Blessed Christmas & Happy New Year 2026!

From Our Family to You

🤍 Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year 🤍

Wishing you a season filled with simple joys, gentle moments, and all the warmth of home.

From our family to yours.

From All of Us at Fishermen Analytics

We don't do conventional, not even for Christmas.

This year has been about movement, momentum, and navigating new waters together.

We're deeply grateful to our clients and partners who continue to challenge the norm with us, embrace bold ideas, and trust the journey.

Here's to closing 2025 with gratitude and stepping into 2026 with fresh energy, sharper strategies, and bigger ambitions.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Fishermen Analytics.

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Things That Stayed With Me in 2025

When I take a look back at 2025, it was indeed a year made up of both extraordinary and ordinary things. There were inspirations, conversations, decisions, and pauses that stayed.

They may not be highlights. They were not incredible milestones.

But they are things that lingered and became part of how the year felt.

1. Reflections on Resilience: Inspired by Ejae's Journey

Source: Threads

Have you heard of Ejae's story? 12 years of training, multiple near-misses, and the heartbreak of not debuting in a K-pop group; all before finally releasing Golden. What resonated with me most wasn't her eventual success, but her profound resilience during the wait.

She stayed in the music industry despite the heartbreaking experience of not debuting after 12 years of hard work. Before the eventual success of Golden and Huntrix, she refused to give up; instead, she sharpened her production skills, wrote tirelessly, and strategically leaned into her strengths. Ejae's journey is proof that talent and grit eventually shine and her current impact is only the beginning.

There is something deeply human about that kind of patience. You can feel the vindication and triumph in every record Golden has broken across the globe.

I'm letting her story sit with me as a form of quiet motivation.

2. Rose's "You've Got You"

Source: Facebook

Rosé's MTV VMAs Award acceptance speech crossed my feed at some point, and one line stuck: "you've got you." It wasn't delivered dramatically. It didn't feel rehearsed.

That sentence surfaced quietly throughout the year, especially during moments when decisions felt personal rather than strategic. It wasn't about hype or confidence. It was about self-trust, in a very understated way.

3. Leaving Corporate, Returning to Digital Agency Life

This year, I resigned from corporate and went back into digital agency life while continuing my Master's.

It wasn't a bold leap or a dramatic exit. It felt more like choosing an environment that fit who I am now: how I think, how I work, how I show up. There was relief in that, and also a sense of familiarity. Like returning to a room I already knew how to breathe in.

4. Continuing my Master's Quietly

I didn't talk much about my Master's this year. I just kept showing up. I met up with my lecturers to thank them for their continuous support.

Reading, writing, submitting. Sometimes tired, sometimes motivated, sometimes simply consistent. It wasn't hustle. It wasn't grind. It was something I carried alongside everything else, without needing it to define me.

I guess I did the right thing, as I was recognised as the most active student representative for my intake (March 2024) in Sunway University's MMKT ODL programme.

5. Making a Personal Choice for Myself

I signed up for the Curas Hybrid Laser treatment at Pure Touch Clinic this year. Not as a statement, not as a transformation story, just as a choice.

It felt less about appearance and more about the decision to listen to my body. Deciding without overexplaining. There was something quietly affirming about that.

6. Travelling My Heart Out

I travelled a fair bit this year, so if there's a recurring theme from 2025, it's me travelling with people who matter. And here's the list:

Anniversary trip to South Korea & Macau with my husband.

Trip to Taipei with my sister.

Work trips (Jakarta and Guangzhou) that blended into shared routines.

Family trips (Club Med Phuket, Ipoh, Kuantan & Pulau Kapas, Muar & Melaka, Legoland Malaysia) that moved at a gentler pace.

The places were different, but the presence mattered more than the destination. Travel became less about seeing and more about being with.

And instead of overplanning, the snippets that I could remember go like this:

By a pool. In a lounge. At a hotel bar. In a mini mart aisle. Eating noodles. Drinking coffee. Holding a cocktail. Watching the sky change. Doing nothing.

I wasn't planning of capturing scroll-stopping content angles. I was collecting moments that didn't ask for performance.

