3rd work trip

Typing this as I'm otw back to Singapore from Shenzhen onboard CZ8047. My first time on China Southern airlines, by choice, as the other alternatives for direct flights are 1) SQ but it departs Sg at 9pm and 2) the other is Shenzhen airlines whose reason goes without saying. Truth is, I didn't find CZ isn't quite as bad as my dad said? If I were asked to describe it using a familiar airline, I'd say it's like Scoot, similar sized seats and legroom but with in-flight food and service. However it is bereft of entertainment; whereas Scoot offers onboard free wi-fi (limited to their own apps). 

It's my 3rd overseas FAT (not including those done at Msia) since I joined this org. At Shenzhen, we completed FAT of one unit of Daikin air cooled magnetic chiller 175 RT at MacQuay's premises. Whilst the tests were completed as per planned, the results were accepted with reservations nearly the lack of calibration certs and inability to verify the identity of assets. The factory admitted it was a lapse on their part for failing to check accuracy of information beforehand and poor documentation. I reminded the team of consultants and contractor the reason why I requested in the early stage of the project for the source of factory to be USA (but I later learnt it wouldn't have been possible as US factory does not produce chillers that use Sg's list of acceptable refrigerant).

Whilst I was away this week, alot of discussions happened at work which I was unable to participate in. The discussions were on early access and involved D, DDs, ngpo, pmi and us. Having mixed feelings for missing out... On one hand I'm sorry I couldn't be involved in the midst of the action me being the project lead (thanks to my colleagues for covering!), but on the other hand I feel somewhat relieved that I am not the one fronting the difficult questions. Anyway, I'll be sure to get back up to speed after I'm back.

Another part of me feels guilt that my colleagues are doing a lot of hard ground work while I am tucking in into the good hotel breakfast, socialising with the factory and contractor/ supplier/consultants... Hey to be fair, I checked my emails and replied wherever I could, every night until late.

Also very thankful to my wife who solely took care of the kids this week whilst I was away! Muakz love ya! 

I love you so much papa

On a work trip and did video calls with my girls every night. Cherishing that my 6-year-old is so sweet in her msgs to me 🥰

lucky

Mh you're one darn lucky guy 

My neighbour on wheelchair

My neighbour. When we moved in some 11 years ago, he was a healthy middle aged man who chatted with me if we were waiting for the lift, he told me he has two daughters. 

A few years later, I noticed a ramp built outside his unit. I later learnt he had both legs amputated and moved about in a wheelchair. We exchanged hi-byes and didn't talk much beyond that. His daily routine for dinner was that he would travel in his motorized wheelchair to the 201 hawker for dinner with his friends about about 6.45pm, and return two hours later. On a few occasions, it was pouring and I was concerned why he decided to head out despite the rain. Once, he insisted to head out because "my friends are waiting for me". Once or twice when the lift broke down and he had no food at home, I offered to Grab food for him. I remembered a packet of chicken rice to his doorstep costed $15, but paying a premium seemed the only option.

I eventually realised the reason why he always headed out for dinner - his daughter who used to stay with him had moved out to be closer to her workplace, whilst his wife worked unusual hours. In Feb 2026, his wheelchair battery was dead and replacement could only be done in a few days' time. With no one to turn to, he called me for help.

First, he requested for Hokkien mee from 201. 

Then, it was hor fun on CNY day 3. We were out so I ordered Grab but they cancelled on me (shortage of riders as it was raining cats and dogs and being CNY) last minute, I dabaoed from a coffeeshop otw home. It was 10ish pm by the time he ate.

Next, he asked for siew mai and 大包. "Remember put chilli," he called me twice to remind. 

His wheelchair was repaired after that, thankfully.

Not long after, I received a call from him again during a work day. He asked if I was at home, if I could help him troubleshoot his TV which was not emitting sound. I was legit at work, and I told him that.

 

Last week, I saw a WhatsApp notification from him. Wondered if he needed help again? It was a picture message that surfaced:

 

😢

That explained why he looked more frail and listless lately....

He was already sick to begin with.... I feel sad for him of the quality of his last days... Ppl dream of happy times with family members but I believe he didn't have it that way unfortunately.

Got money really doesn't mean anything if you don't have (fairly) good health and the company of loved ones who genuinely care for you.

In a way I feel thankful that I managed to buy food for him last month of his requests - hor fun, siew mai and big bun, hokkien mee. These were meals which gave him comfort. I'm glad I had helped him in my capacity. RIP Mr Chia.

Football hurts you but also rejuvenates

This perhaps describes best how I feel about Arsenal, about football:

How can this be? How have I committed so much of my life to this thing I have zero control over that can do that to me? It’s because football is a really special thing. It can hurt you like few other things can, but when it gives you something like this, all those scars, those many, varied scars, just disappear for a while and are replaced by something almost indescribable.

Source: 

https://arseblog.com/2026/03/arsenal-2-0-everton-max-dowman-delivers-something-special/

Arsenal should be renamed Heart Attack

Unconvincing win.

Despite being 1 goal up and 1 man up for the last 20 mins or so, Arsenal gave away possession too easily and too naively!

Our defenders saved our asses 😰

29 played.

8 more to go.

Can they ...?

Arsenal 4-1 London derby

Sometimes, I wish I wasn't so invested in this son of a gun.

5 points lead over Man City isn't anything. 1 more game played. 12 games to go.