Summary

This transcript documents a status meeting between Zahin (Project Lead/Manager) and his Davier regarding the company's performance in early 2026, upcoming project bids, operational changes, and internal team dynamics.

1. Main Topics Discussed

2. Key Points and Decisions Made

3. Action Items and Next Steps

4. Participants and Roles

5. Notable Quotes and Highlights

6. Technical Details and Constraints

Full Transcript

00:00 Davier: This is Zahin's check-in. Early Q2 2024. Yes. Yes, sir. How are you? Uh, let me open up the, the Notion. Zahin: I'm alright. I'm just having, this week I'm having like a pretty bad headache. Davier: Oh. Zahin: Because of my braces. I have like a, a dental implant in my, in my gums. Davier: You have implants now? Zahin: Well, it's a, it's a very long screw. Davier: Oh. Zahin: In my gums. Davier: For what? Zahin: They are trying to pull my top teeth back, so they are attaching an elastic from the front to the back, but it snapped during the weekend. Davier: Ah. Zahin: So it jolted the, the screw out a little bit. Davier: Yeah. Is there blood? Zahin: There's no blood, but it's hitting a nerve. Davier: Oh. Zahin: So it's giving me a very bad headache. Yeah, but I, the only appointment I can get is on Thursday. Davier: Hmm. So you're having that headache right now. Zahin: Yeah. Davier: Oh. You don't look it. Zahin: It's like, uh, you know when it hits the nerve that you feel like, it, it freezes the, the headache. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Zahin: It's like that. Yeah. Oh. But I think I, I'm going through that. Okay, but what, what's this week? I don't know yet, but I mean, we can go through the questions. I'll just do a few, like, things to discuss. Davier: Yeah, you got anything to bring up, uh, like the ad hoc stuff at the top, not down what you want to bring up so you can refer to this later during the conversation. Zahin: I-I think the, the questions cover most of the stuff. Davier: Okay, okay, good. Zahin: So I think, um, one of the things is, um, previous feedback, right, I received, I think definitely Josh brought up how it's like this year hopefully through the efforts from last year that I'm able to bring more projects into the company. So I just want to update on that. So I think this year we definitely brought a little bit more. Last year in total, right, at the end of the year, it was accumulated about 100k plus at the end of the year. But this year as of March, we made 100k. Davier: That's good. Zahin: Which is a very good improvement to say the least. Um, and I think in that sense, I did hit my target lah. Your target for this year and March, I think this is definitely over the target.

01:54 Davier: First quarter is, uh, was a good bounty for the company as a whole. Yeah. Even, uh, on the regular side we, we made a record quarter. Zahin: Yeah, so I think this is definitely a very positive thing that I noticed lah, and I'm very hopeful of what's to come, which I will update you accordingly. Davier: There's still more in the pipeline? Zahin: Uh, yes. So I will mention it. So, um, we are getting more inquiries, which is something that is very positive. I assume our SEO is at least working. Davier: Okay. Zahin: We do not have somebody to monitor our SEO, but at least like what's happening at the moment, like, um, how much clicks we've been having, how much people have been looking, and how much the inquiry has been going into the website contact form at least, has been positive lah. Davier: You, you have visibility on that lah. Zahin: Yes, correct. Yeah, because it links directly to my G-work account. Davier: Okay, great. Zahin: Yeah, so I've been noticing actually there's positive things lah. Currently, we are actually bidding for Halloween Horror Nights. Davier: Oh, nice. Zahin: Nice, nice, nice. Um, and this is also the effort from last year as well because at the start of last year, right, for HHN, right, the whole entire HHN thing is like you just tech them, you just tech them, you just tech them. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Zahin: So every few months you will annoy them. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Zahin: And then this year finally, the, the bidding, the people were like, okay, since you guys are an established studio, like why don't you guys bid, uh, sign an NDA we will give you. So there's a total of 14 zones. Davier: Okay. Zahin: And we bid for all the 14 zones. Davier: Okay. Right. What's the value of it lah? Zahin: Um, okay, the thing is at the start, we quoted about close to 200k. Davier: Uh-huh. Zahin: At that moment. But, um, we, we sent it over and Sam was like, oh, that's actually a very high number, which was understandably. So what they are saying is that, um, maybe we might have misunderstood the expectation, maybe we thought that the project really requires this amount of effort and stuff. But we got a call, Sam says it's actually based on how much they're quoting for like this zone and this zone, right, actually we can reduce the quote by expectation.

