What next?

Life has finally slowed down (to simply mugging; typically Singaporean). I am done with enjoying what university life has to offer. Also, I am done giving my valedictory speech at the mini commencement 2 weeks ago, and I have been honoured with the title; 'Friend of the university'.

Surely, I have led a very rich and enriching student life; representing my university in business and finance competitions, emceeing at major school functions, playing the role of student ambassador/spokesperson for school amongst many other things. Indeed, I have achieved and learned much.

Life has been good especially in the area of academia, and my university has given me countless opportunities to grow to become a professional in every setting and be primed to take on the challenges of the ever-changing economic landscape. Clearly, I have been teased out of my cocoon and have metamorphosised into a confident individual equipped with the necessary transferable skills that I have picked up from engaging in various activities. I guess the highlight of my many achievements would have to be the interview I did with The New Paper last Wed. It is akin to an icing on the cake; the feather in my hat! It is always a wonderful experience to be able to share with people; in this case it was a journalist- my many achievements, and hopefully I would be able to serve as an inspiration to others and aid them in achieving beyond possibilities.

That being said, I am moving into the next phase; the mugger phase. I know it does not seem apt to term it in that manner, but that is really how it is. Essentially, I am left with another 6 weeks before my final exams and another 9 weeks before I graduate from university. Therefore, I am going to make the best use of time to attain as good a result I can possibly achieve. But surely, I am not able to do it alone, and I am glad I have someone up in heaven who cares and will provide me with the wisdom and strength to do my best. I need only give my best, pray and trust in my almighty God. He listens to my prayers and will surely provide me a way. I give of my best!

I guess that is all for now, do wish me luck as I embark on my next phase. We all need some luck, indeed, luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

P/S: My interview with the New Paper will be out late April, early May; will keep you guys posted on that one! Meanwhile, stay tune for my uni's advertorial in next week's Sunday Times- I am in it!

Thank you for listening to my ramblings- it sure is cathartic.

Life's a blast

I wake up everyday with a sense of purpose
Life has been good
What more is there that I need
Indeed, there is more I can do
Enjoying each day to the fullest
Giving my best in all I do
Seeing people happy makes my day
Truly, I am here on a mission...

Marketing Jargon

Search Engine Optimisation (SEO)
Search Engine Marketing (SEM)
Web Analytics

In order to increase the number of hits to your blog or website through the use of search engines, and better understand how you can reach out to more people; it is essential to understand the abovementioned technical terms.

In short, use effective key words or tags in your blog/website so that a webcrawl can easily trawl the information and place your blog/website at the top of a search in search engines like Google, Yahoo and the likes.

Indeed, if you want your blog or website to come up at the top of a search, use effective keywords like F1 (Formula 1) when you are talking about the F1 races instead of saying (car racing) which is rather ambiguous.

However, at the same time, one has to contend with a fight for top spot from the big guys, i.e: the original website that features F1 racing, is probably also going to be well connected; thanks in part to sponsors and adverts.

Anyway, the trick to get around that is to link your website or blog to as many related sites coupled with the key word(s), as the inter-relatedness of topics or subject can potentially propel your site to the top of a search or somewhere near the top.

Eventually, to know how well your blog/website is doing in terms of the number of page hits it has among other things, one will have to engage in web analytics through the use of various tools. One of the most common tool would be the counter; incidentally, its something I do not already have (in the works actually; got to practise what I preach, yar?).

My 2 cents worth in helping your blog/website come up tops!

Most Expensive....

A survey by economists at Swiss bank UBS lists Oslo, London and Copenhagen as the three most costly cities, while Dublin has crept ahead to fourth place.

Among Asian cities, Tokyo is the most expensive, followed by Seoul, Singapore and Hong Kong.

As for those who bring home the most money after taxes, it is the inhabitants of Swiss city Zurich. Excluding housing costs, Zurich residents also have the highest spending power in net wages.

At the other half of the chart, Jakarta residents get the least for the amount of work they put in.

A word of advice to my Indonesian school mates, stay on in Singapore after you graduate, as you are more valued here than back home in Jakarta.

My Passion.

There are a few things in life I am truly passionate about:

And Japanese food is one of them (besides writing, international relations, F1...)

I must get my Sushi; more specifically Sashimi fix at least twice in a month, and I would usually patronise Sushi Tei; its prices are less punishing on my coffers.

Indeed, I have yet to savour authentic Japanese fare here in Singapore (read: more pricey). I hope to do it at the likes of Shiraishi, Keyaki and Inagiku ;which for now, are out of my 'student' budget. Nevertheless, I will patronise them soon enough, which reminds me, 2.5 months to graduation!

Yes! Nothing makes me more happy than....(2nd time in 2 weeks! this one is to celebrate my brother's recent achievement at his exams)


All that glitters, is not gold. Delicious roe.


