Reflections on 2025, Look Ahead for 2026

Summary of 2025

Career

2025 was a year of stepping into deeper responsibility and trusting the process. Taking on the role of Executive Officer meant starting almost from scratch — forming an entirely new team, clearing multiple assessments, and operationalising a capability that had never been done before. The uncertainty was real, and the learning curve steep, but through discipline, coordination, and persistence, we managed to achieve what we set out to do.

One of the defining moments of the year was the Command Potential Assessment. The process was demanding, and there were genuine doubts along the way about whether I could achieve what I wanted. Instead of fixating on the outcome, I focused on the controllables — doing the backend homework thoroughly, consulting widely to spar ideas, reviewing and refining constantly, and never giving up when things felt uncomfortable. Trusting the work and the process ultimately paid off.

I am especially grateful for the leaders I worked under this year — bosses who trusted me, gave me opportunities to grow, and were generous with honest advice. They taught me not just how to lead, but how to set up systems that enable people to succeed, and how to continuously improve myself as a person.

Looking back, the greatest joy always came from the people. Working alongside the team and seeing how far we’ve come since its formation was deeply fulfilling. The positive PRQ results were simply confirmation of the collective effort, and a reminder that meaningful progress is rarely achieved alone.

Relationships

Family remained a constant anchor. One of the highlights was bringing my parents on their first business class/premium economy flight to Hong Kong — even though I couldn’t join them due to work. At the same time, I recognise areas for growth. I’ve been impatient at times, especially when conversations don’t progress directly to the root of issues. In hindsight, withdrawing from these conversations isn’t the right approach, and this is something I need to be more mindful of. Still, we made the effort to share meals and stay connected amidst busy schedules.

With my partner, 2025 was a year of shared milestones and learning. A short trip to Batam provided a much-needed breather in the first half of the year, while our first Europe trip together — to France — was incredibly meaningful. The pre-wedding shoot, and especially the time in Annecy (a hike and a 40km round-trip bike ride in the rain), created memories I’ll always cherish. With wedding preparations and renovation underway, differences inevitably surfaced, but the key lesson was clear: communicate early, clearly, and even over-communicate when needed to avoid misunderstandings.

Friendships have naturally evolved as most of us are married or deeply immersed in work. While meetups are less frequent, I’m grateful that we still make the effort — attending one another’s weddings, celebrating Christmas together, and staying connected through messages. For work friends, I’m thankful that bonds remained strong despite being spread across the organisation, with short getaways like Kota Kinabalu providing a welcome reset.

Health and Fitness

Physically, I didn’t achieve the goals I initially set out to, largely due to the lack of a proper structure and allowing work demands to derail consistency. That said, trying something new made a significant difference. Engaging a personal trainer for 2.5 months helped me lose over 5kg and reduce body fat to around 13% — a powerful reminder of what disciplined nutrition and consistent effort can do.

I also explored group training at BFT, which I enjoyed, though I’m still assessing whether it aligns with my longer-term goals. Initially, the focus was aesthetics, but towards the end of the year, my mindset shifted. Functional fitness, sustainability, and the ability to keep grinding consistently matter far more — the physique will follow.

I finally completed a comprehensive medical check-up (all good, except the blood draw, which I still can’t get used to). Habit-wise, stress eating remains an area to improve — having multiple dinners in a night is something I need to consciously address.

Investing and Savings

Financially, tracking took a backseat this year, and I haven’t monitored expenses closely for almost a year. With significant spending on wedding and renovation, along with more relaxed habits around food and transportation, it’s time to regain visibility on cash outflows.

On the investing front, I remained consistent with monthly investments into index funds and continued setting aside cash for future housing and a war chest. At this stage of life, I’m less fixated on counting every cent — I’m willing to spend on food and meaningful experiences, especially during travel — while still exercising restraint on extravagant purchases. The focus now is balance: intentional spending without guilt, and disciplined investing without obsession.

2026 Goals

Career

• Attain at least C1 for the Command Potential Assessment Board
• Be recognised at work, successful execution of workplan
• Be more outspoken and assertive — if something is wrong, raise it clearly without overthinking

Reminder to self: trust my judgment, speak up early, and continue building systems that enable people to perform at their best.

Relationships

• Partner

• Be more present, patient, and intentional, especially as we enter marriage and a new phase of life
• Communicate clearly and early; over-communicate when needed to avoid assumptions and misunderstandings
• Be supportive during periods of transition (new roles, housing, studies in Europe)
  
  

• Family

• Be more emotionally available and patient; listen fully before reacting
• Make the effort to ask and understand, even when conversations feel repetitive or uncomfortable
• Prioritise regular meals or check-ins as anchors for connection
  
  

• Friends

• Stay connected with close friends despite limited time due to work and family commitments
• Make the effort to show up for important milestones (weddings, celebrations, key life events)
• Maintain meaningful connections through consistent check-ins rather than frequency alone

Health & Fitness

• Participate in my first Solo HYROX (Target: Incheon), aiming for Sub 1hr 30mins
• Achieve Sub 1hr 50mins for the 2XU Half Marathon in April
• Regain Diver’s Gold for IPPT and run Sub 10mins for 2.4km
• Commit fully to the 6-month online coaching programme with Gabe and see where consistent structure takes me

Lifestyle & Nutrition

• Sugary drinks and fried food limited to once a week
• Prioritise soupy and steamed foods
• Drink at least 3 litres of water daily

Investing & Savings

• Continue monthly index investing of $2.2k
• Set aside monthly funds for renovation and wedding in a high-yield savings account
• Grow SGX portfolio through monthly fundamental reviews, with guidance from Fifth Person Professional
• Stay consistent, stick to proven strategies, and avoid chasing hype

Looking Ahead

2026 will be a year of transitions — a new role, new challenges beyond my comfort zone, marriage, new housing, time away from home, and relocation to Europe to pursue further studies. There will be many decisions to make and adjustments to navigate.

As always: stay resilient, stay consistent, stay hungry — and find the right balance in all things. 2026 Lets Get It!