Project Management 101

 

Over the years, I've gained invaluable work experience in the field of Environmental Simulation Test Chambers. In the last 10 years, my company has undertaken over 20 major and minor projects requiring Project Management and I have learnt the hard way of delivering what the customer expects, most of the time.

Locally or overseas, it is crucial to follow strictly the following steps and this post is a timely reminder to all the readers and followers of what, in my humble opinion, would constitute a seamless and smooth transition from order placement to project handover of equipment, or larger pieces of combined systems in order to grow the company's revenue and reputation.

Risk Analysis

At the start of any project proper, do a thorough Risk Analysis of what the project entails before even providing the initial quotation. Ask yourself what are the prospective gains in terms of profits, and what is the very worse case scenario, that is, what the business can potentially lose if all hell breaks loose and nothing is delivered, and there is liquidated damages to pay to the client.

The steps normally taken in the project - be it for something as simple as a piece of equipment sale to much larger multiple equipment cum construction deliverables.

a) Quotations and Technical Submissions

b) Presentations

c) Shortlisting  

d) Acceptance of Project

e) Gantt Chart and Possible Timeline Changes

f) Payment Terms

g) Payment Progress balanced with Company Cashflow Needs

h) Audit / Initial /  Pre / Post buy off of the said equipment or deliverables

i)  Installation 

j)  Commissioning 

k) Handover and final Payment. 

 

What is the true meaning of Home.

                                                   Tiong Bahru Market 13 April 2025 

3 May will be our election day. While the hustle and hubris is yet to come, I am reflecting at a time about my home for the last 6 decades. I have travelled to over 40 countries over the last 40 odd years since my mid teens to be sure. I have visited some truly amazing places, some with beautiful scenery, some amazing people, some with majestic architecture from 3000 BC till the mid 20th century, many with totally unforgettable experiences, the list is endless. However, I consider Singapore my home, even though the lure of the foreign lands is there. 

What constitutes home ?

I was born in Kandang Kerbau Women and Children's Hospital (at Middle Road) by Professor Salmon (Prof Yvonne Salmon was our family friend). I was born in the year of the Tiger at 6.42 pm on the 27th of November in the early 1960s.  

That was what it was stated in my birth certificate.

I was raised by Dad, Mum and Por Por (maternal grandmother) at 6 Adis Roa, Singapore district 9, in a sprawling colonial bungalow of around 40,000 square ft which now is part of a large condominium complex. In my earlier posts and on Youtube, I recall my childhood being filled with very carefree days with nary a thought of school homework (there was practically none), ECA, nor any study concerns. I happily coasted through those 6 years in primary school. More of my early years in later posts.

Getting back to this post's objectives. 

Home in my mind, and experience is the intuition or feeling that I truly belong in a place. That sense of belonging results from a culmination of setting up of the following :

> The present network of family, close friends made from school (my alma mater is Saint Andrew's), National Service, University and then after University through work or networking.

> The presence of family and the ties that bind, through marriage, through blood (father and mother). We are family though we may be spread all over the world. At last count, I have cousins in Australia, Norway, USA, Malaysia, Portugal, Thailand, Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong and of course Singapore. 

80% of my extended family reside in Singapore.

> The sinking of roots in buying an apartment, then a house and raising my family here.  

> The common experiences shared between me and my fellow Singaporeans who have walked the path from the tumultuous 60s (Singapore was a newly minted country with many challenges, both external and internal), the rapid socio economic development of the 70s - 90s and early 2000s is something only the Baby Boomers of my fellow citizens will experience and knowingly acknowledge that, yes, we went through it.  

> The tough National Service training every able bodied 18 year old Singaporean male has to serve for 2 and a half years.

