2025 Story

2025 Story

The year 2025 was volatile and exciting, with global upheavals and greater uncertainty. Work life and its myriad changes dominated most of my time, including new team members and a new portfolio. Considerations of several options meant that life could have progressed differently. Family matters and friends took a backseat in comparison to prior years. On reflection, it seems time allocated for hobbies, leisure, or travel, likewise declined. Overall though, I'm still thankful that the year, in balance, was a success.

New cities and places visited this year included Tokyo in Japan, and Mueang Chiang Mai and Mueang Chiang Rai in Thailand. Curated several food trails as well. However, I didn't manage to continue revisiting those cities and places I'd previously travelled to pre-covid for work.

Tokyo, Japan — Cherry Blossoms Tree In Bloom

Tokyo, Japan — Oden / Fish Cake Stew @ Oden Ore-No Dashi

Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand — Painting Bamboo Umbrella

Mueang Chiang Mai, Thailand — Pla Thap Thim Nueng Manao / Steamed Red Tilapia Fish In Lime Sauce @ Baan Rai Yarm Yen / บ้านไร่ยามเย็น / Evening Farm House Restaurant

Mueang Chiang Rai, Thailand — Wat Rong Khun / White Temple

Mueang Chiang Rai, Thailand — Pla Thap Thim Nueng Tom Yum / Steamed Red Tilapia Fish In Tom Yum Soup @ Lulum Restaurant Chiang Rai / ร้านหลู้ลำ

Leisure and hobbies took a backseat, though I still indulged on occasion in wellness treatments, reading, and blogging. Bought more shoes online, as well as upgraded my phone. Didn't manage to catch any concerts, and realised it's been at least 5 years since I've last watched a movie in a theatre.

Skechers Go Run Consistent 2.0 Prevalent, Style 220876-BKW-10 Black White

Vinthentic Augustus Pellegrini Leather Loafers Midnight Black

SharkNinja Foodi SmartLid 11-In-1 Multi-Cooker OL550

Samsung Galaxy S25+

Chilli Manis Catering

Fortunate to be able to learn from thought leaders, including Richard Koh (Microsoft Chief Technology Officer Asia) and Josh Bersin (The Josh Bersin Company Chief Executive Officer).

Richard Koh (Microsoft Chief Technology Officer Asia)

Josh Bersin (The Josh Bersin Company Chief Executive Officer)

For the life project where I'm eating my way through famous Singaporean hawker and casual dining food, I managed to complete those dishes starting with 'M' in 2025, and shored up on several prior alphabets by expanding their list of dishes. As before, this isn't exactly comprehensive, but it's a journey.

Mee Goreng

Mee Rebus

Mee Siam

Mee Soto And Soto Ayam

Murtabak

Mutton Keema / Keema Matar

Mutton Mysore

Mutton Rogan Josh

Mutton Soup And Sup Kambing

Fortunate to have had some amazing dining experiences in 2025. Memorable meals include those at Basilico, Hundred Grains (百米香), Man Fu Yuan Restaurant, Swensen's Unlimited, Ryu Ichi, SushiSamba, Birds Of A Feather, Alice Boulangerie & Restaurant, Guccio Ristorante, and more.