Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition 

Prior to the launch of Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition, House of VSE, together with artist Wei, had been releasing snippets of this upcoming exhibition. Personally, I was looking forward to this exhibition, the title, theme and descriptions are sending me the Whispers, something that can help to unlock some of the situations that I am facing. 

I registered for the preview, that took place on my birthday, kind of significant that both events were together on the same day. Let me bring you on a journey into Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition. 

Whispers invites you – to slow down, observe, and spend time together

A unique light art exhibition through twelve light artworks that unfold through light, colour, and subtle movement, Whispers invites you – to slow down, observe, and spend time together inside this artwork space. 

This artistic experiential journey doesn’t require you to complete it, or you have to understand everything quickly. They invite you to pay attention, to yourself, the small shifts inside your mind and soul, the transitions, and to being present feeling your rhythm with the artworks and space.

Do not rush, take your time to embark on your own Whispers journey inside the art space, inside your heart, mind and soul. Observe every details from the tangibles, to the intangibles, around you, inside of you. They might just Whispers something back to you, revealing reflections. 

Hear the Whispers from Artist Wei of VSE

Reading artist Wei words on his Whispers artwork exhibition, this goes beyond the tangible aspects of a physical artwork, it’s the journey that leads us there, the inner world that only we ourselves can see. 

The Whispers that you encounter from the words, feelings and emotions from each of the twelve artworks, this is a process of listening to your own journeys inside, it’s recalibrating, and learning to remain gentle as you continue your journeys moving forward. 

We can only see the superficial, the external facades, tangible side of things. The journey that you undertaken, is the inner soul inside you. Whispers doesn’t end at your visit inside this living light art exhibition. Your journey continues on, in yourself, and also to the rest of the visitors that enter inside and embark on their own Whispers journey. 

More than just Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition 

There are more than just Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition by Very Small Exhibition (VSE), presented with Byra. There are also two programmes planned, one is a workshop, the other is a unique dining experience. 

Whispers: Ritual of Calm – Workshop

A meditative art workshop that combines art and beauty care, VSE artist Wei and Byra Beauty’s philosophy of calm as a state of being. This is held as part of Whispers exhibition during Singapore Art Week 2026.

• Date: 31st January 2026
• Price: SGD $90 / pax

Limited Seats!

Beauty Table: A Calm-Centred Dining Ritual for Brighter Skin

A special dining event held alongside “Whispers” exhibition during Singapore Art Week 2026, an intimate dining experience where art, calm, and food comes together for a unique experience. 

• Date: 21st January 2026
• Price: $79 nett / pax 

Limited seats! Only 9 seats available!

The Whispers that Spoke to Me

Embarking on this Whispers journey with a number of things going through my mind, it feels like entering my inner brain and mind (the artwork installation), trying to find my way out of this journey, guided by the twelve light artworks telling me their stories, feelings, thoughts and experiences. 

There are some artworks that I can relate to, there are others that give me new perspectives and directions to look at, as I explored Whispers living light artwork. Returning from this Whispers journey, it was therapeutic, taking it slow and letting some of my ongoing stress and pressure out as a caregiver that I recently have to shoulder on, an invisible heavyweight shoulders, the invisible immense stress and pressure piling on top. 

A personal journey that only I can take, how many would be able to empathise and relate? While I continue to seek my own journey, solutions and plans, I did mange to find some peace and tranquility time at Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition. 

Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition Information

Whispers – A Living Light Art Exhibition. Brought to you by Byra and House of VSE, part of SAW Singapore Art Week 2026.

• Date: 16th January to 1st February 2026
• Venue: GTCL Wellness Sanctum, E-Center@Redhill #02-03

Admission by RSVP (limited spaces available), visit the URL below on their websites and social media platforms. 

• Byra website: https://byrabeauty.com/pages/rituals 
• House of VSE: https://www.instagram.com/houseofvse/ 
• Very Small Exhibition: https://www.instagram.com/verysmallexhibition/  

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Currents of Care (2025) at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre

Currents of Care has two coloured rainbows spanning across Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (SCCC) glass entrance, welcoming visitors with its artistic flow and layout. The rainbow in blue hues adopts the colour of World Mental Health Day, the other rainbow represents SCCC corporate colours. 

When you visit SCCC, observe how the rainbows intertwine (it does look like a Chinese knot from far), the lines flowing representing the rhythms of life, the growth and changes, of life’s ups and downs, gently reminding all of us that through family, friends, companionship and community, we can find our strengths and healings.

Currents of Care is commissioned by SCCC in support of World Mental Health Day, hoping to raise public awareness of the importance of mental health, signalling SCCC’s support for mental health and well-being.  