> The pre University and University experience of studying in the Halls of Residences, taking the many examinations, the project works, the sleepless nights, 

> I had also the  additional super enjoyable experiences of representing the Nanyang Technological Institute in the  televised TV debates in 1984 and 1986 respectively against all the other tertiary institutes like, the 2 NUS teams, the National Institute of Education (NIE), Singapore Polytechnic (2) and Ngee Ann Polytechnic (2) 

> The 30 plus years of working first in a small MNC then starting my own businesses (2), starting a family in Singapore, raising 2 sons, and the time goes by all with the unique Singaporean experiences in the form of challenges, some wins, many yearly family holidays (since 1997)

> All these experiences shaped me, my thinking and over time the bonding I had and have with the country of my birth. I have always and will always be a Singaporean. 

So what makes me say that this is home ? Well below are many instances of situations which subconcsiously remind me :  

If I'm hungry, and its lunch time and I want to have a decent meal, with the food tailored to my decades old palette, I am spoilt for  choice with literally close to 50 types of dishes I can choose from, from the nearby hawker centres, coffee shops, shopping centres with Food Halls normally in the Basement. 

If I wish to cook, then the fresh food markets like Tiong Bahru and Toa Payoh sell everything from the freshest crabs, cuttlefish, sea bass, grouper (at least 20 types), poultry, pork, beef, vegetables and fruits.

If I feel lethargic, I can go for a run at at least 6 different parks with beautiful pathways and views all over Singapore. On other days, I take a walk around my neighbourhood and come to a forest just 3 minutes, away. My cycling days are at least once a week at East Coast Park.

If I want company outside of family, I can reach at least a dozen mates who can and will have time to chit chat, at any of the member clubs, or the numerous night spots in Club Street and downtown.

Fine dining, Singapore is a food paradise for people with some money, its not cheap (over USD 100 per pax) but the cuisine is world class for many many top restaurants. Even some of our hawker stalls are Michelin Bib Gourmand level.

If I don't feel well, I have my family doctor whom I've known for 30 odd years at Coronation Clinic, and if I want an Eastern doctor, I know of 2 major setups all within 15 minutes drive (one in McPherson and one in Toa Payoh)

So, Home is the 

1. collection of relationships developed over decades.

2. the shared collective experiences of doing things together as a united people (football matches at the old National Stadium for one) 

3. the self aware feeling of "I am part of this scene"

4. some purchases such as an apartment or house and car.

5. the social / business network - transactional at least, and transactional plus some at best - which supports me as I go about my daily life. Some examples :

a) my family doctor

b) my car service mechanic

c) the network of SME owners whom we meet every 3 to 6 months

d) the clubs staff who tend to my requests for food and drink. (No I don't hang out at any regular bar at all)

5. The acceptance of the way things are done here and no where else in the world :

a)  the familiarity of 'how things work over here' - like 'choping' of tables with tissue packs

b) cleaning up after ourselves at hawker centres.

c) No eating or drinking inside MRT stations and trains.

d) No Littering

Funny, I can't describe the meaning of home in one sentence. I guess that is why home evokes a whole orchestral performance of emotions intertwined with some logical  reasoning of why I love my home.

Comments anyone ? 

Bistecca Birthday Dinner 12th April 2025

 

Macaroni and Cheese 

Yesterday we celebrated May's birthday at Bistecca Tuscon Steakhouse at 26 Mohammad Sultan Road. The 3 of us, Noel, myself and May ordered 2 steaks medium done and a series of starters which I must say is truly exceptional.

The exceptional starters are :

a) Octopus Grilled with Tomato paste (bottom picture). 

   My Rating : 5 / 5

  

I've eaten some amazing grilled Octopus dishes in Singapore, from the likes of Alati (Amoy Street), Bakkalaki (Merchant Road) and Blue Kouzina (Dempsey) just to name 3. We've also tried some wonderful grilled Octopus in Napfoli Greece in 2022 which will go down as the best we have ever tasted. 

I can safely say, this ranks with the best Octopus we have eaten in Singapore. 

The texture is a little crunchy outside, tender inside, and so flavourful all around, without any hint of fishy or  salty taste. The tomato pesto tastes great too.  

