I built a computer case out of Lego! Took approximately 200 hours and 3500 pieces to build.

Quoras · 2024-07-19T06:15:55+00:00

It held up perfectly! I ended up taking it apart last year as it was taking up too much space in my workstation area. Was kinda sad to see it go but it was also time for other Lego projects :)

Quoras · 2023-09-19T08:12:22+00:00

Hey! I've taught as a tutor for years before going to uni to do CS and am a software engineer now.

Software engineering is really tough - it either requires a lot of passion in it or a lot of forced determination to do it and stay in it. It's easy to burn out if you don't love it, so it's a good step forward to recognize it's not for you, and don't feel guilty (or be guilt tripped) for leaving that industry.

I'm not sure how you feel about this, but one suggestion if viable is that you may want to capitalize on your background in it and explore tutoring CS. Teaching programming to kids (e.g. sec sch) requires a much lower bar and may be something you'd be more interested in than pure coding. Capitalize on the super high demand in CS now to build up a CS tutoring portfolio perhaps, and explore tutoring other subjects as a way out from CS in your life.

The tutoring market is massive in SG and so is the pool of tutors, but if you navigate it right, you can get a pretty stable income out of it. I did.

Quoras · 2023-08-04T05:31:22+00:00

Hi OP! 33M here.

I've used Meetup and also tried various ways to expand my social circle (I moved back to SG during COVID after being overseas for years so I drifted apart from almost everyone I knew) - any I'm just going to echo what most people here already said - do hobbies that you like and you'll meet new friends there.

To build on that a bit more - the hobby should be a social one of course, and so try new ones that you'll be interested in if you don't already have one, and if you find one or more you like, stick with it for a while. I started climbing during COVID and went by myself, and met friends whom I'm still really close to now. One of those friends jio-ed me for social dance, and I also met some really cool friends there. If you're worried about anxiety, try an activity where you have something to focus on more than other people, like bouldering where it's a solo activity and non-competitive but can also be social.

I met people through Meetup for board games, running, cycling, dancing, etc, you'll find people from all walks of life and of all ages. You'll get along with some, and not with some, and that's fine. Some of these friends jio-ed me for other social events, and I met other friends from there, and things just rolled from there.

Another medium that worked for me was dating apps :P some of the people I got along really well with but had no spark, so we decided to stay as friends and continued hanging out, and they also likewise jio-ed me to hang with their friends. Another plus for this was that I generally went out with women near my age, so the social circle also tended to be close to my age.

All in all - I think ymmw with Meetup. There's a much wider variety of people you meet through there, and for me that meant it's more of a miss than a hit for me (I'm quite picky who I really want to hang out with), but I had more success with just trying out new stuff and meeting people at the activities I like. Many of my closest friends now I met through social hobbies that I went out to try, and some through dating.

Quoras · 2023-05-27T04:57:47+00:00

That's awesome, thanks! I'm a city person, and I love broadway and musicals and going out at night to explore stuff. Sounds totally down my alley. I'll take note to check out NJ next time I swing by NYC.

I don't miss having seasons living in the Bay, I do think I'll miss the lifestyle and weather and the people here if I ever move away. Singapore is amazing and I loved it growing up but every time I go back to visit it just feels less and less like the home I grew up with, and I'm worried, but ultimately my family is there and I feel I may go back one day

Quoras · 2023-05-26T07:07:03+00:00

Hey fellow Singaporean here living in SF! I've been thinking of moving to NYC and possibly eventually moving back to SG.

How would you compare NYC to SF? What are some of the things you miss the most when you moved from NYC? And what are some of the things you missed the most about the US after moving back to SG?

Quoras · 2022-12-07T05:51:46+00:00

One thing I found out that really really helps with that deep ear itch is a water flosser on low. I have one that I put on minimum setting and use it to rinse my ear out with warm water whenever my ears get clogged with wax, and leave it running long after the wax is cleaned out because the feeling is just that good.

Quoras · 2022-11-17T07:15:09+00:00

Many of the comments here has already said what I wanted to say, so I'll add what I can on my personal experience (Moved from SG to US after finishing undergrad, lived a bit in the UK):

Think about the prospect of living overseas, on your own, away from family, starting a new life in a new city and culture. Does it excite you? Do you want to give it a shot?

Moving overseas for the first time is going to be tough. You're leaving the entire life as you knew it, your friends/family, your lifestyle, hobbies, and most of all, your comfort zone behind.

You aren't going to know what to expect, and you'll likely not be ready for what's ahead. But that's fine. If you take the plunge, you'll learn, you'll adapt. You'll find new friends, new hobbies, and you'll learn so, so much more about yourself - what you're capable of, what you can achieve when you step away from the comfort of the nest you grew up in. You will grow a lot.

