Uncharted Waters

I haven’t been writing blog posts for some time. Part of the reason is that I’ve been in firefighting mode—constantly dealing with urgent issues without the mental space to reflect deeply or think long-term. I also didn’t yet have the clarity or wisdom to prioritize effectively from the list of tasks and ideas in front of me.

But with some recent strategic shifts, more than a month of deep thought and open conversations, the help of advancing AI tools, and exposure to quality content both online and offline, I’ve started to form a clearer picture of what’s happening now—and what steps I want to take next.

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1. A Proactive Mindset Toward AI

a. Empowered by AI Tools

Recent AI advancements have made it significantly easier for me to execute a variety of tasks. Whether it's writing proposals, generating images, or even managing some accounting work, these tools have increased my efficiency by 50%–100%. More importantly, they give me the feeling of being backed by a diverse team—something that would normally require considerable time and resources to assemble.

For example, I can now create an architecture diagram in seconds based on a simple set of instructions. It might not be perfect, but it's a solid starting point for communication and iteration.

(e.g., an system architecture diagram co-generated by me and AI)

b. Involved in an AI Startup

I had the opportunity to participate in an AI project called Notellect, focused on go-to-market (GTM) strategies. The core idea is augmented data analysis—a fast-growing field where AI can dramatically improve productivity. It helps data engineers and scientists streamline their workflows and allows business analysts or decision-makers to query insights using natural language.

Although this isn’t my main venture, it was a fast-paced learning experience. Through multiple iterations of market research, rapid prototyping, user interviews, and accelerator feedback, I gained valuable, first-hand insights into the AI ecosystem, especially around AI agents and how startups or SMEs can position themselves to stay relevant.

While China and the U.S. will likely remain the powerhouses of AI innovation, I believe it’s crucial to stay informed and involved, especially as an early mover in Southeast Asia. Staying close to the action helps ensure I’m not left behind.

c. Partnerships and Communities

I’ve also become more involved in AI communities and partnerships, particularly with cloud service providers. These connections keep me up to date on both technological advancements and potential collaboration opportunities.

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2. Looking Inward: Understanding My Mental Needs

For a long time, I wasn’t particularly in tune with my mental well-being. Over the past two months, I’ve begun looking inward, examining how I respond to stress and intentionally opening up more to people and myself. These conversations helped me identify healthier ways to deal with anxiety, such as hiking and spending time in nature. As a result, I now feel more grounded and less overwhelmed by both professional and personal challenges.

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3. On China–U.S. Relations

The ongoing China–U.S. tariff conflict initially felt like a major trade incident, but over time, I realized how much these macro-level issues could affect everyday realities. This led me down a rabbit hole of learning, and I ended up gaining a better understanding of topics like trade policy, financial markets, housing, and global economic trends.

Thanks to this deeper dive, a few key takeaways stood out from recent expert commentaries and news:

• Ray Dalio emphasized that the real threat isn’t just tariffs or trade friction—it’s the rising debt crisis. He warns that the U.S. must reduce its budget deficit to around 3% of GDP or face severe long-term consequences. This puts pressure on interest rates, inflation, and ultimately investment environments. (source)

• A recent CNA interview with ASEAN leaders. They pointed out a key concern: with tariffs limiting China’s exports to the U.S., China may start offloading excess goods into ASEAN markets, potentially undercutting local manufacturers. This could seriously affect industries across Southeast Asia. It’s a real challenge that local governments and businesses will need to respond to thoughtfully. (source)

• Minister Chan Chun Sing spoke about jobs, wages, and prices, explaining how the government is adapting strategies to protect income stability and purchasing power amidst global shocks. (source)

• Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted Singapore’s strategic moves beyond the U.S.–China binary by actively engaging in two other trade frameworks to ensure the country remains open, connected, and economically resilient. (source)

• Prime Minister Lawrence Wong gave a broader perspective, stating that the world has clearly entered a new era, marked by shifting global orders, rising protectionism, and emerging multipolar dynamics. (source)

• Vlogger Lin provided helpful basic knowledge on how tariffs, inflation, interest rates, and the U.S. dollar cycle interact. 

  • (source 1)

  • (source 2)

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All of this combined gave me a much more grounded perspective. I'm not trying to become a financial expert, but I now feel more equipped to understand what's going on—and how to respond thoughtfully instead of reactively.

This has been especially helpful in calming anxieties and making more informed, long-term decisions. Whether it’s managing personal finances or planning future ventures, it feels less like guessing and more like navigating with better instruments.

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Why Uncharted Waters?

I titled this post Uncharted Waters because it’s a phrase I’ve heard repeated often lately, and it captures the spirit of this moment. We’re navigating through uncertainty on multiple fronts: the unpredictable evolution of AI, the complexities of mental well-being, and the shifting tides of global relations.

The key is to proactively understand the situation and stay calm and sober.