My First Crochet Project as a Beginner

Beginner crochet project.

I finally did it — I completed my first crochet project.

Meet Fred the dino. 🦖

This is something I’ve been wanting to try for a long time. My mum was always really good at crochet. Growing up, I remember seeing her work, and somehow it always felt a bit out of reach for me. Like… I could do cross stitch, maybe some knitting, but crochet? Different story.

Recently, I kept seeing beginner crochet kits on Instagram, and I decided to just give it a try. I ordered one, thinking it would be a small and manageable first project.

The kit came with everything I needed, along with step-by-step video guides. It made learning crochet as a beginner feel less intimidating. I used this kit if you want to have a look: The Woobles Crochet Kit.

But still… it wasn’t as easy as it looked.

I had to restart a few times. Actually, more than a few. I kept losing count of my stitches — please tell me I’m not the only one 😅 — and every time that happened, I had to undo everything and start again. Typical perfectionist behaviour, and yes… I did get a bit frustrated at some point.

Funny enough, I caught myself thinking — closing monthly accounts feels easier than this.

But I kept going. Slowly figuring it out, one step at a time.

And then… somehow, it started to come together.

Not perfect, but I made it myself.

This little dino is actually called an amigurumi — a type of small crocheted stuffed toy. I didn’t even know that term before I started.

It’s not perfect. You can probably tell it’s a beginner’s work. But I made it myself, and that counts for something.

There’s something quite satisfying about creating something with your hands. I guess I’ve always liked handicrafts — seeing a piece come together is just… satisfying.

The struggles, but it is all worth it.

So yes — a small win, but a meaningful one.

And now, Fred sits there as a reminder that maybe I can learn new things, even if it takes a few tries (or many restarts).

I might try another one… let’s see how it goes.

May xx

Disclaimer: Some of the links here are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you).

World Water Day

Water is essential to life, yet its availability and quality are not the same for everyone.

The river that runs through the community I recently visited.

When I worked in a water company, I saw water through numbers—costs, processes, and efficiency. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the complexity behind clean water, from treatment to distribution. It’s not as simple as turning on a tap. Ensuring safe water requires expertise, infrastructure, and constant monitoring—something many of us rarely think about.

The water piping system provides clean water to the community. Part of the essential infrastructure I witnessed during my trip.

But through child sponsorship, I saw another side of water. In many communities, clean water isn’t easily accessible. Children and families walk long distances just to fetch water—sometimes from unsafe sources. The impact goes beyond thirst; it affects health, education, and opportunities for a better future.

World Water Day is a reminder that clean water is a basic human right, yet millions still struggle to access it. While many organisations are working to change this, there is still more to be done.

Small efforts—whether through awareness, support, or action—can make a difference. Let’s take a moment to appreciate the clean water we have and do our part to help ensure safe water for all.

May x

My First PDPC Webinar: Cybersecurity Matters

Image generated by Microsoft Designer

About two months ago, I signed up to receive updates on PDPC Singapore's complimentary webinars and workshops for Data Protection Officers (DPOs). And guess what? They really do offer free webinars—no catch, just valuable knowledge being shared!

Last week, I finally attended my first session, so I thought—why not share the good news? On 15th January, I joined "From Risk to Resilience: Strengthening Your Organisation's Cybersecurity Posture." I've heard so much about cybersecurity before, but this session really broke things down in detail. One thing that stood out? If something goes wrong, the impact on an organisation can be huge—it's not just about data breaches but also financial loss, reputational damage, and operational disruption.

The speaker also covered Cyber Essentials and Cyber Trust, which gave me a better (though not in-depth) understanding of these frameworks. They shared real examples and cases, making it clear why cybersecurity isn't just an IT issue—it's a business priority.

Of course, my business is too small to implement these frameworks right now, but it’s still good to know what’s out there. And for organisations ready to strengthen their cybersecurity, there’s support available through the SG Cyber Safe Programme, which helps businesses at different stages of their cybersecurity journey. From guided cybersecurity health plans (with CSA-onboarded consultants to help close cyber hygiene gaps) to funding support, there are resources to help companies take the right steps toward stronger cyber resilience.

