Hearing Aid

A participant of the Computer Camp 2015 who operates an audio clinic offered to provide hearing test for all campers for free. Many took the offer and I was one of them.

The test proved my suspicion all along -  that I am suffering from moderate hearing loss. Each ear suffers a different degree of loss with the left as being more serious.

The test also allowed me to learn and catch up with this technology in hearing aid. Indeed, the development has gone a long way. In the market, the choices range  from “Proton” grade to “Ferrari” grade as the audiologist keenly pointed out. I remember my dad who bought a pair of hearing aid but decided against wearing them. The reason – background noise was simply too loud.

I was offered to try the medium and the highest range of products. True to the claim, the background noise is indeed very much controlled and minimized for the high end version. Still, with the hearing aid put on, the world has suddenly become noisier. As the audiologist pointed out, it takes 4 to 6 months to get used to this change.

Still, I have yet to decide to become a hearing aid user. It is another decision that requires some serious thinking and contemplation. Ultimately, I don’t think I have a choice!

Atlantis Marine Theme Parks, Two Rocks 1988

When I discovered that “King Neptune” at Two Rocks was once the iconic figure of the now-defunct Atlantis Marine Park, something stirred in my mind. My brain, which had been in hibernation, suddenly clicked - and I realized I had been to Two Rocks, some 27 years ago!

It was in November 1988 when my young family visited Perth for the very first time. For that memorable trip, we invited my father-in-law from West Malaysia to join us. Back then, Atlantis was a lively attraction, drawing both locals and tourists alike for its marine-themed entertainment and atmosphere. It was a “happening” place - full of life, laughter, and crowds.

Sadly, the magic didn’t last. By 1990, barely two years after our visit, the park closed its doors due to financial difficulties - yet another of Alan Bond’s ambitious ventures that ended in disappointment. (Read here).

To be honest, if not for the few old photographs, I would hardly remember the details of that visit. But knowing now that the towering statue of King Neptune still stands - silent and weathered by time - brought back a wave of nostalgia for a joyful day once lived, and a place once full of dreams.

With Serene, Sam, Paul, Eva and Yvonne

Prisoner Sam being kept watch by little brother Paul

Paul's turn to be "locked up".

Live dolphin show was such a hit those days.

Tooth Implant and Taking Chances

One of my molars had to be extracted barely a year after it was metal-capped.

It all started last year when a corner of that molar broke off. With no choice but to seek immediate help, I turned to a private dentist. Although I had been diligently attending regular dental check-ups at government-run clinics for the past four years, the unfortunate reality is that public facilities fall glaringly short in handling emergencies. When it comes to urgent care, they simply lack the capacity for instant professional assessment and timely advice (Read here).

The private dentist - whom I’ve known since my university days - took one look at the broken tooth and almost instantly recommended a metal cap to salvage it. Trusting his expertise, I went along with his suggestion. And, for nearly a year, the tooth performed flawlessly. That is, until a few weeks ago.

It began with a sharp, searing pain every time I drank cool water. The discomfort escalated with icy drinks, becoming nearly unbearable.

On my return visit, the same dentist conducted a series of tests and took an X-ray. His conclusion: a hairline crack had likely developed deep in the tooth, and it was no longer salvageable. The only solution, he said, was to extract it and replace it with a dental implant. The cost? A staggering ten times the price of the original metal cap - a jaw-dropping expense, quite literally.

As he broke the news, I couldn’t help but question the decision made just a year ago. Should he have recommended extraction and an implant back then instead of the cap? In hindsight, it’s easy to wonder. But realistically, I would have resisted. There was no pain at the time, and no clear justification for removing the tooth. Even if he had warned me of potential problems within a year or two, I likely would’ve still chosen the cheaper, less invasive option. It’s the human tendency to take a chance when the odds seem in our favor. No one in their right mind would spend ten times more when a fraction of the cost might work just as well - at least for a while.

Sensing my hesitation, the dentist tried to reassure me with what sounded like classic salesman talk: “The money spent on the metal cap was still worth it - it gave you a functioning tooth for nearly a year!”

And so, my once-capped molar was extracted, and a metal socket implanted in preparation for the replacement. In another two months or so, no one will be able to tell that I ever lost a molar.

In the end, we live, we learn - and yes, we still believe and take chances.

