A Quick Rant About Toilets

Okay, this is going to sound a bit random, but I couldn’t help but share my thoughts on something that struck me when I came back to Penang.

A couple of weeks ago, I returned to Penang from Bangkok, and as always, the excitement of being home was bittersweet. The familiar sense of anticipation hit me as soon as I stepped off the plane, but that excitement quickly faded the moment I needed to use the bathroom. As I walked toward the toilets, I already knew what was coming—the same disappointing experience with Penang Airport’s bathrooms that I've had every time I return.

Image courtesy of Ogy Kovachev

Every time I land, I can't help but feel let down. No matter how many times I’ve been through, the toilets are always disappointing. It's like stepping into a different world—a world where cleanliness takes a backseat. The floors are always wet, and the smell of stale urine never leaves the air. A mix of dampness, stale air, and sometimes something even more unpleasant makes you wish you had held it in a little longer.

What’s even more frustrating is seeing cleaners in the area, but the situation doesn’t seem to improve. The floors remain wet, and the unpleasant smell is impossible to ignore.

It’s clear that the cleaning methods used aren't enough to fix the issue, and the toilets continue to be in bad shape.

I’m not trying to start a comparison, but it’s hard not to notice the difference between Singapore’s airport toilets and Penang Airport’s. Singapore’s airport restrooms are spotless and air-conditioned, setting a high standard for cleanliness. In contrast, despite being an international hub, Penang Airport doesn’t quite measure up in terms of maintenance. Even when you consider Singapore’s MRT stations, which handle far more foot traffic as a public transport system, their toilets are still cleaner and more comfortable than what we have at Penang Airport.

Image created with Microsoft Designer

Here’s the surprising part: I’ve had better bathroom experiences in some unexpected places—like a gas station in Thailand. Yes, you read that right—a gas station. Thailand’s PTT stations, which you might expect to be basic, are actually much cleaner, drier, and better maintained than what you’d find at Penang Airport. Sure, the downside is that they have squat toilets, but overall, it’s a far more pleasant experience. Even at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport, the toilets are noticeably more hygienic.

I’m not trying to point fingers, but the state of our airport toilets says a lot about how we value first impressions. It’s the first thing visitors experience when they arrive, and unfortunately, it doesn’t leave the best impression.

I’m not saying we need an overnight overhaul, but maybe it’s time for a little more attention to detail. Proper maintenance, more frequent checks, and a proper ventilation system could make a world of difference. After all, Penang is such a beautiful, vibrant place, and we shouldn’t let a damp, smelly toilet be the one thing people remember the most.

What do you think? Have you had a similar experience? I’d love to hear your thoughts.

May x

My First PDPC Webinar: Cybersecurity Matters

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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

New Year, New Chapters

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It’s hard to believe we’ve already stepped into 2025. The past year feels like a bit of a blur—work was exhausting, something I really didn’t want to do, but I took it on to help out, and yes, I did get paid for it. I even signed up for a PhD program, though it’s currently on hold while I balance the responsibilities I’ve been managing. Travelling with my boyfriend was incredible—exploring new places and sharing those experiences together. I managed to do three runs throughout 2024—two full marathons and a half marathon. I’m hopeful I’ll get more opportunities to run this year. I also fell sick quite a bit and struggled to stay motivated with my workouts, which made the year feel like a mix of ups and downs.

As I sit with my morning coffee, I’m thinking about how much I want this year to be about slowing down—not to do less, but to approach things with more heart and focus on what really matters… starting with the people I love.

There’s so much I want to cherish this year: catching up with family, spending more time with my boyfriend, and finding joy in our everyday moments.

Our journey together hasn’t always been easy. There’s been grief, sacrifice, and many adjustments as we’ve tried to build a life that works for both of us. I know my boyfriend, after losing his wife and dedicating so much of himself to his children, has been carrying a heavy load. Sometimes, it feels like we’re worlds apart, but I want to change that. I want us to find more moments where we truly connect—where we’re not just going through the motions but actually living and enjoying each other’s company.

