2024 was a year that tested my limits, brought unexpected milestones, and transformed my perspective. From completing the MIT IDSS programme and thriving in my role at ByteDance to judging beatbox battles and embarking on solo adventures, this year has been a whirlwind of growth, resilience, and unforgettable experiences. Here's a look back at my personal journey.
Journal: Week 19
my last journal of 2024 🫶🏻
hello, dear reader!
it's been a while since my last journal, and now, here we are—days away from 2025. this marks my final journal entry for 2024, and there's so much i want to share!
december has been an intense month. so much has happened that i'm not even sure where to start. but let's take it one story at a time.
on the 6th of december, friday, i received some shocking announcements at work (the details are confidential, so i can't share much here). at that moment, i was completely thrown off—stunned and unsure how to react. you know those moments when life blindsides you? this was one of them. i didn't know how to process it, but i told myself, "what's done is done. all you can do now is focus on how you respond." so that's what i tried to do.
on the bright side, one part of the announcement i can share is that i got the opportunity to go on a solo business trip for a project i was responsible for! honestly, it was nerve-wracking—my first time traveling alone for work, handling everything by myself. i was unprepared, worried, and unsure. but looking back, i think i did okay. the trip taught me a lot, and after reflecting on it, i know there's still so much room for growth.
that friday was a blur. after the announcement, i had no time to process anything before rushing off to grab a quick lunch between meetings. it was a whirlwind of emotions—shock, confusion, gratitude, and everything in between. but amidst the chaos, my amazing team gave me a sweet moment to pause. they surprised me with a cake and coffee for my birthday! 🥺 they're honestly the best, and i felt so touched that they remembered despite how busy everything was. it was a reminder of how lucky i am to work with such thoughtful people. 😭
of course, there was no time to rest. meetings filled up the rest of the day. but shoutout to my colleague, junjie, who helped me sort out logistics like drafting my business travel letter. he made my life so much easier, and i'm super grateful for his kindness.
now, about the trip—Beijing was incredible! i finally got to visit ByteDance's headquarters at 大钟侍 and another office at 融中心. the 16-day business trip was a whirlwind of productivity and new experiences. my primary objective was to oversee the UAT process and ensure a successful project delivery. while the workload was intense, meeting colleagues and stakeholders in person brought a refreshing human connection that had been missing during months of remote collaboration. being on-site allowed me to dive deeper into project challenges, brainstorm solutions face-to-face, and even build stronger rapport with the team. honestly, it was more than just a work trip—it felt like an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally.
融中心:
大钟侍:
curious about what my ByteDance life looks like, especially during my time in the Beijing offices?
i've captured some highlights and behind-the-scenes moments from my journey in a special Instagram highlight titled ByteDance 2 & ByteDance 2.1. feel free to check it out here—you might just catch a glimpse of my day-to-day adventures, the breathtaking office views, and the vibrant city life! 😊
the weekends in Beijing were magical. i went on solo adventures, ticking off places i'd always wanted to visit. walking through the historical 胡同s, soaking in the vibe of the city—it felt like stepping into a movie. 🥺
one of my first stops was 天坛公园. i was in awe of the ancient chinese architecture—it's just so majestic and grand. every detail of the buildings felt like a glimpse into the past, and i couldn't help but admire how much history they carry.
then, there was the 故宫—absolutely speechless. i mean, this was once the emperor's home... the sheer size of it left me in disbelief. i found myself wandering through the halls, just imagining what life must have been like back then.
another highlight was finally trying 四季民福. i've seen it all over 小红书, and i can confirm—it totally lives up to the hype. the food was amazing, and it was such a treat to tick it off my list.
i also spent some time at 颐和园 and 圆明园, two parks that couldn't be more different but both so special in their own way. 颐和园 was so peaceful and relaxing, a perfect place to just slow down and take a breath. meanwhile, the ruins at 圆明园 felt like a quiet reminder of history, bittersweet yet humbling to see in person.
