Upgrading of computers and computer systems

Starting last weekend, we brought in some new CPUs and monitors to replace some of our older computers in ME Tech Engineering. We have also updated our existing operating systems to run on Windows 10. Our staff will have time to familiarise themselves with the new computers, operating systems and programs ahead of the new year. Work will be accomplished faster and more easily with these equipment and software in place to help us with managing our projects and sales.

One of the new computers brought in

Upgrading to Windows 10

A past project: Water filtration system for Marine Fish Aquarium

We are starting to digitise our archive of past projects dating back into the 1980s. One such project file that we came across deals with a piping and water filtration system for a marine fish aquarium in Wisma Shopping and Office Building (also known as Wisma Atria), in collaboration with DP Architects and Aquafauna Biosystems.

Letter regarding the project dated 1985

The process flow diagram for the project

Some of the equipment we provided included pumps, a multimedia filters, heat exchangers, UV water sterilisers, a dissolved oxygen measurement system, pH analyser, salinity analyser, temperature control system, air compressors, air dryers, and an electrical system to monitor and control these equipment. In addition, we installed a biological filtration unit consisting of an algae filtration unit and a bacteriological filtration unit.

Haze situation in Singapore

In the past month, Singapore has been enveloped by acrid smoke blown by winds from Indonesia, which we have termed as "the haze". The cause of this haze is the burning of Indonesia's peat forests by farmers looking to clear new swaths of jungle for agricultural use.

The haze is not a new situation and has occurred with regularity since the past 40 years at least. Occasionally it gets really bad,  leading to increased health problems and school closures.

Thankfully the haze seems to have cleared up these few days, with the PSI in the moderate range and PM2.5 levels below 100 µg/m³.

ME Tech issues employees who work outdoors with N95 masks as well as the Air+ Smart Mask with additional ventilators and we limit working time outdoors when the 1-hour PM2.5 readings is above 100. We have also installed an air purifier with a HEPA filter in our office.

Air Purifer with N95 masks (Air+ Smart Masks not shown)

We follow the updates regarding local air quality as well as the regional situation in ASEAN, and are looking forward to the eradication of all hotspots in Indonesia.

Singapore's Rail Transport

The new Cabinet lineup following the recent Singapore General Elections was announced on the 28th of September, and all eyes are on the new Minister for Transport, Mr. Khaw Boon Wan. 

Mr. Khaw Boon Wan (photo from parliament.gov.sg)

Local opinion is that the post of Minister of Transport is a "poisoned chalice" as there have been several incidents of the Singapore Mass Rapid Transport trains breaking down for various reasons, leading to popular discontent with how the Ministry is managing the local rail transport system. The past few Transport Ministers have also resigned from Cabinet directly after serving in that position for a few years.

Minister Khaw Boon Wan, however, seems to have the chops for turning things around, as in his previous roles in Cabinet, he faced down various challenges and won.

He has recently started a blog called "Moving News" and in it, he talks about his goals, inspiration and various matters relating to Singapore transport. Just today, he has called on Singapore engineers to unite in order to find solutions for Singapore rail transport woes. In a previous post, he wrote about how the engineers, mechanics, and maintenance crew of the rail companies are the "most precious resource" and "deserve our tender loving care".

We fully agree with Minister Khaw's opinion that engineers and maintenance crew are at the heart of keeping a city running! And we wish him all the best in his new appointment.

What's an Engineer?

Crash Course is one of my favourite YouTube channels to watch and listen to, because it is jam-packed with information presented with easy-to-understand explanations and interesting animations. Last year they started another channel: Crash Course Kids.

Here is one of their fascinating videos explaining "What's an Engineer?" Sabrina delivers a simple and direct answer to an amazingly complex question!