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. 

  

 

Day 5 Chinese New Year - Venue by Sebastien - Downtown Gallery

Chilean seabass, mushroom bacon ragout with truffle yuzu butter sauce

This was our third visit to this 'canteen style' French fusion food helmed by Sebastien, a husband and wife team who with their stable of hardworking chefs managed to pull off time and again great food at affordable prices in downtown Shenton Way, Downtown Gallery building (OUE) opposite the old Singapore Conference Hall.

The canteen style restaurant is along the walkway at Downtown Gallery and beside the Annalakshimi Indian restaurant. The food is European contemporary with an Asian twist and I dare say that all 3 visits to this 'canteen' did not disappoint AT ALL. 

For the 3 of us, we had the 3 course set dinner, one starter (broccoli salad), duck confit and the pistachio financier for $62 +++, and 2 ala carte dishes, the Chilean seabass, and the pork collar. To top it off, we picked desserts of Tiramisu and Pistachio Financier to round off the meal.  

This being the 4th day of Chinese New Year, I managed to book, without much hassle through one of the several dining portals just the day before, and getting there with parking was a breeze.

The Chilean seabass with mushroom bacon ragout, and truffle yuzu butter sauce was simply outstanding. The seabass was thick and flavourful,  with the mushroom bacon ragout very savoury. I couldn't tell if I was eating mushroom or bacon bits, such was the combined texture and taste which kept me guessing which was on my palette. The ala carte price for this is $42+++ and certainly worth every cent. 

Dip these into the truffle yuzu sauce, and I am in degustation (small bites) heaven. 

 

 

                   36 hours duck confit, truffle emulsion, mesclun, lemon mustard vignarette  

My duck confit was the best I have tasted in a long while. I've been to France a number of times, and savored the best French fare in Paris and Nice. 

Crunchy on the outside and soft, flavourfully succulent on the inside.The 'Ooh Lah Lah' moment was from the first bite, and the truffle emulsion felt like eating some lentil beans but much nicer. Certainly I could eat this another time. While it is a rather 'heaty' food, make sure to drink lots of water or wine to wash it down. There was no hint of 'gaminess' from this masterpiece. 

                              Grilled Spiced Pork Collar, Chorizo and Beans, Chilantra Yoghurt  

The grilled spiced pork collar is the second best of the main courses (Seabass being the best). It was very tender, flavourful and with the chilantra yoghurt, you could easily devour all of this in a short spell of time. This is very unlike other pork dishes, I can't describe it, but the flavour, colour and texture are appeal to my palette.

Price for this ala carte is $ 38 +++. 

Hold on for the next post where I will give my sous (pastry) review of their 2 desserts and overall impression of Venue by Sebastien.

Most of you will know my verdict, but anyway, please do enjoy the pictures above. 

Venue by Sebastien

6A Shenton Way

#01 -02

Singapore 068815

Reservations Required. 

Check Online

Happy Chinese New Year to one and all !

My brother's and my family on 30th Jan 2025, 2nd day of Chinese New Year 2025

Here's wishing my extended family, friends, business associates, acquaintences and followers the very best for Chinese New Year 2025 !  To the best of health, family relationships, happiness and wealth this Snake Year !! =

 

Early Chinese New Year at the Singapore Swimming Club 18th January 2025. Our families with our cousin Wynne Leong. 

QRA INTERNATIONAL ATHLETIC SPORTS CHAMBER SICE 2016.

 

Athletic Sports Chambers are a recent phenomenon, QRA has been fortunate to be involved with this so important technology for close to 10 years delivering systems worldwide to the following esteemed sports organizations and hospitals

1. Aspetar Doha Qatar

2. Sports Singapore

3. University of Canberra Sports Research (UCRISE) Australia

4. National University of Singapore Heat Resilience and Performance Centre

5. Defence Science Organization Singapore.

For more information do contact :

mark@qra.com.sg

Or tel + (65) 6795 1496..

QRA International Vision 2030

 

This is the Vision 2030 for QRA International set in 2010. 5 Years on, we are on track with all of the goals set to be a $ 5 Million Revenue Company with a projected EBIDTA by 2027 and US$ 5 Million Revenue Company by 2030. 

Its one thing setting lofty goals, its a totally different thing achieving them.

The actionable items I have lined up and am actively taking these steps. 

Seize the Day 

300,000 hits by June 2025 is my goal.

 

Doha Qatar 2022 

Think big or go home. That's my motto for this year.This year will be special for me and my readers.

Help me to achieve the mid year goal of 300,000 hits by June. Thats another 69,000 views in less than 6 months. That is roughly 11,500 views per month.

Crazy ? 

Well I will never know until I put out that audacious goal in front of me and my readers. I am doing it today.

Carpe Diem. 

Good Health is the most important asset as I age

 

With old school friends, beside me from L to R

Simon Oh Kim Leng, Lee Oon Wah Joe, Peter Ooi, Seline Ooi. (Jan 2025)

The last few weeks have given me pause for reflection over my life. While at 62, I am considered 'young old' with 75 as the 'old' classification, I cant help but feel that my body needs more sleep to recover as well as having the right balance between the following

a) stress and anxiety

b) exercise

c) financial security

d) good health

e) family relationships

f) friends relationships

Stress and Anxiety 

I need some stress and anxiety in my life. This is not to say that having no stress is ideal, or a lot of stress is bad. I need to be engaged in the world both mentally, physically and spiritually. This is the concept of 'in the present'.