That pattern of sitting, eating, drinking, noticing... felt totally ME. Unforced. Enough.

7. The Tone of the Year

If I had to describe 2025, it would be:  Not empty. Not dull. Just… unhurried.

 

The year didn't push me forward aggressively. It allowed me to settle into myself a little more.

And that, strangely, felt like plenty.

I don't know yet what 2026 will bring. I'm not setting intentions or naming themes.

For now, I'm just carrying these things with me, the ones that stayed.

And I'm okay with that.

8. Mantra for 2026

Wake up early. Drink coffee.

Work hard. Be ambitious.

Keep your priorities straight, your mind right, and your head up.

Don't ever give up.

Do well, live well, and dress really well.

Do what you love, love what you do.

It is time to start living.

Happy New Year!

P.S.: Check out my compilation of annual posts since 2007.

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Why I Stopped Feeling Guilty for Being a Manager, Not a Leader

Well, the theme of this blog post is definitely a not-so-popular opinion. But it's one that feels true for me.

As I settle into my mid-40s, "adulting" has taken on new dimensions, especially in how I see myself at work. Over time, I've felt a quiet tension between the roles I hold and the expectations placed on me by LinkedIn.

The Leadership Ideal

In many workplaces, "leadership" is held up as the gold standard. A true "leader" should not just manage tasks, but he/she should be inspiring, mentoring, being a model, stirring morale.

In fact, the internet is full of thought pieces, TED talks, and motivational quotes telling us to "be inspiring," "mentor the next generation," "lead with vision." You know the drill.

In a world that celebrates charisma, emotional coaching, and grand vision, it's easy to feel guilt if you don't or can't fit that mould. Don't you agree?

I believe most of us are conditioned to believe that being a leader is the ultimate goal, while being a manager is somehow less.

The infamous Simon Sinek often says: "A boss has the title, a leader has the people." Leadership, he explains, is about mentoring those in your charge so that they buy into you and your vision.

I respect that. But I also can't help but wonder:

Am I failing because I don't "lead" like the books say?

When You Don't Fit the "Leader" Mould

An uncomfortable question keeps surfacing:

What if my personality simply doesn't fit the ideal "leader" mould?

Honestly, I'm not the person who rallies the room with grand speeches or spends hours crafting motivational one-liners.

What if I just want to be a manager?

What if I just want to be steady, task-oriented, and clear, without all the stage lights and inspirational pep talks?

That's me: I focus on clarity, structure, and delivery; I make sure things get done.

And sometimes, yes, I feel guilty for not being more.

What I've Learned About Authenticity

But here's the truth I've come to accept (or at least am working toward):

I don't need to force myself to become the kind of leader social media glorifies.

And that doesn't make me less.

Being a manager is not a demotion. It's not "less than."

It doesn't mean I lack care or vision. It just means I express them differently.

Instead of pep talks, I offer honesty.

Instead of sugarcoating, I give clarity.

Instead of trying to be everyone's favourite "leader," I aim to be fair, dependable, and real.

For some, that might come across as harsh.

For me, it's a sustainable way to operate without burning out.

Integrity Over Image

I don't have to fake a "leader persona" that drains me or feels disingenuous.

What I can strive for is integrity in the role I do play: Consistent, fair, transparent, focused.

I do care about people's work, respect their efforts, and align outcomes with purpose, without pretending to be someone I'm not.

Gratitude and Clarity

I'm grateful for the colleagues, friends, and mentors who see the value in honesty, even when it's uncomfortable.

I'm grateful for those who don't expect me to wear a mask of endless positivity.

This acceptance has lifted a weight off my shoulders.

I don't have to chase an image of leadership that doesn't suit me.

I just need to show up authentically as a manager, a collaborator, and yes, as an adult still figuring things out in midlife.

Authenticity Over Expectation

So yes, some may whisper that I should lead, inspire, and motivate in conventional ways.

But I choose authenticity over expectation.

I don't need to be the leader everyone raves about.

I'll manage in my way. I'll show up as myself.

And if that means I'm not everyone's "favourite leader"...

I'm perfectly okay with that.

