Now

Currently at the IT department of the Singapore Economic Development Board (“EDB“), but not doing anything IT-related: more about design research, in order to scope out user stories. (**Update: I’ll be shifting to the Customer Experience & Marketing division from June 2020 onwards**)

Biggest chunk of work has been a design-research project to flesh out and understand the causes of employee fatigue (due to end 27 Apr). I’ve shadowed three officers, and interviewed a score, and completed three focus group discussions in the week of 23 March, which had 20 participants across different levels of seniority.

I’m also part of a team looking at Digital WorkPlace tools, especially around Microsoft Teams and its app ecosystem. We had tapped on the research above, and are looking at the task of of scheduling meetings. We have interviewed a few heavy users (personal assistants of senior management; they do a LOT of scheduling), and have identified the key pain point of finding common time slots & deconflicting meeting slots. We’re about to shift to solutioning.

Lastly, I’m part of a team looking at economic opportunities for Singapore post-Covid. Much of the work is confidential, so I’ll not say anything here.

Side Projects

I’m working with IDP ‘17 alum Yee Mun on a project: it is called “Story Terminal”, and is exploring how to connect people through audio stories. We did a pilot trial with 3 friends & acquaintances of ours, using a private Instagram account; right now we’re in the middle of pivoting.

I’m also doing Scott Young’s Rapid Learner course, which I’m doing with Free Code Camp’s courses on basic Javascript & web development.

Mulling Over (Update 17 May 20)

Zettelkasten – this is such an interesting way of organizing information to systematically spark new combinations & creativity. But it is barely known in the English-speaking world. It also has implications of the existing knowledge-management world, especially of how new ideas are created, as well as how data and information is captured and processed within an organization. Part of the issue is that there’s no simple visualization of the process.

Opportunities in aging – stemmed from a recent interaction that I had with an old neighbour (whom I wrote about here:The interesting happenings over last weekend)

The post-Covid workplace – some thoughts of issues/challenges that will continue plaguing workers after lockdown

Last week’s “Lunch with FT”’s interview with Kiril Sokoloff. I haven’t figured out what to do about it, besides figuring out how to buy gold.

Another thing I’ve been mulling on a lot, is learning strategy from the natural world, and applying it to industry, design, whatever.

Other Stuff (Update 17 May 20)

Reading
Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
Universal Design
DarkMatter & Trojan Horses
A meditator’s Life of the Buddha by Ven Analayo

Meditating
30+ mins a day.

Working out
Starting Strength Linear Progression Week 9. Current weights: Squat 205lb (92kgs), Bench Press 155lbs (69.75kgs), Press 95lbs (42.75kgs), Deadlift 225lbs (101.25kgs)
Using GMB.io for Focused Flexibility

Updated as of 17 May 2020