Author: Hong

Founder & Managing Director of 9tro Group.

Would a generic safety message be better?

Just thinking out loud, after seeing a safety message broadcasted/displayed on what I assume to be all Comfort Delgro taxis in Singapore.

As mentioned in the short video above, in no way am I implying that the Comfort Delgro taxi company is sexist! On the contrary, I applaude the company for showing such safety messages, reminding drivers to drive safely.

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Having said that, the message did strike me as a tad odd, IF indeed it is a generic message sent to the digital display of all taxis. Why? Simply because the message seem to remind only ‘fathers/daddies’ to drive safely, while there are hundreds, if not thousands of female/lady drivers among the ranks. Likewise, would such a message be applicable to male (and female) drivers who do not have children?

Continue reading “Would a generic safety message be better?” →

Point-Deduction for not using Side Signal Indicators?

One of the easiest way to improve road safety, is for all road users (drivers and riders alike) to use their side-signal-indicators. Too often do drivers and riders switch lanes or make turns without properly indicating their intentions, made worst without a headturning blind-spot-check. Not only are such acts reckless and irresponsible, they are also extremely dangerous.

Continue reading “Point-Deduction for not using Side Signal Indicators?” →

5 things I hate about driving

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It doesn’t matter if you drive a normal saloon car, a super car, a modified car, a taxi-cab, an electric car, a modified car, or even a hearse… It doesn’t matter if you ride a high cc motorcycle, a scooter, or even a horse-drawn carriage… For those of us who are passionate about cars and motorcycles, then simply being on the road driving/riding, serves as the best escape from our daily grind.

There are of course the vanilla drivers, who considers a car or motorcycle as a tool, a mode of transportation.

Regardless of whichever category you fall under, nothing matters more than the simple fact that everyone wants to get somewhere, but are our journeys as smooth and enjoyable as they could be?

Continue reading “5 things I hate about driving” →

The world we live in…

Like they say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

I chanced upon this sign at a security post to a condominium entrance recently, and couldn’t help but snap a photo simply because it is heart breaking. The security detail were friendly and helpful, which led me to ask the question as to why such a sign is even needed.

Surely given the greater exposure to the world we live in today, via smartphones and the internet, we would be more civilized… Not to mention the greater opportunities for everyone when it comes to education, especially so in developed countries. (Yes, I know education doesn’t translate to better manners, upbringing, etc… And that family members and peers play an important role in shaping our thoughts and actions as well…)

Continue reading “The world we live in…” →

9tro: A brief history (2009~2016) – Part 1

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Part 1 of 2 (Q4/2009 ~ Q4/2012)

For some of you who may not know, 9tro was originally conceptualized back in Q3/2009 (July ~ September), but officially made public on the 17th of December the same year. Today marks our 7th year in operations and boy have we grown, developed, morphed and learned along the way.

Let me lay some basic facts about 9tro before continuing on, based on questions I am often asked: Continue reading “9tro: A brief history (2009~2016) – Part 1” →

Race weekend essentials!

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There are quite a few things a race driver will need on a race weekend, this ranges from a positive mindset and attitude, to having the right protective equipment such as his/her certified racing suit, gloves, boots, helmet, etc…

Various motorsports disciplines will of course, require different equipment specific to the sport, terrain, climate, etc… There are sprint races, endurance races, drift battles, off-road challenges and rallies for cars, motorbikes and karts; on race circuits, closed-off public roads, deserts, jungle trails and even car parks!

For car racing, authentic Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) approved equipment is a mandatory safety requirement:

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Sepang International Circuit – Aug’16 Training

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Having not raced in an FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) sanctioned sprint race since 2012; and having not been strapped into a proper race car since 2013 (shake-down and testing session); on behalf of Team 9tro Racing it was about time to return to the race track! Unlike the many track days we organize and participate in, or time attack challenges we compete in, nothing beats the adrenaline rush of actually competing in a proper race! That said, prior to participating in this year’s 2016 Sepang 1000km Endurance Race…

Continue reading “Sepang International Circuit – Aug’16 Training” →

Mitigating traffic congestions

If you are a frequent road user like myself, then you would have probably experienced bad traffic congestion due to an accident sometime before. This is of course, not restricted to car drivers, but extends out to all road users such at motorbike riders, taxi/bus passengers, truck drivers, etc… As a road user, the last thing anyone wants is to be involved in an accident, but regardless of how cautious we are, it still happens.  Continue reading “Mitigating traffic congestions” →