The start of the year has been pretty good so far. It seems like a long holiday due to all the festive seasons. The start of the year was greeted with a steamboat session with my dad, baby, Ben, my sister and her boyfie as well as Ashley. A lot of nonsense with the peeps as usual, and we were all laughing at the people performing on TV for the countdown.
On the 4th, we left early for Genting, which was supposedly a birthday surprise for baby until I realized I couldn't book anything without her passport details. Well, it was either Hong Kong or Genting, ultimately chose Genting because well, there isn't REALLY much to see at Genting, which meant we didn't have to rush to visit places etc. It was meant to relax and get away from work, so we decided that we'd go Hong Kong another time. As I type this I kinda miss those 4 days there. Yeah, 4 days 3 nights wasn't enough actually. Would've stayed the entire week if possible. Baby & I celebrated her birthday with a cake from Starbucks in our room. Of course, the holiday wouldn't have been the same without her around. Gosh... I miss the penang laksa too! Oh boy it was soooooo good!
It's Chinese New Year and this week itself has just been really great. It was awesome to have baby joining my family for reunion dinner. Plus I made a huge move on Wednesday night, but it was definitely worth it. I know there have been speculations going around for quite a while now (and I don't know why people do that; I'm not a celeb). But yeah, I have heard people asking about my status. I don't have to announce it to the world. But yes, my friends do know how much she means to me. She has that special place in my heart that no one else had. Thinking about it, I still thought it was pretty funny that both of us used to irritate the hell outta each other. Just look at the picture and you can see how much we've changed and grown. =) Timing's not exactly 2 years apart, but you get the idea.
Of course, I'm not tanned now due to the fact that I don't really have time to go swimming anymore with N. Oh well, and as you can see, I wear contact lenses now. =) Plus I think she looks much better with her current haircut. She's been the sweetest and has really been very patient with me all this while. We always have so much to say and talk to each other, so much so, sometimes I wish I have all the time in the world to spend with her. I'm know I'm truly blessed as her love for me has been really amazing. <3
Labels: birthday, Chinese New Year, Genting, Genting Highlands, Happy Lunar New Year, Love, Malaysia, Starbucks, Steamboat, Year of Dragon
updated by Carlsson @ 1/27/2012 07:24:00 AM**
As I grow older, time seems to pass faster. Even when trying to kill time, I realize that it's easier to pass time these days. Another year has come to pass. And like what I have been doing for a few years now, I like to review what I have achieved for the year. I haven't really had much time to blog these days, but I still always try to make time for it. The year hasn't been a smooth sailing one, but a great one nonetheless.
Last year I got into RMIT University's design course with no related diploma or formal training within that area of creative field. I appreciate the opportunity that was given to me and I struggled with both my school and work schedules but people can't tell with my usual pokerface. Things never come easy, which was why I worked through the year that I almost got myself hospitalized with over-exhaustion partially due to lack of sleep. I graduated this year with no distinction or whatsoever, but I'm contented. Because I was willing to make mistakes despite knowing I'm getting marked for it. It's the only time to make mistakes because I wouldn't want clients to regard my company as a mistake if we ever had any mistakes while working on our projects with them. I sincerely thank all the lecturers who passed their knowledge to us (though I paid $22k for it). Without their guidance, I wouldn't be where I am today. I'd like to take a moment to thank my dad who has supported me in every way possible. I couldn't have done it without his guidance and understanding.
As Carlsche Media continued to grow, we decided to take app developments as a new side project, which ended up with a second company that was formed early this year - VOQOX Labs. The work that we're doing are still at early stages and I hope to make great stuff with this company. Rebranding is tough, but I'm glad Carlsche Media took that step forward as a media company. We also launched a new brand identity together with the direction and brand positioning that we're headed towards, and I think it looks great. I couldn't be happier to know that we have such great clients who trust our work, and I thank them for their continuous support and trust with our company. And if you like, you could always like our Facebook page
here.