南锣鼓巷 was another favourite. i caught the sunset here, and let me tell you, it was breathtaking. Beijing's winter sunsets hit differently—so early, around 4pm, but the glow it left in the sky was unforgettable. 🌅
and, of course, i couldn't miss 什刹海, strolling by the lakes, surrounded by locals and tourists alike. it had such a vibrant energy, yet it felt calming at the same time.
these moments brought me so much joy. every place i visited left an impression, and i know i'll carry these memories with me forever. Beijing really has a charm that's hard to put into words—it's a mix of history, culture, and just pure magic. 🥺🫶🏻
but as december went on, it wasn't all smooth sailing. just a week after the initial announcement, my leader shared that the decision had been cancelled. i hadn't even fully processed the first news when the second hit. it was an emotional rollercoaster—relief, confusion, and gratitude all at once. but i reminded myself: What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us. life is unpredictable, and sometimes all you can do is adapt and move forward.
as the year-end approached, i took some much-needed leaves. i originally planned a trip to phuket in mid-december, but with the business travel and the critical project release, i had to cancel it. instead, i used the time to rest, recharge, and reflect. honestly, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise—having that "me time" was exactly what i needed.
before closing the year, my crew, Obelisk, and i worked on a countdown beatbox performance for the new year's eve celebration. it was such a fun project, and i'm so excited to see how it turns out on the 31st! 🎉
thank you for being part of my journey this year. ❤️
this isn't a full reflection of 2024—i'll save that for my next blog. but for now, here's to closing the year on a hopeful note.
bring it on, 2025! 🎯
Journal: Week 18
✨ Highlights of the Week
i lost my voice the very day i planned to record the voices beatbox wildcard. it was like universe was playing a cruel joke on me.
honestly, my routine wasn't 100% ready, but losing my voice made everything feel worse... 😔 i still don't know what caused it, but it was the first time in my life that i almost completely lost my voice.
so, instead of giving up, i threw together a freestyle beat in the office-a routine i literally came up with in like an hour... i recorded it, posted it, and hoped for the best.
unfortunately, my impromptu routine didn't pass the wildcard selection. and yeah, i was so mad at myself. 😤 firstly, i could've prepared and recorded earlier instead of leaving it until the last minute; secondly, i knew deep down that i didn't put in the effort i should've. i'm really disappointed in myself, but i also know this is a lesson to carry forward. 🥺😭
📝 Reading Insights
this week, i fully immersed myself in Atomic Habits by James Clear. as i delved into it, i realised just how much the ideas resonate with me. some of the principles, like focusing on small changes, are things i've unconsciously applied in my life. but this book made me aware of how i can refine and strengthen those actions to create a more effective "system" for myself. it's genuinely inspiring and i can already feel it reshaping my mindset.
here are some key highlights from Chapter 1 that struck a chord with me:
“improving by 1 percent isn't particularly notable—sometimes it isn't even noticeable—but it can be far more meaningful, especially in the long run. The difference a tiny improvement can make over time is astounding. Here's how the math works out: if you can get 1 percent better each day for one year, you'll end up thirty-seven times better by the time you're done. Conversely, if you get 1 percent worse each day for one year, you'll decline nearly down to zero. What starts as a small win or a minor setback accumulates into something much more.”
“Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement.”
“a slight change in your daily habits can guide your life to a very different destination.”
“Tiny battles like these are the ones that will define your future self.”
“Breakthrough moments are often the result of many previous actions, which build up the potential required to unleash a major change.”
“habits often appear to make no difference until you cross a critical threshold and unlock a new level of performance. In the early and middle stages of any quest, there is often a Valley of Disappointment. You expect to make progress in a linear fashion and it's frustrating how ineffective changes can seem during the first days, weeks, and even months. It doesn't feel like you are going anywhere. It's a hallmark of any compounding process: the most powerful outcomes are delayed.”
“A handful of problems arise when you spend too much time thinking about your goals and not enough time designing your systems.”
“We think we need to change our results, but the results are not the problem. What we really need to change are the systems that cause those results.”
“A systems-first mentality provides the antidote. When you fall in love with the process rather than the product, you don't have to wait to give yourself permission to be happy. You can be satisfied anytime your system is running. And a system can be successful in many different forms, not just the one you first envision.”
“The purpose of building systems is to continue playing the game. True long-term thinking is goal-less thinking. It's not about any single accomplishment. It is about the cycle of endless refinement and continuous improvement. Ultimately, it is your commitment to the process that will determine your progress.”
Chapter Summary
- Habits are the compound interest of self-improvement. Getting 1 percent better every day counts for a lot in the long-run.
- Habits are a double-edged sword. They can work for you or against you, which is why understanding the details is essential.
