A proud day for the Abisheganaden family

 

Yesterday 9th Dec 2025 was a proud day for our son Andrew Hao Jie. He graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Information Technology from the Queensland University of Technology or QUT. We are very proud and honored to tell all our readers and followers this represents a milestone for us. 

My wife and I flew in specially for his graduation and we then had a slap up lunch and dinner together with a good friend from Korea (thanks Quon for coming !). 

Life is made for these special unforgettable moments, which mould us. As a proud parent my wish for him now is to land a job, find a nice person and settle down, either in Australia or Singapore.

Our part in supporting him will always be here, that is our promise. 

One key takeaway from this wonderful experience is this. Like I have stated numerous times in my earlier post. There are many steps to success, perceived or real, which one needs or must do to 'get there'.

1. Be used to being uncomfortable daily and for the long run. This is the only way you will grow. 

2. Every small victory, savour it and smell the roses. Then move on. The road is long and upwards.

3. Be present in good and bad times. Show up. Give no excuses

4. Try your level best. The rest ? Leave it to God.

5. Don't sweat the small stuff. They will always be there. In 5 months or 5 years its just a bump in your road.

6. Never underestimate the threats to you. Always manage the small problems lest they grow into unmanageable fires.

7. Be stoic in tough times. Tough times mould character. Only the toughest survive let alone thrive. We have no other choice. 

One life one path one vision many goals. 

Carpe Diem 

Multi Cultural Brisbane and Gold Coast Dec 7th 2025 ; Anyone needs an IT Cybersecurity executive or engineer ?

 

Eating a Korean BBQ meal  at Borngo 

Brisbane gives off a very 'chill' or a rather laid back vibe. This is my second visit to this city in 5 years (the first one was in Feb 2020) and I can say that apart from the downtown CBD, the traffic around the main part of town including the walking street is one of festive cheer and tourists watching the tourists. While it is multicultural, it is not as diverse in ethnicity as say Melbourne or Sydney.

The mainland Chinese, Indians, S Koreans are very visible,  and I saw a nice mix of Latinos, Eastern European and many people of Arab descent mingling in the city, testament to the many Kebabs and Middle Eastern Fare. There are plenty of Chinese restaurants serving Mala Hot Pot soups and local Chinese fare, so there must be plenty of Mainland people living or visiting here.

The weather is rather similar to tropical and Dec is early Summer, as Australia  is in the Southern Hemisphere.  The temperature these 2 days varies from mid 30s by noon to low 20s in the night, so it is pleasant most times of the year.

Today we decided to drive 1.5 hours to the Gold Coast to do some shopping and catch up with a close relative of ours, who lives here and could be counted upon if my son Andrew ran into some trouble.

Thank you Stella for being the rock in case, Andrew needed some listening ear when the going got tough. Thankfully he did not and we met up for a happy high tea today.

Kangaroo Point Bridge off Charlotte Street 

In a couple of days, we will witness a very happy occasion, Andrew getting his degree in front of all of his Uni mates.

We as parents wish him the best for his current job hunt (Any one looking for an IT Security analyst or executive in Australia or Singapore ? Please email me).

I can truly vouch that Andrew is of good heart and posesses a strong and intelligent mind. When he puts his mind to it, he can truly pull off top quality for his employers.

E : mark@qra.com.sg

A week in beautiful Brisbane 5 - 12 Dec 2025

Finally a break of a week, one week in early December and another in perhaps after Christmas for me. We are here to witness the graduation of my younger son Andrew from his Comp Science undergraduate degree course at the Queensland University of Technology.

He has been in Australia for coming to 5 years, and has been living in this very liveable city by the river and has moved 3 apartments in the last 5 years.

The summer is in full swing and the tourists (mainly from other Australian cities) makes this town quite bustling and full of life. 

I can get used to this lifestyle one day once I retire. 

Carpe Diem.