Currents of Care artwork installation is by a talented Singapore creative artist Lee Wei Lieh of Very Small Exhibition, whose works have been showcased at i-Light Singapore, Singapore F1 Night Race, and Singapore Art Week. Coincidentally, I first got to know artist Wei in 2021, also on the subject of World Mental Health Day, at Malay Heritage Centre x Very Small Exhibition support World Mental Health Day.

Thereafter, I have been following, supporting and documenting artist Wei’s colourful and diverse artworks, inside this collection on Flickr over the years from 2021 till date. Documenting and photographing artist Wei’s artworks over the years is more than a form of photography therapy, it opens up my creativity and approaches to art and creative stuff, and knowing more creative artists from different genres. 

Here are some visual stories of artist Wei applying the finishing touches to his Currents of Care artwork at SCCC for World Mental Health Day 2025. 

Mental Health Matters

The society has gradually opened up more in recent years (since the COVID-19 pandemic), on the subject of mental health issues and awareness. While this topic might still be taboo, it’s getting more needed attention, awareness, better learning and understanding. 

Take this World Mental Health Day (and beyond), start reaching out to someone, whether it’s your family, relatives, loved ones, or friends, check with them, say a simple “Hello”, “Thinking of You”. These simple kind words might just be exactly what they need to hear. It’s as simple and sometimes the bravest thing for everyone of us that we can do is to let someone know that they are not alone. 

Show your concern, be there for them in person, actively listen without judgement, respond effectively by creating a safe space for them, be empathetic and focus on them.

There were periods when my mental health wasn’t in a good shape (during the pandemic period). The words that you received from your family and friends can help you out.

Mental Health Matters, we can all play a part to raise awareness and mobilise our own small efforts to reach out and check with our family, relatives and friends. 

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An ongoing visual storytelling / documentary journey with VSE / House of VSE

This is an ongoing visual storytelling / documentary journey with Very Small Exhibition (VSE) / House of VSE. Let me bring you on a quick recap/travel back in time on how I started this journey. 

I first met artist Wei in 2021 at Malay Heritage Centre (MHC) for MHC x VSE support World Mental Health Day. That was followed following his Very Momentary Exhibition artworks displays and unforgettable experience with this Bring LOVE Everywhere.

In 2022, I wrote about “How I Met/Follow/Support Very Small Exhibition and Bring LOVE Everywhere”,  Today’s story would definitely be an add-on and continuation of my earlier story published in 2022.  That’s also Rainbow illumiNation – Celebrating 1 year of Very Momentary Exhibition.

Over the next few years till date, there were Your Artist Neighbour Exhibition by VSE in 2023, Explore and Discover your Inner “Chin-Chin” World in 2023, Tension by House of VSE in 2023, Modulation – A series of Participatory Art Experiences in 2024.

There were more photographs and videos that I didn’t manage to write it down into visual stories and published on this website. I am curating and uploading more photographs into my House of VSE / Very Small Exhibition / Bring LOVE Everywhere collection on Flickr, where readers can view more of my visual storytelling / documentary journey here.

Oh yes, this is still my ongoing visual storytelling / documentary journey with VSE / House of VSE.

Very In-depth personal sharing by Artist Wei

From my conversations with Artist Wei over the years at his various different artworks (whether work-in-progress or at the exhibitions itself), he doesn’t share that much in-depth about the different things that he was facing (probably like many of us out there too).

At The Substation Sub+ Artist Talk – Wormhole with Very Small Exhibition, friends/supporters present at the event venue (and those watching on Zoom too) were treated to a very in-depth personal sharing by the artist himself. 

We heard about the meanings, stories and inspirations behind the colour choices (Red, Orange, Green, Blue, Purple, White), that many of us would associate with his iconic, bright and colourful rainbow themed artworks. 

Vulnerability

Vulnerability – That hits me deeply. This is something that everyone of us are facing it. We are not super human, we are never perfect, and in some ways we can be vulnerable to many different curve balls or situations thrown at us in our lifetime.

This is not just because as a practicing creative artist, you are more vulnerable than others who are not inside this industry. Our human race, we human beings, are facing some form of vulnerability at different stages of our life, some bigger than others.

Mental Health Matters

Mental Health Matters – The most recent global pandemic period from 2020 to 2022 (COVID-19) gave limelight to mental health awareness and why mental health matters. Artist Wei shared deeply on this, how it impacted him and affected his artwork journey, and why his artworks are therapeutic not just for himself, also for the greater community as well. 