Earlier this year, I received a call on a Saturday for some work to be done within 2 days. That was how I was roped into Men's Fashion Week. Did some great stuff and met really awesome people including Facebook Co-Founder Eduardo Saverin, got meet Fiona Xie, Christopher Lee, Rebecca Lim, Godfrey Tsao amongst the many celebrities who attended. It was truly an eye opener to me as well as a great opportunity to have met and worked with the finest teams that put the show together. We even raised money for Japan, who was facing one of the most challenging periods of their time. I also got to meet my bro and mentor, Utt, who has guided me in ways or another. I'm even thankful for him to be such a great friend listening to me. I got to attend World Runway with lovely thanks to his invitation.
My Melbourne Trip was one of the best things that happened to me this year and it has probably earned a place in my heart. On my way there, I met YY, who has turned out to be one of my greatest friends ever. She gave me one of the best things I could ever ask for - friendship. And while she has scolded me on certain times that I was doing silly stuff, she was there to cheer me up when I was seriously depressed. The coffee in Melbourne was reeeaaaally good. If you ever go to Melbourne, please don't go to Starbucks; waste money only. Had awesome chocolate pizza, and visited the House of Burlesque. Some things that I got to know about Melbourne is that people like to take their own sweet time to do things, which is why when you go to Asian stores, you get things a little faster. Visited great places with room mates Josh, Hansel and Gang Hao. Went to St. Kilda's and didn't regret waking up early. Woolworths at QV was one of the favorite places I like to just walk around and see if I could buy anything to cook. It's no wonder I put on a few pounds after I got back. I got to talk to Georges Antoni, the brilliant photographer who worked on publications including Harpers Bazaar, Vogue and Oyster, amongst the many other things that have been an overwhelming experience. Cooked pasta for 13 people including myself. Haven't tried cooking for that many people before so I didn't think it was that good. Watched the second last episode of Smallville in Melbourne and returned home to watch the finale after 10 years and seasons of Smallville.
Screen Singapore was a project taken up when I was still in Melbourne but had a little more involvement once I got back from the trip, where there was a Charity Gala held in aid for raising funds for UNICEF. Women's Fashion Week's first Preview Party was held in conjunction with the closing charity gala as well. It sure felt good to see your own work all over the ArtScience museum.
Women's Fashion Week has been one of my greatest projects to work on. I've had the opportunity to be part of the team to be the first to bring Haute Couture out of Paris, and into Singapore. I've had the greatest opportunity to work with the most brilliant people ever. From architecture, to fashion choreographer, to working with the other people behind the scenes. I got to meet Fann Wong, a royal family, 7 grand couturiers, other celebrities and friends whom I haven't seen in a while.
I was invited to give a talk on my entrepreneurship journey at the official opening of DBS Remix, where the branch is filled with technology that makes banking a quicker, hassle-free process. Lovely came along and helped me cope with the pretty high stress level since I actually didn't know how it was supposed to be. Thank goodness, everything turned out better than expected. DBS executives were pleased. Got to catch up with a few old friends and bloggers while still being able to be a part of this great experience.
I've been covered by Lianhe Zaobao twice this year. First was after graduation, where I first tried to keep a low profile, but my sister saw my face on the papers on the train, my granny saw my face on the papers at work. I figured I should just tell my dad before my granny started calling everyone to announce that my face was plastered on the papers. I gotta thank Shuyang for the brilliantly written article as the interview was conducted in English due to my horrible Mandarin. The article was talking about young entrepreneurs in Singapore. Once again, I do not consider myself as an entrepreneur. Heck, I don't even think I deserve that title. I just happen to be doing what I love to do. =) My second article was my involvement with Women's Fashion Week, where Alvin and Bryan were covered in that interview alongside with me. Yiming did a great job with that article and thanks to the team at WOM, otherwise this article probably wouldn't be possible.
I've been recently appointed as the In-House Expert at International School of Design & Technology, where I've previously lectured in 2009 when I was 21. This makes me an Adobe Certified Instructor as well. I'm not sure where this would go, but I think it's all good at this moment.
I didn't attend this year's Nuffnang's Blog Awards for a very good reason. To be at my baby's first event. And we clubbed after the party for the first time together and after I disappeared from the club scene for a loooooong time (for a damn good reason). The following Monday after the event, I gave her a bouquet of 24 roses for no special reason or occasion, except to have her lovely smile whatsapped to me... And she did. =) I possibly had that look of silly smile on my face when I received the photo from her. The things she's done for me has been such a positively tremendous impact in my life. 2 years ago, if you ask me, I never thought I'd get together with her (she too, never thought she'd like an asshole like me). I mean, sure... she's pretty.. But if I liked her only because she's pretty then our relationship would definitely be a shallow one. She's the only one who makes me feel at ease when I'm with her, makes me laugh about myself while doing silly things together, and whose love for me is nothing short of spectacular.
