A Blink and a Miss: Reflecting on the Ephemeral Nature of 2023

Today, we're sharing a perspective on the fleeting nature of 2023, 

As a working professional based in Singapore, I find myself looking back at 2023 with a sense of awe. It feels as though the year has slipped through my fingers, a testament to the ephemeral nature of time.

The Fleeting Year One moment, we were ringing in the New Year, and the next, we're bidding it goodbye. The days, weeks, and months seem to have merged into a blur, each moment swiftly replaced by the next. It's a reminder of how quickly time passes and how important it is to seize the day.

Time: A Precious Commodity In our fast-paced world, time has become a precious commodity. We're constantly racing against the clock, trying to squeeze in as much as we can. But in our pursuit of productivity, we often forget to savour the present moment.

Seizing the Day Looking back at 2023, I'm reminded of the importance of carpe diem - seizing the day. It's not just about accomplishing tasks or reaching milestones, but also about appreciating the journey. It's about making the most of each moment, whether it's a quiet morning with a cup of coffee or a bike ride under the setting sun.

As we bid farewell to 2023, let's take a moment to reflect on the fleeting nature of time. Let's make a conscious effort to slow down, savour the present, and truly seize the day.

For more personal reflections and insights on a variety of topics, subscribe to our blog and share this post with your fellow professionals. Stay tuned to Real Value SG, and let's embrace the journey together!

Beyond the Boardroom: A Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Company Offsite at Westin Desaru

The relentless hum of the Singaporean workplace is familiar to us all. It's a cycle of back-to-back Teams meetings, overflowing inboxes, and strategic planning sessions crammed into 60-minute calendar slots. We're tasked with thinking outside the box, yet we spend our days inside the very same one. While this pace drives efficiency, it can often stifle the very creativity and deep strategic alignment it aims to foster.

But what if the key to unlocking the next level of growth isn't another meeting, but a change of scenery?

This is where the company offsite evolves from a "nice-to-have" expense into a powerful strategic investment. I recently participated in a two-day strategic offsite with my company at the Westin Desaru Coast in Malaysia. This article is a detailed, first-hand account of that experience. We’ll break down the rationale, the agenda, the tangible business outcomes, and deliver a final verdict on whether it provides real value for a Singapore-based company.

More Than a Race: My Unforgettable Evening with Cycling's Titans at the Singapore Criterium 2023

As a cycling enthusiast in Singapore, I’ve spent countless hours glued to a screen, watching the superhuman efforts of professional cyclists conquering mountains and sprinting for glory. But the Prudential Singapore Criterium 2023 Team Presentation offered something a screen never can: the chance to feel the energy and see the legends of the sport, right here in our city. It was an experience that delivered value far beyond a simple race preview.

Four Points Desaru Review: A Singaporean Dad's Honest Take on This Family Getaway

As a father of two energetic young children in Singapore, the hunt for the perfect family getaway is a constant mission. We're always looking for that sweet spot: somewhere close enough to avoid a long flight, packed with kid-friendly fun, and, most importantly, offering real value for our money. With the year-end holidays approaching, Desaru once again topped our list.

The question was, which hotel? After scrolling through dozens of options, we settled on the Four Points by Sheraton Desaru.

This is our detailed, first-hand account of a 2D1N trip with our four-year-old daughter and two-year-old son. By the end of this review, you'll know exactly what to expect and whether this resort is the right choice for your family's next short escape.

Celebrating Progress: Singapore's National Day 2023

As a Singaporean, National Day is always a time of reflection and anticipation. It's a moment to celebrate our progress and look forward to the continued growth of our nation.

A Nation on the Move Singapore has always been a nation on the move. Our progress over the years is a testament to our resilience, innovation, and collective spirit. As we approach National Day 2023, I'm excited to see how our country will continue to evolve and grow.

Housing Affordability: A Key Focus One issue that I'm particularly interested in is housing affordability. Ensuring that every Singaporean has access to affordable housing is crucial for the stability and prosperity of our nation. It not only provides a tangible asset but also roots us in our community.

I'm eager to see how the government will approach this issue. Balancing affordability with the desire to ensure that locals have a valuable asset is a complex task. However, I'm optimistic that with thoughtful policies and innovative solutions, we can make progress in this area.