Broccoli and Bacon Bits 

Squid Ink  Lobster Pasta 

M/y Rating : 5 / 5 

This has got to be the best Squid Ink Pasta I have ever eaten, here or anywhere else in Europe. There are bits of lobster which surprises my palate with every bite. 

The texture is wonderfully soft, the taste is like no other, and the aroma of the cheeses, and some wine is evident with each bite. Truly a heavenly tasting dish which I would be happy to eat again and again. The price tag of  $ 48 ++ is on the high side. I believe the calorie counter will go through the roof too. 

Ribeye M5 400 g (left) and Wagyu M2/3 200 g 

The true test of any steakhouse is ,well, the steaks. We've travelled the length and breadth of Italy 3 times in the last 7 years, and Tuscany steaks are well aged, and most oftentimes, eaten rare. In Florence, Tuscany, they proudly have their stakes done rare, and bloody. 

In our case, we had ours medium.

The rating 

Wagyu : 5 / 5

Ribeye  : 4 / 5

The Wagyu was superb, texture wise, grass fed Australian cow. The taste was a little salty but very savoury. Could I eat it without the sauces ? Yes, though the 4 sauces really enhanced the flavour to a 'heavenly'  note. 

Ribeye was highly marbled and if it was medium well, the fatty part would be turn out crispy  and more to May's palate and liking. I liked it the way it was done. With regard to the sauces, my favourites were the

a) Horseradish sour cream

b) Mushroom Steak Sauce

c) Dijon Mustard. 

Squid Ink Lobster  Pasta 

Octopus 

Finally for the side dishes, we had 2 to be shared amongst us. The Mac and Cheese I did not try but it appeared unappetising. The other one, the Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Bits was a 'hit', though it was salty.

Side Dishes 

Brussels Sprouts

Rating : 4 / 5 

Mac and Cheese

Rating : N A.

Drinks : Pinot Noir 

For $ 25 a glass it was expensive, but since it was a special occasion, I decided to splurge a little.

Service 

It was very good, but something I would expect from a top rated restaurant such as this. The service staff cleaned our plates quickly, wiped the table free from any breadcrumbs and food, refilled our water without prompting and was very helpful in suggesting the house specials.

Nothing spectacular but very welcoming. 

Best Steakhouse in Singapore ?

Its a toss up between Bistecca and Wooloomooloo at Raffles City. 

Price Range : $ 420 for 3 pax or $140 per pax all in.

Bistecca Tuscan Steakhouse

26 Mohammad Sultan Rd

Singapore 238 970

Reservations Needed ? Yes. 

Do it online, at least 2 weeks in advance. 

How will Trump's Tariffs impact the world ?

As a small business owner, I read and watched with some trepidation when Donald Trump announced on 2 April that the US was implementing tariffs worldwide to 181 countries. Major countries were slapped with as much as 54 % tariffs (China for example).

How will these tariffs impact the world ? Who will bear the brunt of his Make America Great Again ?

One thing is for sure, the stock markets around the world have dropped as much as 10 - 15% of their value and left a trail of trillions of dollars of losses.

US Citizens will feel the major brunt of the action, in the short run. Price of eggs for example have escalated from US$ 0.30 to US$ 1.00 per egg. If the person was a multi millionaire or billionaire, then the impact on his monthly expenses will be insignificant, but for tens of millions of Americans this will mean the difference of eating 3 meals a day to perhaps 2 meals a day.

It is a terrible reduction in the quality of life for tens of millions of American citizens.

The recent DOGE action to terminate literally hundreds of thousands of US Federal jobs have made millions of families go to the edge of bankruptcy and despair, coupled with the loss in trillions of dollars in ETFS share prices whereby the 401 (K) retirement funds are invested in, means that their promised pensions may be cut by up to 30%. Their 'golden retirement' nest egg and the Medicaid cuts are all being thrown into a cesspool of uncertainty.

Worldwide, there may be geopolitical instability as the bastion of democracy and freedom these last 80 years after the 2nd World War is no more. 