Running a business is very stressful and challenging, let alone it’s part of the creative / artistic / media related production industry. Life, costs of living and societal pressures add up to our pressure cooker environment, some of us handled it alright, some couldn’t. There are times when people’s barriers and defences fell, they might be facing further more unknown and potentially bigger mental health battles ahead.

In a nutshell, Mental Health Matters, enough said. 

The Conflicting Personas that a Creative / Artist face

One of the key sharing by artist Wei that resonates deeply with me during the artist talk was on conflicting personas that a creative / artist face. As a photographer that runs both commercial/professional and personal/leisure/creative segments, I faced similar challenges, difficulties, as well as experiencing conflicting personas as “A Good Person”. “An Artist” and “A Business Person”.

In my personal humble opinion, I won’t say it’s impossible. However, to reach a stage of a good person, an artist that can practice his or her art and craft without too much stress or pressure and running it as a profitable business, it’s kind of a utopian world that many of us would like to have, even for those not in the art and craft or creative industries.

Personally, we have to separate what brings us the revenue (commercial / professional photography business), that can actually fund most of our personal photography projects or even documentary visual storytelling projects. 

Sometimes, or most of the time, we are juggling and handling all three personas on our own, and that makes us vulnerable, whether we like it or not. 

More than just documenting visual stories – Inspiration, Learning and Opening Up my Creativity 

On a personal and professional basis, this has been a very colourful, insightful, inspiring and encouraging journey supporting, documenting and writing about Very Small Exhibition / House of VSE over the years

The Phoblographer recently published this article, titled “What sketching can teach you about photography?” This is a great sharing and insights for photographers as well as fellow creatives from other genres. We can learn much more, open up our views and perspectives, be inspired and even opening up your creativity further by visiting or engaging arts of different forms and genres.

Through my journeys over the years, photographing and documenting VSE / House of VSE, I have also benefitted in my art and craft segment (still not that good with painting, drawing or making sculptures). My biggest takeaway for me is opening up my creativity, and how I can combine art and craft more into my photography. 

More than just documenting visual stories – Inspiration, learning and opening up my creativity through my ongoing journeys with VSE / House of VSE.

When my visual storytelling, documentary combines with art and craft, this give rise to my own creative artist story sharing, my style, my inner voice, right here on TGH Photography and Travel.

 * Photos shot with vivo V50 smartphone with its ZEISS Multi-focal Portrait lenses. A TGH Photography x vivo V50 visual storytelling series production. *

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World Photography Day 2024 – An Entire Day

On World Photography Day 2024, let me tell and share a short visual story of my personal interactive and immersive art and craft journeys/adventures with Modulation by House of VSE. The journeys and its timeline fitting of “An Entire Day”. The truth is, this Modulation art journeys and adventures were days and months of “An Entire Day”.

A Sneak Preview of Modulation

I embarked on another interactive and immersive art adventure in Singapore, it’s the Modulation art journey by House of VSE / Very Small Exhibition, it started with a sneak preview of the artworks work in progress by artist Wei.

Modulation: Food meets Art Participatory Experience 

How does food meets art participatory experience felt like? A unique experience with great ambience, culture, heritage and love for Peranakan cuisine coming all together, followed by a hands on ceramic artwork experience. 

Modulation: Nature meets Art Participatory Experience

How does nature meets art participatory experience felt like? A day trip out to Lazarus Island, it was relaxing and therapeutic, doing artwork in nature under a nice cosy hut.

Modulation: Amalgamation Exhibition

From a sneak preview, going for participatory art experiences, helping out to setup the exhibition event space and attending a fun opening party catching up with fellow like-minded friends supporting local arts and creatives. 

Congratulations to House of VSE and Very Small Exhibition on another amazing, interactive and immersive participatory art experience journey, I was glad to be onboard this journey, and another of your amazing and unique interactive art adventures!

Happy World Photography Day 2024!

Whether you are sharing your best photographs or telling a visual storytelling journey like myself, let your passionate and love for photography bring out the best in you! 

Wishing all fellow photographers and visual storytellers a Happy World Photography Day 2024!

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What is “Modulation” all about? 

“Modulation” is an artistic journey that explores the outcomes of social and environmental interactions. The project features a series of thematic ceramic workshops that culminate in a three -day exhibition showcasing the collective creativity of its participants. Participants will be engaged through “Modulation” Art Experiences, in the form of visual, auditory, and tactile interactions with themes of food, nature, and history.

House of VSE Co-Founder and Principal Artist, Lee Wei Lieh, known for his public rainbow light art installations, collaborates with Taiwanese Ceramic Artist Yiijon. Together, both artists will interpret each other’s art to create three brand new artworks that fundamentally juxtapose the nature of each other’s practice. 

