury, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Ministry of Human Resources. Concurrently then he sat on the Board of EPF, National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health.
He has been travelling extensively around the world both on official duties and personal choice. "I travel to engage myself with peoples especially, the members of HI to learn the different cultures, artistic expressions in performing arts, architecture design, environmental landscapes and geography of varied regions of the world," he said.
HI formerly known as International Youth Hostel Federation, is a grouping of more than eighty National Youth Hostel Associations (including HI-Malaysia), with over 4,000 affiliated hostels around the world. Seow who is married to Song Mee Lan has 2 children and 3 grandkids, added "HI means great holidays for the whole family. HI hostels are always good value, with flexibility to go as we travel. The friendly hostel atmosphere is ideal for my family and I to meet new friends and enjoy interesting experiences.
At 82 years old (born 1941 in Georgetown, Penang) healthy Seow received his early education at Penang Free School and tertiary education at University of Malaya KL graduating with BSc Hon. He has a daily fitness regime by walking briskly for 1 hour and using public transport to move about. He often laugh loud and networking with friends. His very down to earth life philosophy is simply " Human beings are the only species that have evolved to possess a sense of humour! What for if we don't use it?"
Trustee Seow strongly urged senior citizens, youth and students to travel as much as they can, and to evolve themselves as internationalists. He emphasised that, "It's as important a part of our education as a radical as the reading of any book. When we live, we live! When we die, we die! As Socrates admonished us 'The whole purpose of life is to learn to die cheerfully!' Every time and in all things be a good cheer!" He's now making preparation to travel to Central Africa & South America by end of this year.
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