LINZ - Singapore

CAN YOU PLEASE GIVE US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOU.
2280 days ago: I worked 24/7 upon graduation thinking that meeting deadline was what design is all about.

1280 days ago: An unplanned journey to Beijing changed my life - I began to take things slowly and appreciate the little pleasures that come by.

730 days ago: Started creating my first personal project – based on my travels to the Chinese capital. It took me quite a long while as work has taken up most of my time.

180 days ago: “A Little Beijing – your niche travel guide” was finally published & launched with an exhibition. It’s a milestone as I turned 25.

14 days ago: This niche travel guide has gotten the Red Dot Communication Design award. =)







WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH YOUR SCENE AND WHO DO YOU ADMIRE?
I’m somewhat stuck in a messy scene of never ending work. Every day I enter this scene in search of meaning and exit.

Artists/designers who dive into what they have passion for. I totally admire their spirit & courage!

TELL US ABOUT YOUR TRAVELS, THE PEOPLE YOU MEET AND HOW THIS INSPIRES YOU. HOW DOES IT DIFFER FROM WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
My travels are often spontaneous. Though I’ve made notes on places that I want to go, I usually end up at somewhere new. It’s great pleasure chancing upon new finds & people.

I’ve met European & Americans who have made China their new home – not only speaking the language but also learning the history and culture. Such crossover is indeed inspiring to see. So are the determined local Chinese who strove for success. I can still remember the enthusiasm in the students at the Beijing Film Academy – trying out new ways to set the mood, capture the moment… or simply, tell a story. Their true passion moved me.

And then in Australia, I got to know this Singaporean couple who expressed their reluctance in returning to work in Singapore. They’ve become so used to the work-life-balance tempo – turning up (at work) at 10am and getting ready for drinks by 5pm. During the weekends, they drive off to the outskirts to catch the sea breeze and perhaps, the sunset.

I guess there are many formulas to live life and in Singapore, it’s always work before anything else. I’m trying to break away from this.







TELL US WHAT YOU SEE AROUND YOU. WHAT ARE YOUR FRIENDS GETTING IN TO. WHAT ARE YOU OBSERVATIONS WHEN YOU TRAVEL?
My pretty colleagues are totally into H&M and ZARA. Recently, Internet Spree shopping is IN too. O ya, and accessories are what make every look complete. I’m the fuss-free type, especially when I’m traveling. Keeping low profile is the key to safety too. I once met this guy from San Francisco in a café - he was devastated that his camera was snatched - for the 2nd time! I wondered why he hadn’t learn to be discreet!

WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?
My crystal ball visualizes my future in book making but my whiskey glass insists that I’ll be a berry picker in England during harvest.



THINGS YOU LIKE IN PLACES YOU LOVE. TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR TRAVELS AND THE ART + DESIGN YOU ENCOUNTER.

CITIES: the last city I’ve been to was Shanghai - was there for the 100% Design exhibition. It’s a pity that the trip had to be a really short one. There’s so much the city is offering – the evolution and energy made me feel rather backward!

RESTUARANTS: YERING STATION in the Yarra Valley, Melbourne. 6 years ago I was on a business trip to locate wineries for wine tasting and this was my favorite – a glasshouse restaurant in the middle of the suburban landscape with sculpture space both indoors and outdoors.

SHOPS: Quaint little shops Gertrude Street – Melbourne. Endless surprises along the way!

BARS: LUSH in Wu Dao Kou, Beijing. Café by day; bar by night – with a different theme each night. Lots of ideas exchanged in this space frequented by both foreigners and locals.

HOTELS: I think I’m out most of the time! I just need a comfy bed to fall back on. Haa..



CONTACT ARTISTS: AWE5OME

LINKS: IMPROMPTU TRAVEL

BLOG: A LITTLE BEIJING