This year's Christmas celebration was a heartwarming one. We went grocery shopping together at Tanglin Mall's marketplace for things to cook during Christmas eve. Bill totaled up to about $130+ or so but who cares so long as we had a great time.
She's been the most understanding person ever, constantly reminding me of my bad habits with much patience. Like I have this bad habit of shaking my legs. She'd just gently tap my leg and I know I'm doing that stupid move again. I actually told YY and many others that I'd stay single and I wouldn't mind doing that for the rest of my life. But she changed the way I viewed things on relationships. She's been always there to soften the impact of my falls, and never fails to hold me up when I'm at my lowest point. Never asked me for any expensive gifts or dinners, always watching my pocket for me so we could have a better future together. The things she's done for me are just incredible and uncountable. And I'm glad I actually stopped and looked around. Otherwise I'd miss the greatest gift ever in my life.
No new resolutions for next year; just working the best that I can as usual. This year has been a fulfilling year for me and hopefully I'll accomplish more things next year. So, what have you accomplished this year? =)
Labels: Adobe Certified Expert, Adobe Certified Instructor, Carlsche Media, Graduation, Holiday, Life, Love, Melbourne, MFW 2011, mfwasia, RMIT, SIM-RMIT, Voqox Labs, WFWAsia
updated by Carlsson @ 12/29/2011 03:35:00 PM**
On the 1st of October, I was really honored and humbled to have been part of the Official opening of DBS Remix at *SCAPE. I was invited by them to give a talk on my entrepreneurial path and how I got to where I am today. Honestly, I still do not consider myself as an entrepreneur as to me, that definition has really big shoes to fill. We've got people in Singapore using that word to describe themselves when all they did was open a blogshop, sell some stuff online or just do some weird stuff. Worse still, some people calling themselves SERIAL entrepreneurs when it's really obvious they haven't done anything close to that. It's so disappointing. to see Singaporeans using the word 'entrepreneur' in such a loose manner.
With that said, there are still people in Singapore who are real entrepreneurs who dare to think big. People like my friend, Bernard Leong, who co-founded Chalkboard; people like Kien Lee, who founded Senatus; people like Wong Meng Weng, who is a REAL SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR, founded pobox.com, Sender Policy Framework and bought by Microsoft, Karmasphere and recently HackerspaceSG. These are the individuals who worked hard to bring something different to the table; the leaders who innovate. Which is why I don't consider myself as an entrepreneur, because there's no way I could compare myself with these great people. But as a Creative Professional, I think, it's better description of what I do. But I thought it'd be good to share my journey of how I started Carlsche Media and VOQOX Labs with people who are thinking of going the same route as me. Not to avoid the mistakes I made, but rather, know about it and then have a better vision and perspective at looking at these problems if it ever occurs to them along their journey.
It was definitely a great session with the audience. It's a good thing to hear positive comments and remarks from both the audience and the people from DBS themselves. Here's a great
article written by
Francesca Soh. I have no idea why my face look so swelled so don't ask. >.< HAHA! I've met some really great people there and caught up with some old friends and bloggers. I'd say it was a pretty good experience for me.
Here's someone whom I thought that would be interesting to follow on twitter. Meet
Sean Parker, Co-Founder of Napster, Plaxo, former President of Facebook, Founder of Causes, Airtime and Director of Spotify. Yes, he's a serial entrepreneur, and he's good.
Labels: *SCAPE, Carlsche Media, Carlsson, Carlsson Chee, DBS Remix, Voqox Labs
updated by Carlsson @ 11/09/2011 06:47:00 AM**
So many things have happened these few weeks and I've hardly any time to blog about it. Sometimes I just wish time could come to a screeching halt just so I could have more time to laze around. Work is never ending as of now. There's just so much to do. I miss blogging at times, but I guess for now I'll just have to stick with being busy. I love what I do anyway.. So I guess it's all cool! =) So if you wonder why I haven't been going to parties at Avalon or whatever, don't bother... I don't have the time. Hehehe...
iPhone 4S is out in Singapore, but the Singtel servers apparently couldn't handle the pre-orders when I was trying to book one, so now I'm just waiting for the restock of the 64GB model to come in. For the past months, I've been busy with Women's Fashion Week. The first in Singapore outside Paris, Haute Couture Week showcased the Grand Couturiers' designs at the invite-only event. This time I got to work closer with Daniel Boey's and his team together with Frank and Kien.