04:00 Zahin: Expectation like get a lot lower. And, uh, workflow shouldn't be this complicated. Okay. Yeah, even, uh, we pitched for the project, right, we actually created a demo for them. Davier: Hmm. Wow. Zahin: And the demo they were like, okay, that's really like super high quality, we do not need it to be like that as well. So I think that definitely helped to set things, and currently it's under 100k lah, so it's between 80 to 90k. Davier: Okay. Zahin: Which is half of it, but I, I sought advice from Audrey and she says like, if this is their price budget, we try to... Davier: They, they said that was the budget? Zahin: That was their budget. Davier: Okay. Zahin: Yeah, they only have under 100k at the moment. Yeah, so we quoted between 80 to 90k. Again, um, the PO that they are officially sending out is on 26th, which is in a few days. Davier: So, so we don't know whether we got it yet. Zahin: No, we don't know yet. Davier: Okay. Zahin: Yeah, so the PO is in a few days' time lah, so we'll figure out. But they were very transparent with us. They did mention since we've bid for all the different zones, right, and there are so many other, uh, companies and... Davier: Studios. Zahin: Studios that want to have this project. Um, just because, let's say, you don't get everything, doesn't mean that you won't get none. Davier: Okay, okay. So there's a split lah. Zahin: Yeah. So some zones that some vendors that will be taking, but they also are very transparent to say, right, just, even if let's say you don't get this, right, doesn't mean you don't have any other projects on standby for us. Davier: I mean, they always do that lah.

05:44 Zahin: Yeah, because the thing in, in RWS, right, when Halloween is happening, um, we are also doing Christmas at the same time. Yeah. So they say it's like the, the PO for Christmas, right, will likely come up very, very soon, and that is something that they're interested in as well. Davier: Okay. Zahin: So we will see what the progress is. We'll see, we try our best to get into that company. And this producer, right, is a producer that I worked with many years ago. Davier: Ah, okay. Zahin: So you know. I know him and I know his expectation. So, and I felt like when we were talking with each other, it felt like it, it was just like that chemistry again. Davier: Yeah, okay. Zahin: So we'll see how that conversation goes. I really hope we do get it, so my prayers are out there lah. Davier: Okay, good. Manifesting for that. Zahin: Yeah, um, currently we are also getting an inquiry, um, with the ArtScience Museum. Davier: Hmm. Nice. Zahin: For a sound design experience. Okay. Um, this one needs to be handed over, um, from Lana to Audrey, I think. Um, he actually approached, um... something Factory, do you know? Davier: Factory, Moment Factory. Zahin: Yeah, he approached Moment Factory first. Yeah, to create this experience at the ArtScience. Davier: Okay. Zahin: And then they said, like, you know what, since the experience is going to be in Singapore, you know, Crave Advantage is in SG. Davier: Of course, of course. Zahin: I try to sell it from that angle lah. Davier: I-I-I was like... Zahin: Okay, okay. Davier: Wow, if you managed to bag that lah, you guys can for yourselves already. Zahin: I will see how that conversation will go lah, yeah, but currently he is getting the sponsors directly from, um, Singapore Tourism Board, STB.

07:31 Davier: Okay, okay. Zahin: Yeah, so if he gets the funding from there, we see whether he can engage Moment Factory or get us lah. We will see how lah, but I think Moment Factory will be so expensive. Davier: Yeah, yeah, definitely. Zahin: To get, um, to you know, get their people, you know, transport over and stuff. It's going to be a hassle. So we'll see how that conversation will go. I'll update you. So I think in terms of like project cost and also revenue and I guess like the progress of inquiries and what we are bidding for, if we do bag these, right, for the second half of the year, I think we are good. Davier: Okay, okay. Zahin: Yeah. So I'm very positive with that direction. Projects that went through, previously we have ISA Media, which is a VR experience that is in collaboration with, uh, similar to what Crave does, a company from Taiwan, a company from China. Um, they also do a lot of interactive, they do a lot of motion graphics. Davier: Okay. Zahin: So they work very similar to us, but we are supporting them for sound. And previously we had that discussion of, um, getting a developer or even an audio programmer, which is what Jasmine mentioned came up. But if let's say that, um, is something that we want to have for the project, the money needs to come through, which we managed to bag another 20k. Davier: Okay, okay. Zahin: So that is fantastic. So ISA definitely has money lah. Yeah. They are very, if, like, I'm looking it from the full scale of the project, uh, if let's say 30k they set aside for sound design and 20k for a interactive developer or whatever, that's already 50k. 50k for sound alone, that's actually pretty lot. Davier: Yeah, yeah, it is. Zahin: I mean, the, the entire project cost is a lot more. Davier: For sure. Zahin: Voiceovers, the update is they are trying to get Taiwanese celebrities, which they have sponsored. So we already see the agreement that some of these celebrities will actually do it for free, um, because of the affiliation between ISA and Taiwan.