The USA is fast becoming no more than a self serving 3rd world country with a big chip on its shoulder. Friendly countries are being dumped and faced with uncertainty and stonewalling.

 

5 Rules to Success

 1.Show Up  - Accountability.

This is the No. 1 rule for me. When the chips are down and the bread needs to be buttered, show up and be accountable. Successful people show up when it is absolutely crucial to the completion of the project, the potential sale and the accountability of the mess up.

It is the major difference between winners and losers. 

2. Be Clear on Why You are Where You Are at this point. Don't lose your head.

Setting goals are one thing, but achieving them are completely different matter, and I must be clear that when I set goals, I must achieve them, else I will not give myself excuses.

Many times, I am doing something and then I go wayward and end up doing something else, similar but not achieving the major objective however painful or unpalatable it is to carry out.

Be clear to address the elephant problem in the room, no procrastination, no matter how unpalatable that process turns out to be. You and only you must do it.

Lesser people will procrastinate, give excuses, delegate the issue to someone else and the consequences normally will turn out to be a compromise, or something less than ideal. 

                    With Noel at a Greek Restaurant Pano Kato (29 March 2025)

3. Give the Best Version of Yourself - Day In and Day Out.

Give of your best daily. Your mind, your body and your soul. 

4. Be Resilient 

Bounce back from failure, learn to walk away if the challenge is too big to handle, lick your wounds and live to fight another day.

If you choose to fight on, be resilient, and come back up fighting. It will be messy, it will be bloody.

You may fail again and again. 

5. Be Humble. 

Never brag about your achievements, its better to let people find out about your success when other people write about them. Success is only temporary. It is fleeting. Learn to savour the moment and move on. 

Its the same with failure and setback. Swallow your pride and take the bitter medicine and learn from your failures.

Try not to dwell on the failures too long. It becomes emotional baggage which drgas you down from moving forward. 

Lunch at Tinto Dempsey 28 Mar 25 Friday

 

Chorizo Paella 

I had another pretty amazing lunch at Tinto Spanish restaurant at Dempsey recently. Rey, a new business associate and friend I have known for a couple of years was in town recently, and I hosted him a business lunch to discuss some terms of our mutual cooperation. The lunch menu consisted of 3 dishes, and I have chosen to highlight 2. 

The first, (above) was the Chorizo Paella which I must say was exceptional and very tasty. Though it appeared a little salty, it was extremely good on the palette and very filling.  The saffron  long grained rice was nicely cooked and the lemon bits added to the zing.

Suckling Pig 

The suckling pig (leg portion) with mashed potatoes and grilled vegetables was another standout dish. The skin was crispy and the meat, tenderful and juicy. It was a little on the gamey side, though I would think that this dish is best shared, Rey seemed to enjoy this dish far more than I did. 

Paellas (Dry Martinis)

We had a couple of Paellas, and I would say, the conversation flowed very smoothly from the get go. 

 

Here's to the start of a good relationship. 

WUI - Writing under the Influence - Here is my take

 I sure you have heard or seen of the word DUI, that is Driving under the Influence of Alcohol which can be punishable by a stiff fine or even a jail sentence, here and in many countries abroad.

Now that I am slightly inenbriated with a bottle of Soju (12% alcohol per serving), I am writing to explain the effects of it, since I wrote so disaffectedly about the perils of alcohol (and the other vices).

Your cognizance is slightly enhanced if you drink a couple of sips. If you consume increasing amounts, it will spiral downhill fast and your ability to think logically, see or visualise, even hear well enough will impact you in a negative way.

Hence, all those posters warning drinkers to "Drink and not drive." If you drink, be responsible and take a Grab or use the "drive me home" service. It will save you, some strangers and your family a whole lot of trouble, if you get caught.

The alcohol limits of people go down significantly, and in my case, it takes very little to get me in a tailspin, so a can or two of beer is my limit. I don't like whisky, or the fine spirits, and the worse poison I will succumb to will be wine which is 12 % or so alcohol content.