Like previously at Men's Fashion Week, Alvin decorated the interior of the convention hall with this amazing masterpiece design of his. As you can see, the photos I posted on instagram shows the building process of the architecture of the stage. Brilliant work from the talented guy once again!
We had to make sure that everything was in order. From the rendering of videos to the AV equipment and the testing of the lights. I worked closely with Bryan, who's in Daniel Boey's team, with his direction on which videos, live feed or slides to appear on screen during the fashion show itself. It was a great experience and he was really a breeze to work with.
This time, one of the sponsors includes Rolls Royce, where it was put on display in the fashion hall itself and there was a "test drive" area for buyers. Of course, they'd be chauffeured around rather than to drive it themselves. I literally couldn't pluck my eyes off them. It's was such a beauty. Especially after you've seen the videos of how they make it and hand paint the sides of the vehicle.
It had this stunning exquisite interior that had a red carpet luxuriously laid out at the passenger area for the Rolls Royce Phantom. The leather smell in the insides of the car was overwhelming but it felt so gooooooood!!
After everything was over, I finally had a great night's sleep. Not before having supper with the bros - Utt & Sharon as well as Belinda. Yong Tau Foo was exactly what I needed to sooth my stomach after a period of not eating properly and falling sick. I'm so glad I'm feeling much better now. =)
I posted more photos on instagram actually. It's like... faster than me compiling then blogging here. You can follow me on
instagram for more pictures. =) The link is just to display the feed from my instagram account. Pretty decent instagram web profile, I'd say. Search "flubberzz" on the instagram app instead to follow my posts. =)
As for now, like this page on
Facebook. We're proud to have been a part of Women's Fashion Week once again like we were with Men's Fashion Week!
Labels: Carlsche Media, Creative Suite 4 Production Premium, Haute Couture, WFW, Women's Fashion Week 2011
updated by Carlsson @ 11/08/2011 06:30:00 PM**
Today's a sad day for us all. For we've lost an inspiring individual who's made a great impact in my life. I never thought I could be so sad about the loss of someone I never met, though meeting him was always something I've always wanted to do. He lived his life to the greatest, doing things he loved and I have the utmost respect for this man. The last time I felt this way was for Christopher Reeve, who also made an impact in my life. I'm still speechless. Though I know you'd have to leave us physically someday, you'll live in our hearts and through the visionary products you invented.
Here's to the most inspiring brilliant mind of our time.
The man who made computers personal.
The man who revolutionized the music player and smartphone.
The man who loved what he did - Steve Jobs.
"...the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do" --Steve Jobs
"Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life." -- Steve Jobs
Labels: Apple, Apple Inc, CEO of Apple, Legacy, Legend, NeXT Computers, Pixar, Steve Jobs
updated by Carlsson @ 10/06/2011 10:04:00 AM**
It's been a while since I last updated. It's been a great run at SIM-RMIT and I've finally graduated. Had my convocation on the 24th of August. My parents came down to give me their utmost support. I really need to give them my biggest thanks. For if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have got to where I am today. More so for my dad, for constantly giving me great advice for what I do. Same for my friends who came down to congratulate me, I owe them big time. They have been the greatest friends and my strength in life.
In fact, I have lots of people to thank. My great mentors - Max, Solomon, Jeron, Chang Quan, Frank, Kien, Utt, Mark, Chris, Alex, Mdm Tan, Shi Yan, Mr Sim, Mich, Joyce, Lynus, Marianne, Preetam, Stefano, Shubez, Bernard and quite a few more. These are the people who have impacted my life in one way or another, who have been so supportive with what I do, recognizing and acknowledging what I have done, been doing and will continue to do in years to come.