- Small changes often appear to make no difference until you cross a critical threshold. The most powerful outcomes of any compounding process are delayed. You need to be patient.
- An atomic habit is a little habit that is part of a larger system. Just as atoms are the building blocks of molecules, atomic habits are the building blocks of remarkable results.
- If you want better results, then forget about setting goals. Focus on your system instead.
- You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.
Excerpt From Atomic Habits: Tiny Changes, Remarkable Results James Clear - This material may be protected by copyright.
it's really all about the systems—this line hit me the hardest: you do not rise to the level of your goals. you fall to the level of your systems. looking at my own life, i realise how much my systems need improvement, and i feel motivated to start making these 1% changes, even if they seem small right now.
🥰 Memories
Journal: Week 17
✨ Highlights of the Week
i went on a trip to China for the first time! omg, i don't know where to start... it was amazing. honestly, i don't think i can put in into words, ok, so i'll let the pictures do the talking this time. pictures speak a thousand words, right? 🥹
i will just attach some of my favourite pictures later~
on a less cheerful note, i came back with a really really bad sore throat back that i completely lost my voice halfway through the day at work. 😭 thank god for the clinic right next to our office that's covered by insurance-it was so convenient. i literally just gave em my name, talked to the doc, grabbed my meds and left.
the doc gave me 2 days of mc, but i still went to work the next day. idk, maybe i was just feeling guilty about taking a day off, but honestly, my body was sreaming at me to rest. so the day after, i finally listened. ended up sleeping for 11 hours straight... and omg, that was the rest i needed! felt so much better afterwards! FULL RECHARGED! 🔋
but my voice still... and my beatbox competition is approaching 😭
📝 Reading Insights
AND i finally started reading Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear! it's been on my reading list for ages, and i am so excited to dive into it. just flipping through the first few pages has already given me a glimpse of how impactful this book could be for making lasting changes. i can't wait to apply these principles to my daily life!
🥰 Memories
... todo
Journal: Week 16
✨ Highlights of the Week
this week was intense... a full 7/7 work grind 😔 by friday nightm i was so wiped out that i just passed out like that and slept for more than 9 hours straight! woke up and barely had time to catch my breath before rushing off to work again.
even though it was hectic, i found a bit of thrill in the unknown challenges and a sense of satisfaction in pushing through. 🎯💪🏼🔥
AND guess what! F26 canteen is gonna reopen next week! OMG finally! 😭🤞🏼
for my beatboxing practice, with 25 days until the comp and 14 days left to finish my wildcard, i'm giving it my all. i'm trusting the process, feeling like i'm hitting a low right before the climb. it's that moment when u're going down the hill, but i'm so ready to rise any time! 🔥
watch me.
📝 Reading Insights
i have been revisiting the book Never Split the Difference by Christopher Voss, a book that's almost become a life strategy guide for me. i know relying heavily on one book isn't ideal, but i find myself taking the parts that resonate, filtering what feels right, and testing out those ideas in real life. some of the techniques? they actually work wonders in human interactions—it's fascinating.
rereading has been a refreshing way to catch details i might have missed the first time. it's funny how information can just slip through ur mind without u even noticing, so a good review always feels worthwhile. 📝
🥰 Memories
The Diary of A CEO by Steven Bartlett
wip ... after NSTD
Law 1: Fill the 5 buckets in the right order
“THE FIVE BUCKETS 1. What you know (your knowledge) 2. What you can do (your skills) 3. Who you know (your network) 4. What you have (your resources) 5. What the world thinks of you (your reputation)”
tbc:
- https://stevenbartlett.com/doac/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCW2NHbWNwA
Texts Above Excerpt From The Diary of a CEO - Steven Bartlett This material may be protected by copyright.
Journal: Week 15
✨ Highlights of the Week
this week, i felt super productive at work, managing to wrap up most of my tasks right on time or even ahead of schedule.
each day had a familiar rhythm—get up, commute with a good book, work, hit the gym, beatbox practice, unwind with some me-time, then sleep. it may have been routine, but there's a sense of calm in the consistency.
i also decided to head back to malaysia to spend time with my family. my mum recently hurt her lower back, and i could feel the urge to be close, to share some quality time and be there for her. this time with family, no matter how brief, always feels grounding. ❤️
another bright spot was reconnecting with my friends from secondary school. these are people who have been part of my journey for years, and catching up with them brought back so many good memories. seeing them doing so well made me genuinely happy, and i'm just grateful to have these friendships still going strong.
