My Life

2008-01-09T00:38:00.000+08:00

TV Revolution

By rolling out internet-enabled plasma TV , collaborating with YouTube for its online videos and Google for its web album,Panasonic has promised to offer an alternative to the usual programmes of traditional media.

I just can't wait for it to be rolled out in Singapore. Hopefully it will really be a free source of interactive TV,but currently it is only available in North America. Click here to know more

Sony has also rolled out its own version of internet enabled TV with different collaborators for content.Click here to know more With the two giants at work the screen is more than just a computer panel and I feel there is more flavours and surprises at work =)

By clicking on any of the hyperlinks in this post, the blog will not gain any monetary benefit.

2008-01-05T01:28:00.000+08:00

Hopes for 08

Just now I chanced upon IBM's five In Five Innovations 08 and it is very interesting reading them especially the one which is about tagging food with a second generation RFID tag. This may enable easier selection of fresher food. But if not closely supervised by the implementing authority, heartless vendor may just retag unfresh food with newer labels thus causing more to suffer =). Click to read more about them IBM's Five in Five

On my way home,I heard about some economic forecast of Singapore in 08 from CNA on TV Mobile. Hopefully the benefit of growth will filter down more as the prospect of raising inflation with no precedence for the last few years will really mean that I have to really watch my spending since I still haven't really offically started my working life yet.

Currently still consolidating the photographs of my Christmas 07 and New Year 08 family gatherings which are truly unforgettable to me =)

2007-12-30T23:24:00.000+08:00

Technology 07/08

What is mentioned below is only my personal perceptions and it does not represent any other external party.

Unless Content provider of new technlogies(3.5G and HDTV etc)in Singapore is able to persuade the mass Singapore market that what they provide is indispensible in daily living,the best way to create a market and awareness is free content that is readily available for trying.

Hopefully 2008 will be a year where more interesting,intuitive,and personalised free content will be rolled out for the singapore mass to try out thus creating more opportunities for all.

I feel for 07 the:
Best technological advancement is the invention of a portable wireless storage device with mobile wireless web server capbility that is carried by Suzuki Technology.=) http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/technologynews/view/318523/1/.html

Most Innovative IT establishment is Google with the establishment on Google New where reader can have more interaction with news sources and its consist innovation of new improvements to the internet. Honestly I have just read about the google news article but will be looking forward to trying it soon =) http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/technologynews/view/319226/1/.html

The links provided above are all that I feel is interesting and would like to share based on personnel preference. They are all directly linked from the CNA articles in its technology section.

2007-12-20T11:26:00.000+08:00

Sentosa SkyRide/Luge, Malacca Trip, and Cousin's outing

16/12/07: The ride on Sentosa SkyRide/Luge really spiced up an otherwise dull trip due to the wet weather which makes a day at the beach really boring.

Breathtaking paranoma of the island and Singapore city skyline really makes one marvel.

A relaxing evening at TCC Dohby Ghaut to celebrate one of my cousin's birthday brings about a good chance to chill and relax after a hectic week to bring about extended cousin bonding.

A trip to Melaka allows relaxation and indulgence in some early new year shopping. Bought quite a lot of clothings back but still not enough for the year.
Sightseeing, and family bonding time:

2007-12-12T23:59:00.000+08:00

Sucess never comes easy in life. Whether a calamity or an oasis really depends on the person leading it. I heard from one of my coursemate that his blog, and forum website always has about 10,000 hints per day within the 8 months of inception.Reflecting on my blog, which is ordinary and mundane. I just wonder how some people develop this killing acumen or flair in creativity which others lack.

Time management is another issue, why others seem to be excellent in time management thus accomplishing so much while I can only do so little? If all these can be cultivated then I really don't mind putting all my effort into it but how do I go about doing it?

What written in books is always so simple to implement but so hard to actualise when tried.

Is one fated to a worker or leader on birth or can it all be changed? Hopefully by next year end I can proudly say that I am now a more disciplined person capable of achieving more as compared to before and I can kick off this initial stopping me to enhance my blog.

To my cousin who just had her operations get well soon.

2007-11-18T23:45:00.000+08:00

NO one knows what is installed for them in life. Maybe the world behind a simple passage maybe one that is beyond one's imagination.

The movie- Stardust intertwined reality with magic, love and suspense. I just can't help but marvel at how brillant the plot has been in keeping audience glued to the screen. The gist of the show - Love can overcome even the most treacherous evil that can else exist but the theatrical presentation is superb-set in a small town unknowingly bordering a magical dominion spells adventure.

Managing to share my desktop printer with my laptop,is a great accomplishment today. It is easy but for one's first attempt, it is a memorable achievement.

