Business Trip to Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation

Arrived in Russia's Saint Petersburg two hours ago from Singapore. Just checked-in to the hotel and blogging from my room, which is equipped with free (narrowband) Internet!

The journey was tiring and I think I will catch a nap after writing this entry, in order to prepare for tonight's events.

Will definitely write more about my encounters when I'm in a better shape.

Bintan Island, Riau, Indonesia

Just got back last Sunday from a family holiday at Bintan Island, Riau, Indonesia.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Just reached Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia after a 40-minute flight from Singapore this morning. Currently blogging from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) while waiting for my engineer. I'm pleasantly surprised with the availability of free wireless broadband here in KLIA!

Beijing, China

Blogging from my hotel room. Just reached Beijing (北京), China, after a 11.5-hour train ride from Suzhou (苏州), and checked into a hotel. Now going to take some good rest before my 2pm meeting at Tsinghua University (清华大学).

Suzhou, China

Currently blogging from Suzhou (苏州), China. Will be travelling to Beijing (北京) from Suzhou (苏州) in about 3 hours' time for a visit to Tsinghua University (清华大学).

Jakarta, Indonesia

I'm on my way to Jakarta, Indonesia for business right now, and blogging this from Singapore's Changi International Airport. Ciao!

Colombo, Sri Lanka

Just got back from Colombo, Sri Lanka early this week. Colombo has about one million residents out of the 18 million in the whole of Sri Lanka. Situated on the west coast of Sri Lanka, right beside the Indian Ocean, Colombo exudes its own charm. Certain part of Colombo is reminescent of Europe. People are generally very friendly and helpful. Places are easily accessible via trishaws (taxis in the form of four-wheel cars are only available in hotels, so don't bother looking out for them on the streets).

The locals told me that Colombo is not representative of Sri Lanka. Greater scenary and experiences await in the northern provinces!

Seoul, Korea

Arrived Seoul on Monday morning at around 7:15am. This is my first time in Seoul, although I've been in transit at Seoul once before on my way to Vancouver, Canada.

My first impression of Seoul is that it is a clean and organized city. It is, however, very foreigner-unfriendly in the sense that sign boards of buildings and shops are almost always entirely in Korean.

I've just come back from a night walk in the Namdaemun night market neighbourhood and the area behind Holiday Inn Seoul in Mapo-gu and find Seoul rather safe.

Seoul seems intriguing to me. I wish I have more time to explore it in further detail. However, I'm leaving for Singapore early tomorrow morning, so that would have to wait till my next trip.

JW Marriott Bombing, Jakarta, Indonesia

When the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta was bombed on 5 August 2003, I was having lunch at AutoMall (about 4km away) with Hardy Sunyata. SMS was flying all around informing of the bombing. I immediately SMS my family. Ken in Singapore kept me updated by sending me CNN's latest reports via SMS. The telcos must have benefited greatly that day.

I was a little shocked at first, that it could happen so near me, but calmed down along the day. I had actually been to the JW Marriott Hotel four times over the last 2 months. I shall avoid being near American establishments in Jakarta in the future.

Back to Singapore from Jakarta, Indonesia

Just got back from Jakarta. It was an interesting trip to say the least. Jakarta's business vibrance surprised me. There is enough upper class to support the economy. The problem is that Indonesia lacks a middle class. People are either upper class or else fall into poverty. So while the economy is rather resilient, social problems remain. But I think Indonesia has lots of potential. People are willing to work. People are willing to embrace technology.

Jakarta, Indonesia

I've been in Jakarta, Indonesia since 12 Jun. Haven't had time to pen this until now. I had been in Jakarta 3 times before this, but under less stable situations. Those trips were made between 1998 and 1999. Business activities seem to be reasonable. Safety has also improved although I still wouldn't walk the streets at night. Things are generally cheaper compared to Singapore but some are surprisingly expensive.

Back to Singapore

I suddenly realized that I haven't renewed my road tax which was due today! So I had to cut short my trip. I left Kuala Lumpur at about 12:45pm and reached Singapore at about 3:30pm. I encountered extremely heavy rain at several stretches of the North-South Highway. Visibility was very poor and I had to drive very slowly at these stretches. Otherwise, it was a good drive. Stopped only once at the very last gas station before Singapore to top up my gas. And yes, I managed to get my road tax renewed in time at NTUC Income on Bras Basah Road.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

I haven't been to Kuala Lumpur in over six months. The most noticeable change this time round is that the subway lines at Bukit Bintang are completed.

Drive to Kuala Lumpur

Drove up to Kuala Lumpur (KL) this morning at about 7:00am. Was supposed to fly instead but I was afraid of SARS. Aircrafts seem to offer one of the most conducive environments for the spreading of SARS -- confined space with little where to go if the passenger beside you cough or sneeze. SARS screening at the airports is getting better by the day and some airlines (like Singapore Airlines) give out N95 masks on request. But I'm just too paranoid to want to take that risk when there's the viable alternative of driving.

The drive to KL was rather uneventful. I took the North-South Highway via the Second Link. I made it in 3 1/2 hours with a 10-minute break at Alor Gajah for gas and pee. No police stops this trip, which is a big plus! The Malaysian police is well-known for "ripping-off" Singaporean drivers along this stretch of the highway, if you know what I mean.

Back Home

Arrived home in Singapore from Appleton, Wisconsin this morning at about 7:15am. I'm now dead tired. Will try to catch some sleep soon. Tomorrow is a big day .. eve of Chinese New Year! Looking forward to the reunion dinner.