普普通通 平平淡淡的一周
但是又觉得很充实 💪🏼
📝 Reading Insights
THE LAW: LEVERAGE THE POWER OF PROGRESS
To solve problems, encourage and celebrate small wins. This provides continuous forward momentum, which creates an atmosphere of success and a positive sense that a team is moving towards their bigger goals. Employees are most motivated when they are engaged with the work that they're doing, and feel like they are making a difference.
“The most professionally rewarding feeling in the world is a sense of forward motion.”
THE LAW: YOU MUST BE AN INCONSISTENT LEADER
It is impossible to seamlessly blend into a team as a jigsaw piece unless you comprehend the unique shape of each of your team members. Sir Alex Ferguson's acumen in this regard was legendary, as attested to by his former players and staff, and even rival managers. He possessed an encyclopedic knowledge of everything from the hobbies of his players' wives to the names of their pets, and as Rio Ferdinand told me, even their grandfathers' preferred brand of whisky. More significantly, he knew that every member of his team was propelled by vastly different motivators. While one player may have thrived under Ferguson's infamous ‘hairdryer' treatment (where he would shout angrily at them in the dressing room or on the training ground), another may have required a more compassionate approach, and still another may have been motivated by a more hands-off approach. This is why Ferguson didn't have to be the tactical mastermind that many assume he must have been, but rather an emotional savant. When you're in the business of motivating people, emotional management is everything.
Great leaders are fluid, flexible, and full of fluctuation. They are whatever shape they need to be, to complete your motivation.
Excerpt From The Diary of a CEO - Steven Bartlett
🥰 Memories
Journal: Week 14
✨ Highlights of the Week
this week, my priorities were on: work, gym and prepping myself for the beatbox competition i'm planning to participate. to top it off... 6th december is my birthday too! UGH
it's been over 3 years since i last battled, and i can't even begin to explain how much i miss it—the rush of adrenaline when you're on stage, the energy from the crowd, and the vibe from all the other beatboxers. it's not just the competition; it's the whole experience that i miss so much.
i've been putting in a lot of effort lately, but, to be honest, it still feels like i could do more... but, balancing everything—work, gym, and beatboxing—is tough. after a long day at work, it's straight to the gym, and only after that do i get the time to practise beatboxing. but i know it's all about mental. the grind never stops, and i have to push through it.
my biggest challenge right now is breaking out of my usual beats and trying to create something new. it's been about 20 days of trying, and i'm still struggling to come up with fresh routines. it's frustrating, but i know this is the part of the process where many people give up. this feeling of being stuck—that's the moment when you're on the verge of a breakthrough. if i can just push past this, i know success is just around the corner.
i got this. 🙌
📝 Reading Insights
"The sole reason of why people procrastinate is because they're trying to avoid some form of ‘psyhological discomfort' in their life. The bigger the task and the less competent we feel about accomplishing it, the greater the procrastination."
this quote really struck me. i could feel it resonate in my daily life, especially when it comes to things like hitting the snooze button in the morning or mindlessly scrolling through 抖音 and instagram reels. it's like i'm delaying that sense of discomfort, avoiding the challenge ahead, even though i know it's not helping me in the long run.
i know i am not alone in this, and that gives me a bit of comfort. but i also know this is a process, one that takes time and self-awareness. i'm working on it—slowly, but surely. recognising this psychological discomfort as the root of procrastination is already a step forward for me. the next step is taking action, even when i don't feel ready, and learning to push through that initial resistance. it's a journey of self-discipline and growth.
i'm not perfect—there are still days when i fall into old habits, but understanding why i procrastinate has shifted my mindset. i've come to realise that it's not about eliminating procrastination overnight, but about improving little by little, showing up even on the hard days, and building momentum. one small victory at a time. 🌱
at the end of the day, progress over perfection is what really matters. so, while i might still have moments of distraction or hesitation, i'm committed to pushing through and becoming the best version of myself, one day at a time.
🥰 Memories
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My Reading Collection
Explore my personal collection of ebooks and resources on topics ranging from technology and coding to self-development. This list evolves as I discover new reads and valuable insights.