Employee Stories

Peter Cousins

A journey of resilience and turning setbacks into success

Hockey is far more than a sport for Peter Cousins, for him it’s a lifelong passion that has shaped his resilience, introduced him to lifelong friends and helped him build a sense of belonging in Singapore.

Today, he co-captains the Singapore National Masters Hockey Team (Over 45s) and recently competed at the Masters Hockey World Cup in the Netherlands, and the Asian Championships in Hong Kong. But his journey to representing the country has been anything but straightforward.

Making time for what matters

Balancing a full-time career with competitive sport is no easy feat.

Training sessions often began long after the working day ends. Showing up for such a schedule, day after day requires discipline, planning and commitment. Despite all the demands, hockey remains an important part of his routine and something that helps Peter bring his best self to work. He shares –

“I actually bring more positive energy into my work and team because I am able to exercise and play at a competitive level. It truly de-stresses me.”

He credits the support of his leaders and colleagues for helping him continue pursuing the sport he loves.

“Our leadership team and my personal team know how important my sport is to me. They have been extremely supportive.”

Lessons that stay with you

Years of playing hockey have taught Peter lessons that extend well beyond the pitch. These include discipline, learning how to navigate setbacks, pushing through mental barriers and most importantly, working together towards a common goal.

The sport has also played an important role in helping him settle into Singapore and build lasting friendships along the way.

“This sport has also provided me lifelong friends and helped me settle into Singapore.”

The changing point

In February 2020, a serious injury left Peter wondering whether he would ever play hockey again. For someone who had spent so much of his life around the sport, it was a difficult setback to process.

Yet he remained determined to return.

“I knew what I wanted and could feel I had more to give to the sport.”

Over the following years, he focused on recovery, rebuilding his strength and rediscovering confidence in his game. With support from his family and teammates, he worked his way back to competitive hockey and ultimately achieved the level he had always wanted to play.

Today, representing Singapore on the international stage is a reminder of just how far perseverance can take you.

Reflections from his journey

Hockey has given Peter much more than medals and tournaments.

It has taught resilience, helped him establish both a career and a life in Singapore, and reinforced the importance of pursuing the things that matter most.

As he reflects on his journey, one belief stands out the most that we are all more than our job titles. Sharing the passions that drive us outside of work can open doors to new conversations, connections and opportunities. And for him, that journey continues every time he steps onto the hockey field.