HE WEARS many other hats, along with his polo helmet.

Mr Lawrence Khong (seated), shakes hands with his coach while his family and friends gather around. -- Picture: TEH JEN LEE

Mr Lawrence Khong, 55, the oldest in the Singapore national team, had a jam-packed schedule three weeks before the SEA Games.

He is the senior pastor of Faith Community Baptist Church, chairman of the board of directors of Touch Community Services (which recently won the Outstanding Non-profit Organisation Award from the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre), and also a master illusionist.

BUSY SCHEDULE

He shuttled back and forth between Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand between 15 Nov and 6 Dec.

His activities included going for polo training and competition in Thailand, performing magic for charity and corporate shows in Tokyo and attending a church conference in Manila.

And then he played a fine game on Thursday at Bangkok's VR Sports Club, helping his team trounce the Philippines 10-1.

The next morning he flew back to Singapore to attend an award ceremony. He is to fly back to Bangkok today for the final match against Malaysia.

Polo team manager Ali Namazie, a physicist with the National University of Singapore, said: 'Lawrence has been playing polo with us for 10 years and he always makes time to train.'

Whenever Mr Khong travels, he makes it a point to go to the gym at least every other day for 90 minutes, doing cardio exercises, weight training and working on his leg muscles.

'SPACE-MAKER'

On Thursday, he was elated at being the 'space-maker' for the match.

The commentator was heard saying he 'played a great game', shutting out one of the Philippines players.

Mr Khong, who started playing polo 15 years ago, said it's an 'addictive, exciting game'.

'Once you get into it, you're hooked because it's a blending of several disciplines - it involves horse-riding, hitting the ball with precision, riding off other players as in a contact sport and using strategies to play as a team.'

He is grateful to his wife, Dr Nina Khong, for being his space-maker - she helps to manage his tight schedule by arranging his flights and lending a hand with the packing.

Dr Khong, who was a medical doctor before she became a full-time pastor, said: 'Although his schedule was very tight, it all seemed to fit.'

Does she ever worry her husband would hurt himself in polo because he is tired from keeping his intense schedule?

After all, she has broken her wrist, and he his collarbone while playing polo.

She said: 'I don't worry, but I do remind him: Safety first. It's good to play well, but don't be rash.'

He said: 'It is an honour to play for Singapore in this SEA Games.

'So for this whole year, I take every opportunity to play polo competitively. We're going to go for gold on Saturday.'