天时地利人和

"You're Senior Design Researcher in one of the largest companies in the world." - Someone said that to me, I like it.

The potential of design research in China is simply massive. I can see forever what can be done, and needs to be done, and how big an impact the results will be on the innovation and design process and strategy of any company, especially one like ours.

We're standing on the threshold of contemporary design in China. We're standing on the threshold of strategic branding in China. We're standing on the threshold of an exploding "consumer market" in China.

If we thought China was gulping up all forms of consumerism since its economic reforms in 1979, we have to think again. Those were the baby steps. Now, the true pester power may truly begin. One that is slowly but surely understanding what it means to be a "consumer", demanding the sovereignty of the "consumer" and acquiring a taste for good design that will soon parallel that of consumers in mature economies.

Someone asked me, "Why now? Why China now?" Exactly because of what he (and I) have truly believed - the very fact that the Chinese are only now coming into their own as "consumers".

To be in Shanghai at this turning point is extremely exciting. Professionally, to be a part of the founding team that pioneers China-focused innovation and design for one of the largest companies in the world is a defining stamp on the resume. To surf China's next wave of global dominance - the emergence of a consumer economy and world class design - seriously, talk about first-mover advantage.

And on a more sombre personal note, there are millions in that country whose lives can be made better by design, which of course, could also be adapted for other emerging economies, stretching the value of design across the developing world, a goal that is so close to my heart I hope to achieve in my professional attempt to understand, empathise and solve real problems through good, sustainable design.

All is good - 天时地利人和 - although the original motivator for the move has faded in significance. Perhaps maybe that's what it's for, getting me there, to this exciting city of the future. And nothing more.

世界上最遥远的距离

实际上的距离拉近了
心灵上的距离却远了

真的不知道怎么看待
我努力争取到的机会

对这次的这个机会
抱着什么样的期待

迷糊迷途迷路了吗
但迷路也是走路的
一部分终要走下去

要勇敢的走下去才
会胜利地走出来哦
才可能把距离走近

7 years

Today, seven years ago, grandma passed away at 1.30 pm. I was in the office when my cousin messaged me on MSN. I was stoned. Emotionless. I even went for a meeting at IE. It wasn't till very late that night when I was preparing a bunch of handover materials for all the projects that I was handling so that my colleague could take over while I was on compassionate leave. I cried my heart out. My boss saw me, and he was very kind to offer to drive me all the way back to Melaka. Of course I couldn't make him do that, so I declined, thanking him profusely.

I was especially upset because we had chosen to skip the crowds and jams over National Day weekend to go home and see grandma. We took for granted there would always be a next week. No, there probably won't be. Don't even take for granted there would be a next day, next hour, next minute. What you want to do or say, do it now. But that said, it's easier said than done >.<"'

First couple in office

When I first saw the email, I thought it was a joke, but it's for REAL! :)))) I couldn't be happier. They are 2 really awesome people who deserve each other. Really, really, really. At least there are happy people all around. It's very comforting.

^_^

Bye Taipei, Hi Singapore, and Shanghai

My flight's at 7.40 AM, the driver's coming at 5.10 AM. All packed, now enjoying some early morning peace. A cup of coffee up front, MTV in the back.

I can feel it. This is it. The turning point.

Shanghai. What promises do you hold for me?