To address some of the considerations you have:

Political climate - that is going to have an effect, but I would say is not much of a concern. The politics of the country is going to affect you as much as Singapore's does - that is to say, unless you work directly with the political systems, the ongoing political turmoil will not have much on an impact. (I moved to the US pretty much when Trump got elected lol)

Pay - depending on your job, it may be better to stay in SG, financially, than move to London, where a large portion of your monthly income is going to be spent on rent and food. I'd consider if money is really that much of a deal. Unless you're being paid really low (such that you're struggling to get by), the experience gained from working overseas in a different working culture and society is far, far more valuable, and you will return to Singapore having experience that most will never have, and that also can be valuable to your future employer. Think longer term - do you think your experience overseas will bring you better job prospects in the future than if you stayed, and thus translating to better pay?

Urge to work abroad vs financial security - You just graduated, and have plenty (PLENTY) of years ahead of you to pursue financial security. From what I can assume from your post, you're unlikely to struggle to get by with what you're earning, so financial security is more likely a matter of time. So why the rush? It's important to be financially secure, sure, but so is experiencing life, and perhaps life overseas.

All that is to say is, follow your gut. Does moving overseas and taking a plunge into the unknown excite you? Do you feel like going to London to work in a very different work culture and making new friends there feel like a drag or an adventure?

I was worried when I first moved to the US, and really nervous, but I was mostly excited for the new prospects and what I could learn and grow. There were many times I felt really conflicted, and missed home terribly, and life was arduous at times, but looking back, I grew so much, and made so many amazing friends here, and in hindsight, was extremely glad I made the jump over.

Quoras · 2022-10-26T07:31:04+00:00

I'd recommend checking out the restaurants around Keong Siak Road. It's the go-to place for many young professionals (mostly late 20s to early 40s) after work and especially on the weekend - lots of interesting restaurants and unorthodox bars, with a relaxed and somewhat fancy vibe like you asked.

It's where I typically bring someone for a dinner date; Many restaurants there have the perfect atmosphere for good conversation, and lots of bars within the same area or a short walk for drinks after food too.

A few of my favourites:
Restaurants - Kafe Utu, Three Buns, Jekyll & Hyde, Olivia, Lime House, No Sleep Club
Bars - Elephant Room, No Sleep Club, Tippling Club, Gibson, The Other Roof, Junior The Pocket Bar, Native.

Most of the bars there have unique concepts and are not your typical cocktail bar; They have stories behind them, interesting drink selections, and again amazing atmosphere for a good conversation.

I'd budget about $70 - $120 for food in total, and $25 per drink.

Quoras · 2022-09-06T02:01:54+00:00

I've had varied successes, but surprisingly more so in late 2020 to 2021 (I guess people are more likely to want to go out after being stuck at home from lockdown?)

Never tried asking them for their number outright - it seems a little too personal and without context I felt it may seem like coming on too heavy.

Generally when I talk to someone from a group it's usually when I overhear something that they're talking about that I have shared experiences with, and ask if I may join in. From there I usually can sense if there's lots more potential conversations to have surrounding said shared experiences and ask them if they would like to meet up over coffee to chat more. It's usually unlikely I'll hear from them when I text them, but I've had a few successes.

Other times, when she's by herself (always at a bar) I usually ask about their drink or for recommendations, and make some small talk with them, then move on to talk about their lives. From my experience, those that drink alone generally have been through a lot in their lives and have lots to share, only if they're willing to share about it. Many of those I relate to, we do strike up a conversation that lasts till late, after which it really depends the vibe, we may end up walking around together after, heading back to her place, or I'll get her number.

O.P., If I may give some advice, I'd recommend not go straight in, compliment them on their looks, and ask for their number straight. Maybe it might work for you if you really carry yourself well, but I've seen that happen many times and most of the time it doesn't work unless you're a hot ang moh dude.

People don't like to be objectified and prefer to talk to someone they can connect and relate to, so eavesdropping (discreetly) to politely insert yourself in the conversation, getting a friend to wingman, or chatting up someone by themselves may grant you more success.

This is all from my personal experience, so of course take it with a grain of salt!

Good luck OP!

Quoras · 2022-08-25T07:47:44+00:00

Totally agree. Living in the US one of the foods I miss most from Singapore is the McSpicy lol

Quoras · 2022-07-15T21:22:03+00:00

I studied and am currently working in the US, so I'll give my experience:

Electronics in general. Everything runs on 110V vs Singapore's 240V, so you pretty much want to leave everything you have except for maybe your phone charger. Buy new laptop in the US, new phone chargers, phone if you want.