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A Korean Dinner at Daesam Sikdang SS15 Subang that Took Me Back to Seoul

There are some restaurants you go to because you're hungry… and then there are restaurants that unexpectedly transport you somewhere else.

Dining at Daesam Sikdang (Dae Sam BBQ) in SS15 Subang felt like stepping briefly back into Seoul during my February trip to South Korea.

Daesam Sikdang (Dae Sam BBQ)

From the outside, Daesam Sikdang sits quietly in an unassuming shoplot block. Its weathered walls and doors with windows are the kind of façade you'd easily miss if not for the bright red neon sign glowing DAE SAM BBQ (see the first photo on this blog post).

But when you step inside, it's a completely different world.

You can see warm light bulbs hanging and industrial vents running across the ceiling (very Korean BBQ vibes), and handwritten posters lining the wooden walls. The space definitely hums with the familiar vibe of a great Korean BBQ restaurant.

This is the kind of place where you immediately feel you're in for a casual, friendly, and unpretentious dining experience. You're here to eat, not pose.

The Banchan that Set the Mood

The moment the tray of banchan arrived, the nostalgia hit hard.

Kimchi, japchae, fishcake, spring onion salad, pickled vegetables, steamed egg, sauces, crisp lettuce - the whole Korean ensemble.

There's always something comforting about the abundance of small plates - it feels like hospitality in edible form.

And honestly? The japchae was seriously so good it deserved its own paragraph. It's slightly sweet, glossy, and springy, and it tasted exactly like the ones I had in Seoul.

It's Not Korean BBQ Without Samgyeopsal!

Next came the star: slices of pork belly laid out on a foil-lined grill. Oh, and the promise of crispy edges, juicy centres, and that satisfying sizzle.

What's With the "Female Pig"?

One interesting thing I noticed at Daesam Sikdang was how often the phrase "female pig" appeared on their menu. I initially wondered why, but it turns out this is actually a Korean BBQ culture thing.

In Korea, am-dwaeji (female pig) is known for having tenderer, juicier, and more flavourful pork, which many BBQ restaurants proudly highlight to signal higher-quality cuts. I didn't get the chance to ask the staff about it this round, but now that I know, it makes perfect sense why they emphasise it.

Watching the meat brown slowly reminded me of winter in Seoul, when we huddled in a warm shop after walking in the freezing wind. The same smell, the same comfort, the same ritual of turning each slice at just the right moment.

When it was ready, I wrapped mine in crisp lettuce with a bit of kimchi and sauce. One bite, and I knew I'm gonna come back to this restaurant again.

The Jeon that Won the Table

If there is a dish that deserves a shout-out tonight, it's their half-half jeon platter: kimchi jeon on one side, haemul (seafood) jeon on the other.

Crispy edges, soft centres, generous fillings, and that iconic soy-sesame dip. This is the sort of dish that makes you sigh a little because it's so simple yet so satisfying.

And the mini sausage jeon? Such a throwback snack. Delicious, savoury, nostalgic.

Would I Return? Absolutely.

Daesam Sikdang is the kind of restaurant you go to when you want authentic Korean flavours, generous banchan (with a killer japchae), a relaxed, no-frills ambience, and warm, satisfying comfort food.

It's also perfect for catching up with friends, family dinners, or just any random weekday craving for Korean BBQ.

For me, it's reliving the moments where I want a tiny slice of Seoul without a boarding pass.

And a special thanks to Di, my ex-colleague who recommended this place. Without her suggestion, I might have missed out on a dinner that reminded me so deeply of Seoul.

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How I Bought My Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow from Harvey Norman

I've been wanting to upgrade my pillow for a while now. Between juggling work, studies, and sleep deprivation, a comfortable pillow suddenly felt like a very urgent form of self-care.

But the moment I stepped into Harvey Norman's bedding section, I realised choosing a pillow is not as simple as "soft or firm".

My goodness! There were Microgel, Microfibre, Feather, Memory Foam, AIR Memory, Silk Cotton, Natural Latex. Each promised support, cooling, breathability, posture alignment, or some kind of sleep magic.

And then there's me: A confused shopper who just wants a pillow that won't give me neck and shoulder pain and will let me fall asleep faster.

