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SINGAPORE: An American expat in Singapore is one step closer to clinch what is touted as the "best job in the world".
Grey Reynen, 31, has made the final shortlist of 16 candidates. The physical education teacher was clearly overjoyed when he received the news on Friday morning.
He said: "I had like a good feeling about it, I thought I was going to get it. So I was waiting and waiting... I was getting nervous, and finally the phone rang with a plus 61 country code. I think (from) Australia!
"(The caller) went, 'Hi Greg, this is Minister from Queensland Tourism Board. Congratulations!' I said yes! Whoo!"
The contest is organised by Tourism Queensland, Australia. The six-month job involves being the caretaker of the islands of the Great Barrier Reef.
Leong Pik Yin, marketing communications manager, Tourism Queensland, said: "They'll get to experience and explore the island in the Great Barrier Reef. They will do various types of activities, maybe like sailing, hiking, snorkling the Great Barrier Reef.
"And then they are supposed to write about it in blogs, take photos and videos, we will see how they perform in those tasks. We will also see how they interact with the locals."
The successful applicant will have to report to a global audience about his or her experiences via blogs and video diaries. The contract is worth A$150,000.
The final shortlisted applicants come from 15 different countries, comprising 10 men and six women, and include students, journalists, TV presenters and an actress.
Mr Reynen thinks everyone will stand a good chance. He said: "It's going to be a cool group of people. I've looked through the list online and some of them I figured would be in, and I'm excited to meet them.
"Some people have lots of experience in blogging. Other people have TV experience, all with different kinds of travel experiences... So, you never know who's got the best chance."
As part of his preparation, Mr Reynen will be starting his own blog soon.
Fulfilling an earlier promise should he make it to the final stage of the contest, he will he shaving his head and painting the colours of the Singapore flag on it on Friday. He will then run down Orchard Road in his flippers and snorkel.
The winner will be announced on May 6.
- 938LIVE/CNA/yt/vm
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