"I'm just a model-maker,” says Mr Cho, 70.
“But you know, model-makers are eyewitnesses,” he adds. “We see the changes in Singapore’s urban landscape first-hand.”
Lean and sprightly with silvery-white hair, the veteran model technician has been making architectural models since 1964. “Even after 50 years, whenever we got a new master plan or concept, I still got excited and couldn’t wait to start working on the new models!” he says.

Mr Cho arrived at the then Urban Renewal Department of the Housing and Development Board as a bright-eyed 19-year-old. He jumped at the opportunity to apply the skills he’d picked up from his technician diploma course at Singapore Polytechnic.
“I like to build things with my hands, and modelmaking is all about handwork,” he says.
As Singapore’s urban skyline developed, so too did Mr Cho’s passion for the job. He delved deeper into his craft, treasuring opportunities to make models of high-rises and skyscrapers with novel configurations. “Every building is different, and every new model is my favourite,” he says.