Last week was dynamic week filled with synergy.Memorable events are the buying of my first personnel laptop(HP TX1213)and the watching of Stardust with my colleagues, lastly my paternal grandfather's birthday on saturday.

Looking forward to starting school with my new gadgets and hope more excitement will come.

2007-11-05T23:25:00.000+08:00

Momentum is gaining. I am currently restructuring my life to meet the new envisaged challenge. Is progress not intrepid enough? I am really curious for an answer which only time can tell! Camp life seems to be moving in the better traction, hopefully it will continue and I can have an answer to my paranoia -> positive progression.

2007-10-20T13:10:00.000+08:00

Never felt so relaxed and at ease from such a well-deserved rest and never has it been so timely before. However the harsh reality - everyone seems so busy with our own course of life both obligatory and involuntarily.

I used to visualise a time when my like-minded pals will get togther conceptualising creations that are truly our own. Though it may not have to be as revolutionary like what Facebook and Google promised to, it is always great to have a pasture called our own.

Perhaps I can do up a draft first and get their help later, maybe the spark of innovation will spread. Nevertheless, it is worth a try else some part of my trajectory in life will appear phantom and blank. I am not going to waste my life away and regret later. A back injury and compulsory service is really a hard but good way to wake up my lethargic mind.

2007-10-14T22:58:00.000+08:00

Changes has to be made.I have done nothing in making fulfilment of my dreams easier. It is timely to reflect and amend, a new era will dawn 11 months later. The reason for my switch in mindset - enough of being ordered around and disturbance to life asking me to do any job related stuff after work. My life has to be in my own hands and not some organisation.

At this cross junction of life, I hope my current plunge into 2.5 yrs part time uni studies from 12/11/07 is not a mistake. I firmly believe hardwork will make the seeds of a greener pasture germinate and eventually bear fruits. Though life is tumultaneous but it is still worth putting all that I got. Never will I look down on others of lower rank or equivalent. One thing I learn- Respect has to be earned and not by the crabs, bars and stars. One that has nothing is not necessary of lower calibre so please repect. =)

2006-05-17T17:29:00.000+08:00

No matter how tumultuous,
weather the storm I will.
No matter how arduous,
With wings of determination I will soar.
Achieve the seeming impossible,
I will.

Well my Uni registration outcome is a great dissatisfaction =)But I promise I will not succumb to that so easily.

Ha ha. My working life seems to be getting better now. Or should I say getting acustomed to the sedate office environment. Hopefully I don't get scolded anything soon. =) Haha. A candid shot of my colleagues and I with a stunned facial expression.

2006-04-29T14:07:00.000+08:00

Grapevines do grow in Singapore. Pardon me for my ignorance =)Spotted at the private residential areas between Bedok and Simei area.

The next two years of my life has finally been untangled. On 7th September, I will be enlisting for national service. Even so the maze of life has sometimes made me worry about what will I be heading for after these two years. Hopefully while servicing, I will be able to seek a path to the life that I have always been seeking for. Perhaps fruits will bear from the grapevine of my life.

Nothing beats the company of family and friends.Captured some shots of the moment of fun that I enjoyed with my cousins

2006-04-02T09:54:00.000+08:00

Work to Survive or Survive to work? After my working stint of 3 weeks as a Temp at a local IT firm, I really feel that I should put in my best and strive for my future. Else I will be doing the same mundane task all my life.

Koi and Discus fishes are my favourite. Discus symbolises elegances and gentleness as they graceful swim in the tank and Kois are energetic and full of vigour. The way Kois jump up from the water just to get their feed is interesting. These are some of the Discus fishes that my family used to rear.

All the best to my friends that are currently serving or are going to serve national service soon. =) Hopefully we can swim our way through all obstacles =P

2006-03-01T21:55:00.000+08:00

A moment of passion can really be dangerous and disastrous at times like the Tammy video incident of Singapore. Ha ha. Perhaps when we bear the consequences in mind for our action, life will be as exhilarating and beautiful as firework.

Beautiful display of firework taken during last years' national day. Hopefully I will also be able to create a life that is as beautiful and memorable as them.

2006-02-08T19:12:00.000+08:00

Finally got my hands dirty re-designing my blog =). Though it is kind of amauteur but I still feel excellent after spending a day on it. A great pastime especially when I am so free now =) Learnt quite a lot on scripts and css files- things that I am really lousy at =(. Next week I try will to change the blog tune which is a bit boring and upload some interesting video clips on the national day fireworks captured last year on my mobile phone. Great time spent but I guess it is quite worth-while. Hopefully, I will improve in my IT skills soon =)

2006-02-01T18:48:00.000+08:00

Pulling myself together to fight my forte of 4 months at the end of my attachment- slacking on my blog. I wish everyone all the best to come in the Lunar Year of the Dog.

