Short & Sweet Singapore>>

Also catch our exclusive interview with STOMP Hotttest Female Teacher Lydia Tan.

The results of the STOMP Hot Male Teacher Poll are out. It was a tight finish, but Shane Kwek ultimately emerged the winner of the inaugural contest, which saw a deluge of voters frantically trying their darnest to give their beloved male 'cher their clicks of agreement.

Mr Kwek, a 25-year-old English and Mathematics teacher in Eunos Primary School, was understandably surprised by the fervour generated over the event. This boyish, and yes, good-looking gentleman candidly reveals his thoughts on winning this contest.

He has been married for the past two years and it's to a fellow teacher, whom he had met playing Star Wars Galaxies online. They met as the group of players went on their usual break in the game for supper, and Michelle, his wife, who was a newcomer then, tagged along.


Shane met his wife Michelle during a supper break while playing Star Wars Galaxies online.

How does it feel to be the STOMP Hot Male Teacher?

It's somewhat embarrassing, actually! My friends and colleagues haven't stopped teasing me ever since. And old friends from a long time ago have started calling me about this.

Were you surprised that you garnered 117,875 votes?

Yes I was! But I know who's behind it. It's Clara, the one who nominated me. I know she got her friends to vote for me, and also the friends of her friends. I'm quite surprised she nominated me. She's never once said anything about me looking good.


Taken on a National Day field trip with my kids (yes, my students).

So are you flattered or bothered that your students think you're hot?

Actually I wasn't even aware of the fact that they knew about this site. I must say I'm a little flattered. I don't think I'll be bothered unless they start approaching me in school for autographs. Hmm...

Teaching is...

,... positively one of the most interesting professions around. If you have an interest in it, give it a shot.

Do you think it's important that a teacher looks good?

It is not important at all for a teacher to look good. However, it is ideal if a teacher looks presentable for work, that is, not untidy or sloppy looking. After all, we are role models to the students, so one should try to look the part.

Do you think good looks help or hurt a teacher?

It definitely helps in teaching. They are more likely to pay attention to you and are more willing to do work. It helps to build rapport with the students, which is crucial since we don't really punish students these days. But more than just looking good, you need to be friendly and approachable to build that rapport.

Did you have a hot teacher when you were a student? Did it have any effect on you?

There were a few hot teachers when I was a student, but the effects of their visual appeal on me were minimal at best. The teachers who had the most lasting positive effect on me were the teachers who cared, especially Mrs Elizabeth Goon and Ms Roslind G From Serangoon Junior College, and Mr Seah from Ngee Ann Secondary. No matter how disinterested students can look, even the worst student can tell whether a teacher cares for him/ her.

How do you maintain your good looks?

Good looks?! (laughs) Smiling and laughing. I love my job, so being in the teaching profession helps as I end up smiling and laughing because the young children are very enthusiastic during the lessons. They are very willing to try new things and participate in role-play sessions wholeheartedly. Sometimes there will be random acts that provoke much laughter. Once, it was raining and all the kids had on their windbreakers. One student suddenly put the hood over his head and started dancing like Usher. The whole class cracked up.

Turning 23 with Michelle, then my girlfriend. A goofy shot of my brother and I getting ready for our wedding dinner. Yes, OUR wedding dinner. I married Michelle and he married Kal, Michelle’s sister, on the same day! Taken on our honeymoon trip to Gold Coast, Australia.