Elizabeth Tai | 戴秀铃 🇲🇾

Malaysian tech writer. Works in tech. Former journalist but always a writer. Autodidact.

If you follow me I promise that I'm absolutely random.

Toots #IndieWeb #Obsidian #AI #Malaysia #TootSEA #Books #Writing #CDrama #KDrama #Urbanism #Cats #Dogs #Tech and very occasional #GeoPolitics

Occasionally talks in Manglish.

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[email protected]

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relay.damus.io

nos.lol

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npub1lsyaqr5kvvnmndqca89v287092xtwrc42f9kkn4v4ltzjw0ejdfqufqntd

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Last Notes

2026-04-20 05:12:05 GMT

Could this be the solution to Malaysia's last mile problem? 😆 Imagine me taking this ride from my apartment to the LRT station??
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/435/314/771/221/604/original/a9e671f96ec0b0ac.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/435/314/988/989/564/original/0633b9d8b9773373.jpg

2026-04-16 10:19:48 GMT

The Chinese have this in common with Aussies.
They call their hotels a "pub" or 酒店 (jiǔdiàn).
Meanwhile Aussies call their pubs a "hotel".
It's a confusing world.
#Language #Chinese #Aussies #Australia #China

2026-04-03 04:16:01 GMT

I am now appreciative of Malaysia's history lessons in school. We were taught the history of the Middle East, so we already knew that the Persians were a very old civilisation that were exceptional in mathematics and the Sciences.
Also unique - we were taught about the political tactics of imperialism, so we instinctively recognize how they like to divide societies into races and hierarchies to better control them.
What a unique history education my generation had! 😅
#Education #Malaysia
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/338/835/120/144/492/original/2397354040202773.jpg

2026-03-31 03:43:31 GMT

This is where Penangites get their hawker food. Batu Lancang food court. They tend to avoid the touristy spots.
"Cheh Hu" or "Green Fish", or a Chinese Pasembur with jelly fish.
#Food #Penang #Cuisine #Malaysia
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/321/711/920/093/719/original/4511cf51c5a57130.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/321/715/309/622/461/original/d08b8234ad031e91.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/321/718/775/700/016/original/b8c636d8339623a8.jpg

2026-03-30 10:15:28 GMT

Hearing so much distressing stories of injustices around the world, I feel heartened to hear that necessary aid has arrived in Cuba.
Please hold your anti-China and anti-Russia comments aside. Fine, we understand you hate them but we should celebrate acts of kindness no matter who delivers them.
Rice, not bombs!
FYI China also delivered solar panels, and could supply 10% of electricity in Cuba.
E
#Cuba
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/317/592/397/617/865/original/57acbcaaf5c94cf1.jpg
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https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/317/592/539/284/553/original/64fc6ca33da72589.jpg

2026-03-23 11:56:32 GMT

For the love of the god of wall of text. Mercy please add punctuation for effs sakes
Also USians if you guys don't impeach him and toss him into prison I cannot with your damn country. If banana republic Malaysia can toss our PM and fined him billions for a crime 10% the severity of killing schoolkids and causing economic disaster for the world, don't tell me you cannot ffs
#Trump #Iran
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/278/361/190/462/469/original/18b5bd727fe7ab5f.jpg

2026-03-21 00:06:33 GMT

What I learned in Malaysian history class
Malaysian secondary history classes have changed so much, so I am not sure what is being studied now. But during my time, we studied the history of Malaysia (of course), world history, which includes Islamic civilisations, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. We didn't go in depth with all of them; we just learned their big highlights. The
one thing I remembered about the Islamic civilisations, especially the Persians, is their pioneering work in Mathematics and the Sciences, which included Algebra, which I both loathed and am fascinated with.
(Click link to read more)
http://elizabethtai.com/2026/03/21/what-i-learned-in-malaysian-history-class/
#Malaysia #Education #History

2026-03-03 10:42:49 GMT

You know what's the greatest benefit of understanding multiple languages? Having access to content outside English-speaking spaces, getting different perspectives, especially of things that are demonised.
Like Iran.
On XiaoHongShu, I get exposed to content from places that English platforms will probably harass or condemn the moment they appear. But on Chinese platforms like this one, I get to see a different point of view. Usually, in peace.
Interestingly, Chinese vloggers are now sharing their experiencea in Iran.
When I watch this video I can't help but think about the I saw this morning. Somebody shared a video of how Iran looks like and the people in the comments did not believe it was real because the women did not wear burqas and the cities were modern.
Source: http://xhslink.com/o/2JMuUSNRMaY
#iran #travel
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/116/164/823/775/609/472/original/e377e4deef5bc8e1.mp4

2026-03-03 01:47:26 GMT

I barely tolerate broccoli and tomatoes in general, but when they are roasted with olive oil and spices? Man, they are delicious! What other veges do well roasted?
Since question as I usually cook Chinese stir fries
#Cooking #Vegetables

2026-02-27 23:57:20 GMT

Dear US people. Can i stop reading your politics and bleak outlook on tech, life, economics, everything? So much complaining it's driving me nuts.
Life is hard, damn it. But there's also lovely things in life. Flowers. Doggos. Even tech has an upside.

