November 14, 2009 

by Esther Ng

SINGAPORE - Apec volunteer Cheryl-Ann Tan loves all things Russian and even speaks the language.

While holidaying in Moscow in 2003, Ms Tan liked the city so much she decided to extend her visit. She said: "I arrived in December with plans to come back for Chinese New Year, but I was having a blast, so I stayed."

For the next three years, Ms Tan, then 19, lived and worked in Moscow as a journalist for a magazine, writing tech and book reviews. She also worked as a software tester and found time to learn Russian.

Her sojourn ended when she developed a dislike of her software job and a new editor took over the magazine. Ms Tan returned to Singapore in 2007.

In July, the 24-year-old assistant photographer jumped at the chance to volunteer for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meet. "I'm always curious about what goes behind the scenes."

Assigned to the transport beat, Ms Tan's role is to accompany the delegates up the bus and ensure that the driver takes them to their venue on time.

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