How the Bedding Manager at Harvey Norman Helped Me Make Sense of Everything Pillows

Honestly, I would never have chosen the right pillow on my own. Karen Ng, the Bedding Section Manager (bless her!) at Harvey Norman's Kiara Bay outlet took one look at my overwhelmed face and came over.

The first thing she asked me (which I didn't expect) was: "What bed are you sleeping on?"

I told her my hubby purchased a Van Vorst Backpedic Care from Havey Norman, a bed designed for firm, orthopaedic-style support.

And that changed everything.

She explained that the type of bed you sleep on influences what kind of pillow you should use. A firmer mattress, like my Backpedic Care, raises your body slightly, so your pillow height and firmness need to complement that. If not, your neck ends up tilting at an awkward angle.

So, instead of something soft and sink-in, she recommended a Memory Foam pillow with better contouring and structural support. She insisted that I test the pillow by lying on the same bed model in the outlet. And honestly, this is truly customer service at its best.

That's how I ended up looking at the Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow, something I probably would have dismissed earlier because the name sounded a little too mystical for my practical brain.

Why I Picked the Crystal Infusion Memory Foam Pillow

Once she explained the support and alignment benefits, I started paying attention to the details.

Here's what made me choose it:

Memory Foam that Actually Supports the Neck

This isn't the super-hard, old-school memory foam. The pillow has a smooth contour that fits the neck and shoulders, especially for side and back sleepers.

It's Infused with Natural Crystals (Yes, Really)

The "crystal" part caught my eye mostly because it sounded unusual. The pillow contains a Biocrystal® mixture like amethyst, quartz, fluorite, rose quartz, red jasper, and more embedded inside the foam.

Does it magically heal your chakras? I don’t know. But what convinced me was actually the research charts on the box showing reduced muscle tension, calmer heart rate, and improved relaxation.

Even if you don't fully buy into the crystal-wellness aspect, the idea of a pillow designed to promote relaxation didn't sound like a bad thing.

Cooling and Breathable Cover

Malaysia is hot. Memory foam can get warm. So the air-flow friendly cover and breathable construction felt like a must.

It Pairs Well with My Firm Backpedic Care Mattress

This was the ultimate deciding factor. The bedding manager recommended this specific pillow because the structure complements the firmness and height profile of my Van Vorst Backpedic Care bed.

It's like matching shoes to an outfit. The wrong pair can ruin the whole look (or in this case, your spine).

How Well Did I Sleep One Week Later?

So far? It's supportive without feeling like I'm sleeping on a brick. The contour helps my neck settle into a neutral position, and I don't toss around trying to find the "right angle" anymore.

And whether it's the foam, the crystals, or simply the fact that I finally invested in the right pillow, I do fall asleep faster.

What I Learned from this Whole Pillow Shopping Experience

If you're thinking of getting a new pillow too, here are three things I wish I knew earlier:

1. Your pillow must match your mattress.

Soft bed: Firmer pillow

Firm bed: Slightly softer or contour-support pillow

Neutral bed: Depends on your sleeping position

2. Your sleeping position matters.

Side sleeper: You need height and support

Back sleeper: Medium firmness and contouring

Stomach sleeper: Something flatter

3. Don't choose based on feel alone. Get expert help.

The bedding manager immediately narrowed down the options once she knew my mattress brand. It saved me time, confusion, and a potential wrong purchase.

Would I Recommend the Crystal Infusion Pillow?

Yes, if you're a side or back sleeper, prefer structured support, and sleep on a firmer mattress.

If you like soft, sink-in pillows, or if you're a stomach sleeper, this might be too high or too firm for you.

But for me? It's the right balance of comfort, support, and a touch of wellness (crystals and all!).

Thanks Karen Ng from Harvey Norman Kiara Bay!

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The Ultimate Legoland Malaysia Guide for Kids Aged 9 to 12

Guide to Legoland Malaysia for Children Aged 9 to 12

Travelling with kids aged 9 to 12 is a completely different kind of fun. They are old enough for real thrill rides, curious enough to enjoy learning experiences, and independent enough to explore without hand-holding. On our recent trip to Legoland Malaysia, I realised this theme park is actually perfect for this age group.