Key highlights of “Modulation” include:

● The Main Exhibition: A curated collection of interactive art pieces that respond to sound, environment, and light to create a dynamic experience. This includes new modular light structures invented by renowned light artist Lee Wei Lieh.

● Evolving Clay Art: A dynamically evolving clay art installation that changes as participants interact with it during the exhibition, culminating in a final piece at the end.

● All Experiences: A unique exploration of different environments, from Peranakan cuisine to sun and sea, to stories of the Singapore River. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of each environment as inspiration and will create and bring home their own art, guided and perhaps even manipulated by Taiwanese artist Yiijon.

“We are thrilled to present ‘Modulation’ as a testament to the limitless possibilities of immersive art,” said Gary Chin, co-founder of House of VSE. “This exhibition is a celebration of innovation, creativity, and human intervention, and we can’t wait for visitors to experience it.”

“Modulation”: Amalgamation Exhibition 

The “Modulation” Exhibition kicks off on Friday 16th August 2024, an exclusive opening night featuring canapés, drinks and live performances by violinist Ryan Yee, and electronic musician, The Analog Girl.

Their music will dynamically influence a groundbreaking light innovation by Artist Wei at the exhibition, promising to excite both the young and young at heart. Visitors to this exhibition can join ticketed tours with the artists throughout the weekend, or they can view the exhibition during the open hours.

“Modulation”: Amalgamation Exhibition 

• Date: 16th -18th August 2024
• Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm
• Open to the public outside of tour times at no charge
• Venue: Goodman Art Center (Multi-purpose Studios), 90 Goodman Road, Singapore 439053

“Modulation”: Amalgamation Exhibition Opening Party (Ticketed Event)

• Date: 16th August 2024
• Time: 6:30pm – 9:30pm
• Includes: canapés, drinks and live music performances

“Modulation”: Amalgamation Exhibition Exhibition Tours (Ticketed Event)

• Tour times: 11:00am, 2:00pm, 4:00pm 
• Duration: 60 minutes
• Includes: Exhibition memento (while stocks last) and guided tour by Artists Yiijon and Wei

“Modulation”: Nature, Food & History Art Experiences

The “Modulation”: Nature, Food & History Art Experiences start on 7th August 2024. 

Modulation 1: Food meets Art Experience (7th and 8th August)

For foodie and art lovers, this would be a great time to indulge your senses together where “Food meets Art”, let the culinary delights and your culinary passions meet the arts and inspire creative expression.

Modulation 2: Nature meets Art Experience

For nature and great outdoors lovers who are also into art, there is “Nature meets Art” experience on Lazarus Island. Explore your creativity, let it spark, let it bloom in harmony with nature, and great outdoors.

Modulation 3: History meets Art Experience 

For history, heritage and culture lovers, embark on an enriching walking tour along the Singapore and explore “History meets Art” experience. Let the history, heritage, and culture flows seamlessly into your artistic inspiration. 

For more information on the Modulation”: Nature, Food & History Art Experiences, how and where to purchase tickets, please visit House of VSE website and House of VSE Peatix. 

A Sneak Peek into “Modulation” | Personal Thoughts 

Thanks to Wei Lieh and Gary, a very small group of friends and myself got a sneak peek into “Modulation”, insights, sharing and work behind the scenes/work in progress of the colourful rainbow artworks, listening to Artist Wei’s sharing. 

Our small group of friends have been following and supporting the colourful rainbow journeys and adventures of Very Small Exhibition / Bring Love Everywhere / House of VSE. My personal visual storytelling journey covering/featuring Very Small Exhibition / Bring Love Everywhere / House of VSE can be read here! 

We are all eagerly awaiting to view the “Modulation” artworks coming together with the various ceramic artworks at the exhibition, where arts meet innovation and creativity, bringing immersive and interactive art closer together between artists, art, friends (plus friends we haven’t met) and the world around us. 

If you would like to embark on an immersive and interactive art, colourful lights and ceramic artworks adventure, why not hop on and join “Modulation” series of participatory art experiences by House of VSE? 

* Information courtesy of House of VSE *

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Embracing International Day of Happiness 2024 through my visual storytelling journeys

How I am embracing International Day of Happiness 2024? Through my Canon visual storytelling/photography journeys. Photography brings me on an exploration journey, travelling to different places off-the-beaten path, giving me avenue to showcase my visual stories complementing my writing. This is also a form of therapy when I am in nature and the great outdoors, more than just capturing sceneries and wildlife, the peace and tranquility that nature brings to me. 