The upside of alcohol drinking ? Right now, the feeling of loss of inhibition or 'scared to lose face'. Apart from that, I can't find any transient 'joy' in drinking it on a regular basis, as I have enough of life's little satisfactions to give me the 'edge' or 'bounce' day in day out.

I will resolve to cut out drinking to perhaps once a month. 

It will give my wallet a much needed breather.

To counter the loss of flexibility and balance on the onset of old age. practice martial arts or yoga

 

I have said it before and I will say in again. After 55, everything in our bodies starts to fall apart. The best case scenario is for us to maintain our fitness, exercise almost daily, sleep well (7 - 8 hours) , keep a log of your mental capacities, learn new hobbies like dancing or mahjong to keep physically and mentally alert and hopefully, you will decline the aging process as best as you can.

There is no cheat sheet or 'get out of jail free' card as far as your health is concerned. If your body is a machine, and if you tune it, send it for regular checkups and replacements, the machine should perform well for as long as possible. That is the standard operating procedure for all machines, equipment and cars. So why is the body any different ?

Many of life's pacifiers or enhancers are man made. Here are 4 examples which all societies have and consume quite liberally (with the exception of Jewish and Muslim states for gambling, alcohol and drugs).

a) Alcohol

b) Drugs

c) Smoking (nicotine or e cigarettes)

d) Gambling

If you have enough discipline, if you avoid and / or quit early the likelihood that you have a decently long life of 75 plus. years is quite high.

Flexibility 

I have always struggled with my flexibility since young. So over 22 years ago I took the serious action of returning to karate shito style at my local CC. The once to twice weekly sessions have made me appreciate the fact that balance and flexibility are 2 of the most important factors in attaining overall good health.

Readers, do try to practice flexibility everyday, from stretching in the morning, to squatting and doing crunches. The core of our bodies or the stomach is the baseline for many flexibility poses and we must not neglect it.

If you do not have the discipline for it, in your late 50s, enrol in classes which provide them. I would recommend some form of martial arts for men, and taichi or yoga for both men and women. MMA is not for the middle aged. The amount of head injuries incurred during fights will lead to cerebral brain damage in the longer term and is not recommended at all.  

The other 2 are strength and endurance. I believe I am still good in these 2 factors.  

   

St Paul et Vence ; dining in the small alleyway up above all the towns

 

A clear cloudless  blue sky ; pristine winter weather of 18  C, 

               a spread of the best French veal and place

There is a time and place for everything. This was a time, some 7 years ago in a small village atop a hill. Quaintly called St Paul et Vence, it can be reached by public bus for a token EUR 1.5 each way. I recall we took it from a bus stop near the main Nice station, and along with a lot of schoolkids, we were practically the only tourists visiting this quaint yet beautiful place just off the Blue Coast or Cote Azure.  

Enjoying the weather and the moment. 

St Paul et Vence was called thus so, because of the apostle St Paul. It sits atop a small hill and was obviously a bastion  and had a small castle. The history of it was that it was used to protect or as a last resort a haven for the French against the Grimaldis who had conquered the lands below.  

Waiting for the food 

There is a modern Church atop the hill and lots of arts and craft shops. I recall buying 2 pieces of artwork from a very friendly German couple and still have their artwork in my office and home. The highhlight of the visit was obviously our late lunch along a narrow alleyway, which we had all to ourselves. If I can transport you, my readers there, it had cobblestone walkways, a perfect weather of approximately 18 C, perfect cloudless and sunny blue sky, some French traditional music in the background. After a small aperifif of the best Bordeaux, our meal of Place and Veal came.   

A transient moment. 

Happiness 

Looking at the picture above, you see me smiling like a Chesire cat. The food obviously was perfect, the weather beautiful and the company, pristine. 

I've always urged everyone to Seize the Moment or the Day, so here is mine. 

 

St Paul et Vence Video of time we were there.