The article about myself came out last month. Tried to keep a reeeaaaaally low profile about it but my grandmother and parents found out anyway. I'm thankful for the supportive family and friends that I've had who called me and smsed me, or even tweeted to congratulate me on my face being plastered on the newspaper. Even my best buddy who is a malay, can't read chinese, but still got the papers. I've got the sweetest friends.
A lot of things happened after my previous update. In fact, my previous update itself wasn't fully covered on what's been going on. Recently, the team at Creative Crew, including myself have been acknowledged by the National Library Board for our contribution to the society through our creative sharing sessions. We're currently working with Ivan and the Creative Commons team in Singapore for a festival to celebrate the usage of things that are licensed with creative commons. HJ was back for a while from Seattle so we caught up with each other. She messaged me immediately when she reached Singapore. For our first meet up, we had coffee first before heading to taste paradise and then to coffee bean for more talking. The second one was when she joined me and Utt at Raffles City after our movie outing. He left after a lil while and we had crepes for dinner.
Always nice to catch up with her. We made plans for the next time she's back so all's good. Just few days ago on Sunday, I attended World Runway Premiere at the Singapore Indoor Stadium with Val. Thanks to Utt, we were given the guest pass and we were able to join him backstage.
We had a slight problem finding the "backdoor" so we were kinda walking in circles till Sharon came out to pick us up. Utt's wardrobe was by Atzu and Reckles Ericka... The Gold one was by Reckless Ericka.. I actually think it looks really nice. Do check out their stuff out at The Reckless Shop at Orchard Central.
After the show we were so famished, we went to Geylang for supper at 126. It was good. Just a little too small a portion for me. Had to have instant noodles when I got home. This month is the launch month for DC Comic's new 52 reboot. Got the new Superman and Justice League comics. Love it so far. I just might fill my room with comic books. Will update this space again if I've got time. Hopefully... Ciao! =)
Labels: Carlsche Media, Carlsson, Carlsson Chee, DC Comics, Reckless Ericka, SIM-RMIT, Superman, Utt, World Runway
updated by Carlsson @ 9/20/2011 06:06:00 PM**
A lot of things have happened recently and I'm just glad that things are still good on my side here. You see, not many things would go the way you want, but I always have the notion of making the best of what you got. Recently the graduation show for the 9th Batch of BDCD of SIM-RMIT has been raking in positive remarks. Not the best I'd say, but a lot of effort had been put in by many.
Carlsche Media was one of the first sponsors to reach out to the Graduation Showcase, but due to the incompetent marketing leader, a lot of things were not delivered professionally. It's not something what a sponsor would want to see. I was there every day during the course of 4 days and walked people through the exhibition to allow them to understand better what was the message we were trying to bring across.
And while I was busy packing up the Grad Show, my music soulmate won her title as Miss Singapore Universe!! Congratulations to her for that epic win! =)
Well, for the past month or so I've been putting this back to where it is, dealing with renovations and other stuff. Thankfully, there's my iPad to make things a little easier to handle. As of today, I've installed Mac OS X Lion for a week or 2 now, and I've got to say that Apple just keep refining the Operating System. I never like how iPhoto handled my pictures, but after the full screen thingy kicked in, I started using it again. Viewing pictures in full-screen is just beautiful.
If you haven't get it, it's just US$29.99, which is like $36.05 due to the exchange rate of USD1 : SGD1.202. As people might know me, I got it the very day it was out. Kiasu max. But I've been lovin' it ever since. Now it's just a matter of time before the release of the new iPhone. I'm waiting....... =)
Labels: Carlsche Media, Design In Progress, DIP, Mac OS X 10.7, Mac OS X Lion, Miss Universe, SIM-RMIT, Valerie Lim
updated by Carlsson @ 8/01/2011 06:04:00 AM**
Today's the last day of class and I sit here for the last time writing this entry. A year has passed really quickly and our graduation show is to be done soon in July, and the Graduation Ceremony after. As I get back to the working life, things will be different, and I'll miss the little things, the great people I've gotten to know through this course, and the great times we've had together in class and in Melbourne.
As I look forward to doing more awesome stuff with the team in the future, this part of my life serves as a time where I got to further my knowledge and learn from everyone, and the time to be young. I'll have this stashed in my memory pocket for the rest of my life. =)
Labels: RMIT, SIM, SIM-RMIT
updated by Carlsson @ 6/21/2011 10:37:00 AM**