During my stay in Bangkok, i visited the Vimansek Manison which is an interesting and a beautiful sight to behold....
Built entirely on Golden Teak Wood, constructed under the order of King Rama VI of Thailand as his palace- a fusion of Local Thai and western architecture.

Walkway leading to the river channel and guesthouses for His Majesty's guests.

A ground of peace and tranquility that feels just like heaven. A showcase of the Thais' openess towards external culture..... =)

Sometimes when there are too many of options available, I tend to get lost - Entering the workforce after National Service or university(if possible), Survival in harsh working environment etc. Nevertheless facing them bravely and trying my best should help in couping this anxiety as the puzzle of life pieces itself in the future to come.

2005-11-04T19:12:00.000+08:00

Completing the installation on my trip to the Grand Palace, these are the photos that I took on its interior. I took them because they display the Thais' beautiful traditional architecture that is unique to their own culture together with a fusion of other external culural influences.With them together it has been so unqiuely Thai.

Magnificent pavilion that is built with resemblance of gold and shining precious gems glittering under the sun.

Feeling like a noble sitting on the throne like stairway. One nice experience I will never forget

Deftly hand painted traditional wall-painting that is not only fascinating but beautiful.

With the glitters of gold that will be eye-blinding when you walk through it. but its really beautiful. HaHa kidding only =D

Wall painting at one of the entrance that depicts an ancient Thai women with elaborate detail which is very captivating. Right? =D

2005-10-19T18:48:00.000+08:00

Staying in a foreign land alone is not as helpless as I imagine before embarking on my attachment to Thailand. In my workplace, I met quite a lot of Singaporeans from the Singaporean community here in Bangkok. This is a photo of one of the pavilion in the grand palace.

I really salute to them as they are able to not only speak Mandarin and English well but also able to converse fluently up to five foreign language or more (French, Thai,Japanese,etc). Most of them are self-taught linguist and I suppose they learn it to be able to interact with a locals a lot since they are mostly businessmen or family members that had stayed here more than 2-3 years. I hope during my short three and half month stay here I can also pick up basic Thai so that it will be easier if I am to be posted to work here in the near future or if I decide to come here for a tour again. =D But it takes a lot of determination and persistant to keep on learning which I afraid I lack. However with the hope of getting a better bargain for the clothings and gift I will buy back, I suppose I will be learning fairly hard I hope haahahhaa =).

I suppose to I am out of the time to only realise that things are really cheap here. 1 SGD can get me a plate of hawker food, 3 SGD can get me fastfood, and 6-7 SGD can get me Japanese food that cost 12-15 dollars in Singapore. However you will get more discount if you can speak Thai.There is high tendency for certain shop to charge foreigners that cannot speak Thai a higher price this especially true for clothings etc.

Well I have suffered a bit like I bought a pair of shoes that costed 2-3 SGD dollars more expensive than another store. Lets not dwell on this issue or you will be thinking how stingy I am hahahaha XD.

Last but not least the Singaporean community here is more than privileged then ever to be able to help the unprivileged locals in Thailand. I personally witnessed that on the STCC Farewell party for the Ambassador of Singapore where the well-off Singaporeans,the ambassador and other representatives here donated spontaneously to help the Baan Nong Pla Sew School in kachanaburi to improve on their current campus that don't even had electricity supplied to it. Sometimes they even need to dine, assemble, and study in the shades of the trees. And You should be able to guess what will happen to them when it rains.

Not having a degree is not a sin but not everyone shares my view at least I met successfully diploma holders that have also established themselves in life with courage, determination and perservance.

2005-10-14T20:43:00.000+08:00

Time Flies.2 more days and it will be my third week of attachment at the Singapore Thai Chamber of Commerce(STCC). Appearing to me that I had only just arrived at my new life here yesterday.Perhaps that the reason why we age unknowingly since we are too forgetful to keep track of time. Hahaha =D

My job scope is very wide - designing the STCC Digital Yearbook 2006,doubling as the draft writer for the pre-published FTA(Free Trade Agreement)article and some pre-published messages of some of the director, moonlighting as a marketing executive that follows up on members' profile,lastly an IT help desk to my permanent staff colleagues here. Well it may seem hectic but it provides me with a lot of working experience on top of those puny and general IT knowledge that I know. Can be seen from how normal my blog looks right now! It will take time for it to improve Haha XD

All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy so I went to enjoy myself last weekend at The Grand Palace of Thailand.Took quite a lot of pictures but chose the best few for posting only haha =)Next week will be posting the interior of the Grand Palace. Quite like the new digital camera that I bought the Lumix FX9. Take superb pictures even with shaky hands lol.