 

A Visit to St Paul et Vence - unforgettable visit in 2017

 

Cote D'Azur Map with Vence to the NW of Nice 

This is another lovely memory of our 13 day trip to the Cote Azur, Nice, Antibes, Cannes, St Paul de Vence and then on to Italy, Florence and finally Turin before heading back to Nice and onward to Singapore. We left Singapore on 2nd December and returned on 13th December. 

We visited St Paul de Vence on the 3rd day of our trip where we had based ourselves in Nice. The main city of the Cote d'Azur. Taking a tip from the tour guide on the 2nd day, we took the bus from the main city square for approximately EUR 2 and after 30 minutes reached the small village perched on the hilltop. 

Bus with departure times from Nice and to /from St Paul 

It was practically empty the day we visited it, and headed to the Touriste Bureau for directions. Below is the clock tower and the narrow alleyways show how life was like living in close quarters (some 2 meters at best) to the opposite house. December is low season and with few tourists, we had the town most to ourselves. 

Bell Tower of Church at Town Centre 

Beautiful late autumn leaves 

The town is small, perhaps with 100 inhabitants, and many are arts and craft people, I recall buying 2 fabulously good pieces of 3D art from a German couple called Filo and Tess. Their shop is called Atelier Filo Tess. 

Atelier Filo-Tess

8 Monte de la Castro

06570 

St Paul de Vence.

Here below is one of the 2 pieces of 3 D artwork which i bought from them. They are very warm and hospitable people from my short interaction time with them. 

At the top of the village stands the church and now converted to a museum. Inside are displays of some Freemason artist and it was an oasis of calm.  The hand and the dove symbolises peace and love, and unlike many of the churches and cathedrals we visited in the past years, was absent of anything symbolising the Roman Catholic faith so prevalent of Europe in the last 600 years. 

Artwork inside the church at St Paul de Vence.

We also ventured inside the castle of St Paul de Vence to see the history of this small village. Apparently it was fortified to protect against any attacks by the neighbouring county ruled by the Grimaldis, if my history serves me correctly.

St Paul de Vence exactly on the Map 

View of St Paul de Vence Fortifications 

I hope to visit this lovely place at least once more. As it held lots of happy memories for me and my wife, when we visited.

Know the Spread of money when changing money for your trip.

 I am no currency trader. I am just a regular traveller who flies to numerous Asian countries for work in the past and less so nowadays. Let me give you a tip on how to save money when you travel.

If you need to change money, do go to the money changers outside of town area. They have lower operating expenses, and hence can offer you better 'rates'. When I say 'rates', I mean when you change your Singapore dollars to a foreign currency, the 'spread' or the different exchange rates the money changer gives you is smaller than if you were to change at the airport. That is the most expensive and worst place to change money, aside from the banks.

Case in point, let me show you my recent trip to China. I changed money at the last minute at the Prosegur Exchange at the T1 Departure Lounge at Changi on the very day I was to depart to Guangzhou for a business trip. Yes, the airport does offer convenience, because, if you are a busy (or disorganised) person like me (sometimes), you will say, "heck this, its only a few hundred .bucks, how much can I lose anyway ?"

  

            I bought RMB 3100 and paid S$ 593.60 on 4th March '25 

So on the day of my trip, I changed or bought  S$ 593.60 into RMB 3100 for my spending in Guangzhou and Dongguan

The exchange rate, which I paid was S$ 1 = 5.22 

(the interbank rates are closer to S$ 1 = RMB 5.4), so the changer pays a low rate for my Singapore dollar. 

I returned some 5 days later  to Singapore, amazingly I kept my RMB 3100 intact, having spent 0 on the trip (I was taken good care by my Chinese hosts). The next day, I went to the money changer and sold my RMB 3100, this time the money changer sells  me Singapore dollar. I received a sum of S$ 564.20  or S$ 1 = RMB 5.48 or he sells me a high rate for the Singapore dollar.

