Dec 22, 2024 · 5 min read
The spark for this post was the election of President Trump to his second term, and the minor rah rah of emotions that goes along with it. In content and outlook, it mirrors a time when I became a slightly more politically attuned graduate (2016), but more or less felt nothing in this second term. For structural issues remain issues, and change is (I suppose I am now 7 years wiser), acceptably constant.
Dec 19, 2024 · 2 min read
Generally, I’ve found that accounting is not biblical scriptures, but its principles needs to be aligned. Most accounting practices can be fairly standard, but some that perhaps require more thought (based on past experience) are: Cost of Goods - what goes into it, what doesnt (especially on material and manhours, and on unit costs) R&D Capitalisation - Unclear if capitalising too much is a good thing in the long run.
Dec 19, 2024 · 1 min read
Don’t get me wrong, I’m neither a fan of Financial planning nor accounting, and there isn’t really a reason to do this first aside from the fact that it is the end of the year, and I’d like to follow a similar thought process for my own personal “Budget” in 2025. 1. Set Revenue Guidance and Target (Sales Budget) Sales (preferably grounds up) to review opportunities and pipeline to hit figure Current view is having opportunities, 2.
Dec 19, 2024 · 2 min read
In 2021, I wrote two series: based on my thoughts around Sustainability and around economics. In 2022, and perhaps a sign of my interest diverting away from thinking about the external world, but into the internal realms, i started to write more about life, human nature, and career. I would certainly say that 2023 was quite heavily oriented around work (and I am somewhat self-impressed that I managed to write 27 posts).
Dec 19, 2024 · 5 min read
As the year draws to a close, and the annual dusk settles, there is a quiet moment (undoubtedly helped by being on leave) to think clearly and clearly think about thinking. I am reminded on this blog’s reason for being, and its Reason for being as well as the ability to improve the learning and synthesis process, as I find myself far too spread out in interests and in the “must-dos”: from an engineering background, to a fascination with socio-economics, geopolitics, and the humanities; and now I teeter on another crest - waiting to fall into the arms of Cyborg form of Athena.
Nov 11, 2024 · 3 min read
On Fear and Death The sort of post that anyone who thinks too much for their own good, must eventually tolerate and write. It was warm, friendly, if slightly unfamiliar setting; the scent of cheese and red wine, good conversations and banter. Rather Jovial. Up until, someone probed - on what one’s greatest fear could be. Common fears bandied around the table included death (which was later clarified as the awareness of death), insignifiance (or legacy, as I term it), loneliness (which again, was discussed under the context of the solitude and highly individualised experience of one’s own death)
Nov 10, 2024 · 4 min read
A travel note from a work trip to London in September 2024 A trip of many firsts: First time being a solo “travelling salesman”, following up with in-person meetings. First time driving in the UK. First time renting a car in a long time. The trip was layered: less of the Ifs and Whens, but rather, the buts. One of repeated crisis and things that could go wrong, but turned out for the better (or minimally and ok)
Nov 10, 2024 · 2 min read
Background: booked a surfing camp at Kimasurf, Sri Lanka had recently gotten out of a foreign currency crisis. Decided to document quick travel notes I remember fuel being topped up while car is running, which blew my mind. And the initial expectations on the struggle and crisis were not very apparent. Lights were on, and things were indeed moving. There were numerous signs of the legacy of former development, whether it was related to old British colonial vibes, or international business.
Nov 10, 2024 · 3 min read
Background - travelled down from Frankfurt to Stuttgart (and then to Munich and Augsburg) on the 25/26th October 2024 as part of a work trip I dropped by the Porsche museum. On a weekend. In between work days. But the visit comes at an interesting time. First, from an external perspective, the glitz and glamour around the autmotive industry in Germany is under siege. Struck by multiple whammies of weakening domestic demand, and the rise in Chinese automotive (cheaper, and better) products, while navigating a long-drawn and immensely costly energy transition.
Nov 10, 2024 · 5 min read
The year 2024 was one intended to be slightly regressive. Emphasising other aspects beyond the romanticism and suffering of impassioned work. But, life tends to drop hints along the way, and I find myself a little overwhelmed with the ever accumulating “Extra Curricular Activites”. As far as I enjoy the multiplicty of experienes, its more difficult when everything is new. There is only so much, and so little capacity one has within a year to adopt.