Just like the title said, this week has been my ultimate foodie week! Even though work has been busier than ever, I made sure to explore Singapore’s vibrant food culture every day. After work, I’d meet up with friends to try out new spots, and one of our highlights was a visit to HiNoodle in Somerset. I had their handmade noodles in a spicy pickled fish soup, and it exceeded all my expectations with its rich, tangy flavor. The next stop was the famous Hey Tea, where I enjoyed a perfectly balanced mango grapefruit tea that was refreshingly flavorful and not overly sweet. To add a playful twist to the week, my friends and I visited a cat cafe near my workplace on Thursday. For just $22 for two hours, I had an absolute blast interacting with the adorable, fluffy cats—some were super friendly, while others looked a bit sleepy since we arrived a little late. Feeding and cuddling with them was the perfect end to a hectic day, making this week a delightful blend of work, food, and fun.
I’ve been really busy at work lately, working on some exciting projects at AIlytics, a B2B company specializing in AI security. Recently, I’ve been deeply involved in helping my supervisor with key financial tasks, including creating detailed financial projections and filing our latest financial statements. This project has given me a broad insight into how companies in this rapidly evolving industry operate, particularly in balancing technology and finance. One of the most rewarding parts of the experience has been developing an investment dashboard that consolidates all the financial data, providing a clear, big-picture view that supports strategic decision-making. Working on this project has not only enhanced my technical skills but also broadened my perspective on the dynamic nature of the AI security sector. Overall, this experience has been both challenging and fulfilling, as it allows me to contribute directly to the company’s growth while learning about the intricate workings of the industry.
On Saturday, my fellow Bucknellians and I attended a cooking class, and despite the challenge of waking up early for the morning shift, I’m so grateful I did because the experience was amazing. We were warmly welcomed by our instructor, who explained that we’d be cooking Nyonya Laksa, a flavorful Singaporean curry. Since our group had an odd number of participants, she asked us to pair up with someone who shared our spice tolerance; I boldly declared my love for all things spicy and teamed up with her. One of the most challenging parts was pounding all the spices by hand with a traditional stone mortar—a task that was both physically demanding and incredibly satisfying, especially when the instructor complimented the aroma of my spices. Frying the spices was another test; the extra chili I added sent my senses into overdrive, making it hard to breathe and causing me to cough. Despite these challenges, I’m really proud of my creation because it turned out delicious, and I even got to take some leftovers home!
The next day was all about cafe hopping with my friends. We started at June Cafe in Joo Chiat, a cute and aesthetic spot where we enjoyed pasta, pastries, and a couple of cups of coffee for me and matcha for my friends. Afterwards, we strolled through Katong Square, checking out various stands selling handcrafted souvenirs, jewelry, and clothes. I was fascinated by some stores offering antique items, including old coins from countries like the UK, US, India, and Australia, along with some really cool antique watches. I also visited Pasar Tiong Bahru to try their famous local cafe; although I was a bit disappointed that most pastries were sold out, I was delighted to discover a charming local store selling cat-themed postcards and handmade souvenirs at great prices. Along the way, I even came across a large mural on a street leading to the stations that beautifully captured Singaporean culture and its diversity.