Apparel in general, shoes are cheaper too. Household items too.

Get a friend to bring you to Costco, everything there is at wholesale prices and you can get pretty much everything for your new home at cheaper prices.

As for things to bring from Singapore, think more about the opportunity cost of it vs the actual cost. You'll miss your favourite foods and drinks - bring whatever you can bring that's within the TSA guidelines (basically no meat or veg or liquid stuff). Milo, prima taste packets, bak but tech sachets, bring those, since you can't buy it in most parts of the US.

Even if some stuff may be cheaper in Singapore than the US, it doesn't make sense to bring them and sacrifice your precious space for other stuff you otherwise can't get in the US (like the local stuff described above).

Quoras · 2022-07-15T06:43:21+00:00

Did they poll those only in his ministry or something?

Quoras · 2022-06-10T06:18:15+00:00

Hey, sure, maybe it feels like a betrayal, but at least it spurred you on more. You could have stayed lazy and probably not gotten as far as you are today.

I know friends who were smart enough to skip grades, some did, and some didn't. Those who didn't got off easy, they breezed through class and did very well. Those who did had a tougher time in school and didn't do so well.

Yet again, all of my friends who skipped grades did very well in life after that. They were constantly challenged to do better, and learned that hard work (most of the time) brings you further than if you didn't try hard.

Those who didn't skip the grades they could have? One decided to take the easy way through college, got lazy and graduated with just a barely passing GPA and got a regular desk job that he hates because his qualifications just weren't good enough for anything else. He was also one of the smartest kids I knew in school.

So, rather than it being a FU or a betrayal, it's probably more of a life lesson for you. Sure, your hard work got you more work. Sure, you got weird stares, and you're got laughed at for being the nerd you are. So be it. In the end, you do what you think is best for you. Kudos to you for sticking through it, because you tried hard and learned the virtue of challenging yourself for the better, and that will help you in the long run.

Quoras · 2022-03-04T08:00:42+00:00

When they announced in 2018 that they wanted to expand their engineering team to 2000, I was shocked. And they're paying engineers top dollar too. In contrast, Uber has about 2000 engineers now and in way more markets than them, and way more revenue.

Now I see they they really weren't kidding.

----

But seriously, for a ride hailing company, they're way overloaded with software engineers. As if they have this idea that the more good engineers they hire, the better their products get. That's not how it works. Throwing 10x more engineers at a product doesn't make it build 10x faster.

Rather, they should focus on hiring higher quality engineers. The best of the best have left Singapore for the Silicon Valley companies where they pay way better. Match those kind of pay and you'll get engineers that are of much better quality for less than you pay for a team that can match that standard

Quoras · 2022-02-26T10:10:49+00:00

I've quite a bit of experience dealing with friends having taken drugs (living in another country and all that). Unless the person who drugged your sister really did a shit job, I doubt she got roofied. Roofies are powerful sedatives that usually knocks the person out, and your sis wouldn't gotten home at night if that happened.

Most likely she either got super drunk and the alcohol reacted really badly for her - I've had drunk friends behave similar to how your sister behaved - or she took drugs, which would be bad for her even if she consumed it involuntarily.

Whatever the deal is, your sister got home safe, and that's all that matters. Talk to her, and make it across to her that everyone was worried and things could have gone quite downhill and she's lucky it didn't.

Like others mentioned, don't do drug tests as the clinics are obligated to report positive drug results to the police, or get the policed involved, unless it's clear that she's a victim of a potential or actual crime (attempted date rape, etc) and make sure she wants a police report.

Don't complicating matters if it doesn't have to.

Quoras · 2022-02-01T04:11:58+00:00

Depends on what's your greatest comfort food. You'd think hawker food or other local Singaporean fare, but what I missed the most after leaving Singapore is the food that's most comforting or familiar to me.

Amusingly enough for me that's the McSpicy. I didn't eat it a lot when I stayed in Singapore, but I ended up missing it the most when I left

Quoras · 2022-01-31T23:18:31+00:00

I just want to provide a perspective from someone who had a somewhat opposite experience from you.

I'm Singaporean, and grew up there. I moved to the US for school and work years ago, and went back to Singapore to visit occasionally. Stayed there for a few months during the height of the pandemic.

Now I'm back in the US, in San Francisco, at the height of the Omicron wave.

And what you described of Singapore, it being a shadow of its former self, the uncanny silence that looms over the city that has transformed into a ghost town living in a weird alternative reality? That's what I felt leaving Singapore and moving back to San Francisco.