Exploring nature and great outdoors, enjoying a beautiful sunset at the coast, photographing wildlife at different parks and nature reserves, travelling to different parts of the world, capturing priceless memories and moments with my Canon EOS R6 Mark II. 

Bring my photography/creative projects to life in 2024

In 2024, I am looking at different project themes and ideas, that I am planning to bring to life, publishing new zines or photo books, adding on to my portfolio of photography/creative print works. As I continue to work on breaking through in the travel photography and writing sector in 2024, I am planning to publish travel memoirs, that would be something new for me.  

There are many a times, the stress and pressure of a modern capitalist society, world economic uncertainty, social media narcissism and comparisons, and the larger geo-political situations around the world, all these do make happiness difficult to achieve and attain at times.

I hope all of us can find our own unique ways to achieve our own happiness, not just on International Day of Happiness, in our everyday life as well. 

The post International Day of Happiness on 20th March 2024 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Photography 

Photography (Business)

Running a small business is really very tough and challenging, let alone running a small size photography business in an ever-changing media/social media landscape that is already going towards video consumption over photography, coupled by smaller budgets, a shrinking pie to share in the market, filled with a pretty saturated pool on the supply side of things.

Fellow competitors in the same industry (whether photography or other industries) would not easily give up their share of their pie for you, it’s a cruel and harsh capitalist world out there. My photography business is still impacted and affected, there were many a times when it was so stressful and pressuring to run a small business.

The future of the creative industry, whether you are a photographer, videographer, artist etc etc, modern technology in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is going to make you stand up and pay close attention to them. AI can help us creatives, it can also possibly replace part of our creative work. Do check out and read my interview article, “Q&A on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries”.   

Having contacts and networks with agencies doesn’t give you guarantees in business, sometimes there were opportunities, sometimes there weren’t. Disappointments are part and parcel of my business operations. 

Building up more contacts and networks have always been on my business plan and agenda. As I am reviewing my Year 2023, moving from Q4 2023 to Q1 2024, I am also strategising new directions and plans, that I would share a bit more without going into too much details in my Yearly Theme 2024. 

Photography (Personal) 

On my personal/leisure photography sector, I had been active in the creative, arts, history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation sectors, enjoying the visual storytelling and writing time that gives a deep fulfilment and accomplishment. Down the road, I hope that they would also help to bring in another source of business revenue as well. 

My personal visual storytelling/photography projects were still mainly digital and social media, written, published and uploaded for the world to see, read and view. I didn’t plan any of my personal projects to bring it to life as a physical tangible showcase, in the form of a zine, book, prints or exhibition.

Travel 

International travel 

For this segment, it’s disappointing for me, I haven’t begun to explore travel again as I didn’t travel out of Singapore. The high cost of travelling and pent-up frustrations around the world have not subsided yet. Therefore, I am practicing patience even though my travel wanderlust went up a few notches higher. 

Travel Content Creation 

There were some travel content creation opportunities that didn’t materialise, coupled with zero international travel trips in Year 2023, it can come across as double disappointments. Nevertheless, I am biding my time, preparing and actively networking with travellers around the world during regular co-hosting of #TTOT Travel Talk on Twitter community chats.  

Creative (Arts and Writing)

In the creative fields of arts and writing, Year 2023 was a very interesting year of creative exploration and writing that brought me into a new dimension, style and artistic direction. Thanks to local creative artist Wei of House of VSE/Very Small Exhibition/Bring Love Everywhere with his local artists and international artists collaborations that opened up my creative world to view and approach arts and creativity in different ways to immerse, interact and connect with the audience. Check out my visual story, “Tension by House of VSE”.

Another local creative artist that I followed and supported in Year 2023 (and still doing so) was Yip Yew Chong. His “I Paint my Singapore” – Familiar scenes of home was very heartwarming, nostalgic, connecting and bringing me back in time. Yew Chong’s visual storytelling via his paintings serves as an inspiration to me, in my own heritage, history and culture visual storytelling and documentation. 

Experiencing a major cross cultural performance between Korea traditional music and Nanyin music – “The Origins Cipher: A traditional Nanyin and Korean cross-cultural musical journey” in October 2023 also opened up my eyes to the international world of traditional arts and music coming together with the elements of history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation, combining together to show that it can be done, in such a beautiful and soothing manner. 