09:31 Davier: ISA is what? Zahin: ISA they are also a production house. Davier: Oh, okay. Zahin: Yeah, so they do movies across Taiwan, Singapore, um, Switzerland. Yeah, so they are actually a big production house lah. Yeah, and I assume that's how they've been getting all these connections. I assume these are like, um, artists that they've been working with before as well. Yeah, so that is a very positive direction. Um, we, at the moment, at least for this month, we got a jingle project. Davier: Hmm. Nice. Zahin: Yeah, so we'll see how that, um, when production kicks across for that, and if let's say, um, we do get, you know, RWS, we do get, you know, the ArtScience thing, um, it would definitely clash with SHG. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Zahin: So that will be intense. Davier: Yeah, fun. It'll be fun. Zahin: But your team, uh, currently quite strong right? Davier: Yeah. Yeah, they are doing really, really well. Yeah, um, so I think that is the progress that I can at least, you know, mention, um, in terms of how this year is turning out. Davier: Okay, okay. Zahin: So I think it's a positive direction. Um, but I think in terms of guidance and areas that I think I can share a little bit more about where I need help, I don't think it's help. I think it's more so challenges that I'm facing. Zahin: I think manpower is definitely something that is always at the back of my mind. Because once you get all these projects, in theory I think we can do it, but when it comes, I don't know. Davier: Yeah. Zahin: So it's always at the back of my head. But, um, I think as a director we are taking into consideration whether we can support this person, right, which we definitely look, we have to look into costing.

11:14 Davier: Yes. Zahin: So something that I've learned this year, and I think experienced on like whether I can support Jasmine is definitely looking into the salary and looking into CPF, operational cost. All of these things I think I was privy to. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Zahin: But now that I have information on it, I think it definitely helps to paint a very, a very clear picture on how I can I think strategize like manpower and I think it also has to come with revenue. Davier: Yeah. Zahin: If let's say you already know the cost of this person, you add on the operational cost and all of this, and then you add on with your full-timers, and if you already know that's some amount of money, and the revenue is not even like, you know, covering at least a single year. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Zahin: Yeah, so I think that is a new perspective that I, that I am experiencing, and it's definitely challenging to get all these numbers and getting the right calculation, but I'm getting there lah. In his practice. Davier: Yeah this year we are, Josh and I we are, we need the help lah we can get from anyone, so we've been, we've been trying to let more, more and more people privy to this sort of like information lah. I think a lot of times people think that, oh we got a 200k project, wow the company's so rich. Zahin: But when you want to pay everyone, right, and then also now that you guys mentioned it's like, you know, you cut down like let's say you set aside the 30% profit and 25% admin fee, your production cost still needs to split among all the departments, right, then it goes down by like how much people are making per hour. Actually, it's not a lot of money. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Correct. Zahin: So in theory I also understand that, you know, project costs is definitely, you know, although the numbers are high, it doesn't mean it necessarily means profit. Because very likely once you get everyone to work on it, right, it will leak into your profit. Davier: Yep, yep. Zahin: Yeah, so that is something that we have to bring up to sales also, which I've been actively talking to Audrey about also, in terms of concern. Which brings me to I guess my next point, which is finding alternative manpower. Um, I'm not sure if you know about the lecturer attachment scheme that is happening in polytechnics. Davier: Uh, there's been some talk about it in NYP. Zahin: NYP, um, so they attach a lecturer to companies, which is a bit weird to me lah. Davier: I know, I understand. Okay. Zahin: But it's something that I want to explore as a backup when the time comes. Davier: Okay. Zahin: So the funding is 100% covered by MOE. Davier: Okay. Zahin: So it's a free thing for the company. Davier: Oh, completely free lah. Zahin: Yes, it's 100% free. Davier: So they come to work every day? Zahin: Okay, they have the hours. Okay, to fulfill also. So the hours is spread out. Davier: Okay. Zahin: Yeah, so maybe it's like, um, for that week, they are only working maybe 15 hours. Davier: Okay. Zahin: So they come as and when lah. Davier: True, okay. Zahin: Yeah, but I, the whole entire hours I'm not too sure how much they have to, if I'not wrong it's 60. Davier: Yeah. Zahin: Which is very low. So we have to be very smart with strategizing lah, if let's say we got a project that just nicely fits within the time. Davier: Total of 60? Zahin: If I'm not wrong. Davier: I need to confirm again. Zahin: Just like three days? Davier: A week and a half.

