Blog
Welcome! This is my personal blog, where I muse about life and personal opinions on a lot of random things, except design. If you’re a designer interested in my design perspectives, head over to the newsletter.
How Travel Helps Designers
14 October 2024
As designers, we often find ourselves stuck in routines, confined by the walls of our offices, or limited by the scope of our current projects. We can push pixels all day, solve problems through wireframes, and discuss user flows endlessly, but there’s something about stepping out of our day-to-day lives that opens up new perspectives. Travel, I believe, is one of the best investments a designer can make in their personal and professional growth—if done right.
I’m not just talking about travel for the sake of escape or relaxation (although that has its merits), but traveling with intention. This means immersing yourself in new cultures, paying attention to details, and observing the world around you with a designer’s eye. It’s the kind of travel that can expand your creativity, refresh your problem-solving approach, and help you see design not just as a job, but as an essential part of life. Let’s break it down…
In Defense of Travel (As a Third-World Citizen)
20 June 2024
In this post, I try to consider the multifaceted nature of travel, inspired by a tweet and Agnes Collard's piece "The Case Against Travel." It explores the privilege associated with travel, particularly for those from less advantaged backgrounds like Indonesians, who face visa restrictions and financial barriers. The motivations for travel vary widely, from seeking self-enlightenment to experiencing different perspectives and cultures.
While some critics argue that travel can be shallow and isolating, the article counters by highlighting its potential for personal growth, empathy, and broadening horizons. Ultimately, it advocates for a nuanced understanding of travel, recognizing its transformative power beyond mere pleasure-seeking.
8 Things I Don't Understand in Singapore
27 May 2024
I always praise Singapore in every circumstance. However, navigating the intricacies of a city like Singapore can bring up many questions and observations.
After my 8th year living in Singapore, I am still baffled by the following issues. Disclaimer: This list is random, and in no particular order, and of my own views.
Putting Myself Out There
23 May 2024
Social media is a big part of our lives now, connecting us to friends and family while also giving us a place to be creative. For me, it's a great way to share my interests and thoughts. But when your social media account is followed mostly by people you know personally, it can be tricky to balance what you want to share with what they expect to see.
So much of it is about putting ourselves out there. Which can be obviously daunting, if not scary…
Rethinking Singapore
22 May 2024
For the past eight years, Singapore has been my home. As an Indonesian, I moved here with great optimism, thinking I might eventually change my citizenship. There were so many reasons that drew me to Singapore initially. However, as time passes, I've found myself rethinking whether this vibrant city-state is the right place for my family and me in the long run.
Thanks for reading this far.
Have questions? Or just want to talk? Email or add on LinkedIn. That’s the best way to contact me, thank you.
How Travel Helps DesignersIn Defense of Travel (As a Third-World Citizen)8 Things I Don’t Understand in SingaporeRethinking SingaporePutting Myself Out There