Being in the present means that there will be things to be concerned about, like our families, children's well being and the circumstances which we are surrounded by. Cost of living pressures, aging issues, mental well being, and peace of mind are all what I would say would contribute to the stress and anxiety level.

Would I want to live a less stressful life ? Well, yes, but then again, if I am faced with challenges each day which necessitates me to use my wisdom, life experience and street smarts, I would say that keeps me and and my mind on my toes.

So, I choose not to take big financial risks at my age, that is the No # 1 Rule. So I can sleep easy each night.

 Exercise  

Tons of research has shown that vigorous exercise releases a) dopamine and b) endorphins.

These are the 'feel good' chemicals naturally released by the body, and this aids in the overall well being of the person who partakes in exercise. There are 2 components to exercise :

a) Cardiovascular - this is for the heart and legs, primarily for proper functioning of the heart, valves and the most common exercises would be running, brisk walking, swimming, hiking and (if we live in the temperate zones) cross country skiing.

b) Weight bearing exercises -  Push ups, situps, load carrying using shoulder, upper and lower back and pull ups, all would be necessary as part of my weekly regimen to be ready for the third age.

c) Financial Security

a) A comfortable home, with no outstanding mortgage 

b) transport - a reliable car (mine is the Mercedes E250, with COE paid till 2029).

c) Enough in Medisave and a comprehensive Integrated Health Plan for all health contingencies. 

d) A comprehensive payout plan for me, in the event of any of the 35 deadly diseases. I took this plan just before I turned 60 years of age.

d) Good Health  - Top Most Prized Asset

I am fortunate to be able to say, that I am in good health and go for a complete health screening check up of my blood, stool and urine. I have been doing this since I was 25 years of age. 

I am now encouraging my 2 sons to do the same, and go for the same,. 

My most recent blood, urine and stool test showed no major health issues. I must not be complacent. At a recent get together with friends, there were some who had

a) triple heart bypass (2 I know of)

b) diabetes (at least 5)

c) double heart attack, and heart attack.

d) stents inserted and stents within the stents.

e) Cancer (at least one succumbed to the disease last year) ; at least 2 who have told me

f) Mental issues (depression)

Health Supplements 

I have been taking health supplements since I was in m/y early 40s, so a good 20 years of accumulated nutrients have been ingested. Has this been a boost to my health over these last 2 decades ? 

I would say a resounding "Yes".

In another post I will highlight all the supplement tablets and softgels I have been taking on a daily basis. It has not done me any harm, in fact, it has boosted my immune system over the years. ! 

Family Relationships

With Andrew (to my left) and Noel 

Nov 2022 

A happy and united family is the key to each and every person's well being. A capable, supportive and engaging wife is my most treasured asset. Not everybody is destined to be married or in a relationship, so I can only speak for myself.

I also have a pretty good relationship with my 2 sons, 30 and 27 and treasure each conversation I hold with them, and it is a 2 way street - I have learnt to respect their way of life and they, mine.

Happier Times with my 2 Cousins in KL

Peter (passed on in Feb 2024) and Gerard 

For my relatives, I pledge to be a more participating cousin for the future, I was so shocked and saddened when my first cousin Peter Abisheganaden passed away on 8 Feb 2024, just one day before the eve of Chinese New Year at the very young age of 63. Is brought me to realise that relationships are very important and keeping up with the meetups with first, immediate family, extended family and friends are so so important.

Friends Relationships

Many of my old school friends are reconnecting. We realise ever so objectively 

a) Life is short

b) People forget about you, about one week after you are gone

c) How much you amass is of no concern to anybody outside of your next of kin. Even then, the next of kin, probably would want to get on with their lives sooner rather than later. The only good thing is that if you have left a great legacy in terms of sharing life experiences, coaching  and right values, together with some assets.

Hence the rush to reconnect with the people from my youth. There is no agenda, with the only goal of

a) Shared Happy Co experiences of the remaining time I have left

b)  Bonding with people of my generation. They are the true survivors and the outlook they have will be totally different with mine. Why ? Because each will walk his own path, each will face challenges, failures and setbacks time and again. How they react or not at all eventually moulds into their character.

I do not judge, for who am I ? Just another ordinary human being.

c) Bonding with the younger generation. They hold the future, so the AI and robotic landscape, the sky high property prices and the fascination with all things environmentally friendly is in their frame of mind.

I need to adapt and at least be accepting. This will be their world, in a few short years, (hopefully decades), my influence, mental cognizance and relevance will all be reduced to next to nothing. In the meantime, I need to adapt or be left by the side of the information and AI superhighway.

 

Happy 2025 ! My Goals Business and Personal

Happy New Year Everyone !  

Unlike many of my peers, I had a very uneventful New Year's Eve and I am so glad that I did.

This morning, on New Year's Day, at 9am, I managed to ger myself to Dalvey Estate Road to put in a 6 km run in the early morning.

I am so glad that I did, as this reflects my desire to push through come whatever may, to achieve my set goals, how high these might be and achieve them.

2025 Goals - Business and Work

1. Sales Revenue 

   $ 3 Million minimum

2. Profit Target

   $ 1 Million

2025 Goals - Personal

1. Run 2 marathons

2. Weight of 69 kg

3. Keep Healthy and Happy.  

4. On time for every appointment 

5. Say 'No' whenever necessary. 

There it is. 

Carpe Diem