Computer Camp 2015

The 3-Day, all-expenses-paid Computer Camp held at a 4-Star Hotel was simply too attractive to miss. Naturally, we applied. Unfortunately, only one of us was granted permission to attend. I bargained hard with the Organizer to allow my wife to join as well, but my request was politely declined. In the end, I decided to go alone - hoping at least to make new friends and learn about the latest innovations in IT.

Interestingly, this year’s camp had a strict rule: no couples were allowed. Even though many applied together, only one partner was accepted. Being the 8th Annual Camp, I believe the Organizer had good reason for this policy. With the venue located inside the sprawling Suria Shopping Mall, perhaps they feared the temptation of couples sneaking off for shopping instead of attending the sessions!

What surprised me most, however, was the participant breakdown: out of 40 campers, only 14 were men. The rest were women. It made me wonder - are women today more “attached” to their smartphones? Or are men generally confident enough in handling their devices that they feel no need to spend three days in a camp learning new tricks? These were the nagging questions I carried throughout.

Times have certainly changed. Gone are the days when campers lugged around laptops. At this camp, everything was taught using only our smartphones.

The program covered four main areas:

1. Photography

2. Two free downloadable apps: Snapseed and Google Slides

3. WeChat

At the end of the camp, the majority of women expressed that learning WeChat was the most valuable takeaway. Does this, perhaps, answer my earlier questions?

Beyond the formal lessons, the camp also offered unexpected side benefits - particularly in meeting new people. One participant, who owns an audiometry clinic, generously offered free hearing tests to all 40 campers. I took up the offer, and soon after, the clinic contacted me for the test. As I suspected, the results confirmed a significant degree of permanent hearing loss. And now, I am left to ponder the inevitable next step: Am I ready to start wearing a hearing aid?

Campers and members of the Sabah Computer Society.

The rooftop of the Grandis Hotel has quickly become a popular gathering spot for both hotel guests and casual patrons. Perched high above the bustling streets, it offers not just a comfortable setting but also one of the most strategic vantage points to witness the famed Kota Kinabalu sunset.

When I first made my way up to the rooftop, I was not disappointed. The sweeping view of the city skyline merging into the South China Sea, bathed in hues of orange, pink, and gold, was nothing short of mesmerizing. It was easy to see why so many consider this spot the perfect place to unwind at day’s end - whether with a quiet drink in hand, light conversation among friends, or simply in solitude, soaking in the beauty of nature’s daily masterpiece.

Brother & Sister

We simply love watching this delightful pair of grandchildren. They are the best of friends - and at times, the fiercest of rivals. Occasionally, they’ll even team up as mischievous partners in “crime.” Beneath their playful antics, we sense an ongoing power struggle, each vying to capture the most attention.

It’s a classic love-hate relationship, one that’s as entertaining as it is familiar. But we know from experience that this sibling-like rivalry will gradually fade as they grow older. In time, they’ll grow closer, just as we witnessed with our own children. No offence intended - just speaking from the heart!

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Even though the sister needed some quiet moments alone to heal from her hurt feelings, her brother showed remarkable empathy by staying close and walking through this difficult time with her. It was such an endearing and heartwarming sight to witness!

Grandparenting Indulgences

There was a time when I wished grandparenthood would come much later rather than sooner. That classification would put me in a group of people who have passed their prime of lives – “The Have Been”.

But my grandson Nathan and granddaughter Gracie changed all my fear and perception. I think this poem aptly hits the bull’s eye.

If we were granted any wish, I will tell you what we would do.
We would wish our kids were small again, for just a month or two.
To hear their squeals of laughter, to watch them while they play.
And they ask us to join in, we wouldn't say, "Not today".
To hug again their chubby frames, to kiss away their tears,
and cherish childhood innocence that washed away the years.
Then when it's story time again, we would stay a little longer,
to answer questions, sing the songs, so memories would be stronger.
But time is callous, wishes, myth, yet God in all His wisdom,
has given us another chance before we join His kingdom.
Your faces may not be just the same, your names are changed, this is true,
but yet the smiles that radiates, reminds us so much of you.
God must have know that grandparents would need a chance or two.
For many little happy things we hadn't time to do.
So God gave love to grandparents to equal that before, 
that in effect embraces those little lives they bore.

Abstracted from "Grandkids are Great".

This trip, we took advantage of Nathan's school holidays and spent some wonderful time with the grandchildren. 