2026-02-07 07:11:59 GMT

I return to this video all the time. The comments always crack me up 😆🤣
https://youtu.be/w7x_lWJNnNg?si=tKtl_EsL2DkmgB8D
#Cats #Cat #Caturday

2026-02-05 23:15:07 GMT

I love the variety of links here!
Apologies but I've had a busy week so I hope to update my directory of link sharing people on Saturday 🫡
@nprofile…f83y https://fosstodon.org/@adamsdesk/116019835748072796

2026-01-31 23:02:05 GMT

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@nprofile…t8tf there are folks from China or who are versed in Chinese history who are providing context in the sub r/CDrama. We are having a watch-along, so that's one way of appreciating it better. I am reading the history of the period at the same time. I guess the author of the book wasn't kidding when he said his book (which is thick af) is a simplified, summarized version of Chinese history. While it is one of the shortest periods, it is also the most complex and I am on the hunt for another history book, this time more detailed 😆

2026-01-13 00:05:29 GMT

There used to be a lot of politicisation over languages in Malaysia. One language was deemed more important and superior etc. but this has been breaking in my country, fortunately, as more realise our multilingual powers. To be blunt, Chinese and Indian Malaysians have an advantage because they often know three languages. Not all, but many do. I, for one, know four languages. But I digress. Now more ethnicities are sending their kids to Chinese schools and that's encouraging but that's also creating more unity for the future.
In the past language medium schools divided the kids of Malaysia and they often grew up without friends from other races. This worried me a lot.
However, as different races now enroll in Chinese schools they have become what national schools were supposed to be - a place where different races mix, learn and be friends.
https://opr.news/77b48bf3250306en_my?link=1&client=opera&dc=sg

2026-01-12 08:29:20 GMT

Already hearing Chinese New Year music in the malls. I am not ready

2026-01-10 00:34:17 GMT

I still remember finding out about Mastodon through a post like this (can't remember where). The no ads and no algorithms part was the one that hooked me. It's been a few years since and no regret being on #Mastodon.
My #socialmedia habits have changed.
I've let go of the desire to be seen my many. I want instead to be seen by the people who are genuinely interested in connecting and are civil beings.
I've let go of the idea of kloud or having tons of followers. I no longer want followers I just want online friends. The number I have is very tiny but that's great. If I have too many I wouldn't be able to focus and really establish relationships with them.
@nprofile…zeh9 https://mastodon.social/@Mastodon/115866914092356120

2026-01-03 11:28:55 GMT

Seeing what the US did to #Venezuela, I guess I, and the rest of the world, now have to take it seriously when he said that he wanted Canada to be the next US state.
What a way to start 2026.

2025-12-27 02:08:38 GMT

Macam mana bayar balik oi
#Malaysia #Finance
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/789/089/645/638/087/original/b0fdb9588c0a6358.jpg

2025-12-27 02:07:11 GMT

Fun fact: our current PM was jailed before and now we're sending a former PM to jail. Westerners, be like us 🤣
Judge jails ex-Malaysian PM Najib for 15 more years after new graft conviction
https://opr.news/25b0dd22251227en_my?link=1&client=opera&dc=sg

2025-12-26 12:09:57 GMT

First thought when I saw this pic: Hey, that's how we Chinese deal with vampires!
Two: inevitable cat abuse comments incoming
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/785/789/663/670/856/original/131033210d48eeff.jpg

2025-12-16 11:00:22 GMT

"Recent academic studies have confirmed this, finding that these tools are not only unreliable but are significantly more likely to flag text written by non-native English speakers as AI-generated. (And, again, we’re going to get back to this.) The irony is maddening: You spend a lifetime mastering a language, adhering to its formal rules with greater diligence than most native speakers, and for this, a machine built an ocean away calls you a fake."
It depends on the app as well. One app always labels my writing human whike another app - using the same text - says I am AI. Turns out that particular detector was selling an app that humanizes AI text. Go figure.
So yes in case you have not figured it out already, these detectors suck
https://marcusolang.substack.com/p/im-kenyan-i-dont-write-like-chatgpt#:~:text=Recent%20academic%20studies,you%20a%20fake.
#Tech #Ai #writing

2025-12-15 11:58:18 GMT

Cats and affection
They care
Just very deep inside
Like, really, really deep inside
#Cats #Cat #CatsOfMastodon
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/723/458/546/383/833/original/a035056212558224.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/723/460/000/282/739/original/034152c5b3de98c9.jpg

2025-12-14 08:47:53 GMT

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@nprofile…vqch it's not just slow for me but I found a lot of it ridiculous lol

2025-12-13 12:00:01 GMT

#EYDC2025 Day 13
A drama you found boring - Whispers of Fate. Sorry, those of you who think the world of this drama, but boy I could barely power through eight episodes...
https://dramatea88.wordpress.com/2025/11/16/whispers-of-fate-review/
#CDrama #TV #Entertainment #CDramas

2025-12-11 23:46:07 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc nope! Did he rescue her too?

2025-12-08 20:02:56 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc he also adopted a cat colleague, who was also in a bad state. I am actually honestly a little mad for the little care production crews have in ensuring their animal actors end up in good places. Glad Zheyuan has the heart and money to adopt them

2025-12-08 05:50:43 GMT

Found out that Chen Zheyuan (he recently starred in #FatedHearts) adopted his canine costar from The White Olive Tree. The crew had rented the dog from a pet store and returned it after filming. When Zheyuan found out the dog was living in bad conditions he adopted it. Now he brings it to work with him and doggo, now called Azan, lives a spoiled life being petted and fawned over by China's most popular actors at Hengdian! 😆
Now, besides Xiao Wai (Liu Xueyi's dog) I am obsessed with Azan 😆
#Cdrama #Dogs #DogsOfMastodon #Mondog
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/682/376/153/036/002/original/a755aa8a2c1e7cb1.jpg
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2025-12-02 09:20:00 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc I donno if he has a choice. Usually if they are under an agency no matter how big they are they don't get a choice. Look at Zhou Lusi. Liu Xueyi is a freelancer so he doesn't have to be forced to take on the role which is fortunate.

