6th July, 2026

What am I working on?

I’m working on a new challenge given by my brother: creating five football players as LEGO 3D art! So far, I’ve completed three out of the five -

What am I reading?

I read Here by Richard McGuire this weekend, and it completely blew my mind. At first glance, it’s a simple, dialogue‑sparse book, but it unfolds into a true masterpiece. McGuire fixes the narrative on a single corner of his childhood home in New Jersey, and spans across millions of years; from as long back as 3,000,500,000 BCE to as far as 2313, capturing the passage of time through stunning visuals. Prehistoric landscapes give way to modern families living their everyday lives, and eventually to a submerged future (seems devoid of humans). Using comics’ unique capabilities, the artist overlays small panels onto larger images, weaving together visuals across centuries in a single page and this perspective to me is ingenious. The styles shift from watercolor to sketches while subtle details such as wallpaper changes, the removal of a fireplace, or the upgrades in TV set show the changes in mundane things over the time. Especially the sequences of families shown growing up over the years in the house made me realise our time in so insignificant in the overall scheme of things. Though the constant jumps in time made it a challenging read for me, it’s the most extraordinary book I’ve read this year.

What am I watching/watched recently?

I watched Lost in Starlight, Netflix’s South Korean sci‑fi romance, and was struck by its phenomenal animation and background design. The futuristic cityscapes and technology blend seamlessly with warm, beautiful aesthetics, creating a visually captivating experience. The story follows two adults, each grappling with personal struggles, who meet, fall in love, and help one another grow into better versions of themselves. While the plot is predictable and lacks excitement, the film’s artistry makes it an enjoyable watch - perfect for a cozy Friday night with your partner.

New thing I learnt lately?

I recently read about the hike in Apple product prices, driven by rising memory chip costs as demand surges from data centers. The article highlighted Chinese chip maker CXMT and its growth story, which is closely tied to the Hefei model.

The Hefei model is an economic and industrial policy strategy that has transformed Hefei (once a relatively poor, inland agricultural city) into a global high‑tech hub for EVs, semiconductors, quantum computing, and displays. The local government channels massive capital into high‑risk, cutting‑edge industries through state‑owned investment funds such as Hefei Industrial Investment. A flagship company is used as an anchor to attract and build an entire supply chain. Once the technology matures and private investors step in, the government deliberately exits by selling its stakes.

Several factors underpin this success:

• State‑owned platforms like Xingtai, Jiantou, and Chantou lead capital deployment with clear exit mechanisms for sustainability.

• Risk controls and strict review procedures ensure disciplined investment.

• Government leadership acts like industry analysts, studying technology roadmaps, supply chains, and market trends in depth.

• Hefei University of Technology provides a steady pipeline of talent to support these industries.

• Exit strategy is deliberately timed and the government sells its shares once companies stabilize.