Sunday, July 27, 2008

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Life: Me & Singapore

This month, I've been 7 years living in Singapore. That time, I decided to land my feet into Singapore soil after my previous company, a life insurance, was acquired by Prudential and I chose to leave the company under 'golden shakehand' scheme then took couple of months break... Well, Singapore was such a new experience and different both life and working environment than I used to.

But, it was not the first time I've been in Singapore.... it was back in 1993 when it was the first time I came to Singapore. At that time I came to install payroll program in one of Singapore company which had factory in Batam. The office was located at Bukit Timah Road near Kandang Kerbau Hospital and the building where at the ground floor there were car & motorbike showroom. I stayed in Hotel Asia @ Scott Road (now has been demolished)... and it was also the first time I step into Orchard Road which is just a walk distance away from the hotel.

Since then, I've been to Singapore several times... once together with my previous boss visiting one of telecom company to explore the possible of joint venture and then twice accompanied my mother seek treatment and had surgery in Mt Elizabeth and Gleneagles Hospital. Hmm... a bit coincidence that now I am working in healthcare company...
I still remember that during that time was the era of 'dot-net boom'... where I can see along the Orchard Road, some companies launched their new website and people so keen and curious to see. And also, that year was the launch of free 'TODAY' newspaper, if I was not wrong, because I still remember that I can get that free newspaper distributed in front of Orchard MRT station...

And, it was in the early years of me in Singapore, the 911 attack took place (Channel News Asia provided 24 hours live coverage), saw the twin tower collapsing, the rise of terrorism, and the worse... the second round of asia economic crisis... and at least I've been experiencing the property cycle... the property crash following the asia economic crisis and then its boom last year.

Well... now I am looking forward to live for many more years here in Singapore.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Monday, July 07, 2008

Sports: Rafael Nadal - Wimbledon Title Dream Comes True

After 3 consecutive years reach Wimbledon final and meet the same opponent, Rafael Nadal finally grab his first Wimbledon title and ends Roger Federer's dominant in grass court.

In a tiring and longest 5 set match in Wimbledon history, interupted 3 times by rain, Rafael Nadal beat Roger Federer 6-4 6-4 6-7 6-7 9-7.

After Rafael Nadal's convincing first 2 sets, Roger Federer fought back in an incredible way in the next 2 sets with his thunder serves and brilliant strike. He escaped couple of Nadal's championship points and look like the last year drama will repeat again. But hard-fought Rafael Nadal finally be able to break Federer's serve when the final set score is at 7-7 to make it 8-7 in his favor and serve for championship. With no more mistake, he be able to get the crucial points and bring home the Wimbledon title and trophy. Surely he can bit the trophy as often as he wants (see the picture)... he he he.

It such an incredible and entertaining games by the two top tennis players. It worth of watching it till early in the morning.

Congratulation and bravo Rafael Nadal!! And yes... my wife is very happy that her favorite player wins, especially if it is against Roger Federer!!