Fun fact: Legoland Malaysia is our number one pick for "Cuti-cuti Malaysia", a place we have returned to over the years without fail: April 2018, October 2019, October 2020, March 2022 (our first stay at the Legoland Hotel), and February 2023. It is more than a theme park to us now; it is a timeline of our boys' childhood.

So, in this 6th family trip to Legoland Malaysia, here's what we did, what we loved, and what I think other parents of "big kids" will appreciate too.

1. Stay at the Legoland Hotel

One of the best decisions we made was staying at the Legoland Hotel. The moment you step into the lobby, you are greeted by a giant pirate ship, a Lego castle, and piles of colourful bricks waiting to be turned into creations.

For kids aged 9 to 12, this lobby is heaven. No longer toddlers who need close supervision, they can wander between the play zones, work on their own Lego builds, and challenge themselves creatively. We spent a good chunk of time right here; just the kids building, dismantling, rebuilding, and proudly showing off their designs.

On more thing, if your kids enjoy problem-solving, don't skip the in-room treasure hunt. It adds a layer of excitement before bedtime and gives them a sense of independence while solving clues.

Check out our stay at the incredible Legoland Hotel!

2. Go for Repeated Roller-Coaster Rounds

This is the first time my youngest boy is tall and brave enough to go on every roller coaster. Both my boys absolutely made the most of it.

The Great LEGO Race, the one at the LEGO Technic area is fun, fast, and great as a warm-up before venturing to the other two classic roller coasters.

The Small Dragon (Dragon's Apprentice): This one is perfect for repeated rounds. The queue moves fast and the ride has just enough kick for kids who love the not-so-extreme roller-coaster buzz and thrills.

The Big Dragon (The Dragon Coaster): This is a classic. Dramatic castle entrance, thrilling drops, and just enough speed to get everyone (even the adults) screaming and laughing without being too overwhelming.

3. SEA LIFE is Surprisingly Engaging for Big Kids

I wasn't expecting SEA LIFE to hold the kids' attention for long, but it did. We turned it into a mini learning adventure: identifying different species, laughing at some species' names, watching animal behaviour.

Guess what's the highlight? It's that adorable baby stingray that kept "dancing" along its glass tank, flipping and wriggling like it was performing a show.

There's also an illustration station, where my eldest kiddo drew Patrick the starfish. It's surprisingly therapeutic and gives kids (and adults) a creative break between exhibits.

SEA LIFE is a must-do if your kids enjoy animals, marine life, or hands-on activities.

4. What We Missed (and What You Should Check)

We didn't make it to the Water Park this round. It was closed on Tuesdays. So if you are planning your trip, double-check the operating days and hours before you go. It's the kind of small logistical detail that can make or break your itinerary.

So, What Makes Legoland Perfect for Kids Aged 9 to 12?

Well, every parent knows that 9 to 12 is an interesting in-between stage. They are not babies, but they are also not teens yet. Legoland suits this "big kid" stage beautifully because:

• Rides are exciting, not scary.
• Activities are hands-on and stimulating.
• The hotel lobby gives them independent playtime.
• SEA LIFE appeals to their curiosity.
• They can handle a full, active day without meltdowns.
• They appreciate Lego creativity on a deeper level.

This is the age where childhood memories become core memories, and Legoland provides the perfect backdrop.

Tips for Parents Visiting Legoland Malaysia with 9- to 12-Year-Olds

Travelling with older kids is such a joy. Here's what worked for us:

✔ Spend time in the hotel lobby; it’s genuinely a big hit.

✔ Allocate at least 1-2 hours for SEA LIFE.

✔ Go early to avoid queues for the Dragon roller coasters.

✔ Let them choose which rides to repeat.

✔ Go on the rest of the rides and thematic activities (find out from Legoland's website).

✔ If the Water Park is part of your plan, avoid Tuesdays.

This trip reminded me how much magic there is in experiencing a theme park through their eyes. Legoland Malaysia is more than just a place for little ones.

For kids aged 9 to 12, it's a world of adventure, creativity, and discovery. Honestly, I think this might be the best age to visit.

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