2025-12-02 09:07:20 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc I think at one point she was just paired with every celebrity just so bee dramas could gain prominence. I am just surprised Hou Ming hao ended up saying yes 😅

2025-12-02 05:06:09 GMT

It’s exasperating how often even a neutral or positive comment about Chinese culture, like enjoying a drama, sharing a travel memory, mentions about their tech, gets met with a comment that “China = evil” insinuation.
Can we acknowledge that the world isn’t that simple? Reducing an entire civilization of 1.4 billion people to a cartoon villain doesn’t help anyone understand anything or t reflect the real, complex lives of the people who live there or have ties to it.
And let’s be honest: many of the countries these critics hail from are themselves involved in conflicts or policies that cause real harm to the world. It's a little presumptuous to be lectured by citizens of those countries!
As someone who is ethnically Chinese, speaks two Chinese languages, and has visited China regularly throughout my life, I’ve experienced its culture, media, and people firsthand. That doesn’t make me an authority on everythingbut it does mean I’m not speaking from ignorance.
So if you haven’t been there, don’t speak the languages, or only know China through filtered media narratives… shouldn't you begin listening before lecturing?
Ugh. Just another day in English/Western social media I guess. It's no wonder I'm retreating to Chinese social media just to get away from all this jingoism.

2025-11-29 03:40:34 GMT

If I want to relax, I organize my #Obsidian vault. I am not sure what that says about me 🤣.
But anyways, while I use Obsidian primarily to write (it's basically a content production centre for me), I realize I don't really have a good way to record my notes with Obsidian. This is primarily because I am a visual note taker - when I learn, mindmaps are the way for me. While I know Obsidian is able to create mindmaps, I find it better to create these mindmaps by hand.
So in that sense I have a gap in usage when it comes to note taking in Obsidian - primarily because the best type of notes for me is made by hand, and are drawings. Walls of text for notes turns my brain off like none other 😅
#Notetaking #Learning
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/630/896/567/537/578/original/467795e14dadd173.jpg

2025-11-28 01:29:16 GMT

Like UK's Grenfell disaster, Hong Kong's Wang Fuk Court had flammable "cladding" that created a "chimney" effect that allowed the fire to spread quickly upwards.Strong winds also made the fire jump from building to building.
This is not confirmed but apparently the buildings were covered in this green plastic netting and bamboo scaffolding for a year! On top of that the windows were blocked with foam for that long. Doesn't that mean the residents lived in darkness for a year?
At first I thought it was rather extreme that three members of the building/engineering teams were arrested. Now I think more should've been taken in. Just who allowed this negligence and fire hazard?
Photos taken from xiaohongshu.
More: https://apnews.com/article/hong-kong-tai-po-wang-fuk-court-fire-d3da6740dd2c90f08d28dcd889db0c30
#HongKongFire #HongKong
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/624/716/340/754/966/original/6ecfa2488cb8bd19.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/624/716/444/189/626/original/c5b865811ee94343.jpg

2025-11-26 00:05:59 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc Everyone knows about Danish crime shows! ;) I love watching them, when I can get my hands on them. In fact, I try to watch crime shows from various countries, mostly because it offers insights into their society. :)
PS: Yes, I've been happily indulging in Liu Xueyi photos and videos from his South Australian trip. All I can say is - I LIVED IN ADELAIDE AT THE WRONG TIME.
Life is unfair lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-OOpZitfd0

2025-11-24 09:22:01 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc I totally understand! I usually watch these dramas because I like to see how China's society actually works. And indeed, Danish crime dramas are the best, so I totally can understand not drowning in Chinese ones too lol

2025-11-21 12:53:12 GMT

Friend cooked a meal for me and then brought it to me when she visited. You know, they say that when you're not well, you will know who your friends are. I am very grateful that I have so many good and kind friends. I feel blessed because they visited me, called me, and just wished me well. I feel rich 😍
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/587/776/915/736/581/original/e660ffa5b9f52833.jpg

2025-11-16 09:37:14 GMT

The inspiration drew inspiration from a "piece of cloth".
No shit, Sherlock!
PS: The comments are so damn funny though lol
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpwFvC5Rg0Q
#Apple
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/558/699/151/617/007/original/9423e29ed4cad990.png

2025-11-11 14:28:05 GMT

The good thing about watching Strange Tales of Tang Dynasty is that I don't have to deal with fandom nonsense. There are no petty squabbles over the idol actor, no brigading from "haters" and the people who love Strange Takes don't go around justifying why their drama is good.
Well, most of the time.
Meanwhile, I have to endure watching the fans of #WhispersOfFate brigade, insult and patronize people who don't like the drama. I purposely searched for negative reviews because I needed to see for myself whether this drama is even worth continuing. (I watched 8-9 episodes and the experience was frankly EXCRUTIATING. I felt like everyone was hamming it up too much.)
Even if it improved later it lost me by eo 9. I have limits
But I was permanently turned off by the ungracious and frankly scary behavior of Luo Yunxi's fandom. They go around telling people who don't enjoy the drama that they are too stupid to enjoy the drama or that they don't realise what deep intaligible Chinese heritage it has.
I always am suspicious of fandoms who try too hard to justify their idols drama, and Luo Yunxi fans almost always have this same script for critics of his dramas: Critics and too stupid to see LYX's amazing abilities or the depth of his dramas.
It's such a turn off.
I've decided to swear off LYX's dramas due to his insane fandom. I just don't want to enjoy the same dramas these terrible people do, and it's pretty but hey Cdramaland is huge and his dramas are usually not up my alley so no loss there.
Rant over lol
Anyway, if you're wondering what I think about Whispers of Fate, it is really simple.
It's very pretentious; the actors are way too aware of their own delicate beauty, the styling is gaudy, but most of all storyline / editing is chaotic. There seems to be a lot of potential in the later episodes but basically you have to take a long time to get there.
The main story centers around a very drawn out misunderstanding. If you do not have patience over that it will be torment.
1/2
#Cdrama #Cdramas
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/531/510/909/827/121/original/beb3d7f9cd97df4f.jpg

