2 days agoMember-onlyWho or what is a Peranakan?A seemingly simple question with no simple answers — Nothing is ever new when it comes to history. In recent years, there have been many online discussions on Peranakan identity. Discussions have been stirring online again with the recent re-opening of the Peranakan Museum in February 2023. One key question is “What is a Peranakan”, which is a seemingly…Singapore12 min readSingapore12 min read
3 days agoMember-onlyPreserving the Memories of Singapore’s PioneersIn 2023, I mark two hundred years since Teochew leader Seah Eu Chin first set foot in Singapore by releasing a series of children’s books on our amazing pioneers — This year marks an incredible 200 years since my ancestor Seah Eu Chin (b. 1805; d. 1883) landed in Singapore, a bustling port under British colonial rule. As his direct descendant, I have been helping to keep his memory alive over the years by publishing an English-language book, Seah Eu…Singapore History3 min readSingapore History3 min read
Feb 17Member-onlyA Singaporean’s story: side hustles and pursuing one’s dreams onlineCould Singaporeans be bolder, and more adventurous and entrepreneurial while pursuing their dreams? — Could Singaporeans be bolder, and more adventurous and entrepreneurial while pursuing their dreams? This is a question that Kwok Hua (surname Ng), an active “micro-influencer”, often thinks about. He is a Singaporean coach who aims to help people build side hustles; a part-time independent business owner, trainer, and teacher; and…Singapore5 min readSingapore5 min read
Jan 24Member-onlyHow to learn lines or memorise speeches quicklyActors are great at learning their lines, so I wondered if there were valuable lessons we could learn from them. Here are some practical insights that actors know. — “How do you learn all those lines so quickly?” This question might often be posed to actors, but is equally valid when it is posed to others: people who frequently need to deliver high-stakes presentations; give townhall speeches; or answer live questions on mainstream media. …Public Speaking Tips6 min readPublic Speaking Tips6 min read
Jan 2Member-onlyGoodbye, Jurong Bird Park!I said farewell to Asia’s largest bird park, one of Singapore’s oldest and most popular and iconic attractions — The third of January 2023 marks the Jurong Bird Park’s last day of operations, 52 years since it first opened on 3 January 1971, shortly after Singapore gained independence in 1965. Singaporeans — including yours truly — turned out in force to bid the park farewell. When I visited on…Singapore5 min readSingapore5 min read
Dec 26, 2022Member-onlyMy writing goals for 2023 and beyondLooking back and at the path ahead — I love writing. I have written and published books on family history and Singapore stories. To a smaller extent, I also find some pleasure in writing and editing reports, emails, and proposals at work, especially if I can craft a good phrase or soundbite, convey an idea succinctly, or correct…Reflections3 min readReflections3 min read
Dec 2, 2022Member-onlyA crazy adventure: a young man goes on a Silk Road journeyIn 2022, Li Yaqi travelled across the Eurasian continent, covering Albania, Turkey, Georgia, and central Asia. This is his adventure. — A Chinese friend of mine, Li Yaqi (MSc Anthropology from the LSE), had an amazing adventure in 2020. He worked as a hostel receptionist in Yunnan; a writer at Qingqing Youth; a tour guide; a Buddhist monk at Baoshan Temple; a Taoist monk at Wudang Five Immortals Temple; a shepherd…China7 min readChina7 min read
Nov 19, 2022Member-onlyAn Interview with Heritage Jeweller Francis Ngau of Asian ArtistryOn family history; tradition and heritage; and Peranakan culture — The charm of artistic, heritage-inspired jewellery is undeniable. Think dazzling, beautiful brooches, belts, and buckles. One such jeweller in Singapore is heritage jeweller Mr Francis Ngau of Asian Artistry. The shop was officially opened on 7 April 2019 when Jewel at Changi Airport was opened. Over the years, Francis played…Singapore History7 min readSingapore History7 min read
Nov 5, 2022Member-onlyThe pull of the past: rising interest in Hougang’s historyThe past few years have seen a dramatic increase in interest in the history of Aukang (or Hougang) from different perspectives — There has been increased interest in the stories of a place in the northeast part of Singapore, variously called Hougang, Aukang, or “the USA” (Upper Serangoon Area). I typically refer to the area as “Aukang” (and “Punggol”) because that was what it was called when my father lived in the…Singapore History4 min readSingapore History4 min read
Oct 30, 2022Member-onlyFive basic principles for better presentation slidesMake presentations more professional — Once, I had a memorable Big Boss, whose career straddled both the public and private sectors. He gave me a lot of good guidance and advice. But one piece of advice on developing presentation slides stood out for me. For example, back then, it was common to have three different…Communication5 min readCommunication5 min read
