Zouk's long-serving toilet aunty gets vomited on so many times, she's used to it

Back in June, Zouk was reported to be moving to a new location at Clarke Quay next year.

Then, two weeks ago, the iconic local club, which first opened its doors at Jiak Kim Street in 1991, announced its sale to Genting Hong Kong for an undisclosed sum.

After the sale, owner Lincoln Cheng, 68, will exit the business but remain as non-executive chairman of Zouk KL. The Malaysian arm is not part of the deal.

Despite these major changes, Zouk still has its constants.

We profile its long-time staff, some of whom are familiar faces to Zouk regulars and find out what made them stay put all these years.

---

I am quite sad to be leaving Jiak Kim, there's a lot of sentiment tied to this place and we practically grew up here. I am also sad that Lincoln is no longer our boss, he is such a visionary.

- Miss Sofie Chandra, head of marketing and events

---

1. MS HO GEOK LAN, 68, TOILET CLEANER

Years at Zouk: 16

Unforgettable moment:

"I have a chair that I sit on inside the women's toilet when I work from 7pm to 5am. On countless nights, girls would get so drunk that they can't control their vomit and they'd vomit all over me. It's happened so many times that I am used to it now. Sometimes I would scold them and say, 'You can vomit anywhere else in the toilet, why did you have to vomit on me?' But I guess they were too drunk to even listen to me. These days, I buy sweets, keep them in my pocket, and offer them to the girls as I think it would make them feel better."

Biggest challenge:

"Many times, the drunk girls would fall asleep in the cubicles. Usually, I knock on the door several times. If there isn't any reply, I would inform the female security guard who would handle it. Sometimes I get scolded by drunk customers for nothing."

On Zouk's changes:

"I will stay on and I am looking forward to working in Clarke Quay as it is a new environment. I really can't bear for Lincoln and his wife, Adeline, to leave us. Adeline is always so sweet to me. She knows that my legs hurt and she always asks about my well-being when she sees me. She is such a good lady boss. I stayed on for so long because of them and I feel sad that they are leaving."

---

2. MISS VICKIE LEE, 50, SECURITY SUPERVISOR

Years at Zouk: 10

Unforgettable moment:

"Ten years ago, a group of rowdy Caucasians had too much to drink and were causing trouble. One of them took off his T-shirt and I told him to put it back on. He challenged me to a fight and before I knew it, he struck me on the head with a candlelight holder. I remember blood trickling down my head and I received 14 stitches."

Biggest challenge:

"On my first day of work, I carried six drunk girls out of the club in one night. At the end of my shift, I had cramps in both arms and I couldn't even lift them."

Best memories:

"Lincoln really treats us very well. Employees get a Tag Heuer watch after 10 years and a Rolex watch after 20 years. I am really happy as I just received my Tag Heuer at last year's dinner and dance."

On Zouk's changes:

"I will miss the building the most, I mean, where else in Singapore can you find a nightclub in such a historic building? Working at Zouk is like working with a big family and we are all very close. I am excited about moving to Clarke Quay as I will be facing a new crowd, so it will be a good challenge."

---

3. MR GABRIEL LING, 25, FLOOR SUPERVISOR

His job scope includes overseeing bar operations and assisting with bar and table reservations.

Years at Zouk: 5

Unforgettable moment:

"In 2012, I served a group of Japanese who looked like yakuza. All of them had shaved heads and one had a black eye. They wore long-sleeved tops, and I noticed that some of them didn't have their little finger. When they paid, they took out cold hard cash from a Louis Vuitton bag. It was fascinating. At that moment, I felt I was part of a movie scene."

Best memories:

"I really like the unique culture. For example, we don't have a drinks menu so when customers ask me for the menu, I tell them: 'I am the drinks menu'. I pride myself on my knowledge and I feel good when customers are surprised and amazed by our good service."

---

4.MISS SOFIE CHANDRA, 32, HEAD OF MARKETING AND EVENTS

Years at Zouk: 10

Best memories:

"I've been doing (dance music festival) ZoukOut for 10 years now. It's one of those events that we plan for six to eight months, and sometimes we just want it to be over and done with. However, every year, in the midst of the festival, during sunrise, I would take a minute to myself, look at the entire event and take it all in. There is a sense of satisfaction and it makes me feel that this is all worth it."

Celeb encounters:

"DJ Dimitri from Paris always asks to eat chilli crabs when he is here. DJ Steve Aoki always requests cakes in his rider so that he can throw them at his fans and DJ Nicky Romero would ask for masks of his face to be printed out so that party-goers can hold them."

On Zouk's changes:

"I am quite sad to be leaving Jiak Kim, there's a lot of sentiment tied to this place and we practically grew up here. I am also sad that Lincoln is no longer our boss, he is such a visionary. We used to have weekly marketing meetings with him till midnight, and I really miss that. However, the acquisition of Zouk also means that there are opportunities to expand beyond Singapore shores, so it is quite exciting."

---

5. MR JEREMY BOON, 45, DJ/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Years at Zouk: 24

Best memories:

"We were sure that we were going to play a certain type of music that defines Zouk, steering away from the popular Top 40s. So we did a trial run and played it to the Zouk staff for about 15 minutes. After we were done, everyone's eyes were wide open and they asked me: 'Are you sure you want to play such music?' It took us a few years but I am happy that we introduced (house music) to the crowd and also entertained them at the same time."

On Zouk's changes:

"The physical move does not affect what Zouk is all about. In fact, it gives us an opportunity to evolve and gives revellers a new clubbing experience. I think it'll be a bit different without Lincoln but I know he will always come back to the club (to visit)."