2025-11-11 14:01:41 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc under the Skin was not bad, but because I watch crime dramas like We Are Criminal Police it doesn't feel as scary or real 😆. I would recommend u try We are Criminal Police if you want something really edgy. Honestly it's one of the best dramas I've watched.

2025-11-11 13:17:58 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc I am so glad you got to watch it due to my recs! It's so hard with the overwhelming deluge sometimes 😅. But omg wasn't it beautiful? I had Sa SA Ding's song on repeat because it captured some key moments so well. (The grave digging scene for one!! Morbid but the lyrics actually match what was portrayed in the scene).
I didn't know CZY from Adam but I think I now have another actor in my "versatile actors" tool box. Li Qin I have always admired but I felt she could only do genteel maidens but she proved me wrong with this one.

2025-11-11 11:49:28 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc I don't know where you're at but every character was developed so lovingly, and our main couples relationship was so beautiful. And omg I love Lu Ke for stumbling on them all the time.

2025-11-06 08:31:44 GMT

I appreciate going to the office off and on as it prevents me from going completely feral working from home but damn each time I go to the office I wonder how the eff I managed to do this five days a week before 🫠

2025-11-01 01:02:47 GMT

Probably the best, most succinct explanation of how social media, algorithms and the content creator economy is wrecking societal structures. This was something I noticed back during the Rohingya genocide in 2016. Back then I was the world news editor for a national newspaper and you can't help but feel helpless at how Facebook refused to do anything about how their platform flamed the flames of racism, bigotry and eventually genocide. Then came Cambridge Analytica (2018). Hate to be cynical about it but that's when the West finally took notice and action 🥴.
Perhaps it's controversial, as this regulation can be misused, but Malaysia took the step to insist on platforms like #Facebook to be licensed. (Meaning if they don't abide by Malaysian regulations their licenses will be yanked.)
In Asia, where societal harmony is prized, we cannot afford the disunity and polarisation described by this YouTuber.
I think the only way to solve this is to a) disengage from the major platforms b) take money out of the whole machine.
B is least likely to happen for even in China, the content creator economy drives clicks.
https://youtu.be/FmYXyWbis9w?si=UsMCjddXfcbGL0tw
#SocialMedia #Internet #Algorithms

2025-10-30 07:49:18 GMT

What if we told you guys that we don't really care if you think that we are backward and hope that you continue thinking this? 😆
"The comment questioned why Malaysia continues to be perceived as a “third world country” despite evidence of well-maintained infrastructure?."
https://thesun.my/going-viral/trumps-malaysia-visit-sparks-us-infrastructure-debate-online/
#Malaysia #SouthEastAsia

2025-10-26 12:17:04 GMT

President Carney of Canada's speech in Kuala Lumpur during the ASEAN Summit
https://youtu.be/PuR_nU_IkNA?si=0l30V81hFAbdq1vf
#Canada #Asean #KualaLumpur #SouthEastAsia

2025-10-26 02:31:00 GMT

This story is like the plot of a KDRama omg
https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3329827/penniless-japan-lorry-driver-60-discovers-he-was-switched-birth-heir-rich-family

2025-10-19 05:37:08 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc There are gonna be so many heart fluttering scenes :P

2025-10-17 12:34:54 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc her standards are so high I have lost sight of them in the clouds 😆

2025-10-16 19:58:07 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc imho she's a pretty good actress just not allowed to show her range. She was great in Snowy Love and here she showns a bigger range than her previous roles.
You won't regret this choice. This drama had hundreds of comments o'er episodes discussion, and that's rare!

2025-10-16 19:48:40 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc I literally binged last night! It's the most coherent drama I've watched and hardly had any massive dips in the plot. Finally a drama that's is not only thrilling but concluded satisfyingly. A perfect 4.5/5 for me

2025-10-15 06:03:34 GMT

I cannot help but admire this robe! Look at the detailed gold embroidery omg. Sublime!!
But yes the person wearing it accentuates its beauty too. 🤣
Source ❄️ http://xhslink.com/o/8oGbSRtgo9o
#FatedHearts #Cdrama #Cdramas
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/376/664/273/258/967/original/ef6de91f92d2a371.mp4

2025-10-14 03:03:16 GMT

In Asia, the real conversations and developments around AI are focused on practical applications for industry. They are quiet, hardly talked about and are not trendy.
PS: I will mute anyone trying to argue with me about the ethics or drop anti-China comments. I HAVE HEARD THEM ALL so unless you offer unique insights beyond the usual talking points, please save your energy and yell at someone else.
#AI #SouthEastAsia #Tech
http://elizabethtai.com/2025/10/14/conversations-about-ai-is-different-in-asia/

2025-10-13 12:11:33 GMT

Guys. Guuuuuuys! Fated Hearts had got to be the best show I've seen this year 😭. I really didn't think it will impress me this much. Now I have sleepless nights again 🥲
I pray it stays the course until the end. Highly recommend - great script, in my forum, comments are in the 200s per drama discussion. That rarely happens!
This is because the characters are so well written and for once most of the actors are such great fit for the roles. There are some scenes that I rewatch because it was done so well.
Please do try it 🙏
#Cdrama #Cdramas
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/366/784/129/608/757/original/83d2294b3e8410a2.jpg

2025-10-07 12:17:10 GMT

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@nprofile…6fxc ✌️🙏🙏🙏🕯️

2025-10-05 07:31:30 GMT

Me showing this video to mum hoping to shock her but she says "Ceh, the modern Chinese drama I am watching has better kissing."
I see where I get my personality from.
#FatedHearts #Cdrama #Cdramas
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/320/387/076/933/730/original/7802129a69097825.mp4

2025-10-03 09:09:57 GMT

I started watching #KDramas when most US folks (unless they're Korean or East Asian) were unaware they existed. Around the 2000s. The first #Kdrama I adored was Save the Last Dance for Me (2004) , and I count Ressurection (2005) as my all time favourite too. My mum adored that 60-episode epic Dong Yi (2010). I'll be very honest with ya - the last KDrama that got me dying for new episodes was The Bridal Mask (Gaksital, 2012) and Another Miss Oh (2016). Nothing seemed to match the flavour of older dramas after 2016.
Maybe this is just the disparity in tastes between the 'old timers' like me vs newcomers. My theory is that old timers like me, since we are mostly East Asians or drawn to the values these dramas espoused, relate to the Kdramas before 2015 better. Post 2015, especially after Netflix came in, Kdramas uniqueness has been watered down to cater to international tastes (more sex, violence, virality) and the idol drama factory has taken over.
I kinda miss the old times.
Although this does sound like an old man yelling at the cloud thing, I want to say #CDramas are suffering the same thing (especially with the idol factory takeover), but due to their stubborness in not catering to international tastes, the dramas are still uniquely Eastern Asian flavoured.
Anyway, I generated a really interesting Deep Reesearch report about the impact of US streaming services on the KDrama industry. I'm going to share it soon. It's an interesting read!
https://www.reddit.com/r/KDRAMA/comments/cckyqc/kdramas_are_suffering_from_bad_storylines_and/

2025-10-03 08:49:24 GMT

Although I didn't like The Double, I noticed Wang Xinyue immediately. I liked him a lot in The Wanted Detective, and could recognise his talent already. Cannot believe he's only 23! This one is going to go places.
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202508/23/WS68a920f0a310851ffdb4fb3d_1.html
#CDrama #TV #Entertainment #China

2025-09-07 00:18:00 GMT

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@nprofile…hfty not as many as some people haha and I chose poorly. Most, I didn't enjoy 🫠

2025-09-07 00:14:23 GMT

"Their job is basically elaborate performance art. They're professional email forwards. They're human middleware between systems that could probably talk directly to each other."
https://thestillwandering.substack.com/p/the-death-of-the-corporate-job
#Work #Substack

2025-09-06 07:24:09 GMT

There was a flood of Cdramas this summer. This is my totally subjective roundup of the shows that lifted my spirits and the ones that fell completely flat
#CDrama #Cdramas #TV #Entertainment
https://dramatea88.wordpress.com/2025/09/06/summer-2025-cdramas-the-hits-and-the-misses/

2025-08-23 02:32:23 GMT

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@nprofile…nnjv I don't even try with mine. It's hopeless haha

2025-08-23 01:06:56 GMT

Deepseek v3 is out!
#Deepseek #Ai
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/075/396/016/632/737/original/fb9783d1723bdf13.jpg

2025-08-17 07:15:23 GMT

Going to publish my essay about Dead to Rights and the Nanjing Massacre this coming week. Needless to say I am worried I will attract unwanted attention from bigots 🥲
My philosophy is this - since some powers may want us to forget it, and let the past remain in the past, then it is up to the people of China to continue reminding themselves and the world that this brutality did happen so that history will never ever repeat again.
#China #DeadToRights #Movie #History
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/042/870/195/848/090/original/6889abdfbbf6ef42.jpg

2025-08-15 11:50:10 GMT

Ever read books about plot structures? Imagine being trained your whole life to write stories according to one culture’s storytelling rules—only to realize those rules don’t fit another culture’s way of telling fiction? This is what I realised when I started writing wuxia and xianxia stories - genres that are uniquely Chinese.
This is when I discovered that the traditional Chinese stories are structured differently, with different thematic emphasis, and probably will go against the "rules" of modern Western literature.
https://elizabethtai.substack.com/p/what-happens-when-one-storytelling
#Fiction #AmWriting #Writing #CDrama #Wuxia

2025-08-15 05:42:46 GMT

Introducing the syair, to quote Google: “A form of traditional Malay poetry characterized by four-line stanzas (quatrains) where each line rhymes and the poem progresses with a continuous narrative or idea.”
It is often sung. Translation to the syair in the video:
Listen, my child, I advise you to equip yourself with knowledge—that is all you need for life in the future. Knowledge is your shield, like a fenced garden.
Like thorns, like the glow of a diamond,
Those thorns are the mark of the wise.
Your life now, in your youth, is like a precious gem— do not fall into the valley of disgrace. Later, you will regret, but it will be no use.
If life feels hard, if you often face problems, meet them with a steadfast heart. Do not be quick to fret or despair—those are temptations that only grow.
Do not take the easy path, do not ever give in.
Regret will be too late once gold has slipped away— it will not return. In old age, regret will come, reminding you of the time that has been lost.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nj85JT1faBU
#Poetry #Malaysia #Culture #Writing

2025-08-13 02:06:45 GMT

Not a typical Malaysian breakfast but this mamak shop's vade is to die for, so I thought I should soften the glucose spike with some protein 😋
#MakanApaToday #Malaysia #Food
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/115/019/006/910/481/590/original/a44cb731432d091d.jpg

2025-08-13 00:31:35 GMT

I support creating an AI agent which will craft an algorithm just for me: “Hi, AI! Please build me a social media algorithm which will recommend me content from non-debate bros/sis who do not engage in binary thinking, ad hominen attacks and are utterly mean, self-righteous people. I want people who share me beautiful things from their lives - it can be on food, their country, their homes! As long as it’s beautiful and lifts my spirit. It can be on any topic. Thank you!”
Come to think of it, it’s kinda stifling that we have to be trapped in a platform’s algorithm, which is fuelled by their self-interest - but it’s “free”, so this is the price, so no point feeling annoyed by it.
Fortunately, we have #Mastodon. I'm so spoiled by it, and yes, my feed is full of beautiful things and equally wounderful people.
#SocialMedia

2025-08-12 23:27:42 GMT

Buying independence beyond platforms.
👇
"Relying on any single platform—no matter how writer-friendly—means ceding control over the stability of our audience. Our solution is not to abandon ship, nor to retreat into isolation, but to prepare. Preparation means taking agency to build an independent presence: A home for our words no algorithm can bury, a way to stay connected even if the digital tides turn."
#indieweb #blogging
https://lamonicacurator.substack.com/p/owning-the-pen-is-a-sunday-reflectins-about-self-publishing-offering-resource-for-creating-your-own-footprint-instead-of-relying-upon-social-media-platforms-for-authors-writer-poets-and-journalists?utm_medium=ios

2025-08-09 01:47:45 GMT

Meet my favourite project management tool - a plain paper notebook. It's super thin, usually lasting me a few weeks. It's only RM2, about US$0.40 from Mr DIY. I choose these because it has pretty covers and I like thin notebooks because they are more portable and I get the dopamine hit when I choose a new notebook a few weeks later with a pretty cover.
It contains my brain dumps, tasks, project notes, rants and ideas. It's simple and messy and I love it.
#notebooks
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/996/276/591/712/659/original/f7712607b6aae9d4.jpg

2025-08-08 11:35:34 GMT

Man, I think I officially can't stand Notes 😆. It's just that no one has any chill on #Substack. I try really hard to tame my feed but constantly fail because my topics of interest is plagued with negativity and toxicity galore - China, Ai, Writing...egad.yet occasionally I do get introduced to brilliant newsletters and authors.
But lordie I have to wade through a shit tonne of doomerism to get to them.
There must be a better way to discover interesting voices 🥲
Still love Mastodon tho. At least here, I can control my feed. substacks feed prioritizes outrage and bragging. Sigh
#SocialMedia #Substack

2025-08-02 12:58:00 GMT

Huh I got a weird msg saying that my acc has been suspended because I posted offensive content and it was against EU law. Probably some weird bot that wants to phish me, judging from the link it insisted I click on. And the offensive post?
One with Yang Yang's new #Cdrama Immortal Ascension.
Like dude, I know he's not the best actor but calling the content offensive is a bit unfair to the man 😆

2025-07-28 12:02:42 GMT

Nasi lemak ikan bilis basah* - also called, "May the Lord have mercy on your tongue's pain receptors".
* translation - nasi lemak, wet, anchovies. Wet in this context usually means "soaked or lots of gravy"*
* Realised all too late that in English it sounds rather, er, off
#Malaysia #MakanApaToday #Cuisine
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/930/755/807/134/878/original/66cbb2ef8b557dc6.jpg

2025-07-27 01:48:51 GMT

Superman for the brainrot generation. That's what I think James Gunn's movie is essentially about lol

2025-07-23 16:12:49 GMT

The docs are so nice. They always tell you it won't hurt much when they drain an abscess and they will just make a small cut. They lie on both counts, but they do care in their own way 😅😆

2025-07-23 14:54:26 GMT

Well, going to the 24 hour clinic to drain an abscess and endure several injections wasn't on my bingo card tonight but there you go 🫠

2025-07-23 03:32:48 GMT

PMX: Public holiday on Sept 15 just because!
Malaysians: YEEEEEEAAAAH JOM PERGI HOLIDAY
MNC global colleagues: WTF, they get another public holiday?? Just how many public holidays do they get in a year??
Me: Don't ask, just accept it
#Malaysia #southeastasia #tootsea
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/900/437/696/242/845/original/fb6c59740690542f.png

2025-07-22 05:03:11 GMT

David's article really resonated with me because I've been thinking for a long while now to create a newsletter (or three) to surface barely heard voices.
On Substack, for example, the voices I hear are overwhelmingly from the United States, and it is incredibly hard to find voices from Asia and South-East Asia. It's a source of huge frustration for me because the most common narratives about my part of the world is from the United States, and a lot of times these narratives are distorted, skewed to American values and is not what is really happening in my region. Yet, when I try to speak up on Substack, I never get seen as the algorithm is prioritising US voices and Substacks. Worse, they are also boosting only popular ones, which means the most popular narrative is the loudest.
I have occasionally shared links to South-East Asian Substacks and blogs, and each time I do, I get messages of gratitude. However, I still wondered if my tiny act of rebellion would do anything to move the needle in terms of being heard in an English-speaking Internet overwhelmed by Western voices and narratives.
David's post reminded me that yes, I should put in some effort to help surface more unknown corners of the Internet. Maybe we won't get rid of the algorithmic complacency sweeping society now, but at least we'll do some tiny thing to help create a messy but human algorithm instead.
https://www.raptitude.com/2025/06/how-to-surf-the-web-in-2025-and-why-you-should/
#Internet #SocialMedia #Algorithms #IndieWeb #Tech #Blogging #blogs