13:31 Zahin: Let me, let me confirm. Yeah, but I don't remember the hours being anything less than 60 hours. Davier: Yeah, okay. Zahin: But if there's more it will be good lah. But, um, it is a backup plan if let's say there are short-term projects, which need manpower for, and I think that is a, a way for us. Davier: Okay, okay, to beef up. Zahin: Yeah. Um, just a, a thing that I thought of. Okay. But from sales strategy wise, right, I think now when we cost things, right, I mean, I have to consider in profit and admin fee, that's things that we have to think about. So even if let's say, I already know the amount of hours that people will maybe utilize for that project, right, if I already know the hourly rate and then after that I'll multiply by the amount, you know, of months that is required to do that project, right, we still need to add the 30% profit, we still need to add the admin fee and we still need to markup the profit entirety before we present it to the client. Davier: Hmm. Zahin: So that is something new that we are doing this year, and I'm not sure if, you know, Crave does that previous years or not. Davier: Uh, less of it lah, less of it previous years. Zahin: So I think even for Audrey herself we are trying our best to do this. And I think what we are experiencing is that once clients see this amount, they are a little bit shocked. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Zahin: So it definitely is something that I think people need to get used to. I think from sales it's like you need to push for these numbers. Davier: Yeah. Zahin: But at the same time also it's like how you, like, we also need to, um, like look at the situation in the world right now. I mean for no good reason another war has started. Companies are getting edgy, companies are probably going to cut down on spending again. Davier: Understand. Zahin: And then, uh, we gotta make do with the, um, amount that they're willing to part with while, um, yeah, while making sure that we do not rugi lah. Davier: Right.

15:30 Davier: Yeah. So that could mean under-understanding like, yeah, like what happened with USS, right? Zahin: Yeah. Davier: Understanding their, their standards what they aim to achieve, that's very useful lah. Zahin: Yeah. So all of these things we take into consideration. We are actually currently like also in the process for bidding for an exhibition in Kazakhstan. Davier: Hmm. Oh, yeah, yeah, okay. Zahin: So that is a project that is taken from Lana to us, but they say it's on pause because they're not sure what's happening right now in the Middle East. Davier: Yeah, okay. Zahin: So we will see how that progress is going to be like. But also it's a very strange time to be launching an exhibition in the Middle East. Davier: Yeah, yeah. But Kazakhstan's a bit away from there. Zahin: I'm sure it's beautiful, yeah. Davier: Everything is larger, everything is built 10 times larger there. Zahin: Of course, everything. Davier: Yes, I'm sure. Yeah. Zahin: So it's, if I'm looking at reading in between the lines of what is happening at the moment, I think there at least is, um, yeah, on, like where this exhibition is going to be. So we are keeping tabs on it. But I'm also worried, if let's say RWS comes in and then we also have this exhibition in Kazakhstan coming in, and then we have the ArtScience... Davier: This is a problem we'll worry about later. Because, uh, the alternative is just focusing on one project at once and then what if the other one that you thought would come in doesn't come in then you've got nothing. Zahin: Yeah, so it's definitely, it's in my mind, but at least it, it's a positive direction lah, with all these things going on. And it's only like, I mean, we are going into May. God knows what other inquiries will come in. So at least we are in a very good, like, place lah. But in terms of sales strategy, um, that is something that me and sales we are trying our best to, to I guess make sure that we still profit from it. Yeah. Um, I think the challenge is definitely bringing in money and consistently ensuring that, you know, this is not just a phase, you know, at the start of the year, we still want to remain consistent. Davier: Yeah, definitely.

17:47 Zahin: I'm getting a bit worried because the, the Crave sales for April is still zero. Davier: Oh, okay. Wow. Zahin: This is but this is coming across coming after our big fat March lah. Davier: Understand, which I mean, yeah, I mean who knows like next month or the month after we might like you know make up for the losses. But I think in terms of what Audrey advised me is like how we can stay consistent. She say one is always engagement with our audiences. And she say it's like if on marketing end with our interns, if we can do more behind the scenes or showcase progress on how videos are being created by artists, that will always do a lot better. Yeah, and that will always create more audience engagement and potentiality to increase in shares, people sharing our things. Hopefully, bring us potential clients. So we do not know like how these types of engagement will go if we don't try. So that is something both our interns are currently working on at the back end and hopefully that will bring us more engagement. Um, so that is one advice from Audrey. Another one is that we always have to, um, be it on sales side or biz side or I guess for you and Josh and also for me is that we always have to make sure that we keep contact with our clients more often lah. Be it like, you know, you hang out with them outside of work or even like casually check up on them. Davier: Oh yeah, definitely. Zahin: Right. Yeah. So all of these things definitely is going to be very important which I've been trying lah, and so far it's been very positive. They are being thin-skinned. So that is something that we are trying out this year and being more consistent with. And also, um, what Audrey did recently was revising a lot of the, at least for this time, the services. She say it's like some stuff, yes we are very optimistic to quote it very very high, but at the moment also at I guess people's purchasing power with the current political climate, we have to be a bit more competitive with our prices, we have to lower down some stuff. And that will really help to I guess make sure that maybe when clients look at our costs, they'll be a lot better lah. So that is kind of like our strategy at least for sales. And how we can actually build, um, better relationships and hopefully can remain consistent and ensure that at least there are projects coming in for the second half of the year lah.

19:59 Zahin: So I don't think that it is like guidance, at least how this question is being structured. There are challenges and there are solutions that I've already thought about. It's just how we can remain consistent with these solutions for the second half of the year. Davier: Yeah. Zahin: Um, in terms of like how can I feel like I can perform better, more support, I don't think there's anything in terms of like support. I think working alongside sales is very supportive and definitely they are very, very um... I think at least now with Audrey leading the team, right, I think there is actually a very clear strategy. So I think that is a very positive solution already. Um, and it really helps me in how we can, you know, strategize consistency to be more I guess financially... Like we have to look at the costing. Davier: Yes, yes, yes. Zahin: We have to look at profitability. Davier: Cannot play anymore already. Zahin: Yeah, so it definitely helps me to put in that mindset. So I think that helps me and helps the company. But at the same time also, I think just having, you know, all these meetings and ensuring that we always have support with each other, I think that's very good for me too. We always discuss about all these things. Whether people that are new are going to get used to it, whether people will actually put it into practice, I don't know that one. Davier: We just got to make sure that they are in an environment where it's as easy as possible for them to put in practice. Zahin: Yeah, yeah. I think people definitely need to be able to discuss their ideas and feel comfortable in sharing all these things. But I think being in lead, right, it's a very different responsibility that people need to take and people need to understand that it's not just about managing your team anymore. It's all about, you know, making sure that you manage the hours, making sure that we can still you know make a little bit of profit here and there and that the work expectation sometimes need to lower down because the budget is very very low also. All of these things I think leads need to be a bit more like proactive. Davier: Yeah, yeah, definitely. Zahin: And that's definitely going to be a new set of responsibilities that a lot of us are not aware of. I hope with the leads meetings, I think people can be a bit more aligned.

