Author Archives: memoriesandsuch

In My Hands Today…

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The Woke Salaryman Crash Course on Capitalism & Money: Lessons from the World’s Most Expensive City – The Woke Salaryman

Learn the rules of the game of capitalism so you can play to win and build wealth. This crash course on capitalism and lessons from the world’s most expensive city is not your typical personal finance guide.

Written by the founders of the top personal finance blog in Singapore, this book acknowledges the frustrations many young people feel as they enter the world of money, and it shows you how to develop the mindset necessary to thrive for the rest of your life.

Through visual storytelling, Crash Course on Capitalism and Money melds personal finance, economics, sociology, and psychology to create a book that shows you the path to financial success. If you’re ready to rise above discontentment, accept the reality you find yourself in, and put in the work it takes to survive, then thrive in today’s world―then this is the book for you.

In this book, you’ll find a collection of the most popular comics by The Woke Salaryman. The stories are accompanied by commentaries that offer additional context on how each story fits within the bigger framework of approaching the daunting challenge of navigating money, life and purpose in these times. Why you should get the For young people just beginning their personal finance journeys, as well as anyone who wants to make better financial and life choices while navigating the rules of capitalism and wealth, Crash Course on Capitalism and Money is a fun and enlightening read.
Genres
Nonfiction
Finance
Personal Finance
Self Help
Business
Economics
Psychology

Poem: Wings of Wanderlust

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Travel is more than just a journey; it is a feeling, a rush of excitement, and a gateway to new adventures. When plans are made, the heart begins to race with anticipation. The thrill of discovering unfamiliar landscapes, tasting new cuisines, and immersing in unknown cultures fills every step with wonder. A holiday is not just an escape; it’s an opportunity to embrace the world’s endless possibilities.

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Wings of Wanderlust

The suitcase lies open, a promise untold,
Of adventures ahead, both thrilling and bold.
Maps unfold and dreams take flight,
The heart beats faster with wanderlust’s light.

The countdown begins, excitement takes hold,
A new place awaits its stories of old.
What sights will I see? What paths will I tread?
What colours and flavours will dance in my head?

The airport hums with its vibrant sound,
A gateway to wonders, the world unbound.
Each boarding pass holds a treasure in store,
A chance to discover, to learn, to explore.

The mountains call with their towering grace,
The ocean’s whisper of an endless embrace.
The streets of a city, alive and unknown,
Each step is a story, each corner my own.

I’ll taste the spices, hear songs from afar,
Chase sunsets that shimmer like a guiding star.
Feel cultures unfold in the warmth of a smile,
Find a home in the world, if just for a while.

Oh, the joy of travel, the freedom it brings,
The soul takes flight on its wandering wings.
For every journey writes a tale that stays,
A cherished memory for endless days.

In My Hands Today…

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A Fort of Nine Towers: An Afghan Family Story – Qais Akbar Omar

Qais Akbar Omar was born in Kabul in a time of relative peace. Until he was 7, he lived with his father, a high school physics teacher, and mother, a bank manager, in the spacious, garden-filled compound his grandfather had built. Noisy with the laughter of his cousins (with whom they lived in the typical Afghan style), fragrant with the scent of roses and apple blossoms, and rich in shady, tucked-away spots where Qais and his grandfather sat and read, home was the idyllic centre of their quiet, comfortable life.

But in the wake of the Russian withdrawal and the bloody civil conflict that erupted, his family was forced to flee and take refuge in the legendary Fort of Nine Towers, a centuries-old palace in the hills on the far side of Kabul. On a perilous trip home, Omar and his father were kidnapped, narrowly escaping, and the family fled again, his parents leading their 6 children on a remarkable, sometimes wondrous journey. Hiding inside the famous giant Bamiyan Buddhas sculpture, and among Kurchi herders, Omar cobbles together an education, learning the beautiful art of carpet-weaving from a deaf mute girl, which will become the family’s means of support. Against a backdrop of uncertainty, violence and absurdity, young Qais Omar weaves together a story–and a self–that is complex, colourful, and profound.

World Press Freedom Day

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World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, serves as a vital reminder of the importance of press freedom in democratic societies. This day not only celebrates the fundamental principles of press freedom but also evaluates the state of media freedom worldwide, defends the media against attacks on their independence, and pays tribute to journalists who have sacrificed their lives in pursuit of truth.

Press freedom refers to the right of journalists and media organisations to report news and express opinions without censorship or restraint from the government or other powerful entities. It is a cornerstone of democracy, enabling citizens to access information, hold power accountable, and engage in informed public discourse. The importance of press freedom today cannot be overstated.