If you’re a DPO or a business looking to improve your cybersecurity and data protection practices, I highly recommend checking out PDPC’s free resources. Learning never stops, and knowledge is even better when shared!

Looking forward to more of these insightful sessions in the future!

Have you attended any of their webinars? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

May x

The Opportunity to Keep Learning

In a previous post, I shared how appointing myself as my company’s Data Protection Officer (DPO) started as a simple compliance task. But along the way, I realised it was more than just ticking a box—it was an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge.

Today, I received an email from PDPC Singapore about their upcoming complimentary webinars and workshops for DPOs. Their goal? To help DPOs like myself facilitate safe data use within organisations while staying up to date with evolving regulatory requirements. And honestly, I’m grateful for the chance to continue learning.

Running a one-person business means staying up to date with regulatory changes can be tough—especially when time and cost are factors. That’s why free resources like these are a welcome surprise! These sessions will be a great way to deepen my understanding and ensure I'm handling data protection correctly.

Image generated by Microsoft Designer

Want to Join?

If you're a DPO or simply interested in data protection, you can register your interest via PDPC’s official link to receive updates on upcoming sessions. It’s a great (and free!) way to stay informed. 😊

I’m excited to learn more and share insights along the way. Let’s see where this new responsibility takes me next!

Have you attended any of these sessions before? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

May x

How Appointing Myself as DPO Became a Learning Opportunity

So, why did I appoint myself as my company's Data Protection Officer (DPO)?

Image created with Microsoft Designer

Back in August, I received an email from PDPC Singapore reminding me that my small company had yet to register a DPO with the Personal Data Protection Commission (PDPC).

Since I run a one-person business, I wasn't exactly panicked. But something needed to be done, especially when I received the Final Reminder on 17th September. After all, it's mandatory for all organisations to appoint a DPO and make their business contact details publicly available. So, I decided to do it just to fulfil the requirement.

After giving it some thought, I realised that this wasn't just about ticking a box for compliance. It was actually an opportunity to learn something new.

Since I no longer work in the corporate world, I'm not always up to date with the latest regulatory changes. Understanding data protection and compliance has become a valuable skill, especially as businesses—big or small—handle more personal data. This felt like the perfect chance to stay current and gain insights into an important aspect of modern business.

Soon after receiving the email, I started getting marketing messages from agencies offering DPO-as-a-Service—basically outsourcing the role for a fee.

Out of curiosity, I reached out to a corporate secretary to inquire about the pricing. Unsurprisingly, the fees weren't cheap. That's when I had a thought: Could I appoint myself as the DPO?

I checked the official PDPC website (https://www.pdpc.gov.sg), which outlined the responsibilities of a DPO:

• Ensuring PDPA Compliance
• Fostering a Data Protection Culture within the organisation
• Handling Data Inquiries from customers or authorities
• Advising Management on data protection risks
• Liaising with PDPC when required

Since I was running a one-person business, I figured—why not? I could handle these responsibilities myself, and it wouldn't hurt to gain some knowledge along the way.

After registering, I was automatically a part of the DPO community, gaining access to benefits such as:

• Free access to workshops & resources
• Latest updates on PDPA & compliance
• Exclusive networking events with other DPOs
• Insights on data breaches & prevention strategies

I also plan to take the Fundamentals of the Personal Data Protection Act (2020) course soon, just to get a better grasp of the requirements.

So, here I am—officially my own DPO. What started as a compliance task has turned into a valuable learning opportunity. Let's see where this goes!

A Quick Disclaimer

This is based on my personal experience and understanding of the DPO registration process. If you're running a business and need to register, I'd recommend checking official sources for the most accurate and up-to-date requirements. You can visit:

• PDPC website
• ACRA BizFile+

At the end of the day, what seemed like just another admin task turned out to be a chance to learn and stay updated—which, for a one-person business like mine, is always a plus.

Let's see where this new responsibility takes me!

May x