I'm an architectural student. Currently working in venice. Taking a gap year from school before going back for my masters. I enjoy eating. I'm somewhat of a semipro photographer. I'm quite simple when it come to the comforts in life. I love music. I play guitar and sing on the side. I'm a Christian, but really open to any religious conversations. Always open to conversations about culture, traditions, architecture, design and art. Grew up in a happy family of 5, with two younger siblings. Dad is minister, mom helps out in church. Spent most of my life in a town called Johor Bahru in the south of Malaysia, just next to Singapore. Turned 18 and attended school in Nanyang Polytechnic for a Diploma in Interior Design, did pretty alright, ended up in National University of Singapore for Architecture.

I love photography, avid shooter, trigger happy. Not exactly a pro yet, currently travelling with a 60D, 10-18mm and a 50mm f1.4. Enjoy doing portraits a lot. Did a couple wedding photoshoots, and pre-wed shoots. Greatest achievement thus far is in winning the Asian Portraiture Competition held by NUS Musuem. Learning how to work the 14mm-18mm range, and how to deal with distortions.

I LOVE TO EAT. Dessert especially. I'm not much of a cook, but I like experiment with taste. Would be ever grateful if i'm given any lessons in cooking. Trying to improve in that direction.

I love music. Part of a school group called Guitarpella. Love to sing. I play the guitar mainly. Taking this year to posh up some of my compositions, trying to release something before this time next year. Would be a great time for me if we could share with each other our works of music, poetry or just plain perspectives of the world. I think that meeting different people sometimes inspire new influences. Currently learning how use the 4th minor chords and a Natural 7th in my compositions.

Not much of a walker, but more of a "chill at the side of the ride" and sketch kind of a guy. From time to time when i'm tired, I pull out a sketch book and draw. Use to doodle a lot, but I seem to have lost it over time.

I love architecture. The craft in the construction, the thoughts behind the intentions. LIGHTS! They always hold my attention, probably influenced from my photography background. I also enjoy learning about the social construct behind an urban scape. How it influences street culture, and how as an Architect we can direct that to fuel the energy of the City. Would love to engage in a conversation about culture, occupation, design, aesthetics and form... if given a chance. =)

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

Its always nice to meet new local people who are really connected to the place. I believe its a totally different experience compared to following trip advisor. Would love to see the underbellies of the places I visit. I enjoy conversations over dinner that stretches out for hours. I listening to all the travel stories and personal connections to the space like " hey I lived there when I was younger... my father use to take me here... that's my primary school..."

Would like to show people my town. What I enjoy, I hope that others will enjoy too.

Interests

• singing
• architecture
• photography
• anime
• music
• live music
• blues
• food
• guitars
• jazz music

Music, Movies, and Books

Switchfoot, Hillsong, Toe, Lady in Green, John Legend, Charlie Lim, Olafur Arnalds, American Dollar, Explosions in the Sky, Mew, Relient K, Sia, Michael Buble, Adele... how can I forget Adele... Falling up, Damien Rice, Whitney Houston, Jessie Ware, Ryan Kelly, Tim hughes, Chris Tomlin, Bethel, Tom Jones, Sinatra, St.Vincent, Frank Ocean, Balmorhea, Helios, Sigur Ros, Hammock, Blink 182, Lee Ritenour, Stanton Moore, Jojo Mayer, John mayer, Bella Flecks, Dami im, Jason Mraz, Brooke Fraser, Zee Avi, Kodaline, Akie Bermiss, Tori Kelly, Ed Sheeren, Haley Reinhart, Rachel Yamagata, Bruno Mars

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Fall in love.

Run a paper folding workshop with a bunch of teenagers. Explored forms with different materials of paper. Concluded with 2 pieces of 1.5 meter lanterns that were used for Christmas installation.

Performed 2 songs for S.R. Nathan, the former president of Singapore.

Tried my hand at film making.

Did an architectural project on Sex Worker's care.

oh... one.

Teach, Learn, Share

I could teach you basics of photography, and how to compose. Not that fantastic at lighting yet. Would love to create a portrait for you. I can teach you how to play the guitar!

Would love to learn how to live a discipline life. New ideals, new forms of art maybe? Would love to learn about your life stories, what are your beliefs, your ideals, why you became who you are. I would love to learn how to cook. =)

I could Share some of my written work with you. Would love to hear from you too! I could share my stories.

What I Can Share with Hosts

A warm conversation. I could take a pretty good portrait for you. Like I mentioned above, I could try to cook you something, maybe a dessert dish, not fantastic at it yet.

Countries I’ve Visited

Cambodia, China, Italy, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand

Countries I’ve Lived In

China, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore