The Journey of

Time for Some Updates...

2009-08-16T00:47:00.006+08:00

Well, well, a week has gone since semester started... Let me give a little updates on what have been happening since the last post. Remember that I mentioned that I need to go back Singapore earlier due to a chess tournament? This is the result:

Jeng, jeng, jeng... (for dramatic effect)

This is the trophy... What do you think of it???

Third Place in National Division of NIC 2009

Yes, we managed to secured third placing in this tournament despite all the hardships we faced. Moreover, we are third in the National Division which is something we can be proud of. Faced with many tough opponents (many which possess international FIDE rating), we managed to make it to the end. Personally, I played 3 out of 5 games (as this is a team tournament) and gained 2 draw and 1 loss. Well, I am the weakest player in my team and I supposed to be the 2nd reserve but due to some unforeseen circumstances, I am forced to play more than I am suppose to. Well, I shall take it as an experience in competitive chess.

After 3 long days of NIC 2009, I started my semester on the following days with an 8 a.m. class. When it was night, I was totally exhausted due to lack of sleep and overuse of brain power from the previous days. I ended up sleeping for 14 hours from 10 p.m. until 12 p.m.. I can't sleep any longer beyond that not because I am fully rested, but because I have lecture at 2 p.m. I could have continue to sleep were not the class. That is to show how tired I was. I am still tired now!!! I didn't have much time to rest throughout the week as my schedule is getting more hectic day by day.

This semester, I took 5 modules, 4 of which were my core modules. The modules I took were:

LSM2103 - Cell Biology
LSM2201A - Experimental Biochemistry
LSM2241 - Introductory Bioinformatics
ST2238 - Introductory Biostatistics
GEK1045 - Introduction to the World of Religion

And I heard from my seniors in my course that Year 2 supposed to be the most "siong" year in the course. I wonder whether I can cope with it or not.

Moreover, these modules not only hurt me physcially and mentally, they hurt me financially as well. All of them required me to buy the textbooks and each textbooks don't come cheap (at least S$20 per book and they are second hand books). So far, I only managed to get one. I need to search for the books. Another headache...

Let me put down all these aside and go and get my precious sleep first. This is the only weekend day I have with 8 hours of sleep at least... I need more. Can someone donate some sleep to me???

*zZzZZz....*

Pre LOUD! 2009

2009-07-26T01:47:00.004+08:00

*6 days and 17 hours plus away from leaving Malaysia*
*And still number is still dropping even now*

I just hope time stop this moment... And maybe reversed it too. But the truth is time won't wait for anyone. I really enjoyed my holiday back here in Malaysia. The times that I spent with all my friends became even more valuable to me as time goes on.

Ok, just leave that behind for now. In 14 hours time, LOUD! 2009 will start!!! I am kind of excited about it. Although I am just helping out in Logistic, I am really excited to see 2000 people filled Dream Centre. If you don't know what LOUD! is, LOUD! stands for Living Out Ur Destiny! What is it about? Basically, we are having a concert... Of course, this is a Christian concert but if you think that it is boring, I can tell you that you are wrong... One of the reason we organize LOUD! is to show that Christians too can have fun and more than that, to help people to live out their destiny.

In less than 8 hours, I suppose to leave for church to help the preparations. Well, there are a lot of things to prepare especially in the Logistic departments such as moving chairs, preparing the Sports Centre and Hall 2 (which have Dance Mat games, Guitar Hero and Nintendo Wii) and etc. I am kind of anxious, hoping that all things will go smooth later and I hope that all the equipments needed will be around...

I think I better be going to sleep now...Hope I can sleep well...

Holiday #2...

2009-07-05T22:37:00.002+08:00

Oh no, now to think of it, its already July... That is darn fast! Seeing all my ex-schoolmates going back to uni made me felt kind of '...' (I don't know what to say, but its something sad I guess). Not to mention CORS bidding for my modules going to being in like 2 weeks. I still don't know my core modules yet despite that. *Wonder why NUS so inefficient in this* Hence, I have no idea what modules I should take. Haihz, headache headache.

I shall not be distracted by that in the moment. Must see what I can do in this holiday.

More yumcha sessions (Eventhough there are overspending probabilities...)
Another time of futsal, perhaps?
Go for all the church services in DUMC (Really enjoyable) this month.
Eat all the nice foods that are around especially those you cannot find in Singapore. (Eh, I think most cannot find leh....)
Sleep more! Definitely, without affecting my bio-clock although long time affected already.
Play more PC games? Just downloaded The Sims 3 a week ago...
Hang kai more... I just love to window shopping, kind of an entertainment to me... XD
I have no more ideas!!! Can you suggest some?!?!

And of course, things that I need to do:

Book an airplane ticket back to Singapore...Although I am not sure about the date yet...
Do some packing especially books that I may need to bring back.
Do my CORS bidding... T_T
Clean up my laptop and maybe buy a cover for my keyboard.
Fix my shoe...
Practice my chess? *Lost some spirit in me...*

The list is kind of short... Oh never mind, not like I wanted it to be long anyway.Hehe, I think I am off to eat something... *Wave hands*

Holiday #1...

2009-05-28T01:41:00.003+08:00

It has been around 2 and half week since I came back for holidays, and of course, I spent a lot too... Once I came back, got so many activities with my friends. I realized I got quite a number of friends for me to spend so much from just going out with them.

Of course, it has been greatly relaxing for past few weeks with ONLY ONE exception, I need to practice for my chess tournament this Saturday. To tell you the truth, I only started playing some chess puzzles (which I found out to be not so enriching). Although I plan to study some openings, I failed to do so with the lack of resources and definitely, motivation as well. Well, you see its holiday and I been really tired and drained of energy for my 1st year of study *realized that I don't like to study after all*. Chess to me, is something I played for fun and when it comes tournament, I can really scratch my head and sometimes have weird imaginations before I sleep *I wonder why*. Yeap and tomorrow I am flying to Singapore for it. *T_T* I really don't want to leave Malaysia now, not when I am enjoying my holiday.

Haihz.... *ok, Mun Lok, look at bright side... Its just a few days away* Let me share a bit of what have been happening this past 3 weeks. There has been a lot of yumcha sessions (I think I spent quite a lot on it)... And then, yesterday, went for my first karaoke session in my entire life in the public with Shang Shi , Ping Ying and SS's son, Yik Mun. Well, got few people who last minute ffk... Thats why so little... We sing until our throats are all dry because the karaoke centre let us continue to sing eventhough our limit's over. We been waiting, and waiting for them to tell us to stop but they didn't... Haha, they like to sing a lot of emo songs too and those that require high pitch songs... How can we survive through that?

After that, we went for fishing (except for Ping Ying because she needs to work)... Again, its my first time! We went from 4pm until around 8 pm... Guess what did I catch??? A lot of "pak guo" (I hope you know what I mean)... I guess the fishes there don't like me. There are few times when the fishes bit but I a bit slow (beginner mah...) and they are gone! At least, Shang Shi and Yik Mun caught something eventhough it is small. I shall try my best again!!! *I think we should the venue for fishing ler next time. I think the fish are biased against me*

Yesterday was also a very memorable time to me besides losing my "first-times" in karaoke and fishing. What happened was an close friend of mine from Secondary school begin to talk to me on MSN. I was quite suprised too as we lost contact for almost one and half year. Well, we begin to chat and she told me about what happened to her for the past one and half year. As she share, it struck me on how I have never care enough for her especially in those times that she needed someone there beside her to help her through. But I am glad that she told me what happened and still considered me as her close friend. I recalled she told me that she only can share these things to me. Right now, I just want to help her get back up and walk back on the right track. I hope I can really help her as I already lost this friendship for 1.5 year and I don't want to lose it the second time.
I had learned how important for us to treasure the relationships around us in our conversation.

Yea, so that a little update on my holidays as of today... Oh, and this Friday my results for 2nd semester is out. I hope I do well considering one of my module gives me a feeling that I will fail... Really hope I don't so that I won't have to replace it next semester... *Pray, pray, pray...*

*Looking forward for greater memories during these holidays...*

There Goes the First Year...

2009-05-05T17:16:00.002+08:00

With the last exam yesterday, I declared the end of my first year in NUS. So much have been happening since last year August when I came in here... Kind of nostalgic as I recall bit and pieces of it. I lost much and gained much as well. I think I matured a little since then XD and I do meant a little in case, some of you think I over-exaggerated. Nonetheless, I treasure those moments be it good or bad as they are unique to me.

I just did a little packing. I realized I got a lot of books and notes. Well, I just dump it all in my suitcase and hoping when parents drop by, I can ask them to bring back in Malaysia. As I see those book, I began to think that "NUS systems of MCs" are waste of money and resources. With every semester, we required to take 5 modules, and at the end, we only use them for a semester. I doubt those knowledge will stay in the brain of mine after semester is over. After that, all is thrown away or maybe some fragments left as knowledge. This makes we wonder, if university education really that important? The truth is, I doubt its really that important these days... Eh, wait a minute, what am I doing here??? NO!!!

Talking about packing, this reminds me... I just want to tell everyone I will be back this Sunday or 10 of May! Good to be back but just not in time to join the USJ4's CF adoption by ACTS Church. Afterall, I was a part of it. USJ4's CF, I wish all the best to you all and may God blesses you all in abundance... On the other hand, please come and look for me and of course, ask me out yumcha or something. *I hope I got enough money for outings* Moreover, I got 2 and half months for holiday! I think I want to make it a meaningful one...

Ok, the end....

Missing for a month or so???

2009-03-09T01:40:00.004+08:00

I guess I did went missing for some time.... Haha been really lazy and busy lately as well. My mid-term is 3/4 over for now. Left only my Chinese mid-term on Thursday. I am still amazed how people were amazed that I am learning Chinese! Chinese cannot learn Chinese want ar? I admit I was banana and am still banana. Just managed to learn to read some words but at a very very slowwwwwww pace that is... I am trying very hard to remember the new words ever since I graduate from Chinese kindergarten last week (according to my lecturer that is). I guess I am still surviving due to my Cantonese background. Without it, I think I will be a 'sotong' most of the time...

In the mean time, I still got a lot of assignment to do... I just managed to finished one today(hopefully that is...) and I realize I got one more to go (a 1000 essay kind) and one more to come this Friday... *Horrors* what happen to my happy, stress-free life??? Oh no! I haven't Google the info I need for it...*Must learn to relax*

Talking about stress, I not sure if any of you know this... Apparently in NTU, Singapore, there had been 2 suicide cases concerning an undergraduate and a graduate. What actually happen to the first student is that his scholarship was revoked and he went to stab his professor (which is still alive today)... After that, he slit his wrist and jump down building. I guess he really stressed. The second one, is a newly graduate who recently was retrenched and was hired by NTU to be some kind of Project Officer... Just 5 days into his work, err, well, he decided to hang himself at his hostel. His housemate must be horrified to find him like that...

The coincidence thing is that both of them were from EEE (I think is Electrical and Electronic Engineering)... I guess EEE is really inhumane in NTU?

So, that is regarding stress... Of course, Singapore being Singapore, the kiasu spirit is also present in NUS... However, this is not a suicide case... Just one of the exchange students well drink alcohol while on medication... This lead to complication and causes him to have breathing difficulties and later died as a result of it. The weird thing that this happen at my hostel. Which block, however, I do not know. And the funny thing is that I didn't notice the commotion that time because I was sleeping soundly. It was 5 a.m. anyway, I shouldn't be awake for that...

This 3 cases happened over just 2 weeks and everyone is basically talking about it...Talk about being famous...For the wrong reason though. Tough life here in Singapore with all the recession talk going around. People are easily agitated due to that? I don't know but it is easy to blame all the problem on media because they stresses us too much!

I think it's time for me to sleep...Hopefully, there won't be fourth case. If not, I think Singapore Uni are cursed!

Slacking off...

2009-02-07T02:47:00.003+08:00

I had not been busy lately, seriously! Sure, I have some tutorials and assignments to do but somehow, after doing all these, I still had some free time... With that, I choose to slack (I think it's the influences of someone I know...). Although not entirely free, but just free enough to slack.

I assured you that being a university student is not as easy as it might be. Almost everyday, I have classes from 10am to 6pm with Friday being free on alternate weeks. When my class are done at 6pm, I will usually head back to my room. For some unknown reason, I will usually feel very tired by then. I guess I got no stamina? Even more after Chinese New Year, my slackness seems to have increase for 50%... I don't recall being in such a state in the past *Thinking hard, reflecting on my memories...*

Oh well, enough with that... In my previous post, I remember blogging about me taking a Chinese lesson in my university. Well, I got a good news. I did learn some Chinese words after all. A very simple one though, nothing worth bragging but just enough for sharing. I think even a Standard 1 student can beat me in it... Still, its worth mentioning as before I don't even know a single word (Ok, I do admit knowing how numbers look like).

I would like to show you my Chinese textbook and workbook... Quite 'chunt-ed' one, ok, being produced by Beijing University... *Kua jiong-nya*

Of course, some additional exercise besides those from textbook and workbook... Hehe, its all my writing, no cheating. May not look so nice though, beginner anyway...

One of the thing about the Chinese language module that I have is that it have a rather heavy workload with 4 hours of lecture each week and 2 hours of tutorial. Phew! Really spend a lot of time of it, not only in school, but also at home. Really not easy... I still a bit suck in determining tone for 'hanyu pinyin' during listening... Wah, a quiz coming somemore... Sure fail in it one!

Aside from my Chinese language, I still got other module such as sociological studies and understanding the universe (both are optional modules) requiring me to start preparing for its project... For sociological studies, I find it too be a bit deep and require some micro-observation and analysis in which I still not so good yet. It gonna be hard as I need to prepare a presentation on social issues of family or deviance in the coming month or so??? Understanding the universe or astronomy in simple word, on the other hand, have a project that is essay-based. It is basically about reviewing an astronomy article. Of course, it is a group work but I think it require a lot of personal research and studies. Thinking of this both do tense me up...
~Hope it to be over soon~

Anyway, just for a tease... Look down.... Way down....

The unknown side/secret image of Lee Shang Shi!!! Dang dang dang!!! *Taken during mamak session before CNY*

Enjoy your week!!!

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

2009-01-21T23:32:00.002+08:00

Yay!!! Chinese New Year is here!!! *Celebrate, ang pau and lots of food!*

It has been almost a week since my last post. I realise that I like to type MORE words than to post pictures... The truth is I am ~lazy~ to take picture and upload to computer and then upload to blog unless it is really nice lar... My habit XD

Tomorrow at 8pm, I will be leaving Singapore and going back to Malaysia. I can't imagine spending my Chinese New Year here... Malaysia is still the best place for Chinese New Year.

Well, because I going back earlier than expected, I have to miss one of my CA ( Continual Assessment) on Friday. This CA actually carries 10% mark for my final. Hmph! There is nothing I can do about it. I told my lecturer about it and guess what is his reply? He said, "I am sorry. There is nothing I can do about it. I actually anticipated this but because there is no other day, I have to set it on this date." I was like "..." and I told him nevermind. Then he keep saying, "I am sorry, there is nothing I can do about it" a lot and alot of times. I think I lost count about it. Anyway, my point is I am a little bit frustrated because previously, I bought the ticket before they announce this. *Terrible people, so late ni announce...* Guess I need work harder to overcome those 10 marks lost.

Chinese New Year coming which means a lot people will be leaving for their hometown. I wonder will this Chinese New Year can hang out with friends? Call me out if you are around... Or even come find me! My time here is not long, only up to 3rd day of Chinese New Year...

So, once again Gong Xi Fa Cai to all who celebrate Chinese New Year! *Hmm, forgot got assignments but don't care lar*

Here Comes 2nd Semester!!!

2009-01-12T23:50:00.002+08:00

Ok, I don't know why I made the blog title so exciting. Well, in fact who will be excited about it?

But oh well, since that it has already started, lets just talk about it a little. My first class of this semester is actually statistic. Did I mention to you that I did terribly in one of my module that contained statistics? Not that I like to take it but it was allocated to me. So, no choice but I have to take it.

First of all, I need to thank God that my lecturer for this statistics module of mine were more vibrant, animated and speaks in language that I understand (so far lar...). Previously, I got a lecturer that was definitely, definitely monotonous and a mumbler... It's not that he don't know how to speak English (he is an ang-mo by the way...) but he is somehow lazy to talk? Oh well, I just glad that it's over.

Tomorrow, I will have 3 lectures *hmph, terrible*. Let me see... I have Sociology in the morning (I really can't believe I actually took it). In the afternoon, I have Astronomy (I just took it to fufill requirement, not because I like it) and Chinese (trying to graduate from a 'banana' to maybe a 'mango' (because inside and outside also yellow?).

My original plan was actually to minor in management by taking 2 business modules but like my msn display says, "I hate CORS bidding!!!" You may never get my frustration now but trust me, it can be really frustrating when dealing with it. To an extend, you will have that 'whatever' kind of attitude when comes to dealing with it.

So, that is the end of my first day... *Realized that I becoming an Arts students as I travel to Arts' Faculty a lot...*

Back in Singapore...

2009-01-08T23:24:00.003+08:00

It's been second day since I move back to my hostel. The truth is that I already start missing those times I have in Malaysia *Wish that I could be there now*. I have no idea why I am feeling like that. Maybe in my mind, Singapore is a representation of hard times? Maybe it's just me...

Even now, I am actually expecting the coming of Chinese New Year in two weeks time. On those days, I can come back after some ticket-hunting to go back to KL *Yay!!!*. Can you believe this? Buses company started to charge crazily on bus tickets. Shame on you, bus companies!!! Just because it's CNY, you started increasing price knowing that we need to go back!

On the other hand, I need to skip 2 days of class in order to go back to KL and coming back to Singapore. I tried not to skip these classes but then I got no choice lor... I am a good student, ok?

Strangely, I got no inspiration of what to blog about... Just a few days, I feel like blogging alot of stuff. Mental block , I suppose? How sad...

Lastly, just want to show some video I took at Suntec City that I went during one of the days that I am here. Found it to be quite nice lor... Poor quality though...

Reflection...

2009-01-02T02:44:00.003+08:00

HAPPY YEAR 2009!

As I look back to 2008 from 2009's point of view, I was amazed. I personally think that 2008 had not been that great of a year to me. Nonetheless, I was really thankful for the good things and bad things (not for the bad things but) how I managed to pull it through) that had happened to me. Speaking of bad experiences, I realized that 2008 has more bad experiences than previous years. I think that there are many times that I want to break down and cry it all out (in which I could not). Strange isn't it???

This has really lasted for quite some time in 2008 but I think no one actually knew because I never tell? However, my holidays during the whole month of December is really fruitful. I realized that I seriously miss my life in Malaysia. Going to church on Saturday and spending time with my friends in Youth Group are things that I missed the most. SJ2, I really miss all of you! Thank you for spending your precious times with me. I will treasure it always. I hope you all will still be there when I came back for my next long vacation.

Besides that, to all my friends in high school, thank you for the fun 'yumcha' sessions that we have. I will also remember it dearly. Now that my holiday is going to end soon, I am actually 'berat hati' to go back to Singapore. I wish that I could have more time here!

I guess when I am back here, I actually learn more things than the whole year. I did alot of reflections during these times which proved priceless to me. Perhaps my decision to study in Singapore is wrong? Maybe not? Well, to me now, what had happened had happended. Nothing can change that but one thing that I know, I can continue to look towards year 2009 with much hope and anticipations...

Holidays....

2008-12-13T23:39:00.002+08:00

I been spending a lot of time going out recently, meeting up with all my high school friends. Really miss them all!!! The times of fun and jokes as we chat are priceless. With that, I kind of abandoned my blog for sometime. No picture lor for this blog... Because yesterday, my laptop crashes for an unknown reason. The day before, I actually performed some Windows Update and when I restarted it, the whole computer crashed. As I was about to sleep, I thought that it is nothing, so I ignored it until I actually used it yesterday. After restoring it from an old, old image, I lost most of my lecture notes (thank God exam is over!), some songs and also pictures that I took for my trip to Singapore Botanical Garden. Ish! I have to spend an additional hour to update back the computer. Phew! Now, its back to normal and running well (with alot of lost files)...

p/s: Ee Lin, I think you need to share the pictures for our trip to Botanical Garden again, starting from the first picture.

Yesterday, I went to PC Fair in KLCC and I upgraded my phone's memory card to 2GB. Yay! Now, I can store more songs than last time as my older memory card is only 512MB. It is really a bargain as a 2GB microSD card only cost RM20. I used to recalled it being sold for around RM60 plus some time ago. Maybe in the future, it will drop even further. I guess IT stuffs are not worth the investment after all eh... Anyway, I thought of getting a speaker as well for my laptop and also check up price of graphic card (which I forgottten about it). Well, I didn't because the speaker sold either don't satisfy my requirement or is too pricey. I looking for a speaker with good quality, portable but not expensive. Any recommendation???

There is around 4 more weeks plus of holiday. Looking forward to spend time with my friend in the comind days...

I Guess I Gone Crazy...

2008-12-01T06:42:00.002+08:00

It's been awhile since I actually blog and my first post after so long is done at 6.43am... How crazy is that? Well, apparently in 2 hours time will be my last paper... Been studying for it whole night until a point I don;t even understand. "I guess that's my limit", I said to myself. So, I decided to go to sleep. But since I have coffee during my study time, I can't sleep!!! I rested awhile around 1 hours plus and here I am, blogging about it...

Apparently, I am not confident with the last paper I going to take later. Well, first of all, it's a Maths module and as you know, there is a need for practice lar but I only manage to do some reading and understanding the lecture notes. Secondly, the most terrible of all, this paper I taking also contain some statistic (which I don't really like). My Stats lecture is terrible! I don't even understand what he is actually teaching about. So, you know how bad is it lar for me...

Last paper, I really do hope it will be over and that I will do okay for it. Won't expect much with such last minute preparation especially when I am so 'karat'. At 11am, I will be FREEEEEEEE!!!!! I hope I won't come out crying later over the paper *LOL*.

I guess many of you will ask when I will be coming back... Mark the date! Its Dec 8 and I will have at least one month of holiday in Malaysia. Make sure call me out to hang out, yum cha, have fun , etc... I will hanging out in Singapore for around a week lar thats why so late... Got some plan to explore around here....

*Head feeling a bit weird due to low blood sugar level*

2008-11-11T17:49:00.004+08:00

After so much trouble, at last... Don't know what happen to my Mozilla Firefox. Having problem to upload the pictures even today. I actually used IE to do so (which happens to be my least favourite browser). Hope it will be okay the next time I used it.

Well, just want to show you some pictures for my trip to the City last week. Haha a bit poor quality lar because I take with my handphone's camera unless someone would be kind enough to sponsor me a camera? Would appreciate that... Hehe

So, I actually went around the Singapore River at the Marina Bay area? If you don't know what am I talking about, you can always google for a map of Marina Bay in the internet.I actually went there with my brother and cousin (who is not really first time here but haven't been here for a long long time, get it?)... Well, so we just bring him around considering we settled at Singapore for quite some time.

Here is it.

The view of the city by the Singapore River... Looks a bit like KL, right? Except for the river (Unless you want compared to Klang River XD). If you can see one building with alot of lights, that is actually Fullerton Hotel (very grand you know!)

The Singapore's Durian : Esplanade (Can you see which one? Its the one on the left). A place where you can watch all those theatre stuff and performance... Ignore the couple please...

Different view from the Singapore River. Not so clear here but you can actually see Eye of Singapore from here (yea, the one that is round and got light one)

And, of course, the Merlion Statue. Singapore's icon...

I actually didn't take much pictures. But if you are here, you can actually see many light decoration around the city. Well, it's a tourism area after all. Maybe, you can come sight-seeing one day for those who haven't been here. Just look see look see...

Haihz...

2008-11-10T20:42:00.001+08:00

Apparently, I can't upload my pictures... Been trying whole afternoon and evening but nothing came out. So, looks like I have to do it other days... Sorry, everyone!

Someone Complain about Me of not Updating my Blog!!!

2008-11-01T21:52:00.004+08:00

And that someone is no other than my dear friend, Jess Loke! Haha, sorry Jess, not trying to pull you here for no reason. It is just so happen when I want to update my blog and there you are asking about it. I been busy lately + a bit of slacking even though my Finals is coming around 3 weeks time. Heck! Why am I talking about it here??? Spoiled my mood ni...

Well, it appears that I do a bit of travelling nowadays! Last Sunday, I actually went to this place called Jurong East to check out the place since my friend, Fui San said that got shopping mall there. Also, because that particular day is so hot and I dread for some air-con. So, I actually tell myself to get out of my room. So, I end up there but too bad I didn't take any picture there. Shopping mall ni mar right? Malaysia also got!!

Since there is no picture of that place, I will elaborate no further. This week or rather today, I went to different place. It is no other than Holland Village. According to Wikipedia.com (yes, I am so happy can use wikipedia as source because in my assignment, it is not accepted!!! Check out my last post if you don't know what I talking about), "Holland Village was named after Holland Road which in turn was named after Hugh Holland in 1907. Hugh Holland was an early resident in Singapore, he was an architect and an amateur actor." I don't really know the history of it but I heard that it used to be a quiet place with no entertainment or things like what I see today.
Yeap, so I end up there eating and just walk around. Show you all some pictures now.

First two picture is the same place, just one is more focus on the shop and one is overall...

This is still Holland Village... See the building on the right? I just ate at that place... And the background kind of spoil the picture? It doesn't give you the feeling that it is Holland Village...
If you don't know, that is HDB flats if I not wrong. Basically, almost everywhere in Singapore you will see this. It is basically their "landmark".
This is another part of Holland Village. Well, this whole street is filled with bars and restaurant. Kind of reminding me of Bangsar. Do you agree with me?

You may think, "What Mun Lok is doing in such places?" Actually, I just passing by and exploring. I never enter those bars and stuffs... Too expensive for me lah... I accidentally pass by all the menu and took a peek. It all costs around S$ 20. I am a Malaysian, no money like those 'ang moh'.

I end up walking around that area around half an hour? Its quite a small place. After that, I actually went to Cold Storage for a little shopping and then, I head home.

- THE END -

Titleless...

2008-10-24T12:52:00.001+08:00

Haha I guess I don't know what to put for this post. Felt kind of random today. I finished my test on Organic Chemistry earlier today. I was kind of glad that it's over because it is not so easy to study for it. In Form 6, we used almost 3/4 of the year to cover the chapters in Organic Chemistry. Here, we only used around 3 and half months? =_=' It rather torturing actually to stuff all those reagents and reaction for different class of compounds. That's why felt abit stressed yesterday. I relieved it by chatting on MSN and watching anime. It's abit unbearable to not do anything with that amount of stress. Well, it is not over with another test coming up on next Friday. However, I would like to take a short break for one or two days perhaps?

To tell you the truth, I used to think that university life is much simpler and not that burdensome but experience here at NUS for past 2 and half months proved me wrong! It began rather slowly but as it gets to the mid-term, things tends to be harder with much heavier workloads. As it get to the final exams, I think it will be worse. Can you imagine that with only one test per week, I am already like that. The final itself covered everything we learned for the whole semester. I guess I gonna die young? Well, there is a story (which I don't know true or not) about people who used their brain alot tend to die at younger age. Apparently, it is said because their brain cells died more when they used it too much. Whether fiction or not, I think stress the one that is killing us. Despite stress is important (a little stress is healthy and important as a drive of life and progression in life), I guess no one will actually like it.

I think I never tell you about one English debate assignment that I have last week. In this assignment, you suppose to prepare for a debate and also write an essay of around 800 words. I kind of rush through it as I was having other stuffs along that week. Well, it is actually about radical life extension. I just submitted online earlier. This is my essay on it... (read on if interested)

Why We Should Not Extend Our Lives Radically?

In today’s context, radical life extension involves the extreme lengthening of one’s maximum lifespan through various applications of science and technology. In the past, this may be impossible. However, now, with more discoveries being made every day in biological science, biotechnology and nanotechnology, it is no longer an unattainable goal but within the reach of our hands. Despite the benefits that it can bring to various individuals, I believe it will negatively impact our society as whole from the different aspects. Thus, I would like to oppose active promotions of radical life extension to the public due to ethical concerns, and its effects towards society from social and economic point of view.

The ethical concerns surrounding radical life extension can be viewed from two different perspectives which are its implication towards humanity and bioethics regarding the techniques used in extending life. Firstly, the implication of radical life extension towards human can be seen in the changes of their mindset. For example, there will be perception that immortality is achieved through radical life extension which is false. “An individual committed to the scientific struggle against aging and decline may be the least prepared for death and the least willing to acknowledge its inevitability” (President’s Council of Bioethics, 2003, para. 23). Radical life extension cannot insure death due to accidents and incurable diseases. Although some argued that radical life extension will help an individual to spend more quality time with their loved ones, death is not inevitable for their loved ones. This will cause that particular individual to be devastated psychologically due to his or her unrealistic expectations. Other concerns regarding the techniques of radical life extension are not of without proof. Caloric restriction is “process of limiting caloric intake with the intention of slowing down aging.” (every diet.org, 2008). Although this may be true to a certain extent, there is also a high price to pay. With caloric restriction, we tend to be more vulnerable towards infectious diseases. It was noted that “CR decreased survival, increased virus titers, and reduced natural killer cell activity in lungs of aged mice after primary influenza infection” (Gardner, 2005, para. 2). With these two ethical concerns, the need for promotion of radical life extension should be reconsidered.

In addition, there is a social concern that through radical life extension, there will be overpopulation on earth. With the decrease in mortality rate and an increase in population densities around the globe, the phenomenon of overpopulation is unavoidable. Ray Kurzweil, an optimist regarding radical life extension said that overpopulation is not an issue with the use of nanotechnology to solve various problems caused by it (Hamilton, 2005). However, overpopulation causes the depletion of natural resources and destruction of natural habitats at an even faster pace than now (Nahle, 2003). Besides that, there would be a “problem of generational dominance” (Dvorsky, 2008, para. 19). With the older generation holding on to key positions in the office, the younger ones are hindered from moving up the positions and their creativity and skills will be laid to waste. This will affect the confidence in the younger generation as they will be prevented from expressing themselves and be inferior to the older ones. With higher consumption of resources and changes to the global social system especially in the developed countries, have gerontologist even thought of addressing such issues due to the therapies they have created for their own selfish desires?

Finally, radical life extension will affect the economy negatively. This is due to unequal distribution of wealth between the rich and the poor, with the rich owning the technology of radical life extension. With this ownership, the income gap between the rich and poor will widen. Some argued that the wealthy people are the ones who drive the economy of a country, thereby concluding that there is no issue on this. However, take note that this is not healthy for that particular country. An example of this will be India. With highest growth of 22.7% in the number of millionaires in the world (Reuters, 2008) and emergence as one of the upcoming developing country, India remained underdeveloped at most parts of the country. This is because, in India, the poorer people make up the majority of the population and hence, is the majority of the consumers in the country. In the presence of such economic gap, the purchasing power of the consumers will be lowered, thus, lowering the economic drive and growth of that country.

In conclusion, the negative consequences of radical life extension such as ethical issues, social instability and hindrance towards economic growth should convince us that radical life extension is not healthy towards the society and individuals indirectly. Therefore, I would like to once again reaffirm my stance against the promotion of radical life extension to the public.

This is basically an academic essay lar... I am actually quite neutral on this topic in real life. I have nothing against it nor supporting it. Although I believe each person has its own lifespan, we shouldn't really restrict ourselves to it. I mean its important to life healthily and in that process, we are indirectly extending our life, I think? But, I am against any unnatural ways to really extend our lives. It seems that we are hanging and clinging on our lives very tightly, which is not healthy to our minds. Well, its up to you to give a thought or don't even bother it. It is rather a controversial issue after all.

Enjoy your day! I hope no people go google my essay or anything. I give a lot of thoughts on this essay. I surely don't appreciate them stealing it!!! Haha *perasan*

Fiuhhhh!

2008-10-18T22:39:00.003+08:00

My hectic week is over at last... What a relief... Yeap, I was so busy until I didn't really have time to blog. With all these study things going on, the last thing on my mind would to update my blog. Well, I end it yesterday with a 14 hours of sleep. Apparently, I was chatting with Yit Yee. She told me be right back as usual. As I wait and wait while watching Dragonball, I actually *ahem ahem* fell asleep. It was such a deep sleep that I don't know what happen until I woke up at around 4am, I realised that she offline already, assuming because I didn't reply her. Oops, sorry, Yit Yee! After that, I actually offline and then continue my sleep until 3 in the afternoon today. Its been such a long time since I had such a long sleep. I guess I am really exhausted. After all, I had class from 8am to 7pm and after that, I got chess training until 11. You can say that I am actually like zombie when I reach home tat time.

Leaving that, I actually want to post on NUS TeamNite 2008. This event is actually about giving awards to NUS team which performed excellently during the past years. Don't get me wrong, I didn't win anything. I was there actually to 'ta hei' for NUS Chess team in which I was in. The day before NUS TeamNite, I was actually rather tired and thought of not going but since I promised to go, I went for it.

Here is some picture...

The picture of where the event was held... It looks abit like those opera theatre in the west...

The picture of NUS Chess team. Usually its bigger than these and only 3 person in this picture which is not receiving award including me. Well, we have to wear formal for that. Really like a big thing.

I went there and watch them giving the awards to all the athletes (I don't know why Chess is categorized as sports as well. Mental sports I guessed). They actually shared about their achievement (only those with highest awards) and I was pretty inspired I guess. Don't ask me why, I don't know why. But well, to comment on the whole thing, it was quite good with excellent performance from NUS Cheerleader team and also farewell for our NUS President (which was apparently leaving at the end of the year). Also, got quite a lot of food that I can eat for free. Taste better than usual food that I ate too.

Yea, so that so called the end of that...

Hmm, next week still got test an I have to study again soon.... T_T When will this end???

Thanks Guys...

2008-10-12T18:36:00.002+08:00

First of all, I want to thank all who wish me on my birthday!!! As you all took time to send me comments or SMS wishing me... Thanks a lot... You know who you are...

I would like to say sorry for the late reply. Been really lazy lately, for some unknown reasons. No motivation to study even though there is another test next week. Perhaps, this reminds me of coming exam for every single week until finals (except for the revision week). Stressed out! Not to mention the reports that I need to type and assignments I need to prepare. Especially for the coming week when I have 3 practical sessions, a test, a debate assignment and of course, various tutorials.... I feel like fainting already thinking about it. Terrible days.

Many of you asked what did I do for my birthday. Apparently, I did nothing. I told some of you and somebody called me a liar. It is really that hard to believe? To me, my birthday is just like any other normal days. Well, I actually slept a lot on my birthday. After my class end at 1pm, I came home and go see Mr 'Chao Gung' (hope you know what I mean). Still so hard to believe? Actually for many years, me and my family don't celebrate birthday somehow. I don't know why but somehow lar... My parents will give me angpao (actually just money, but angpao sounds more right) on my birthday and that's all. Perhaps that affected me a lot. So, I mostly celebrate for my friends but not for myself. Too used to it already. Anyway, thanks again for wishing me...

I think for many years to come, this will happen to me. Well, mainly because my birthdate is not on the right date, I think. Wrong timing XD! Maybe I should consider changing my birthdate (just kidding! I can't do that, can I?). But I am just with the way I 'celebrate' my birthday! Just simply sleep will do. I guess that will be my own birthday present. Haha...

NUS Museum...

2008-10-05T02:58:00.023+08:00

As I promised in my previous blogpost, some pictures from my visit to NUS museum... Are you ready? Here we go...

The entrance of NUS University Cultural Centre (where all the big event is held. There is even one time when PM of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong came here for his National Day Rally. I happen to see all the police guarding the NUS roads). NUS museum is only a small part of this huge place...
This is the lobby area...
Actually, I forgot to take picture of the entrance to NUS museum... There is a total of 4 gallery but only 3 have exhibitions. The first one...

The first gallery is actually about art, something that I do not know how to appreciate (because I don't understand it). However, I actually took some picture of artwork that is abit special...

Lol looks cool to me...The warrior that is...
Hmm...
Another thing that I don't know...Maybe someone can help me out there...Here come the second one... It actually about some Malaysia's artist... So, rather Malay-ish (not a racist term I hope).

The first picture reminds me of a one day trip to Malacca that we had... Somemore, this artist is from Malacca... This sure bring back memories...

And the last gallery is my favourite because it involve historical items from China...

In the beginning was this Chinese caligraphy...

This one is huge... Let me see, its around 5m x 3m if I not wrong...Roughly around there...Next, Chinese pottery... All these items come from different dynasties (Tang, Sung, Eastern Han, etc...).. I wonder how they manage to collect it... They sure worth alot nowadays. Not to mention there is 50 pieces of it, maybe more...

Then got this one... Porcelain pillow! I wonder how they sleep on such hard thing... Maybe it's comfortable... Never try before one...
Next piece is very interesting... We actually see the picture of it in our History textbooks...Can you guess what is it?

Hmm, too small for you? Let me enlarge it....
Still can't guess??? Its called oracle bone! FYI, it is used to 'menilik nasib' or fortune-telling in ancient Chinese culture... Quite amazing to see it here...

Then, entering cosmetic world of ancient Chinese, come the bronze mirror...

Of course, it no longer reflect lar. Can't you see the rust on it?

Then, some ancient weaponries... Arrowhead and axehead (axehead is from older period which is Neolithic I think)

Last but not least, jewelerries made of jade...
Both these pieces are rather large actually... I think as big as my both hands. I wonder when u wear it, how do you go around with it...(Good question!)

So, here is the end of my journey at NUS museum... Sayonara!

Which Road will You Choose???

2008-10-04T04:42:00.003+08:00

Today's post is a little bit philosophical. I am pretty inspired to write this post when I was washing up before going to bed. So, I just give it a thought to blog it out (Yea, toilet sometimes does inspires me). As the title goes, which road will you choose? What does this means? Well, have you given a thought that the decision you made yesterday or a weeks ago or even years ago is wrong? Or perhaps you thought that if you choose to do one thing over another, the outcome will definitely be better. I had, for many times of my life, regretting over a single decision that I made and until today, I still did not really get over it.

Let me then tell you another story which is about this friend of mine. Well, he actually study in a particular university in Sarawak currently. Around two weeks ago, we actually had a chat and he complained to me how he regretted choosing his university as a place for him to start anew. He had bad experiences previously and been looking for a change of environment. So, there he was, realising or more accurately thinks that he is in a worst condition that before. As we chat, I actually asked him this question. "Is there anyone's life that are easy and without bumpy roads? (Bumpy road well basically refers to hard or tough times). He actually answer me this, "Yes, your life is." I was rather upset or agitated with his answer. Why? Because he don't know a single issue that is in my life currently and he assumed my life is easy kind. I don't know about you, but to me, I felt it was an insult.

I understand that what my friend is feeling. Maybe because I felt the same as well. I decided for NUS looking for a change of environment as well but things don't really turn out as well as I think they would. I sometimes do wonder if my decision to come to NUS is wrong or right? Every difficulty I encounter, this question will pop out. Maybe, I should pursue my tertiary education locally. Since I came here, I had terribly miss the food and of course, my friends back in Malaysia plus a lot of things as well. Friends? Not that I don't have any here but then can't really find one that I could really clique with it. It is just very different compared to friends back in Malaysia. Perhaps, I shouldn't even try to compare them. Really, really different experiences I had here. On the other hand, I get to see the world a little bit with different cultures brought by different people (eventhough Malaysia and Singapore is so near, both is different from the other). Good or bad? I don't really know!

Coming back to the topic, I understand sometimes that things don't happen our way and this happens a lot of time in all of our lives I believe.But really, if these so called 'bad stuffs' don't happen to you, is it really better? I hope all of us can take some time off to actually justify this. If our life is all smooth, is it really that good? Or if our life is full of negative events, is it really that bad? You may look at this and say that, 'how bad things be good?' I never say that it will be good. I am just saying it may not be that bad. Call me an optimist or anything. but if every bad things that happened to you is bad, no matter how many good things that happened to you, it will never be enough and I mean NEVER!

This is actually remind of the poem we study in secondary school called Road Not Taken. Though I don't fancy poetry, it kind of make sense. I believe that everyday, we encounter crossroads. Even if one can pick either road with full discernment of how the road goes, he/she will never know how that road ends until he/she reached that destination. However, once we taken that road, it will be too late to regret or rather we shouldn't regret about it no matter how tough is it. What can you do if you do regret? I can only say 'Too bad!' to you. There is no U-turn anywhere or anyway that you can take the other road. As you go through whichever road, the path that lies behind you dissappears.

Maybe you can recall about it from time to time but after you done with, please get on with life...

Blogging to Relieve Stress...

2008-09-30T00:42:00.002+08:00

Yeap, so here am I sitting in front of computer after a few torturous hours of maths studying... Conclusion, brain fried! Lol.. Though it look quite easy but there is a lot of concepts that I need to grasp, not to mention the test tomorrow carries 30 marks to the finals. How can I not be stressed ler? I just did the past year test, realised that it killed a lot of my brain cells. Aiyo, this is just test, if final how to cope ler? Let's put that aside for the moment.

From last week until this week, the weather has been terribly hot. Why I say terribly hot? Because back in Malaysia, my room which doesn't have air-con is not as hot as my room here. Back then, I seldom or almost never complain of the heat. Home is still better, isn't it? In this few terribly hot day, I been showering at least twice a day... Sometimes, even 3 times! Today's weather however, is cloudy. From the looks of it, there is a feeling that it will rains but too bad it doesn't. So, end up in my room feeling and complaining of the heat. I saw on news today that in PJ its raining. How nice is that?

I will try to post some pictures of my last week's visit to NUS museum by this week. Hope I can find time to do so. Been really busy actually and uploading those pictures is a little troublesome using blogspot. Need to find time to actually able to do it nicely, I hope...

Got to go back study for maths tomorrow...

Hmm...

2008-09-24T23:51:00.006+08:00

I am halfway through my break now... I wonder how fast time do pass... Another 4 more days, then it ends. Then, exam comes. Bored! I been studying for it since last Tuesday. You should have seen my bored face. Personally, I slept twice when I open the book today and yesterday. Perhaps, the book got sleeping potion on it as Yit Yee says... Anyhow, doesn't matter got sleeping potion or not, must try to overcome it.

The book I am reading...

Can you see my boring face?FYI, I am not as focus as I am in the picture. In fact, I always lost focus when studying unlike this picture. Wondering to some kind of lala-land...

As I said, I been studying day and night and never really have a chance to go out. I think the only leisure I had was watch a drama about Genghis Khan. Other than that, I played one or two games of Warcraft 3. Lol, now I realised my this few days is quite lifeless. Gotta admit it! Tomorrow will be a little bit different from today because I am going to City area tomorrow. Need to get some important things done which is my Tuition Grant. This Tuition Grant is important because reduce my NUS tuition fees by around 78%. That is alot of money considering it to be in S$. Hmm, I wonder where I should go afterwards... Walking around City alone is not what I really want. Felt kind of lifeless and lonely that way...Anyway, just let tomorrow be tomorrow for now.

As you can see below, this is a building called University Hall in my campus.

Let me tell you a weird thing regarding it. Eventhough it is called University Hall, it has absolutely no function as a hall or a place where function can be held. It is just a bunch of administration offices for NUS. Strange place, isn't it? Maybe, they got no other better name. This building is actually quite near my faculty, basically just next to it but I never bother to come here before until last Monday to settle my Giro thing... At the end of it, I was told that I won't be able to pay my school fees (actually I no need to pay any fees for it -_-' due to fact that the amount of fee have been deducted) through it as it require one month to process. Haiz, why their system so weird want? Well, I don't think I will bother about it for now. Hmph!

That's all for now...

Of Holiday, Stupidity & Confusion...

2008-09-21T17:37:00.002+08:00

Today's post is split to 3 parts as title states. Yea, holiday is here!!! After hard work for 6 weeks I think, I can rest now for a few days (not the whole week). Well, after my break, comes 2 tests in the same week! So how can I have full break throughout this week. Both of this tests actually contribute towards my final. Good is that no need fully rely on finals for good grade but bad thing is that I have to study continuously T_T. No one like to study wan lar and I mean NO ONE! You must be crazy to love studying... I have no choice! Neither do you unless you are the type no need to work for living next time... Then , I nothing to say lor... On the other hand, I will not be back in KL/Subang Jaya during this week because I think its hard to get ticket to go and come back... Somemore, I don't like the bus journey (too long and boring). But, I think I will travel to Johor, still consider Malaysia right? I invite you all to travel to Johor to come and yum cha with me! Just kidding lar, I know you all are busy people.

On stupidity, few days ago, I receive a letter concerning something with my bank account with NUS (method of paying actually). Its called interbank GIRO which is a method of paying my school fees. Well, actually my application was rejected because of some mistakes I make in filling the form. They sent me a letter asking me to fill in new form and return by 10 September!!! I was like '...' . Har, I only got this on 20 September and they asking me to return by 10 September. They think I am what? Can reverse time want? Ish ish, isn't that stupid? Planning to do this on Monday because I need go to bank for some procedure. Nevermind, its not my fault. Hope they still accept. Terrible people...

Lastly on confusion, recently I got this confused feeling. Don't know why actually... I just feeling a little confused on one particular matter... Shall just mention it here, will not go into details...Haha, this Mun Lok damn random, simply write nonsense... Lol, I don't know why, amybe it's holiday. For those not having holiday, don't jealous because I still need to study want. Fake holiday, no wonder they called it break instead of holiday.

Hehe, enjoy yourself...

Moon Cake Festival...

2008-09-17T00:08:00.004+08:00

Last Saturday, while everyone is having fun at Yit Yee's house, I actually went for another Mid-Autumn festival in PGP (my residence) with my friend. So that become my alternative of celebrating mooncake festival. Doesn't look like I got a choice actually. You don't expect me to travel back to Malaysia because I got no holiday and getting ticket to go back will be troublesome.

So, off we went. It wasn't that big but sufficient to let us have the experience of celebration. There are sone activities such as lantern riddles and tea drinking etc. So, I and my friend went for lantern riddle (not in Chinese obviously) and managed to get 4 correct riddles, 2 each. Prizes are 4 packet of sweets (no idea why only sweets) which are currently in my room. Quite big packet want, don't know how I wll finish it. If can finish also, teeth also got hole already. Then, we actually went to moon cake making stall. Yea, so here is my so-not-nice shape moon cake.

Hmm, really out of shape. Maybe I didn't press enough in the mould, still got abit shape of moon cake. LOL (let me keep some face, ok?). It taste like a moon cake lar obviously, just doesn't look like one (y friend's one look more like a proper mooncake). And of course, no diarhoea for me after eating it.

The stalls there are actually quite limited. Then, they got host speaking all the time and trying to draw response from the crowd which in turn being ignored. So sad for them and funny for me to look at them. I think I laugh at them quite a number of time (Mun Lok is so bad!).

I think we finish seeing in one hour, then after that we have dinner. We never go moon sighting lar... We are not that 'romantic' to do so. Of course, no lantern as well. If not, PGP may get on fire.

I still want to eat moon cake even though it's over. I only eat 1/4 of real moon cake and my own made moon cake. So, I would really like to eat more because I like it mar... It's expensive here, no doubt because in Malaysia already complain expensive, what more here...So, nevermind, one day surely can eat more. Next year, perhaps. Maybe you all can consider giving me mooncake next year. LOL.

I was Conned!

2008-09-11T23:57:00.005+08:00

Yes, I was really conned (kena tipu lor). Conned for what? Definitely not for love but really money and my time. You may wonder who want to con me? You have to guess based on this pictures then...

Evidences of being conned...

Another important evidence...

Can you guess??? (What lar this Mun Lok show pictures of his clothes hanging...)

Scroll down for answer
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The answer is Dryer no.4 of Laundry Room at Block 20, Residence 4!!! ... (Mun Lok kena conned by a no-brain item called dryer...His IQ must be quite low...)

Yes, I am conned by a dryer... It supposed to dry my clothes for me, end up most of it is still moist. End up have to hang at room. Haihz... Hey, of course I am upset. I pay 60 cents instead of 40 cents I usually does. So, shouldn't it do a better job than a 40 cents job? Not that I am upset with the wastage of 60 cents but the fact I have to hang it around my room and then, got that kind of 'wet wet' kind of smell. This shouldn't happen lar.

Actually, before I put my clothes into that PARTICULAR DRYER, I thought why this is empty while the rest is full. I thought to myself maybe it got a little bit of problems. I admit... I accidentally cursed that dryer which reflect back to me. At the end the day, I am the one receiving all the bad stuffs... (Brilliant Mun Lok got power to curse himself!)

So, yeah, now I have to wait untill tomorrow for it to dry... At least a day of hanging and blowing by fan... Mun Lok oh Mun Lok...

Kind of Lost...

2008-09-08T00:32:00.002+08:00

Tomorrow will be my Organic Chemistry test... Just studied for it, now my brain like a bit numb. This is only beginning of my misery I guess. What will be tested tomorrow is only 6 chapters and I am already like that. I wonder what will happen to me at the final exam. Never mind, now my brain is a bit empty. Suddenly I like at lost what I should do. Somehow, I feel like there is something I need to do but I don't know what is it... Over-studying effect I guess.

Well, turn out that I rather miss Malaysia food. I actually told one of my friend and she reply, "Eh, I thought Malaysia food and Singapore food are the same?" The answer is almost, around 80%. But then food choices here is quite limited. For example, Pan Mee here is only soup based, don't have the dry type one (also happen to be my favourite). See, sad right? And then even that soup based Pan Mee is a bit different, and also the sauce. Of course, chicken rice is everywhere, in almost every canteen I see. Actually, almost all the food is same, only slight varitation in style of cooking. The funny thing is one time I actually saw on Singapore Channel that they are actually promoting Penang food. I think even Singaporean think Malaysia food is nice.

Since I say Singaporean food is like that bad, what do I usually eat? Hmm, almost everything so that I won't get bored of eating it. Usually, I will eat rice for dinner because won't get hungry so easily and I asked for additional rice as well XD. My option? Sometimes mixed rice, sometimes dai-chao (don't know correct or not but the meaning is actually fry dish I think?) Pardon me for my lack of knowledge. Well, so far what I like about their food here is actually the big portion and also cheap (don't convert to RM lar. sure more expensive) in their S$. Taste is abit lacking actually. You may eat and think something is wrong with their tastebuds (no offence). But then, have to cope with it lor, no choice. Hehe kind of miss mamak food in Malaysia. Mamak stall is rare here, maybe somewhere which I don't know. There is roti canai but teh tarik is missing! How can??? Of course, no roti tissue here... December, faster come!

Until then...

Really, really busy...

2008-09-05T02:18:00.003+08:00

Yeah, my post says it all. I do not really much time recently. Basically, for most of the days, my class starts in the morning either 8 or 10am and may end at around 4 or 6pm. When I reach my room, I am actually half dead/half alive. Then at night, I need to study, do tutorials, lab reports and sometimes assignments as well. It is hectic not because there are a lot but rather because the knowledge gained through the class is quite deep. Due to that, I need to digest it slower and need to put more time to understand it better (It is definitely tougher than Form 6). A lot of concepts I need to get familiar with, especially my Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic modules. One of the important concept we must always try to apply is 3D concept in my point of view. This is especially true in Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry where you need to begin look at 3D structure of each chemical or biological compounds and how this affects their properties. Complicated huh? I think so because in Form 6, 3D concept is not much stressed upon. Now, it is different. Wake up, Mun Lok from your relax mindset!!!

On the other hand, for my CCA (co-curricular activities), I am officially accepted for NUS Chess Team. I guess I just made it, barely. Well, my skill is quite rusty and concentration level is not that high compared to other people. I just can't simply sit there and think about 10 steps ahead of the game. It is just not me. Perhaps, it is not me to play this way but sometimes, miracles do happen. For example, I, sometimes, somehow manage to concentrate throughout whole game at the cost of my nerve cells.

You may ask, got anything that is nothing to do with using your mind? Eh, for now is a no! Maybe except for my sleeping time where my brain is spared. I think I going to be stupid one day because all my nerve cells going to die due to overusage of it. Haha, awaiting for holidays in around 2 weeks' time.

Meanwhile, studying hard for organic chemistry test on Monday and thinking of how to write report for molecular genetic laboratory sessions....

I Wonder...

2008-08-19T02:38:00.002+08:00

Today, I have another practical. Well, it is about some microorganisms named E.coli. Sounds familiar? It is actually found in guts and intestine of animals and humans as well. It actually smell kind of weird like the smell in pet shop. Kind of weird, I wonder why.

As I was doing my practical today, I encountered many new equipments which I never see before in my entire life. It is not because I never concentrate in school, it is just that school don't have such equipments. One of it was centrifuge. I had only learn about it theoretically but never have a chance to see it and use it. Today is that day of breakthrough of me using it to extract DNA of E.coli. If you ever recall of what you have learn about how centrifuge, you might come across the term 'supernatant'. After centrifugation, you will realize that there is 2 layers in your tube and the top layer is known as supernatant containing DNA and sometimes RNA depending on the microorganisms you used.

Due to the fact that I had seen many equipments today, I feel a little "jakun" compared to other people. Even simple things such as pipettor, I will blur for a moment. The equipments are just too new to me I guess. Moreover, some of items such as pipettes and tubes are actually disposed after they are used in an experiment. Kind of waste, right? I think so myself. I remember back in schoo days, we need to wash it after we used it because they are expensive. They no longer do that in university (I think should apply for most uni) to avoid contamination of the solution and chemical substance. Now I know why the fees is so high? Kind of make sense, doesn't it?

Talking about DNA, I remember I actually have cow DNA given by my lecturer in one of the class. If you look at DNA for first time, you will think that it is actually a thread because it looks exactly like one. You will thought that it is a DNA because first thing that come to our mind is that, "Isn't DNA a small thing that you can't see it?". Well, if you are saying one complete double helix, then maybe. But of course, DNA that is extracted is not consists of only one strain. So, definitely you can see it. By the way, it is whitish and abit sticky when you touch it. Not something you would see everyday especially in school because in school, there are just too limited budget for such equipments and materials that you need.

Well, I need to get going now, to sleep. And by the way, I realise I had no longer have a longer sleeping time. Most of my class starts in morning. Even my only Wednesday where I can wake up late is gone (for certain weeks) due to Organic Chemistry's practical class which is on 2 weeks once. Got to go now....

A Week has Passed...

2008-08-16T00:16:00.002+08:00

So, there go my first week of uni life...Full of lectures and classes everyday, fuh, I am so tired. In fact, I am a little sleepy now...Why? Because I'm tired lor... Today, I got class from 8am until 2pm when I have 2 hours break. After that, lecture and tutorial until 7pm. It's not over yet, after that, I went for trial for NUS Chess Team. I reached back my hostel around 11.15pm I think. You see, tired or not? Never go out for so long time for long long time... Nowadays, every fortnight, this terrible schedule will happen to me (one of my laboratory session and tutorial only happen 2 weeks once). Not to mention, starting from next week, I no longer have break from 2-4pm on Friday because my English tutorial is starting. Really killing me! (arghh, why I get band 4 for QET, damn regret now!)

If you all don't know, I am currently taking 6 modules (not because I want, excuse me). Generally, people usually take 5 modules per semester (the minimum for each semester I think). Well, I have to take 6 because of the English module that doesn't bring me benefit at all (Because it doesn't help me to graduate). I wonder why do they even have such module. Waste of time in my opinion and also my energy.

Well, at the end of today, I am actually left with a pratical report to do and some other reading especially for my biochemistry module (realised that I am like blur sotong in class). To tell you the truth, I haven't bought a single book for my modules. Why? Because it is so so so expensive (in my opinion. other say it's cheaper than other place). A book itself will cost around s$50 (heart pain when see that price). So, now I waiting for a second book sale in 18 August to get some cheaper books. After all, some books I only use for one semester. Therefore, I don't think it is worth and for others, I may not need it as lecture is quite informative and they are quite the same with my Form 6 subjects. I try to save up some from there (all are in S$, see also eye sore).

Talking about eye sore, I feel like my eyes are half-closed. Going to online awhile. Eh, Friday you know, must appreciate it. Friday never been so precious to me before...

1st Day of Class...

2008-08-11T21:21:00.019+08:00

Today is my first day of class. My first lecture is on Basic Organic Chemistry. Well, to tell you the truth, it is exactly like my Form 6 syllabus. It is just a little bit deeper because you need to ask why this is like that etc. It's like refreshing my memories on what I studied last year (mind you, I never touch book for almost a year). It was a bit hard especially when I went through the lecture notes last night because my mind was blank. It is not so bad today when I went to the lecture. My lecturer is a Chinese (come from China I think because of the way he speaks his English) and he is a bit funny lar... So, not that bad because won't have boring lectures (his joke is just enough to make it a little interesting).

After my lecture. I went for lunch and later went to library to study a little. Well, to my amazement, NUS has big library (for my faculty, not to include many other libraries for different faculties). When I am in there, I was actually quite blur because I don't know the procedures. However, I managed to find the book I wan entitled Organic Chemistry by John Mcmurry (my textbook which costs around S$50). I read it up a bit and did a little touch up for my lecture notes. Now, I am looking for second hand book preferably as it is cheaper and I only use for 1 semester I think unless I take up more advance Organic Chemistry.

After my library session, I went to this place called Raffle's Museum, just few floor below the library and just to take a look. It is actually a museum of biological specimens they collected over the past years. I took quite some pictures of it.

Here is some rat specimen below. They are very big you know. I think at least 40 cm. Haha I never measure lar...Then, they got jellyfish specimens.
Next, butterflies and insects. Reminds me of my Form 6 biology projects. I so want back the butterflies specimen we collected. Very nice.
Next, got me and a shark's skull (as a proof I am really here) and also, a little baby shark. A turtle's specimen is here as well.

After that, we got ancient shell (it looks like stone to me, but according to the description, someone donated this specimen which means it is real?), big shell and small shells. Different kind of it.

Oh, we also have preserved leopard cat (which apparent was ran down by a car and gotten it's head crushed. Poor guy, you may not see it from here but its head is actually deformed) and also the famous king cobra (which was beaten up to death). I don't like snake for your information but then, how often can you see a preserved king cobra? Its length is actually 4.3 metre. That is big!

Last but not least, a dugong skull pictures (was extracted from dead dugong they found) and a picture of me with an asian elephant skull. Saw the bone on top of my head? That is actually a femur bone of an elephant. This elephant is not that big, perhaps a young elephant.
So, here is the end of my museum exploration. Though it's not really big but it is filled with different kind of specimens which amazes you. You don't get this kind of exhibition in Malaysia. So, it's really good to actually able to see this collection upclose.

Last Day of Holiday...

2008-08-10T22:23:00.007+08:00

I just came back from the TV room after watching news and some movie (I watched before already but boredness caused me to watch it again). Before I went back to my room, I went for a little detour. Where can I go? I went to the roof but however the locked door prevent me from going up to that roof. So, all I could do is just take a little pic from the staircase. Jakun right?

Sorry for the first picture. It is a little bit blur due because I used a camera phone to take and it's night mode not so good. So, if you may wonder what am I trying to show. Well, see the lights in the pictures? It is actually the port there. You may not be able to see it from the picture. Actually, there are thousands of containers stacked and in the day, you can actually see the machinery they used there.

Ok, the 2 pictures below are actually view of my residential areas from that particu

Last but not least, my SS picture sitting at the staircase. Behind me is the locked door (Haiz, detour failed).

Tomorrow will be my first class. It really shows me that my holiday is over T_T. Good and bad lar. Good because no more boring days and bad because no more relaxing. However, tomorrow only got one lecture class because tutorial and lab classes will only begin next week. So, no need to stress for first day of uni.

If I Must Explain...

2008-08-09T00:43:00.002+08:00

Oh, due to some requests that I explain my previous post, I will do so in this post. I wonder how I begin because as I mentioned before, this whole bidding system is very complicated. It took me quite some time to understand it too.

Ok, so here is it. At the beginning of every semester, everyone will be given 1000 points, split into 2 accounts, which are General and Program. How is it split? It varies from course to course but as for me, it is 400 for General and 600 for Program. Given this points, we are supposed to bid for our modules (which are subjects, sorry guys, I need to get used to this term. Therefore, I need to maintain it as modules).

You can imagine this whole bidding system as an auction (in Malay, called lelong). The points given to us represent the money and modules we bid for represent the items being auctioned. So, as in an auction, what we need to do is to bid for modules that we like with our points. However, there are limited space or quota in a modules. Certain modules are available for seniors to bid as well while some are off-limit to them. So, in certain modules, we actually need to fight with our seniors through bidding. Obviously, they have more points than us as they are here longer (duh!) than us. Definitely, we are at disadvantaged. To help us, NUS (my uni lor) had given this protection from seniors by reserving places for us in certain modules (especially Program modules). However, for General modules, we don't have that protection. Of course then, the seniors usually will win over us in bidding. Because of that. we need to choose wisely on our choices of modules and try to get a module on the lowest bidding point (without sacrificing our interest).

Do you understand now? Try to understand it a little, I try to make things as simple as possible...

For me, it is settled for now. No more bidding for this semester. I am happy, my mind is spared for now...

At Last, But Its Not Over?

2008-08-07T01:31:00.004+08:00

Well, to inform you all, my bidding for modules were done. A good thing as that whole bidding system is troublesome in my point of view. Oh, guess what modules I bid? Actually, I was pre-allocated 3 modules for my major and I needed to bid for another 2 more modules (besides of my English language module). Well, the another 2 modules are none other than GEK2500 Living with Chemistry and MA1421 Basic Applied Mathematics for Science (basically its another chemistry and maths module lar....no need to wah the name.... I have no idea why their name must be so "geng" one). I guess that is a good choice as I think I could handle it. Another good point is that I bid it with only 1 point. Good bargain I supposed because we need to save up points for the next semester to fight with our seniors. Haha, complicated isn't it? Well, just say 1 point is way cheap! It is the minimum point to get a module. I don't know why no one wants it as there is way alot of vacancies for it but no demand. Some modules, however, are very popular such as USC2001 Discover Science 1 - Energy can go up to 6895 points!!! I wonder what's so good about that module. That number is high, ok? It may take up to years to save up that point but wait, is that even possible? I have no idea now.

Oh, you may wonder what is the GEK, MA and USC thing that I mentioned. It is actually codes that stands for something. For example, MA is for mathematics and GEK is general education modules. Eh, but the living with chemistry thing is general education module mer? To tell you the truth, I have no answer for you. After all, I am not the one to set that.

Although bidding is over (for me lar, but it is still on for others), another horrible part is coming. BALLOTING!!! For your information, bidding is for modules while balloting is for the module's tuition class and laboratory class. There is alot options. What I need to do is to select those that fit into my schedule. Hopefully, I get what I want. If not, I don't know how. So, now I have to wait and wait and wait....

My Room...

2008-08-04T22:00:00.004+08:00

Its been almost a week since I moved in to my hostel. However, I have not show the pictures of it to anyone. So, someone has been complaining and asking me to webcam my room to her. Now, I took 2 pictures of it to show to everyone lor... I no professional photographer, so, sorry if it does not satisfy you.
Taa daa!!! Nothing special lar actually and my room is a little bit messy cause when I go out and come back, usually just dump everything on the table. If some of you think this is a nice room, think again...Cause you haven't see the bad side of it (especially at night). You see, in the morning as early as 8am, there will be a NATURAL alarm clock that doesn't ring but shines straight through to your eyes and to your skin causing you to feel hot and irritated that you can't ignored it. Behold, the sun! Yes, my room faces east and this is terrible to me as I love to sleep and I don't like to be disturbed for no particular reason. Not to mention, at afternoon, the room will be extra warm than usual (now I realise the importance of air-cond). To tell you the truth, even my room back in Subang has no air-cond and I don't feel hot if I sit there whole afternoon (thanks to my jungle house). Here, I can't tahan lor. Either I stay at my bed (cause the fan blow directly at me) or I go down to TV room to enjoy air-cond. A way of escape for me.

However, I think when my class starts, I won't be staying much in this room. Thank God for that! I think I will choose to stay out longer than to come back here early, I think lar...

Sayonara for now...

The 4th Day in PGP...

2008-08-02T00:13:00.002+08:00

If you are expecting a post with alot of pictures, sorry to disappoint you. Not really in mood to take pictures around despite having camera phone nowadays. It's been kind of boring actually during this stay here. Actually, I am supposed to bid for my modules but alot of problems came up. Quite troublesome system we have here. This CORS thing (that's what we called it) can really make you go crazy. Why? Because of troublesome things you have to do. First, we are suppose to bid for another 2 modules besides of my major's allocated modules (even that is a problem, I still haven't received my allocated modules eventhough I went to settle it this morning) and these modules must satisfy our timetable. So, in order to satisfy this timetable, I have to let go some of more interesting module for some other weird or more unknown/maybe boring modules. How sad my life that is?

Secondly, after we had chosen our modules, now it's bidding time. Basically, you are given some points and you are to use this point to bid to get your preferred module. Well, to put in a more understandable explaination, it is like a SHARE MARKET! The only gain is that you get your module and the loss is you don't get it. So, you actually need to bid wisely and I think you need some psychological mind to play along with them. I had met a senior this morning and he is like "Should I bid or should I drop this module?" and he is only bidding for one. What a headache is that to him.

Some troublesome system doesn't make our life any better. Argh! That's what I would like to say here. Stress is building up. Poor me. If any of you would like to join me in NUS, better be ready to deal with this thing. Make sure you get a senior to help you, it'll be easy that way.

I really do miss Malaysia. Been thinking of it quite everyday (not because I am patriotic, I am not, ok?) but to be exact, my communities that are around me especially my gang and my CG. I really do miss you all T_T. I really do enjoy the time we have during past years. Well, I am here and you all are there. What can I do about it? I been waiting for December to come (what lar me... Semester hasn't start already thinking of holiday).

What do I do here everyday, you may ask? Eh, nothing to be exact. More like sleep, makan, online and doing that troublesome thing called CORS. I got no game on my laptop as it is new, so no game lor... So, I am stuck with boringness until my class start officially on 11 August. Why make until so long? Nothing better to do is it? Sometimes, I go down to TV room to watch TV. One way of passing time. Amazingly, there is TV2 and TV3. So, can go watch some Malaysian news and sometimes movie. Singapore's TV stations got no movies to watch one, only their drama. Really no life.

I think I going to stop here.Hopefully got something fun lar in next few days.

Checked In To PGP at NUS!

2008-07-30T00:53:00.006+08:00

Title says it all. However, some of you may ask where I have been past few days? I am at my brother's place, go 'hang kai' and stuff lor...So, now I am here and nothing can change that fact. Hmm, really miss Malaysia alot (not because I am patriotic) and of course, my kawan-ka
wan baik there.

Now, at my hostel online-ing and typing this post. This PGP really looks like some high class condominium, only that it is a room not a condo. Haha PGP actually Prince George Park, the name of my hostel here. Here is the pic:

How does it looks to you? Good, ok or bad? Got night pictures also....

Not only that, got 3 basketball courts also plus some tennis and badminton courts. I only took basketball courts only.

Yea, so that's quite all I can write for now. Sign off dulu.

The Night before I leave...

2008-07-26T03:59:00.002+08:00

Look like tonight will be the last night I will be in Malaysia.... Kind of sad though, afterall, I lived here for almost 20 years. Gained many experiences, both sweet and bitter times of it.

Anyway, I created this blog to record down my journey to Singapore so that my friends can get a little bit of updates of me, of whether I still alive or dead.

Currently is 4am. Still got around 8 hours...*Time ticking*