The Decode Diary

I’ve always thought being a lecturer is an easy task because all you ever need to do is to prepare the teaching materials and deliver your knowledge with passion and enthusiasm to the students. Little did I know there is so much more to just being a lecturer.  In this episode, I sat down with Dr Sarah to talk about the challenges of being a lecturer, including the rise of AI technology like ChatGP...

In this snippet, Faye tells me how some women do not dare to stand up for themselves. They simply adhere to the hidden rules and utilize them for themselves, and sometimes against other women. And when other younger women fall victim to cases of discrimination, they shy away from providing the needful help. Faye doesn't think that way. She wants to live her life as clear, direct and bold as possib...

In this snippet, Faye tells me how she got interested in political science ever since she was young. Inquisitive, always trying to understand how things work behind the curtains and generally knowing what she wants ultimately placed her in the most expected course one would know, except in the Asian market. Except she did her course in the U.S.. Political science and government. She talks to us ab...

Have you been in a place where you're not welcome? I think people of any background should be given enough support to allow them to express themselves freely under the notion of not harming anyone. Just picture yourself as a fresh graduate in a big corporate and everyone on your first day is just as busy as they have been, a mentor comes by and starts showing you around. He then lets you ask any q...

This statement is true to a certain extent. In fact, in the Asian culture, many couldn't agree more. But I think this shouldn't be seen like that, maybe something should change. Faye thinks so too. In this snippet, Faye shares with me how there are people who want to come out but are trapped by the bounds of their religion. What's worse is the side-eyes that people give after they do come out. Wha...

When women rise in power and position, they often are faced with oppression and resistance. At least from what I have seen. In this snippet, Faye shares with me how she has never been met with resistance because of the friend circle she is in. Young people in this day and age are probably doing their very best to support women. And I applaud that. We should do more of this. How would you be a part...

I have never given enough thought about women’s rights and their overall development in the workforce until this episode and of course my personal encounter with discrimination against women at work. Faye has taught me more than I had expected to learn in this conversation. I've always thought it is a survival instinct that women at work do not come together and stand up for themselves, but there...

On most days in a week, Shyam stays back in the office to work overtime. As a fresher, I didn't understand. A friend of mine enlightened me when he said one is inefficient when he needs to work overtime every day. I took it to Shyam to understand his thought process behind this action. The assumptions that we make about people every day may well amount to hundreds, or even thousands of unjustified...

In this snippet, Shyam shares with us why he moved from India to Singapore despite having to be away from his family. From then on, he knew what he wanted and how he needed to achieve his goals. Much more was at stake when his girlfriend could not make the same move. It is not everyday we could see ourselves persevering through the hardships life throws at us, but Shyam embodied the values require...

If you are navigating unfamiliar territories, seizing opportunities and sculpting your own path, this episode is for you.  In this episode, Shyam, a software engineer who spent 6 months during his lowest times crafting his technical skills in order to prepare for the upcoming challenges in life. One of the most humble individuals I know lets us into his earlier days when he had only $100 in his ba...