We’ve both made sacrifices along the way, and I don’t regret any of them. But I can’t help wishing for more—more shared moments, more laughter, and more things we can enjoy together. It’s tough when we don’t always have much in common beyond work, and that’s something I want to change. This year, I hope we can find new activities to do together—things that bring us closer and bring joy as a couple.

I’m not working anymore, and it’s given me time to reflect on what truly makes me happy. What I want most this year is to create a life where we both feel fulfilled—where we’re not just surviving but truly living together.

If you’re reading this, I hope the new year brings you good things too. Let’s make space for what truly matters.

May x

My Journey in the Amazing Thailand Marathon 2024

Last Run of the Year. The Amazing Thailand Marathon Bangkok is an annual event held in Bangkok, and it's one that I've always looked forward to. Before COVID, it was usually held in February, and I'd participate every year. But like so many events, things changed after the pandemic, and the marathon was shifted to December. It's been years since I last ran this race because it always clashed with the Singapore Standard Chartered Marathon (SCSM). So, this year, I decided to skip SCSM and experience it again.

Photo credit AMTB 2024 Official Photographer: A crowd of runners

The race pack collection took place at Central World Life, and when I arrived, I was surprised by the long queue. Since it was a weekday morning and the first day of collection, I didn't expect such a large turnout. Despite the crowd, the process went smoothly, and everything was well-organised. There were several shops selling running shoes, sportswear, energy bars, and other race-related merchandise. It was a great experience, with plenty of options for runners to stock up on what they needed.

Fast forward to race day, I took a Grab over to MBK. The flag-off was at 2 am, and honestly, I wasn't fully prepared for this. I knew it was a bit reckless—jumping into a marathon without proper training, especially after recovering from a sprained ankle. But my goal was simple: survive and finish within six hours.

The start was chaotic, with both half and full-marathon runners starting together. I was in Pen 4, which meant a long walk to the starting line. As soon as the flag went off, we slowly began to move forward. However, with the timing tracker positioned further ahead, it took a while before I could actually start running at my own pace. The congestion made it challenging to find a rhythm early on. While the energy was great, the crowded start made it hard to settle in.

The event was well-organised, with water stations providing small bottles every 2 to 2.5 km. It was convenient and helped keep things clean, but it was not the most eco-friendly setup. Plus, it became a bit of a slipping hazard, with runners tossing bottles and caps without much care.

I hit a mental block earlier than usual—somewhere between 12 and 13 km. By the time we hit the 18 km mark, where the route split for the half and full marathoners, I seriously considered taking the shorter route. The temptation was real. But I reminded myself why I signed up for this and pushed on. From that point, it was a mix of running and walking along the elevated road, battling cramps in both my legs and stomach while trying to enjoy the experience.

When mental block hits, the sunrise reminds me to keep going. 

The sunrise might have been stunning, but the heat was no joke. 

By sunrise at 6:05 am, Bangkok's skyline was breathtaking, but the heat was brutal. By 6:45 am, it felt like I was being roasted alive. Still, I kept pushing forward, and after what felt like an eternity, I crossed the finish line at 5:23:14.

The finish line was a relief, but it also came with a bit of chaos. With runners from all categories finishing together, it got crowded, making it hard to navigate through the area. I had to squeeze around sweaty runners to make my way through. However, the post-race resting area was amazing, with a wide spread of food to refuel and recover, although it was packed with people trying to grab their share. Despite the chaos, it was all part of the experience, and it definitely made me appreciate the small victories of completing the race.

A huge shoutout to the Thailand Tri-league, the volunteers who kept us hydrated and motivated, and the photographers who captured every sweaty, determined moment.

It wasn't my smartest race, but I'm proud of myself for not giving up. Sometimes, it's not about perfect preparation or chasing PBs—it's about showing up, pushing through, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

What about you? Have you ever tackled a challenge you weren’t fully prepared for, but still managed to push through?

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.

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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