$Straits Times Index(STI.SI)$ As Singapore's National Day draws near, I'd like to extend a heartfelt early happy birthday to the nation. The anticipation for the celebrations is building and I am eagerly looking forward to watching the impressive fireworks display and the National Day Parade on TV. The parade is always a highlight, showcasing the unity of its people.

In the spirit of celebrating Singapore's vibrant culture, I have been reflecting on my culinary skills. I have a deep love for local cuisine but I am still in the process of mastering the art of cooking. I am particularly excited about learning how to prepare some of Singapore's beloved dishes such as chicken rice, Hokkien mee, laska and roti prata. Each of these dishes has a unique blend of flavours and techniques and I am enthusiastic about exploring recipes, experimenting with ingredients and honing my cooking skills to bring these dishes to life in my own kitchen.

On a different note, I am also focusing on expanding my knowledge in investments. My current goal is to deepen my understanding of the stock market, particularly with regard to Singaporean companies such as Grab, Wilmar International and Keppel. While I am familiar with the range of products and services offered by these companies, I recognise that I need to gain more insight into their financial health and performance. To this end, I plan to conduct thorough research, including analysing financial statements, understanding market trends and reviewing industry reports. This will help me make informed decisions and develop a strategic approach to investing.