In conversation with Kim Sagadeva
“In Conversation With …” is a column where members share their personal experiences and reflections about Keppel Club. Through these stories, we hope to offer readers a deeper connection with the Club, seen through a variety of unique perspectives. We invite you to join us in discovering what makes Keppel Club so special, one story at a time. If you wish to contribute, please email our Communications team at kccomms@keppelclub.com.sg. Publication of the stories received is at the discretion of the Newsletter Sub-Committee.
Ever young at heart: A chat with Ms Kim Sagadeva
If there’s one word to describe Ms Kim Sagadeva, it would be spirited. At 76, she’s living proof that age is truly a state of mind. “My biological age is 50.” she said with a chuckle. “When I turned 60, I had been telling myself for the last 16 years that my biological age was 50.”
Of Chinese and Indian descent, Kim speaks both Hokkien and Tamil — “a true Singaporean,” as she puts it. “My Chinese friends are amused and my Indian friends are confused because I look different!” Trained in finance and now retired from corporate life, she spends her days golfing, reading, and writing poetry when inspiration strikes.
This month holds extra meaning for Ms Kim, as she celebrates her birthday in November — a timely reminder of her zest for life and her belief in the power of the mind. In fact, one of the poems she wrote in March 2022, “The Mind,” beautifully captures her outlook:
A close friend that never leaves your side.
Constantly chattering,
Laying the tracks to your life.
A good servant you say,
But a terrible master,
If you allow it to rule your life.
Always referencing the past,
Projecting into the future,
But never in the now.
Why take it so seriously,
When it’s constantly changing its mind.
The solution to this problem,
Is not the cessation of thoughts.
But to stop believing in its content.
“If the adage ‘you think, therefore you are’ is true,” she says, “then we should all strive to create the best version of ourselves.”
Q: What draws you to Keppel Club? Is it the sport, the social activities, or the food and beverage?
A: I joined Keppel Club in 1999 because it had a strong reputation as a family club. What attracted me most was the warmth of the community and, of course, the golf course. Golf has always been my passion, and Keppel offered both — great greens and even greater friendships.
Q: Do you enjoy coming to Keppel Club
A: Absolutely! The Club has been my happy place for more than two decades. Whether it’s meeting old friends or joining a game at Sime, I always look forward to being here. There’s something about the atmosphere — friendly, familiar, and full of life — that makes every visit special.
Q: Do you consider the Club your second home?
A: Yes, very much so. Over the years, Keppel has become like a second home to me. I’ve made wonderful friends who continue to play and laugh together, rain or shine. Even as the Club transitioned to Sime, that sense of belonging has remained strong.
Q: What do you appreciate most about the Club?
A:I really appreciate the effort of our committee members who work tirelessly to keep the old Keppel traditions alive, even as we adapt to new surroundings. Their dedication is what makes this Club feel like a true community, not just a place to play golf.
Q: Do you have a memorable moment from bowling, billiards, golf, or tennis at the Club?
A: There are many memorable moments, but one that still makes me laugh happened at Sime. A cheeky monkey stole my little pouch full of tees and ran up a tree — only to scatter them all over the ground! That was one game I’ll never forget. As for golf itself, my best round so far is a gross 80 at Sime, though I’m still trying to repeat that feat. Hole 1, with its steep elevation, continues to challenge me every time — but that’s what keeps the game exciting!
Before the conversation ends, Kim has this to say: “My hope is for Keppel Club to continue for many more years to come. It’s more than a club — it’s a place where friendships, memories, and laughter stay evergreen.”