Black pepper Maguro(tuna) steak...interesting! I have been so accustomed to black pepper steak.

While @ London...

A recent report in the Straits Times, highlighted how plans for a local university to squeeze 3 people into rooms designed for 2 has caused an uproar among its students who yearn for a better living environment, where there can be more privacy and a higher level of hygiene.

That led me to create a special write-up here, which aims to showcase my wonderful living environment at different halls of residence all over Central London. The halls are at 4 different locations where I put up at, while on a global student exchange programme at the LSE.

Most of the halls truly offer a world class living environment expected of a top-tier university; such as LSE.

Why so many rooms? Well, I had wanted to experience living in different parts of London, and I must say moving from one room to the next had not been easy; considering that I had so many things to lug around. Nevertheless, the experience was an invaluable one, worth reliving. It must be noted that LSE's halls of residence are located at various prime locations in Central London given its city campus.


Bankside Residence, London School of Economics
This hall is in a swanky part of London, it's behind the renowned Tate Modern and minutes away from The City (they call it THE CITY; London's Business district; one of the world's financial hubs).

Northumberland House, London School of Economics
The is LSE's most posh and expensive hall, it is located near the West End; London's ritziest place. This hall of residence has been converted from a grade 1 building (buildings of historic value worth conserving), and turned into the ritzy and hotel-like Northumberland Hall. Moments away from prime attractions like Buckingham Palace and the National Art Gallery; a room at this hall of residence is truly coverted.

King's Hall, King's College London
This hall of residence belongs to King's College (another renowned British university), hence, I was expecting it to be in a better location. Not to mention, it was in a pretty nasty side of town (I honestly had a culture shock); the South of London...Nevertheless, this hall is tucked away in a neat and leafy neighbourhood on Champion Hill, and the room is of a decent size for a single occupant.

Rosbery Hall, Myddleton Annex, London School of Economics
This has got to be my favourite hall and favourite room, I have the fondest memories here at this hall. It is also where I stayed the longest. It was here I got acquainted with really nice Americans, and Indians who introduced me to masala and premium beer at bargained prices! And tipsy beaver; the LSE mascot's drunken cousin.

Rosebery Hall, London School of Economics
I stayed at this old hall of residence temporarily for a night (before the start of school), before moving to the new wing at Myddleton Annex. Do not fret, obviously this is temporary...2 beds squeezed into a room meant for one, just so they can accomodate me and my roomie.

“To those to whom much has been given, much is expected.”

Indeed, the above proverb is something I subscribe to. I am most fortunate to be where I am today, hence, there is much I can do to give back to society. I am glad that I will be starting my career soon, because by then, I can be empowered to do even more due to my new found financial independence.

On my wish list is to start a scholarship fund in my parents' name (as a means to honour them), so that it can fund at least one deserving student per year from my soon-to-be alma mater to pursue an overseas exchange programme tenable at the London School of Economics.

Why the London School of Economics? Well, it was there that I truly became inspired to get more out of life and to achieve to the fullest of my capacity, so I hope that by giving someone else the chance to experience what I experienced that person too will be duly inspired.

Happy Birthday, Bro!

What: My buddy's birthday
Where: Sushi Tei, Holland V







Antony is a good man; my university mate who had been through thick and thin with me during our Student Exchange days in London. Here at home, besides hanging out, we partake in serious stuff like engaging each other in debates pertaining to global issues as well as in areas close to our hearts like politics and governance on our respective countries (Antony is Indonesian). I will treasure those days, bro! Indeed, life at school is definitely more enriching and fulfilling with a friend like you around. May your aspiration of going into Politics be fulfilled someday, and good luck for another Student Exchange programme this time to the UK, again! =) can't join you though, I will be embarking on my banking career .

Happy Blessed Birthday!

Thank You, YouTube

Walked past a radio set today which had this song playing on it... took note of the lyrics and went to YouTube to find it..and voila!

Its very uplifting (the musical composition, that is!) and it makes me wanna do the tap dance, I sure feel happy listening to it. A gem indeed, thank you Simom & Garfunkel!



Oh Cecilia, you're breaking my heart
You're shaking my confidence daily
Oh, Cecilia, I'm down on my knees
I'm begging you please to come home

Oh Cecilia, you're breaking my heart
You're shaking my confidence daily
Oh, Cecilia, I'm down on my knees
I'm begging you please to come home
Come on home

Making love in the afternoon with Cecilia
Up in my bedroom (making love)
I got up to wash my face
When I come back to bed
Someone's taken my place

Oh Cecilia, you're breaking my heart
You're shaking my confidence daily
Oh, Cecilia, I'm down on my knees
I'm begging you please to come home
Come on home

Jubilation, she loves me again,
I fall on the floor and I'm laughing,
Jubilation, she loves me again,
I fall on the floor and I'm laughing

English Summer...I crave.

Where: Cambridge University, Cambridge, England