I sold RMB 3100 on 10 th March back for S$ 564.20 

Hence he makes on the spread, or the difference between S$ 593.60 and S$ 564.20. This translates to close to S$ 30 or S$ 29.60. Thats roughly S$ 5 for every S$ changed to RMB. 

In essence he makes $29.60 divided by $593.60 or almost 5% from changing money for me.

Almost everyone who travels overseas knows it ; so the 'best way' to lose as least as possible is to buy and sell from a money changer who will normally have a smaller 'spread' compared to the airports.

There might be smaller spreads in foreign airports or foreign countries money changers because, their overheads are far lower.

Occasionally from time to time, I will post further money saving tips, my readers and followers. 

Carpe Diem. 

   

Groundbreaking News. Peridontal Disease could be the cause of Alzheimer's Disease

There has been recent groundbreaking news that there is a causal link between Peridontal Disease and Alzheimer's Disease. Alzheimer's patients have peridontal disease but peridontal disease doesn't necessarily lead to Alzheimer's Disease. The message to all my readers and friends, brush when you wake up, brush after meals, floss 2 times a day. There is no time to waste. You can potentially add 10 good quality of life years to your health !

As a person who has initial stages of peridontal disease, I am very cognizant of the fact that I must regularly see my dentist to manage the condition, and this additional risk is another reason for me to see him at least 4 times a year. Below is an extract from the National Institute of Health's website : 

Periodontal disease (PD) is an inflammatory oral disease that affects the supporting structures of the teeth (periodontium), including gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolar bone [1]. The disease results from complex interactions between the dental biofilm and host defense mechanisms. Bacteria and their components like lipopolysaccharides present in the biofilm induce an intensified host inflammatory response. This cascade of inflammatory response damages periodontal structures and leads ultimately to bone loss [1]. Being responsible for disability, speech impairment, low self-esteem, and reduced quality of life, PD has become a major public health concern that burdens the global healthcare system [2].

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder with a prevalence increasing exponentially with age [3,4]. It is characterized by an irreversible degeneration of neurons and neural connections beginning in the hippocampus and extending to the rest of the brain. People affected by Alzheimer's gradually lose cognitive abilities and autonomy. These symptoms consequently lead to advanced dementia and eventually to death. The cognitive decline that leads to AD has been related to two cardinal neuropathological features, beta-amyloid plaques (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles [5,6]. The amyloid plaques consist of deteriorating neuronal processes or neuritis, surrounding deposits of a central core protein called amyloid beta (or beta-amyloid). This protein is derived from a larger molecule called amyloid precursor protein, which is a normal component of nerve cells. The neurofibrillary tangle consists of abnormal accumulations of phosphorylated protein, called tau located within nerve cells. This protein is normally present in neurons. Abnormal chemical changes cause tau molecules to form tangles inside neurons.

There is a growing body of evidence in the literature suggesting a potential association between PDs and systemic diseases, particularly atherosclerotic vascular disease, pulmonary disease, diabetes, pregnancy-related complications, osteoporosis, and kidney disease as well as AD [2]. The periodontal medicine concept has been proposed to study the interrelationship between oral and systemic health. The presence of periodontal pathogens and their metabolic by-products may contribute to the body’s overall inflammatory burden, thus promoting the development of systemic conditions [2,7,8]. It has been suggested that periodontal pathogens could promote initiation or exacerbation of systemic diseases either by entering the bloodstream (bacteremia) or by stimulating an immuno-inflammatory response through the systemic release of toxins and local inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, prostaglandins, and serum antibodies into the bloodstream [2,7,8].

Most studies have indicated that Alzheimer's patients suffer from impaired oral health, a high incidence of PD, and an affected quality of life. These oral manifestations have been justified by the cognitive and motor deficits related to AD, compromising dental care and the maintenance of proper dental hygiene [9-18].

