Goodbye BTI

Where do I begin. 

I'll start with gratitude. I thank God first and foremost for the path He led me to, after looking back at the 19 years of memories I've formed with colleagues and bosses in BTI, my second home where I embarked on my first career path. It was Bioprocessing Technology Centre when I joined in 2000, which became an institute in 2003, under the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, A*STAR.

BTI had one of the best workplace culture and the nicest people. Sometimes when someone judges Singaporeans as this and that, I would reply, "No way, my colleagues in Singapore are never like that. They're nice!" I guess I'm lucky to be working in such an inclusive and warm culture that it feels like a family.

On 12th November 2019, my journey in BTI ended. It still feels so surreal as I write this. The past 3 months have been quite a roller coaster ride of mixed feelings, fear, worry, excitement, nervousness and pure curiosity. From the time I was recommended for a position that rarely open up, to the hiring process finalisation, I still feel like it was a dream. It was a heartbreaking decision to leave BTI, but I know I should take this rare opportunity for a new start.

I know many would ask why. And there are many who already know why. But sshhh, we cannot say. Isn't it funny? I'll leave it as that, since now that I am starting a new journey in another company, I want to be a better person and to grow further professionally. 

With these folks in my first job, I truly am very blessed.

VR Coding Workshop @ Me Books Nook - Sunway Citrine Hub - Medini - Johor Bahru

I don't know which one to talk about first, the VR Coding Workshop for children or the venue where it was held, because both are awesome!

Thanks to Facebook Ads, I saw the event by OwlnextEDU and what's rare is that it is in JB! This kind of workshop only happen in Singapore or KL, I thought. So I asked my boys if they were interested and of course they said yes. Also another rare phenomenon that my boys say yes to any learning activities I suggest. So I booked 2 seats last Friday and took leave from my work.

Getting to Sunway Citrine Hub was easy peasy. Waze knows the way. It was my first time in that area that was being developed by Sunway. Will talk more on that later. But first.... the venue.

It is GORGEOUS! Well, what's in it that is gorgeous.  This little book nook called Me Books Nook. I fell in love with that place instantly!

The workshop started with a video introduction to VR coding. The instructor is this cool techie dude who works well with children. 

Participants have to bring own laptops to log into cospaces.edu to create their project. Wifi was a little slow at first but I think it worked out in the end. The other kids were from Sunway International School and Malborough College.

Everyone gets this googlecardboard VR piece. 

The workshop was held from 10am-4pm. I had planned to go home between that time but I ended up exploring the bookshop and the hub, and time just passed along nicely. It was a carefree, take-it-slow day and this is one of the most treasured quality time I had for myself.

The community mall is fairly new. There weren't many shops yet. So far, the only businesses in operation are Me Books Nook, M2L (language centre), Mr. DIY, Awesome Brew cafe, Heaven's Door Restaurant/Bar, Jaya Grocer, Sunway Pharmacy, 7-11 and Old Town Coffeeshop.

This is Me Books Nook on the 2nd floor.

Heaven's Door restaurant where the workshop participant have their lunch (provided).

Awesome Brew cafe. 

Very nice ambience. I felt like I was forced to slow down here.

My brunch that cost RM28. 

After peeling myself off the cafe chair, I explored a bit and saw Jaya Grocer.

This is quite a fancy supermarket, compared to the Giant we always go to. Kinda atas.

SO, here is the highlight of this post actually. The books! The beautiful gorgeous books that make you want to either live there or buy everything home.

Me Books Nook is an outlet of mebooks.asia, you can find out more about them in the link. Their tagline is 'Instilling Values Beyond Pages' and raising lifelong readers. Their carefully curated collection are mostly award-winning children's books with beautiful illustration and the right amount of words on each pages. Perfect for reading to your little ones before bedtime.

They also carry some primary, secondary and A-level exercise books, brought in by University Bookstore Malaysia.

A small-but-enough collection of novels for teens and young adults. I found many good books here, that are recommended when you search 'best books for teens'. 

These are some of the books I laid my eyes on...

How could I resist not buying some home right? Flipping through the pages made me happy already.

I checked the price of the two novels on bookdepository and found out that this bookstore is just selling them about RM3 more. Not bad!

 

It was, a beautiful day indeed.

MUJI Opening of Flagship Store @ Plaza Singapura

I think this is my favourite brand now. But only during sales.

MUJI opens its flagship store in Singapore, at Plaza Singapura. 

I took half a day off to check it out, something I rarely ever do.

Picture bombs!

There must've been an opening ceremony at the atrium.

Some exhibition at the atrium. 

I heard their skincare products are not bad. I have yet to try.

 I have always loved their kitchen/cookware. All so miniature.

One each please!

A special series.

This is what I actually came to see. Their exhibition. It really brings out the material obsession in you.

 This leather sofa is SGD$5990.00

Another special series.

Storage baskets.

Their customer consultation area. It's like Japanese IKEA.

They also offer embroidery services. There are many different designs to choose from on a booklet, ranging about $3-$5 per design. Alphabets too!

I have yet to try their food.

The queue to the cashier. You can't see the cashier from here.

So I came out empty-handed, except for these. Hehe. 

Oh ya, I forgotten about their stationery section which I absolutely love as well.

I will definitely go back!