2005-10-06T16:10:00.000+08:00

The sky above our head with its ever changing appearance and its seemingly never ending edge, has been the fascination of Man since we first exist.

To me, it is a gateway to another apart of the world with different learning experiences, and also a nest where I can nuture my dreams and endeavours. I never dare to say them a lot as I will be condemned as building castles in the air at home =). HaHaHa =D

Perhaps amazed by its ever changing apearance, I enjoy taking different shots of it at different times of the day.When seen from a different angle the sky extols a different beauty. Hope U will enjoy those photos that I took.

Into the fourth day of my four month internship in Thailand, I found Thai food to be very tasty and not necessary spicy. Thai people are also very friendly and polite. I quite enjoy my stay at STCC(Singapore Thai Chamber of Commerce) as the permanent staff here are very helpful to teach me how to order food in Thai as most food vendors here don't understand English at the place that I work in -the market beside Lake Rajada complex.

Since I don't get internet access at the apartment that I stay in during my attachment. Therefore it's a bit hard for me to keep my blog updated. Hope you, the reader don't mind. I will try to capture as happy interesting pictures of Bangkok for your viewing. All the photos displayed on this entry are taken in Singapore =) Hope to see you soon =D

2005-09-27T22:10:00.000+08:00

This is really antique as it was taken at the Singapore river Mid-Autumn Festival 2004.

Browsing through the new photographs that I had took lately,a few memorable photographs on this year's Mid-Autumn Festival caught my eye.It took place on 18/09/2005, but I am just posting it now. It's very outdated right =( , but hope you will enjoy them =). They are all taken at the Xuang Lin Temple(Oldest Buddhist Monastry) of Tao Payoh(a town in Singapore)

For the benefit of those that are not sure of the origin of festival, I will provide a short but detailed explanation about it.Reunion of the whole family is the key to this festival celebrated by lanterns and mooncakes(a round festive pastry).

A lovely legend has made it even more mystical- Chang E,a beautiful maiden, ate the elixier of her evil husband who ruled ancient China a long time ago, to prevent eternal the suffering of the people. But for that, she flew to the moon and became the moon fairy thus staying there with her jade rabbit in solitude forever.To commemorate her kind deed they started the celebration to remember her and family reunion.From the picture below, you can see how popular the celebration is.

I am rather a person living in the past than that of the present.Looking back at my polytechnic results of three year, I had tried my very best and had achieved more less what I had hope.But, the only regard is not getting an 'A'. Soul-searching has to be done to rectify my mistakes and hope I will do better in the future to come.

2005-09-22T10:24:00.000+08:00

10 more days, and off I will leave my small island home. My destination lies in Thailand - my polytechnic Student Internship attachment of four months. Although it's I who chose to be attached overseas and not locally, I still get more and more nervous as time draws near.

Perhaps due to that, I started to be more observant about my surrounding and start to appreciate it more than I usually do.Or again it could be due to that it's now my school holiday and I have nothing much to do.

"Autumn leaves" can also be spotted in Singapore,a tropical country. Actually, this is a tree in the heartland town of Tampines that is sprouting new leaves. I am not sure of the reasons behind it.But it do look as beautiful autumn as leaves right? =)

For someone who seldom stay on his own for a long overseas trip, going there for exploration will be fun, but the uncertainty for what I will face there is a consistent fear looming in my heart.

Nevertheless, I will be more careful than ever and make sure I will relinguish my stay there when I back to my island home for months later.

For my tropical island home, there is lush greenary all around it and I took a shot of it as it is very relaxing and rejuvenating just looking at it.

2005-09-16T08:47:00.000+08:00

From a different perspective,we will discover a different world . I took this photo of the Marina out of boredom while I was with Jian Feng when we did not where to go next.

Some of my friends always complain that there is nothing nice to see in our small island home.However,we never challenge ourselves to view it from another persective. If we do, I guess we will find a lot more than we thought we know and beauty actually stems from the simplest thing around us. we just don't realise it only haha. =)

This photo of the sunset is taken near the bridge connecting Changi Village to Changi Beach. Don't look like it right! But,it is true.

With widespread disasters all around the world, I have come to realise that we should treasure eveything that we enjoy now.I always complain that I never do well in my studies but I never come to understand that success does not drop from the sky. It is through hardwork then I can achieve it.

Kind of worried now for my coming Overseas Student Internship in Thailand.Sincerely speaking I am not very skilled in my course of study therefore I really hope that they will not be too picky about my work there. That is life. However, I will try my very best and make sure that it is all going to turn out well.