Visit to Siheung City Korea 26 - 29 th Nov 2018

With our customers from Singapore and our host, Paul Lee of ETSP Korea

Last year's visit to S Korea was the first in almost 7 years, the last being in 2012 if I recall correctly. This time around, we came with 2 customers from Singapore for a technical buy-off at the factory site and were taken out by our hosts for a sumptuous dinner comprising of Korean barbecue.

Korea is a land mass which is connected to China. My impressions of Korean people are that they are warm, honest and brutally frank people. I like their sense of camaderie and once you win their trust they are with you all the way. Hence Paul and myself we go back since QRA started business relations with them way back in 2012. 

Standing beside a Pine Tree on my Birthday (27th November 2018) in Siheung City S Korea ! 

I have been to S Korea a total of 5 times in the past and each time, the place is very cold. It is best to bring winter wear once October approaches and when we were there in November,  the weather was below 10 deg C in the daytime and in the nighttime, it fell to close to 0 deg C. The economy of S Korea has been sluggish of late, and many Koreans have departed to look for better opportunities in business and work in other parts of Asia. There are quite a number of Korean people living and working in Singapore in retail, telcos, F & B and in the fashion accessories industry.

Since my company has always been in the equipment technology industry, we have been impressed by Paul's company , in particular his technical brilliance, his and his staff's work ethic as well as their openness to our business opportunities and risk management. 

Trying out the street food at -3 deg C ; an event to remember ! 

It is my fervent wish that if globaliszation is to be given a chance, then we can develop more business revenue and profits with his company as well as other Korean companies in the coming months and years. 

As a Small and Medium Enterprise taking its opportunities overseas, I can only hope for more cooperation with companies near and far and to make leverage on each of other's strengths - they provide the latest technological equipment at competitive prices ) and we provide market access - in this way both small companies can continue to grow and prosper together with a common goal of furthering our business advantages and uniquenesses.

Rudy standing 10 stories above ground at the Observation Tower. 

The Best Time for a Hard Run is a Rainy Morning or Evening 6th June 2019

Pensive after a hard 7 km run ; 6.50 pm  

Like the famous country singer, Eddy Rabbit, " I love a rainy night", I love a drizzly evening. Last Thursday, 2 evening's ago, it rained for the most of the afternoon, and I took the time to get off early from work and cap 2 rounds at the West Coast Park starting at 5.44 pm and finishing roughly at 6.30 pm for about 7 km.

The park is quite deserted, what with the slight drizzle which has cooled the roads which have soaked up all the heat of the day. Only a few people are in the park, kindred spirits like myself and I was in my element coming back from a short bout of 'flu just 1 week ago.

It felt really good to be back running and leaving a sweat trail, soaked to the bone in sweat and rain. 

Now, I have a 100 plus in hand, and cool down by the empty tennis court.

What a great feeling. 

  

Prince Kiss Music Video is almost 30 years ago and still has that "New Edgy" sound

Many people have touted the late Prince as far ahead of his time, I have to agree. His songs, his demeanor, his attitude and his musical genius were tremendous for us young people in the '80s.

Have a look at this video, it shows the androgynous Prince with his flexibility, his never can be taken too seriously attitude and his campy style which makes this music video one of my all time classics.

Very unfortunate he passed away too soon like so many of the great rock and pop stars of our time.

Our Piece De Resistance - Sports Institute ; Reference for the Athletic Chamber we sold and commisisoned in 2016

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/sport/the-singapore-sports-institute-facility-that-gave-top-shuttler-8966626

A heart breaking video about Children suffering due to Civil War ; what they want for Eid

This is such a heart-breaking video, wars are always tragic and the children suffer the most, mentally,physically and spiritually. The young girl who was first interviewed had to face the death of her father which she had to come to terms with at such a young age. The civil war in Syria is already into its 8th year. 

The interviewer asked these displaced Syrian kids what they wanted for Eid (end of Ramadan) and the answers left me choked with emotion.

Please share and do your small part to help ease their suffering. Donate your clothes, soft toys or money to this NGO. Do check up first before donating as I am in no way aligned or associated to this NGO (Non Governmental Organization)

Global Ehsan Relief 
www.global-ehsan-relief.org

I know I will do my small part.  

Random Photos of the Past

Camels by the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo Egypt Dec 2009 

One of the most unforgettable trips of the lifetime was the 13 day trip to Egypt, sipping Luxor Beer on the Nile, visiting the temples at Luxor, Karnak, Kom Ombo, the Aswan dam, Alexandria port city and of course the pyriamids at Giza as pictured above.

How an ancient civilization could build such massive structures withstanding 5000 years of the sand, wind and rain and with pinpoint accuracy on the incline of these massive structures is one of the world's 7 ancient wonders. 

Enjoying a cup of Vietnamese Weasel Coffee along the sidewalk in Ho Chi Minh with Ilhangkannan Narinasamy in 2011 

We had a great time 3 days in Ho Chi Minh in 2011, unfortunately the visit was marred by the fact that when we were there in November, Japan that very day was hit with a tremendous earthquake and led to the Fukushima nuclear plant closing and lots of people losing their lives to the tsunami. A real tragic time to be out having a coffee.   

At Tour Eiffel in 2008  

Named after the architech who designed this iconic structure, the Eiffel Tower started life as a radio tower in the 19th century and its iconic image has been the subject of millions of toursitic trinkets, photos, and novels all in the name of romance and love.

Just a couple of random photos from my past travelling to various countries.  

Christmas Day Lunch 2009

This scene is one I will always enjoy over and over again. I believe it was the Christmas Lunch traditionally held at my house. My extended family meets for 2 big occasions, the Chinese New Year 1st Day and the Reunion Dinner Eve as well as  the Christmas Day Lunch normally with my Mum calling all her siblings and close friends. 

The house is full of relatives, and my Dad is seated in his wheelchair away from the camera, while my Mum is facing the camera. There are many relatives and friends, and then my niece Hannah comes in and gives my Mum a present in her booming voice.

This brings back happy memories and joy when my parents were alive.