Looking Forward As we look forward to National Day 2023, let's celebrate our achievements and embrace the challenges ahead. Let's continue to work together to build a prosperous and inclusive Singapore.

Here's to another year of progress and growth. Happy National Day, Singapore!

Rudy Project Rydon Review: Are These S$400+ Glasses Worth It for Singapore's Night Cyclists?

As the sun sets over Singapore, a different kind of cyclist emerges. We’re the ones who trade the blistering daytime heat and congested roads for the relative cool and quiet of the night. But this nocturnal freedom comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating the patchwork of bright streetlights and dark park connectors (PCNs) is a test of vision, and for those of us who need prescription glasses, the problem is far more complex.

I spent months searching for the perfect solution. My daily glasses would slip down my sweaty nose, fog up at every traffic light, and offer a terrifyingly narrow field of view when I was tucked into an aero position. The alternatives were clumsy clip-ons or dry, irritated eyes from contact lenses after a long ride.

This led me to the Rudy Project Rydon, a premium name in sports eyewear, specifically with their optical dock system. The price tag is undeniably steep, making you question if it's a justifiable investment or just an expensive luxury. This is the detailed, hands-on review and cost-benefit analysis to answer that very question.

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The Unique Challenge: Cycling in Singapore After Dark with Prescription Needs

To understand the value of the Rydon, you first have to appreciate the problem it solves. It’s a problem many local cyclists know all too well.

Navigating the Glare and Low-Light Conditions of SG Roads

Our urban environment is a minefield of visual hazards at night. One moment you're on a well-lit road dealing with the blinding glare of an approaching GrabFood rider's high beams; the next, you're plunged into a dimly lit section of a PCN, struggling to spot uneven pavement or stray branches. This constant, jarring transition requires your eyes to work overtime, increasing fatigue and risk.

The Prescription Problem: Why Your Daily Glasses Just Won't Cut It

If you wear prescription glasses, you face another layer of difficulty. Standard spectacles are simply not designed for sport. They sit too far from the face, allowing wind and debris in. In our humidity, they fog up instantly the moment you stop moving. Most critically, when you get into a more aggressive riding position, you end up looking over the top of your lenses, compromising both vision and safety.

The Flawed Alternatives: From Contacts to Cheap Inserts

Before investing in the Rydons, I tried the usual workarounds. Contact lenses would feel like sandpaper in my eyes by the 60km mark. Bulky over-the-glasses (OTG) goggles were a fog-fest. I even tried a cheap, generic frame with a prescription insert, but the distorted optics and flimsy build quality made me feel less safe than before.

Unboxing and First Impressions: The Rudy Project Rydon with Optical Dock

Opening the Rudy Project box, you immediately feel where some of that money went. This isn’t a flimsy piece of plastic; it’s a precisely engineered tool.

The Investment: What's in the Box and What It Cost

Inside the hardshell case, you find the Rydon frame, a microfibre pouch, and the separate optical dock. The components feel robust and well-made. Here’s a transparent look at the investment, based on typical Singapore retail prices as of late 2025.

Component	Estimated Cost (SGD)
Rudy Project Rydon Frame	S$280
Rudy Project Optical Dock	S$90
Prescription Zeiss Clear Lenses	S$200+
Total Estimated Investment	S$570+

Build Quality, Feel, and Adjustability

The Grilamid frame is incredibly lightweight yet feels tough and flexible. But the real magic is in the customisation. The temple tips can be bent in any direction, and the soft rubber Ergonose nose piece can be pinched narrower or pulled wider. This isn't just about comfort; it's about creating a fit so secure that the glasses become a part of your face.

How the Optical Dock System Works

The optical dock is a small, full-rim frame that holds your prescription lenses. It clips in firmly and easily behind the main (non-prescription) outer lens of the Rydon. The genius of this system is its versatility. You can have one prescription dock and multiple outer lenses—clear for night, photochromic for variable conditions, and polarized for bright sun—making it a true all-in-one solution.

On the Road: Putting the Rydon to the Test on SG Pavement

Impressions in the shop are one thing; performance on the road is everything.

Optical Acuity: Do Zeiss Clear Lenses Eliminate Glare?