A free press acts as a watchdog over government actions, revealing corruption and abuse of power. Journalists inform the public about critical issues, ensuring that citizens are aware of events and policies that affect their lives. A pluralistic media landscape allows for a variety of perspectives and opinions to be heard, fostering a more inclusive society. Free expression is linked to other fundamental rights, such as the right to assembly and the right to participate in governance.

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Despite these critical roles, press freedom is increasingly under threat. Journalists face censorship, harassment, violence, and even imprisonment in many parts of the world. According to UNESCO, the ongoing challenges highlight the need for vigilance in protecting journalistic freedoms.

The origins of World Press Freedom Day trace back to the Windhoek Declaration, adopted in 1991 during a conference organised by UNESCO in Windhoek, Namibia. This declaration was a response to escalating attacks on journalists during conflicts in Africa and emphasised the need for an independent and pluralistic press as essential for democracy.

In December 1993, following a recommendation from UNESCO’s General Conference, the United Nations General Assembly officially proclaimed May 3 as World Press Freedom Day. This date was chosen to commemorate the Windhoek Declaration’s adoption and to remind nations of their commitment to uphold press freedom as enshrined in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

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World Press Freedom Day serves several critical purposes. The day provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of press freedom and its role in democracy. It encourages governments and civil society to assess the state of press freedom within their countries. The day highlights the risks faced by journalists worldwide and calls for action to protect their rights. It pays tribute to journalists who have lost their lives while reporting on critical issues.

In recent years, themes associated with World Press Freedom Day have focused on various pressing issues affecting journalism today, such as digital safety, media plurality, and environmental reporting. The theme for the 2025 edition of World Press Freedom Day is “A Press for the Planet.” This theme emphasises journalism’s crucial role in addressing global environmental crises. It recognises that journalists are essential in informing the public about environmental issues, advocating for sustainable practices, and holding powerful entities accountable for their impact on the planet. The focus on environmental journalism aligns with growing concerns about climate change and ecological degradation. As traditional media faces challenges such as declining revenues and increasing censorship, it becomes even more crucial to support journalistic efforts that prioritise environmental reporting.

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World Press Freedom Day is more than just a commemoration; it is a call to action for individuals, organisations, and governments worldwide to recognise and uphold the principles of press freedom. In an era where misinformation can spread rapidly and where many journalists face threats simply for doing their jobs, it is imperative that society collectively defend these freedoms.

It is our duty as a world citizen to reflect on our responsibilities toward supporting a free press that can effectively address global challenges—especially those related to our planet’s future. By championing press freedom today, we contribute not only to democracy but also to a sustainable world where truth prevails over misinformation.

2025 Week 18 Update

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Today’s quote by Napoleon Hill, the American self-help author best known for his landmark book Think and Grow Rich, emphasises the vital role that dreams and visions play in shaping our future. Hill encourages us not to dismiss or undervalue our aspirations, no matter how lofty or distant they may seem. By calling them the “children of your soul,” he conveys how deeply personal and sacred our dreams are; they emerge from the innermost parts of who we are. Like children, dreams require nurturing, protection, and belief in their potential.

The second half of the quote suggests that our dreams are not just fantasies but plans in progress. Just as a building begins with a blueprint, our greatest accomplishments often begin as intangible ideas in the mind. To realise them, we must first honour and believe in them, even when they exist only in thought or imagination. Hill is reminding us that what we achieve in life often depends on the clarity and strength of our vision. If we cherish our dreams, giving them attention, faith, and energy, they guide our actions and choices. Without dreams, we are like ships without direction. With them, we set a course toward our highest potential.

This quote also invites responsibility: to take ownership of our dreams, not abandon them when times get hard, and not let others diminish their importance. By cherishing our dreams, we acknowledge our power to shape the future and recognise the profound connection between our inner world and our external accomplishments. Ultimately, Hill is saying that greatness begins within. To build a meaningful, successful life, start by valuing your visions. They are the seeds from which your reality grows.

Yesterday was Singapore’s general election and GG & BB’s first time voting. S had election duty this year, the first in more than 20 years of being a public servant. So, even though I wanted to, we could not go and vote as a family. However, since his duty station was our polling station, we glimpsed him when we went to vote, though we could not speak to him as he was on duty.

In April, I walked about 520 thousand steps and about 325 km, bringing me one more country closer to home. I crossed Myanmar and have reached the Kanchanaburi province of Thailand. At this point, I am slightly over 1000 km from home. 

In the last four months, I have read almost twenty books, and I am on track to hit my annual reading goal. This year, I am also reading more nonfiction, which looks interesting.

That’s all from me this week. Stay positive and keep smiling! See you here next week!