Authors have also suggested that PD may be a risk factor for AD. Hypotheses are mainly based on the involvement of periodontal pathogens and their virulence factors in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer's, either by direct invasion of brain tissue or by indirect action of the bacterial load and pro-inflammatory mediators in systemic circulation [19-22]. Thus, following the elevation of the systemic inflammatory response, periodontal infection would contribute to cerebral and vascular pathologies by altering brain function and, as a result, worsen the neurodegenerative process characterizing AD [19-29].

The purpose of our systematic review was to evaluate how is PD related to the onset and progression of AD and to determine whether patients with PD would be at greater risk of developing AD compared to periodontally healthy subjects.

Farewell Gene Hackman - my favourite character actor in the 70s and 80s.

 

     Gene Hackman died on 27th Feb 2025, aged 93 together with his wife and dog                                                                              

During my formative years in the late 70s till the early 90s, I loved to watch American movies as the country then was the global leader in soft power. Nowadays, US has denigraded its aura to something akin to a 3rd world country, with so much negative news and has seen a massive drop in the standard of living for millions of ordinary Americans. The ills of the so called richest country on earth are plenty that something like the top 5% live in absolute luxury and the bottom 50% live paycheck to paycheck, and up to 15% are homeless. 

Drug use is endemic in practically all major cities, gang warfare is rampant, and the average life expectancy of American male is 7 years shorter than the average Singaporean male.

Back to the 70s, 80s and early 90s, Hollywood churned out many blockbuster movies of the 2nd World War, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Wild West to the millions of impressionable Asians who were just coming out poverty and were fed the staple of US action, love and disaster movies.

I recall Gene Hackman, as first portrayed as General Sosarowlski, the Polish General in the epic movie "A Bridge Too Far". His acting was superb and he led the doomed Polish Brigade at Arnhem which was decimated by the Germans upon landing. There were like 20 top name stars in that era who acted in that movie such as Lawrence Olivier, Sean Connery, Elliot Gould, Robert Redford, James Caan, Liv Ullman, Dirk Brogade and Ryan O'Neal to name just a few.  I have easily watched this movie a dozen times, and still find it so entertaining till this day. 

The other standout movie of his, Mississippi Burning, was with  his portrayal of the FBI agent Mr. Rupert Anderson (he was the partner of Mr. Ward played by Willem Defoe). The movie, one of my all time favourites, was about when the FBI investigated the killing of 3 civil rights movement activists in Jessup County Mississippi at the height of the MLK movement for more c9ivil rights for black people especially in the deep South, in the 60s.

Finally, he played the villain to great effect, when he played the Sheriff of a small town, in Clint Eastwood's hit cowboy movie "Unforgiven" about a former hired killer, who came back to seek revenge for the killing of his wife and family by the deputies of that small town. He earned his second Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for that movie. 

He rose to fame I believe in the movie "French Connection" which I have yet to watch.Another one thing I need to see or do for my bucket list.

Mr. Hackman, a salute to you sir, you formed many good impressions of the US everyman in my formative years. Thank you for that. 

   

QRA International Test Lab 1 Video

 

QRA International has 2 Labs in Singapore providing Accelerated Aging Services and Shelf Life Services for Biomedical and Biotechnology companies in Asia and Internationally. Since 2015 we have been providing good quality aging and shelf life testing services complete with reports to the satisfaction of many clients.

For more details, please visit 

www.qra.com.sg

and a friendly technical sales staff will attend to all your enquiries.

 

 

Day 5 Chinese New Year Venue by Sebastien - Desserts

 

Tiramisu 

This is the second post of two for the Venue by Sebastien, a truly exception 'canteen' situated at Downtown Gallery OUE Building Shenton Way. My son chose the Tiramisu, which didn't disappoint, the texture was something else and the cheese was just nice. 

Pistachio Financier 

The Pistachio Financier was the highlight and a very nice way to end the meal. The texture was firm and yet springy, while the cream and the pistachios were just amazing.

If you want to try great French or International fusion foods in downtown Shenton Way, this is the place.

Please remember to book in advance online to avoid disappointment. 

Venue by Sebastien.

01-02 Downtown Gallery,

6A Shenton Way

Singapore 068815.