Celebrating Moon cake Festival.

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At Whistler’s Chocolate Company, Swan valley.

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At the Mandoon Estate & Homestead Brewery.

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Helping po po in the baking chores.

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Of all the toys collection, Lego is still Nathan’s favourite.

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Quite to my surprise, Nathan could manage to pull a few Jenga blocks off before it crumbled.

Sometimes, simple stacking up boxes and then deliberately knocking it off could be such fun and entertaining!

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We explored the Fremantle Markets again, a place we almost never miss to go each time we visit Perth. We had lunch at Chimek, a little eatery operated by a young man from Sabah.

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Both Nathan and Gracie love bedtime story. For whatever length of story chosen by them, they were not short-changed and sometimes the story was read more than once. This was done to their heart delight so that the memory would be kept longer and stronger!

Privileges of Being The First Child

Being first somehow qualifies one to enjoy certain privileges. This applies to my first grandchild as well.

When I pen this blog, I cannot stop to ponder again about the first-borns. His or her birth is most eagerly anticipated. His or her first steps, first words and practically first everthings are celebrated. They are likely to be showered with most attention. Being identified with power and leadership, it is said that many world leaders are overwhelmingly first-born children.

At the Royal Perth Show, my grandson had exclusive time with his grandpa and grandma. This privilege was offered to him not out of favouritism but because of him having reached a level of independence. At his age, he can now do away mandatory nap time and he can also handle nature calls with advance notice.

Lifelong Friendship

Sometimes, it is hard to understand what is the necessary ingredients for two persons to click and become life-long friends especially they share very little in common.

In the case of James, I came from East Malaysia and he from West Malaysia. He studied Arts and I studied Engineering. The only similar things I can think of – we shared the same faith and both are familiar with the Chinese language.

He is the one and only person I had gone hitchhiking with. That was in 1974 during a university mid-term break. We decided to visit Kuantan by hitchhiking. We started thumbing for a ride by the road side in Gumbak KL. None stopped for us and when we were about to give up after half an hour, a fairly old Toyota land cruiser bearing the hospital logo finally stopped for us. It was a Malay driver who was kind enough to stop for us. In those days, the back seats of the old Toyota land cruiser were arranged at the side facing each other.  We shared the back seats with two or may be three other people. In those days, the east-west toll highway had not been built and every vehicle had to use the hilly and winding road from KL to Kuantan. One can imagine the discomfort of being trapped in the back side seats for more than one hour covering a distance of over 70 Km. Finally, the driver dropped us off at Bentong because that was his destination. Though the ride was not comfortable, we were happy for the experience. From Bentong, we then took a bus to our final destination, Kuantan.

That was also my first trip to Kuala Trengganu.

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I also remember doing a duet with him in one church service in the First Baptist Church, Jalan Gasing, PJ during the university days. I do not claim to be a good singer but he is. He comes from a family of singers. He has a brother who at one time sold a few records featuring his singing. His sister used to be a regular of the Astro Classic Melody Singing Competition. I was fortunate to have a better singer to do the duet on stage that day!

He always claims that he had a hand in my marriage with my wife. During our university days, all West Malaysian students would have the chance to go home during the short-term holiday breaks. For us East Malaysians, we could not afford the luxury of flying home and had to stay at the hostel with hardly anybody around. It was lonely at times. So, James was kind enough to ask this Batu Pahat girl who also stayed in the same college whether this lonely east Malaysian young man could spend a few days at her home. Quite to our surprise, she gave the consent. Believe me, going to stay in a girl’s house for holidays was not my idea but entirely his! Just to put the record straight, the relationship with my "future wife" did not start from there but at least three years later! His kind gesture nevertheless would be remembered and is very much appreciated.

After 41 years, both our hair is thinner, greyer and shorter!

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In the recent get-together, James also managed to arrange Kam Yoong to join us for a simple lunch at Lepak Kopitiam, Bateman. She is special because she also has a role in my marriage. For the signing of the marriage certificate in October 1978, we decided that each side would nominate one person to be the witness. I nominated my dad while my spouse nominated the only West Malaysian friend she knew in Sabah back then; that was Kam Yoong who taught in All Saints School. Now, she likes James also resides in Perth.

Kam Yoong, seated on the left of my wife. James’ wife, Bee Har is on her right.