Sensoryscape at Sentosa

This trip to Singapore, we visited Sentosa Island again, basically to see the new addition - Sensoryscape. We were told that the 37m tall Merion statute ceased operation in October 2019 to make way for this new addition. The demolition of the Merlion did spark nostalgia and disappointment among many Singaporeans and tourists. Many questioned the decision to remove such a well-known iconic landmark since its unveiling in 1995 to make way for the Sentosa Sensoryscape. But some argued that change was necessary for progress and modernization.

It was indeed a pleasant experience to walk through such well-planned landscape and man-made forest which is within walking distance from public transport station.

I believe Sensoryscape deserves a second visit - this time after sunset to enjoy the light displays that illuminate the night and augmented with symphony music!

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An after thought after visiting Sensoryscape - Sabah is blessed with incredibly huge expanse of natural resources, vast virgin forests and jungles, unique biodiversity and some of the most stunning landscapes in Southeast Asia, yet it hasn't fully capitalized on this natural wealth compared to an island city state like Singapore. Thousands of tourists flock in to Singapore just to see some of their man-made forests and man-made wide life habitats!

The difference is probably in that Singapore has world-class infrastructure to attract and accommodate large numbers of high-end tourists couple with the easy accessibility to these urban attractions. Another factor is that even with its limited attractions, Singapore is good at branding itself and in global marketing.

Sabah on the other hand can find comfort in that it has what Singapore does not have - true untouched natural beauty. If Sabah can elevate its strategic planning and investment in tourism, it could become another world-class destination without needing artificial attractions! But that may not be in my life time!

A Peep at Singapore Work Places

Finally, I had the chance to visit the work place of both Paul and Sam. One obvious difference compared to my office is the open concept of space utilization where top management staff sit side by side with other staff. There is hardly any sign of file cabinets and shelves that clutter up office space over time. I was told that communication is all done through emails.

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The family chat early this year reveals some professional collaboration between Paul and Sam that led to positive and encouraging results. In a design competition organized by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Singapore Institute of Architects, Sam's architectural practice, Designshop won first price in the conceptual design for the New Community Spaces for Rail Corridor in Queensway, Stagmont Ring (Read here) and (Read here). This is indeed a commendable achievement!

Abstract of the news!

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On another note, I have just put up a proposal to a client for a structural engineering endeavour for a KK project. If successful, this will be a collaborative effort involving the structural expertise of Paul's engineering consultancy practice. We are keeping our fingers crossed and are hoping for a positive outcome!

Another Brief Family Reunion in Singapore

We last met our grandchildren residing in Singapore barely three months ago (Read here). This round, they were not aware of our time of arrival because their parents kept this as a secret. When we turned up at Livvie's school to pick her up after school, she was very surprised to see us inside the car. By the time we reached their home, Maddie was equally ecstatic to see us.

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Finally, we met the new addition to Sam's family - Newton, a fluffy Cavapoo (I believe that's the name!). This canine interestingly is "noiseless" and I have not heard any audible noise or barking from him throughout our stay. My wife however said that she heard a very faint barking by Newton once! His quietness is probably why it's attractive to keep such a breed that doesn't cause annoyance to the house occupants and the neighbours!

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In all such family reunion, it's always a time for bonding between the grandparents and the grandchildren. One of our morning routines was to accompany our granddaughter, Maddie to and back from her school which is within walking distance from the house.

Grandpa and grandma are not always the favoured one to do this chore. Occasionally, she would insist, "This morning, I want my mom to accompany me!".

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My wife was particularly adamant to leave behind a grandpa/grandma's hand-made toy for the pair of girls. After much effort including sourcing necessary small items at supermarket, the little hand-pulled cart completed with wheels was finally completed!

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Sharing meals both at home and at outside food outlets with family members are another favourite moments. We enjoyed savouring the numerous varieties of food available in Singapore. This time, Rachel and Sam took us to a Thai food outlet - Warm Up Cafe at Mackenzie Road. The great varieties of dishes ordered literally pumped up my tummy beyond its capacity :)

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On 01.03.2025, Paul and Junshi took us to have ramen for lunch at Sanpoutei Ramen at Shaw House. Sanpoutei is known for its classic and authentic shoyu ramen which originates from Niigata, Japan. 

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The last day (02.03.2025) before we flew back was packed with activities. We had lunch at Old Hen Kitchen - a cozy outlet known for its inventive food and artisanal beverages.

After the lunch, we had a separate exclusive time with Livvie. Before going to the National Gallery, she had ice cream at the Bird of Paradise at Holland Village.

Livvie is an avid reader. For a solid one hour at the National Gallery, she spent all that time reading! With her devotion in reading, our plan to actually going inside the Gallery had to be aborted!

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The dinner we had at the final evening was joined by Paul, Junshi and Rachel's brother and his wife. It's a meal of pizza from Pizza Keenway.

Eating Out in BP

BP is another town in West Malaysia known for all kinds of delicious food. With our short stay in BP this time, we did manage to savour some of the famous food in this town. One particular outlet where we went twice is Swee Kee Tonic Soup.

Tonic soup served with yam rice.

In that outlet, I was drawn to one framed traditional Chinese calligraphy short poem hung on one of the walls. The theme is "Shě dé" or 捨得 which means "Willing to Share".

小捨小得,大捨大得.

有捨有得,智慧人生.

Share little gain little, share more gain more.

You gain only if you share, wise living.

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At our second day at BP, we had lunch at SanYuan Gourmet. Shortly after our lunch at this cafe, I received a WhatsApp message from an old church friend sent from KK and attached with a photo of my wife and I eating at SanYuan. She posted: "Are you in BP? My daughter spotted you having lunch. My daughter said the face looked familiar but she was not 100% sure! That's why she dared not go and say hello to you!"

Her daughter used to be classmate of my son Paul at Yuk Yu Kindergarten way back in 1990 and 1991. Later on, she graduated as a medical doctor and married another medical doctor. The husband was posted to work at the BP government hospital. The family moved to BP and eventually decided to settle down in a small town, Sri Gading in BP after buying a house at a new housing estate there called Pura Kencana. Coincidentally, Sri Gading is the home town of my wife.

Short Trip to Batu Pahat

It was about eight months ago that my wife and I took my MIL for a short driving tour to a few towns in Johor, Seremban and Malacca (Read here). Though aged 92, she was then able to move around unaided.

In early January 2025, news came that my MIL had a fall and broke her hip bone. To facilitate better care and recovery, she was checked into a Care Home soon after.

We flew to JB on 16.02.2025 and proceeded to BP and spent the next five days visiting and spending time with her. She was indeed very pleased to see us.

Her best time was probably to be massaged by her favourite masseuse who happens to be my wife!

Coffee break at one of BP's popular food outlet - Local Aroma Cafe soon after visiting my MIL. Joined by my wife's cousin Meng Kwong.

Another surprise during our short stay in BP was meeting my BIL, his wife and my SIL. They came all the way from KL for a 2D1N stay in BP. I guess our presence in BP gave them an incentive to make this special trip.

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There was concern whether she is able to sit up again. That day came sooner than we expected. On 01.03.2025, news came that she was able to sit up again. 

My MIL is indeed a strong oldest-old ( a new term given to people aged over 85 years old), a cancer survivor and a widow of 10 years after her husband passed away in February 2015 (Read here).