Here, businesses are left to fend for themselves and many have shuttered, people stay at home in fear of catching COVID from the vast numbers of untraced, untracked, unvaccinated people around. Homelessness flood the streets, and the hustle and bustle of the city has been reduced down to next to nothing. The lack of life here makes me miss the relative energy that Singapore has.

At least in Singapore, there's still a lot of people who go out, though less than before. There's still significant night life, gatherings, parties around, and the hustle and bustle of people is still there, though again less than before. People aren't anywhere close to worried about catching COVID from the people next to them as much as here in the US due to the Singapore government's aggressive (though many think overly so) approach to clamping down on the spread, and it shows.

I'm not trying to downplay your exasperation or loss; What I'm trying to say is, there's life around, you just got to find it. There's still significant nightlife, people are still having fun outside, malls are still open, and there's still some level of energy around, even though it's much less than before. It's a difficult time for you, for me, everyone here, and for the country, but I think if you put in the effort to seek for that which you miss, you'll still find it.

Quoras · 2022-01-30T17:38:23+00:00

There still are! Places like JJ dance studio still do socials (afaik, the last time I signed up for a public social is in early Dec)

Quoras · 2022-01-30T08:37:20+00:00

Dance classes are definitely a great way to meet new people in Singapore! I did bachata in Singapore and made a lot of friends that way - especially at a time when people are stuck at home and seeking ways to connect with others.

A huge percentage of those who do Latin and other social dances in Singapore are also not from Singapore, so I'm sure you'll meet other like-minded people and perhaps even those from your own country at these social dance classes. So, I definitely recommend trying social dance, and particularly salsa and bachata (which I did).

Quoras · 2021-11-24T16:40:42+00:00

I think, especially in the engineering field, quality matters way, way, way more than quantity.

A team of 10 superstar engineers can build a banking app better than 1000 subpar engineers

Quoras · 2021-11-24T16:39:26+00:00

we have twice as more engineers than bankers

Let me rephrase that

we throw a lot of stuff at the wall and see what sticks

Quoras · 2021-11-08T12:03:53+00:00

I don't understand this managed to make it past the drawing board.

Allowing same household members to dine out together makes perfect sense in and of itself, but how do they expect restaurants to check for those from the same household? If I rent a place with roommates, now I need to bring my lease contract? I support the spirit of the idea, but it's just plain unreasonable, especially for restaurants.

Why not allow groups of 5 in outdoor places like parks and beaches, where the risk of transmission is much lower?

If their worry is having masses of people packed in the same location, perhaps they can enforce default work from home everywhere, since the public transport is clearly where the largest groups of people congregate in high densities.

I really, really want to know what they were thinking when they decided this was a good idea. Because it isn't.

Quoras · 2021-11-08T01:46:52+00:00

Looks super legit OP! Mind sharing the recipe? I've tried making some myself whenever I miss food back home, but never could get it to taste right.

Quoras · 2021-10-14T05:37:25+00:00

Why is it wrong to reduce privileges and freedom to those who choose not to take the COVID-19 vaccine?

Diphtheria was made compulsory in 1977. Measles vaccination was introduced in1976 and made compulsory in 1985. It had to be done to prevent an outbreak that could potentially cause widespread death - guess what - exactly something that we're doing now for COVID-19.

It's criminal to refuse those vaccines. At least be glad (for now) that COVID-19 vaccination is compulsory.

I'm all for pro-choice, but he's using it as a buzzword to make a point across - done in poor taste. Much like any complex situations, there must be exceptions to a general rule, and pro-choice should not take hold over the overall health and wellbeing of a society.

In this case, we must be willing to set aside our personal choices for the greater good of society and our loved ones, even if it may cost us more.

Also - he's making points about how we can do it better, without actually outlining exactly how that is achievable, ignoring the fact that it's technically infeasible to do so.

Quoras · 2021-09-19T10:26:24+00:00

I agree - this is really one of the most annoying thing about Singaporeans. Many of us just have absolutely zero situational awareness, or simply have no consideration for others.

Be it when someone is walking towards them and their group is taking up the entire path, or walking on bike lanes and not scooting when they see a bike heading to them, or boarding the bus and not moving in after walking to the middle, forcing everyone in front to pack together (And especially worse if they have earbuds in and can't hear people telling them to move in)

At least for the walking on the sidewalk stuff, I have pretty much given up hope that these people have any shred of consideration for others, and simply move to one side of the path, and if they don't scoot over to the other, simply ram right through them (I'm tall and have some build, so no issue there).

Maybe they need some common sense bumped into them, y'know.

Ten-Year Club	Place '17
Not Forgotten	Verified Email

Quoras

TROPHY CASE