This was the ultimate test, and the results were stunning. The quality of the Zeiss lenses provides exceptional clarity. Riding down a connector parallel to the PIE, the harsh, starburst glare from oncoming car headlights was muted into a soft, manageable glow. I could see the texture of the tarmac ahead clearly, rather than squinting into a haze of light. This is more than a convenience; it's a tangible safety improvement.

The "Locked-In" Fit: Stability in the Aero Position

As noted in my initial trial, this is where the Rydon truly excels. Thanks to the highly adjustable nose piece and temple tips, the glasses stay perfectly in place, even when I’m in the drops and sweating profusely. There is zero slipping or bouncing. I can keep my head down and my eyes up, looking through the centre of the lens for the clearest possible view of the road ahead.

Anti-Fog Performance in Singapore's Humidity

The Rydon frame is designed with subtle vents that promote airflow. While no glasses are completely fog-proof in our climate, the Rydons perform admirably. They stay clear while I'm moving, and when I stop at a traffic light, any fog that forms dissipates within a second or two of starting again—a vast improvement over my daily glasses.

The Verdict: A Cost-Benefit Analysis for the Value-Conscious Cyclist

So, we come to the final question. At over S$500, are they actually worth it?

The Pros: Where the Rydon Justifies Its Price

• Superior Safety: The reduction in glare and enhanced optical clarity at night is a significant safety feature that cannot be overstated.

• Unmatched Comfort & Stability: The customisable, locked-in fit means you forget you're even wearing them. No more distractions from slipping glasses.

• Long-Term Versatility: The interchangeable lens system means this one frame can serve all your cycling needs—night, day, and everything in between.

The Cons: The High Cost and Minor Nitpicks

• Significant Upfront Cost: This is the single biggest barrier. It's a serious investment that will not be feasible for everyone.

• Limited Frame Colours: The Rydon range, while classic, doesn't offer a vast array of flashy colour options if that's your priority.

• Slightly Reduced Peripheral View: The nature of the dock system means the inner prescription frame is visible, which can feel like it slightly narrows your extreme peripheral vision initially, though it's something you quickly get used to.

Who Should Buy This? (And Who Should Look Elsewhere?)

This isn't a one-size-fits-all recommendation. It comes down to your needs and priorities.

Cyclist Profile	Rudy Project Rydon w/ Dock	Mid-Range Option (e.g., Tifosi)	Prescription Sunglasses (e.g., Oakley)
Price Range	High (S$500+)	Medium (S400)	High (S$600+)
Best For	Serious night cyclists needing a versatile, all-conditions solution.	Budget-conscious riders who need a functional prescription solution.	Daytime cyclists who want the widest possible field of view and don't need interchangeable lenses.
Key Weakness	The very high initial cost.	Lower optical quality and less secure fit compared to premium options.	Lack of interchangeable lenses makes them unsuitable for night riding.

The verdict is clear: The Rudy Project Rydon with an optical dock is for the serious cyclist who rides frequently at night, requires prescription lenses, and views their eyewear as a critical piece of performance and safety equipment.

If you are a casual weekend rider or your budget is tight, the high price is difficult to justify. But if you fit the target profile, the Rydon is not an expense; it's a long-term investment in your safety, comfort, and enjoyment on the bike. For me, the confidence that comes with crystal-clear vision on a dark road is worth every single dollar.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: Can I use the Rudy Project Rydon for daytime cycling too?

   A: Absolutely. The key advantage of the optical dock system is versatility. You can purchase and easily swap in a separate pair of Rudy Project's photochromic or polarized lenses for daytime riding, all while using the same prescription insert. This makes it a single, all-conditions eyewear solution.

2. Q: How much did the entire setup cost in Singapore, including prescription lenses?

   A: The total cost varies based on your prescription and chosen lens options. As of late 2025, you can expect the Rydon frame and optical dock to cost around S350−S400 combined. The prescription lenses themselves, especially high-quality ones like Zeiss, can add another S150−S300+, bringing the total investment to between S500andS700.

3. Q: Are there cheaper alternatives that work almost as well?

   A: Yes, there are more budget-friendly brands that offer frames with prescription inserts. However, the trade-off is often in the quality of the frame materials, the degree of adjustability for a perfect fit, and most importantly, the optical clarity. For cyclists prioritising maximum visual performance and safety at night, the investment in premium lenses can make a significant difference.