2025-07-20 02:33:39 GMT

Still awkward 🫠
Oh man, to be the PR dept of that company 😆
Context: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80pnnn0gj3o
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/883/216/153/163/809/original/6b8f0a3c46eab171.jpg

2025-07-16 11:06:45 GMT

This drama had such potential. The trailers hinted of a dark, seductive tale of a couple caught in a manipulative game.
Sadly, it became a victim of Chinese entertainment shenanigans; the script got so messed up that the plot literally fell off the cliff ...
But most of the actors were amazing. The sets and camerawork are stunning. But nothing can save a bad script. Watch it for the pretty, I guess?
#Cdrama #TV #LiuXueyi #MengZiyi
https://dramatea88.wordpress.com/2025/07/16/the-princess-gambit-chinese-drama-review/

2025-07-15 23:46:23 GMT

Woke up early so I decided to fix the stupid automod code that was driving me insane. Used Gemini, Deep Seek etc to help me understand how to fix it.
Key word: Understand
Asking LLMs for the code for a rule is a mixed bag and often wrong.
However, if you start with your own code, and tell it to analyse what is wrong with it, it's great. Alternatively, describe the automod rule you are trying to enforce and ask it if the code you wrote will do it.
I learned a lot about YAML today which to this day feels like the FUSSIEST LANGUAGE IN THE UNIVERSE with the use of stupid spaces and such, but it's more bearable with LLMs
I can see how you can use AI to screw up your coding. I can see how AI can help you learn coding better.
At the end of the day, it's all in how you use AI.

2025-07-13 10:52:11 GMT

But do you like his shoulders??
#LiuXueyi #AMomentButForever #Cdrama
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/845/542/550/350/102/original/0ad80054b36278e2.jpg

2025-07-10 03:15:10 GMT

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@nprofile…hfty aye! He does like his privacy, this one. He always looks so uncomfortable when fans surround the place where he has his make-up done. He has to take a van to the studio and has to walk through them all the time. He never looks comfortable with the attention.

2025-07-09 12:47:32 GMT

When you realize that Liu Xueyi is just a typical uncle who walks his dog in his pajamas and slippers.
PS: He promised fans that he would create a one-day vlog if The Princess' Gambit reaches 26k heat index at Tencent/WeTV.
Half the time watching this video I keep wondering how his apartment looks like and where it is. Near Hengdian? Not that I am a stalker or anything 😆
Video:
3 Lxy发布了一篇小红书笔记，快来看吧！ 😆 h6nZUmYzZ0bA1N6 😆 http://xhslink.com/m/5jxzcNdp5n2 复制本条信息，打开【小红书】App查看精彩内容！
#Cdrama
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/823/342/146/021/244/original/ae691d5552f05185.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/823/342/215/061/284/original/3c2f20fdc1052244.jpg

2025-06-30 11:58:25 GMT

Why I love Penang
View from my balcony right now
#Penang #travel
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/772/193/686/294/703/original/6de0df0762b24f16.mp4

2025-06-29 09:33:36 GMT

Unlike most people, I'm incredibly unsentimental about my notes. So, when @nprofile…fq0p wrote that she deleted her second brain I nodded in understanding. I used to do just that with my worklogs.
A second brain isn't a shrine. It's just a utility. A tool. I don't even think my thoughts are especially, well, noteworthy.
If you want to delete a second brain and start anew, you totally can!
#PKM #Obsidian #ObsidianMD #secondbrain
http://elizabethtai.com/2025/06/29/i-support-deleting-your-second-brain/

2025-06-28 10:49:17 GMT

It is the long weekend and Penang I'd slammed with people. Roads are jammed everywhere 😆
#Penang #Travel
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/760/596/910/530/279/original/75f2bc435f0eee15.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/760/597/071/643/247/original/4a06984b4feabff4.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/760/597/161/412/437/original/8059f9247c515857.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/760/597/274/421/903/original/8d05098adbdc780a.jpg

2025-06-21 02:30:11 GMT

For gods sakes it's EE-RAHN, not AI-RAN

2025-06-20 13:16:30 GMT

Every time I listen to this, I am filled with pride because Malaysia contributed a lions share of the swear words to this beautiful song
https://youtu.be/CLudHVOh6wU?si=_6hP3Wu1vvv2psgw
#Malaysia #TootSEA #SouthEastAsia

2025-06-18 20:37:15 GMT

"Zhu, a 25-year-old living in Shanghai, said he noticed a growing trend of “resisting” American brands and products. “I can’t actually find anything around me that’s made in the US,” he said.
An avid guitarist, Zhu has also noticed prices of American guitars “skyrocketing” under recent tariffs. “People have just stopped buying them,” he said, adding that it wasn’t due to fear but defiance.
“I feel our national fighting spirit has been ignited. I see people online saying, ‘Let’s fight back!’”"
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/us-tariffs-impact-china-chinese-consumers-domestic-5104481
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/706/285/825/432/297/original/126cb1db248cedc8.png

2025-06-18 20:32:05 GMT

"Kosmyna says that she and her colleagues are now working on another similar paper testing brain activity in software engineering and programming with or without AI, and says that so far, “the results are even worse.” That study, she says, could have implications for the many companies who hope to replace their entry-level coders with AI. Even if efficiency goes up, an increasing reliance on AI could potentially reduce critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving across the remaining workforce, she argues."
https://time.com/7295195/ai-chatgpt-google-learning-school/
#AI #programming #tech

2025-06-08 07:11:11 GMT

We humans should do this more often
55 Houson猴姆发布了一篇小红书笔记，快来看吧！ 😆 Mwc2S7IL0Iv0I2V 😆 http://xhslink.com/a/04gzGk9ogireb，复制本条信息，打开【小红书】App查看精彩内容！
#Dog #DogsOfMastodon #Dogs
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/646/491/066/110/721/original/b4afe6fcfd174a8b.mp4

2025-05-31 12:38:20 GMT

Luo Zishang -> plots the annihilation of many people
My hormones: OMG I forgive him for everything cos have you seen how he looks???
#Destined #Cdrama #LiuXueyi
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/602/476/902/424/818/original/9ad195bf71cac710.jpg

2025-05-29 04:27:20 GMT

Nasi Lemak with Kerang (clams?) RM5.50
#MakanApaToday #Cuisine #Malaysia
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/589/219/712/811/531/original/a1f2b8e91befc73d.jpg

2025-05-29 02:11:35 GMT

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@nprofile…hfty usually it's a good sign if I watch many episodes on the first try. If I only watch one ep and it was a chore, it is not a good sign haha. This one I couldn't stop. Really like both Song Yu and Bai Jingting in this.

2025-05-27 00:58:24 GMT

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@nprofile…hfty he totally does. He's especially good in Destined, apparently lol

2025-05-26 14:30:04 GMT

I am actually excited to watch this! I have to say Bai Jing Ting is quite a natural actor and I'm enjoying his performance, and of course Song Yi is excellent. I've only seen him in Reset, and he was okay there. (Couldn't finish the drama because as a sci-fi fan, Reset's plot was very pedestrian to me.) Love the premise of a spoiled, immature playboy accidentally having to marry a woman who is the perfect wife in every way, except that she hates him.
Currently, I'm at episode 3 and I'm thinking - man, Gu Jiusi is such an immature jerk that needs to be caned, but he has a heart of gold. He is absolutely ignorant about the vulnerable position Liu Yuru is in, a woman who has no status unless she is his wife, so for him to casually talk about divorcing her on their wedding night, and tossing money at her as if it'll solve everything ... man needs to be throttled lol.
Am very interested to see how he matures.
#Destined #CDrama
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/574/606/269/256/223/original/e42d9d4ee816ef89.jpg

2025-05-21 06:41:18 GMT

Two months after applying this workflow, and I want to tentatively say that it has decreased my anxiety about work a lot. Before, I always had this free-floating anxiety about "missing" stuff, but now that I have this system, I'm no longer as anxious nor do I have Sunday scaries.
The system is simple. Everything work-related (chats, Jira notifications, email conversations) flows into my work email inbox.
I use special add-ons to transfer chats and emails into Trello tasks to prevent the deadly drain of context-switching and tab overwhelm.
What used to take me almost an hour to do is now done in 10 minutes.
Two months after applying this workflow, and I want to tentatively say that it has decreased my anxiety about work a lot. Before, I had this free-floating anxiety about "missing" stuff, but now that I have this system, I'm no longer as worried.
https://elizabethtai.com/2025/04/04/my-new-productivity-workflow-using-email-and-trello/
#Jira #productivity #workflows

2025-05-20 00:24:36 GMT

I just realized how unusual my university education was. While my friends in business school were wrestling with essays and sit down exams, I watched TV and worked in the community newspaper and radio station. They complained that I had it easy. I told them unlike them, who had exams once a quarter or so, my exams were every day.
I was graded on my work in the radio station and paper each time I attended.
The only essays I wrote was for media law and creative writing.
I really loved that 80% of my grading came from project work. It just fits my brain.
Colleges need to abandon essays at this point and come up with creative ways to test and mold the cognitive abilities of kids or we're done for.
https://youtu.be/DuhM9YwGXbA?si=l4z9XzC71NoHrUQQ
#AI #Tech #Education

2025-05-10 05:57:35 GMT

Attracting fury with my post about digital gardens was an unexpected thing lmao.
Look, I am not telling you how to #blog. The fact that this misunderstanding arose is because the person didn't read my post where I clearly said that blogging evolved over time, and it's now about performative self promotion. Sure, not everyone does this, or use blogs this way, but there's no denying with the SEO demands, the social media sharing, it's all very demanding on the post being complete and perfect.
Meanwhile I explain that digital gardens is a different way to put your thoughts on the internet. It is less performative and less sculptured. It can be very freeing.
https://elizabethtai.com/2025/05/10/digital-gardens-vs-blogging-whats-the-difference/
#blogging #blogs #digitalgardens

2025-05-10 04:56:51 GMT

The most curious thing about Malaysians is we queue up nicely for the LRT.
Believe you me it wasn't the case 20 years ago during the mini bas era.
Did we collectively receive a brain transplant? Are we actually aliens unaware that our human selves have been absorbed by alien goo?
I have so many questions
#Malaysia #PublicTransport #Urbanism
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/481/754/253/143/469/original/7ed4774fb4c14fa6.jpg
https://media.hachyderm.io/media_attachments/files/114/481/754/644/826/275/original/ad540a6c3606974b.jpg

2025-05-10 02:34:25 GMT

Digital gardens vs blogging: What’s the difference?
Digital gardens are a different way to present yourself on the Internet. Blogging is often see as a way to "brand yourself". Digital gardens are less interested in marketing a personality but in sharing knowledge.
http://elizabethtai.com/2025/05/10/digital-gardens-vs-blogging-whats-the-difference/
#indieweb #blogs #blogging #digitalgardens