Heritage (History, Heritage, Culture, Conservation and Preservation)

I have always been covering the areas of history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation through the various museums networks, festivals and events. Through my heritage networks, I managed to discover more about traditional culture, craft and performing arts that may not have get the bigger slice of publicity and support. Personally, I feel that I can contribute more, help out and work together with organisations or like-minded people, whereby I can bring my skill sets and experiences in visual storytelling, photography, social media and digital marketing to those organisations in the history, heritage, culture, conservation and preservation sectors. 

Media Relations

In the field of media relations with brands and agencies, the status quo is usually pretty good for those agencies and brands that I work closely with, some brands and agencies have been engaging for a period of time. As for the agencies that I recently engaged and worked with in the past 1-2 years, they would take a bit more time to build up the working relationship.

Personal

On a personal note and observations from a personal basis and perspective, there were a few recurring frustrating things that had been bugging me over the years. They seemed to have escalated in recent times. Here are a brief summary of them without going too deep into details and explanations:

• People don’t read
• People don’t want to understand you, they want you to understand them instead
• Passing judgement is getting more common, uncalled for at times 
• People assume things 
• Sometimes you are more on social on social media than me and you say I am very busy on social media 
• Human communications are getting worse
• Communications and friendships are strained by social media, egos and narcissism  
• Human memory is like becoming more like goldfish and they blame it on brain fog arising from the global pandemic period
• FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is getting stronger and worse

Yearly Theme 2023 – Explore 

My Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) was “Explore”, looking back at year 2023 in review and reflection, I did manage to explore bigger and wider, especially into the arts sector, following and supporting local artists in other creative genres, inspired and motivated by what they had embarked on, what they achieved, giving me new creative project ideas, motivations and directions for Year 2024.

I had also explored new partnerships with videographers, photographers as well even if we might be competing together in the same field. Finding partnerships would be even more crucial given the shrinking dollars and pie in the economy shared among an already saturated field. 

As for my international travel segment, I haven’t begun to explore travel again as I didn’t travel out of Singapore. It’s definitely disappointing for me no doubt. The lessons and desires would serve me well to plan my travels in Year 2024, and not just pent-up travel wanderlust frustrations since 2019 before the global pandemic period of 2020 to 2022.

Reflecting Year 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal) 

My year 2023 in reflection and review for my technology, business and personal are written and published separately on my TGH Technology and Business website. Since the two websites are operating in distinct fields, there are quite a fair bit of review and reflections written inside them too.

Final Note and Round Up

Year 2023 was not my best year, but I learned a lot. My review and reflection of Year 2023 articles that I wrote on both my websites, TGH Photography and Travel and TGH Technology and Business, may not have everything written down that took place in Year 2023, yet what I wrote down were quite a handful and lengthy to read for my readers.

To all who make the time and effort to read till the end of both articles, thank you for your support from the bottom of my heart, I truly appreciate it! 

Looking Ahead in 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage)

Looking ahead in 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), I would be sharing more information and details in my Yearly Theme 2024 (Photography | Travel | Creative | Heritage), this approach is unique and can be very different as compared to the goals and objectives approach that I learnt previously. 

Wishing all a Happy New Year 2024! Thank you for your support and encouragement! 

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Tension by House of VSE

The key themes of “Tension”, “Expose”, “Pull”, and “Skin Deep”, what comes to your mind? From a personal daily perspective, work or artistic perspective, what does each word means to you? A truly amazing art experience and exhibition that is at the highest level of international Biennale arts standard, invoking an inner spirit inside us, challenging our human perception, and connections, with life, living, society, culture, arts and many other areas.

On a personal. professional and creative (as a photographer, visual storyteller, writer myself) note, I had a (almost personalised) very immersive, interactive, experimental hands on experience with the “artworks” and in-depth chats with the artists Wei and Karolina, as well as with Gary. 

“Tension” and “Expose”

My first phase of my experiences were getting to know about “Tension”, something that I am facing in multiple facades across various front, from personal, to the running of my photography business, as a creative in a judgemental, digital/social media world, against people who judge me and like to tell me what to do/what I must do, and many more. 

Have I “Expose” myself to my own vulnerabilities that I faced from my exposure to other people, society, from my own personal and professional challenges to improve and breakthrough my limitations, capabilities and boundaries? Where can I go from here? How can I move on to the next few levels while facing the onslaught of “Tension” from the outside world?

Beginning of Something Experiential? 

While I was immersing myself, exploring into the various arts experiences, I slowly returned back to the real world. It’s not over yet, this is just the beginning of something experiential (and maybe something more of an artistic/creative enlightenment), I would explore further and deeper into the key themes of “Tension”, “Expose”, “Pull”, and “Skin deep”, sharing more in-depth thoughts, feelings and emotions from myself, as well as getting artists Wei and Karolina thoughts and views on those key themes, in an upcoming article sometime down the road.

Tension is brought to you by House of VSE (@houseofvse), featuring artists Wei (@weidoesntmatter) and Karolina (@karolinaprom). If you like to experience this immersive, thought provoking, mind opening and interactive artistic world of Tension by House of VSE, please reach out to them!

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production * 

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As a F1 and motorsports fan, also a sports/motorsports photographer myself, I love watching F1 motorsports racing action on television. For my hometown Singapore GP, my last attendance was in 2015, after a few years gap, I am back enjoying F1 racing in town for Singapore GP 2023. I am also a technology geek/writer myself (check out my TGH Technology and Business portal/blog), I am also amazed by the technology setup behind the scenes powering F1 action on the ground, on broadcast channels, media outlets and on social media platforms.

Thanks to Lenovo Singapore hosting a media session on Friday 15th September 2023, I get to know more in-depth about Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology – Bringing F1 fans on a thrilling ride beyond the grandstand. Listening first hand and understanding how Lenovo Technology is powering F1, from Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures, Formula 1, Ken Wong, Executive VP and President, Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo, and Sumir Bhatia, President of Asia Pacific, Infrastructure Solutions Group, I couldn’t ask for more, from a F1 fan, a motorsports photographer, and a technology writer/geek myself!

Lenovo – One of the official technology partners of F1

In 2022, Lenovo as announced as one of the official technology partners of F1 in a multi-year partnership starting in 2022, which saw Lenovo’s cutting-edge technology used across F1 operations to bring the highest level of racing experience to a global fanbase and broadcast material that gets used by media outlets in more than 170 terrorises worldwide.

“In the highly competitive world of motor racing, technology plays an increasingly crucial role. Lenovo is providing us with its industry-leading technology and solutions, helping us to define new operating models to shape a faster, smarter, and more sustainable sport”, commented Pete Samara, Director of Strategic Technical Ventures at Formula 1. “We need to have military levels of control but also be extremely flexible in bringing in new and cutting-edge technology and production developments. Lenovo is helping us to incorporate innovative technologies into a 100% reliable, repeatable, and efficient operation whilst still accommodating continuous improvement.”

“At Lenovo, we are constantly focused on creating innovative technologies that allow for elevated experiences on all spectrums, all around the world. Lenovo’s transformation from a hardware company to a provider of end-to-end technology solutions and services has allowed businesses worldwide to harness the full power of technology”, said Ken Wong Executive VP and President, Solutions and Services Group, Lenovo. “The full power of Lenovo’s wide range of hardware and software, and professional support and services for Formula 1 will be on display at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend, supporting its operations all the way from HQ to the track. As Formula 1 synchronizes a million and one moving pieces to create an exhilarating experience, we’re proud to ride along as an Official Partner.”

Millions of data points stored to capture the best broadcast

When you are watching F1 motorsports action from your television, technology gadgets, on social media/internet, do you notice the huge volume of data that F1 generates with each individual car generating millions of datapoint across all races. 

Therefore, you would need powerful, stable and reliable technology across the board to handle all that heavy requirements. Lenovo Technology has the servers, storage, edge, and device solutions to help F1 teams capture millions of data points that are then transformed into actionable insights. 

For those watching the FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2023 will bring a deluge of data and insights on G-force numbers, steering angles, brake impact, throttle push, and all the audio and video from the cameras and microphones. Lenovo servers and edge devices collecting all that data will put it right back into the hands of the broadcast team instantly.

At the Formula 1 Media & Technology Centre in Biggin Hill, UK and at the onsite Event Technical Centre which are powered by Lenovo technology, including laptops and desktop devices, workstations, monitors, tablets and Motorola smartphones, the broadcasting team transforms all track-generated data, in real time, into an exciting experience as on-screen graphics and footage for hundreds of millions of fans and viewers.

Over 600 Formula 1 employees from executives to track-side operational engineers are equipped with a resilient slew of devices and digital workplace solutions that works reliably whichever part of the world or climate conditions they are in.

Racing towards a sustainable future 

The topic of sustainability is definitely on the agenda of Formula 1, they are making changes, actions and efforts on this area. The FORMULA 1 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX 2023 will also witness Formula 1’s consistent efforts to improve sustainability in motorsports. 

Contributing from one race to another, Lenovo’s Asset Recovery Services help the organization develop and implement a sustainable disposal strategy for hardware. Through Lenovo’s asset recovery services, Formula 1 has been able to offset some of the cost of a technology refresh as well as guarantee secure and reliable data destruction.

Singapore GP is also playing its own vital role in F1 consistent efforts to improve sustainability in motorsports. Check out two local Singapore creative artists, House of VSE/Very Small Exhibition and It Takes Balls, their artworks on display at Singapore GP 2023, part of Singapore GP sustainability drive #SGPDrivesChange. 

Formula 1 x Lenovo Technology

As you are watching F1 action in Singapore this weekend (and upcoming F1 races), live in person at Marina Bay Circuit, or from the television from the comfort of your home, in different parts of the world. Do take the time to ponder on how Lenovo Technology is helping to power F1 action on your screens and social media, bringing you on a thrilling, high octane, adrenaline packed racing ride beyond the grandstand. 

Alright, it’s time let’s go for F1 action, have a great Singapore GP 2023 race day! 

* Information courtesy of Lenovo and Zeno Group *

** A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production ** 

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TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II has recently been added to my photography setup, with my Canon EOS 1D X Mark II making way for my new camera. Although I missed my Canon EOS 1D X Mark II, the iconic 1D series that I started to build my photography and visual storytelling. 

The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is amazing with its fast and accurate AF, high FPS, high ISO level control and quality, excellent sensor and processing engine. While I do miss the battery grip of the 1D series, the overall excellence and quality of the Canon EOS R6 Mark II is not making me miss my 1D series as much as I would thought I would be. 

Exploring and Visiting Arts

Exploring and visiting arts around Singapore with the Canon EOS R6 Mark II, it had been a great form of artistic enjoyment and therapy, away from my writing, social media and photography work. Igniting my spark on a new wave at i Light Singapore 2023, SYSNMH Wan Qing Dragon Boat Festival Open House 2023, following House of VSE Your Neighbour Artist Exhibition around Singapore (and still ongoing), heritage and cultural events Qixi Festival and NHB Racial Harmony Day 2023. 

Exploring my own backyard

The months of June to July 2023 are usually scheduled with NDP 2023 rehearsals taking place on the weekends, allowing us to photograph the NDP 2023 rehearsals action and fireworks taking place around the Marina Bay area. The NDP 2023 rehearsals were an excellent opportunity to put the Canon EOS R6 Mark II to the test.

I was also exploring the new HDB blocks in my neighbourhood, discovering new sky parks and views. Besides that, I was also chasing sunsets and super moon with a super telephoto zoom lens Sigma 150-600mm.  

Of course, getting into outdoors and nature, it had always been a form of therapy and relaxation for me. Sometimes, adding wildlife photography into my outdoors outing and exploration together as well. 

Always on the lookout for value for money 2nd hand camera accessories  

I am always on the lookout for value for money 2nd hand camera accessories and peripherals. Some of them were slowly added over time to build up my setup, while some were replacements for my photography accessories.  

I discovered this brand Wotancraft not too long ago, I admired its quality, as well as how much consideration they placed on the designs and concepts around photographers and travellers. I got myself a Wotancraft Trooper (Medium) as my own birthday gift earlier in Q1 2023.

I had invested in a number of Think Tank products, although I gave away my Shape Shifter version 1, I found a Naked Think Tank Shape Shifter 17 v2.0 at a good price and I quickly grabbed this opportunity. Since I am expanding my Think Tank setup, I have also added more different types of Think Tank pouches along the way. 

Leofoto – A brand that I have also discovered and looking into. They have a great range of quality products for photographers. The first product that I got was the Leofoto MC-50 clamp. Moving forward, I am planning to add a few more products from Leofoto! 

Upcoming visual stories

Here are some of my upcoming visual stories. Do keep a lookout for them, coming soon! 

• Shout Gallery SG x Ceramication Slip-casting workshop: Keen to make your own tea cups, tea pot set? Don’t miss this!
• Canon camera reviews: Working on a few Canon camera review articles, keep a lookout!
• Roastelier by Nescafe – For cafe owners and also those who love coffee, 
• Living Pictures @ National Gallery – Photographers would find this diverse and eye-opener photography exhibition filled with history and iconic visual stories. 

Also coming soon, a special theme/content article on the impacts of AI on photography and creative industries, part of my ongoing TGH Technology Research/Learning Series on Artificial Intelligence (AI).

“Forget it and move on”

I took a break from social media for a few days, as I was feeling disappointed in something that only very few people will know what happened. 

“Forget it and move on”, an advice that was shared with me. 

Therefore, I will continue with my ongoing work, craft and visual storytelling, seeking progression and improvements in my journey. 

* A TGH Photography x Canon EOS R6 Mark II Explorer Series Production *

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