22:18 Zahin: Yeah, and if everyone is like that, right, I think the company will do okay. Davier: Yeah. Zahin: Yeah. Davier: That's the hope, that's the hope, that's why we push so hard for uh, leads to take on these types of roles. That's why we push so hard for uh, people to you know take on all these leadership roles. Zahin: Yeah, but I think, yeah, I think in terms of support yes, but I don't say there are complaints from my team lah. Davier: Ah, okay. Zahin: Which I would bring it up lah. Davier: Okay. Zahin: Which like they will always complain every review, I mean I've only done all the review before, right? They will always bring up, hey, so when do we get a Mac computer? Which I'm like, okay guys, it's like now with this whole system, I'm just being very... it's like, you know, we are also like responsible for like, you know, how much hours we can put into production costs, right? It's like, not every time we make profit. Davier: Yeah, exactly. Zahin: Yeah, so only if like let's say we can make profit, then maybe I will consider, you know, bring it up to Josh and Zahin. Maybe you can, like let's say we got a big project, we can put the cost of the Mac into that project. Zahin: I-I agree lah. I told them it's like not yet lah. Even for the ISA Media, yes it's our first like you know to get 50k, but I, I think it's not responsible for me to just purchase it. At least another three more projects lah, then maybe I'll consider. Davier: The Mac studio not enough? Zahin: They want their own that they can you know, each of them... Davier: Each of them? Okay, okay. Zahin: At least the full-timers lah. Yeah. Okay. That they want to be able to work on, and also the SSD drives that can support all the libraries and stuff, which I understand, but I told them just be patient. Okay. We just wait it out a bit. Davier: Stretch goals, stretch goals. We hit a certain amount...

24:30 Zahin: I-I have to, yeah. So I have to wait for at least maybe at the end of the year we will evaluate again. But not now. Um, and that is something that I have to be very strict with them lah. It's like, now it's not just about, oh, project, okay, this amount, okay, it looks very healthy, but it's not always the case, right? It takes a lot of hours to finish, right? We want to make profit. So I tell them it's like, you know, not possible now but thanks for the feedback, I will definitely take it into account which Josh and I talked about, not going to be now. Okay? And they're like, okay lah whatever lah. No choice lah. So that is one feedback. I think another feedback is also people are still getting used to the fact that, you know, now that there is an hourly system. I think that is very, a bit of a shock to them. Because now that we want to remain profit and we want to ensure that we are actually making money from the project, right, we are limiting the hours to ensure that you know all the departments that are working in that project, um, we try our best to fit within like let's say 20 hours or 30 hours or whatsoever. When they see this strict, yeah, they are like, you know what, yes, that is a number that you are going to be like controlled by, but it doesn't mean that all the time you have to fit within. Like if you go over a little bit, it's still fine. It's just that for that project we might not make as much profit. For example. Davier: It's a goal. Zahin: Yeah, it's meant to make them stress about completing on time. Because I mean, people tend to see a, a timeline, right, and just think that oh, I, I can use every single day lah, I can literally like... and the thing is I think that is what went wrong with I think NMS. Davier: Yeah. Zahin: Is that people are taking way too much time. It becomes a luxury to the point it's like your hour, your hourly rate counts, you know? So that becomes a very big problem for I think for Singapore, for I think the team lah, right to pay everyone. But that is something I think people need to get used to. If your team, right, is still in this transition phase to understand that okay, now I have to really take a lot more responsibility on how much I'm contributing for that project and meeting up to the standard.

26:27 Davier: So I think that is a little bit of like a time management and also quality management that they are not used to. Previously they take oh, you see all this time and you know what I can use up the whole entire. It's no longer like that. Davier: I'm so glad you guys are all on, on onboard lah. Zahin: Yeah, so I think that is something that people need to just... I think it will take a little bit of time, but they will get there lah. Davier: Or the ones who don't want to get there, they will just leave. Zahin: I mean, they are complaining, they are like, oh my god it's like we only have this much hours. I'm like, if you talk more, right, you're wasting your hours. Shush. Shush up and just do it lah. So you have to think about all these things, but I also ensure that at the start of the project, right, I'm very clear with this team that we depend on a minimum, right, we need this amount of hours. Yeah. And from those hours you already know the, the hourly rate, the cost, right, it needs to be this amount of money. At least. It cannot go any lower. So in that sense already, at least from a minimum, right, they can technically get the job done. Yeah. It's just they are still uncomfortable with the fact that their hours are controlled. But they also brought up something that was very interesting. Like, what if I work very fast, you know? I'm like, well you can take an off. Davier: Yeah. Off, take an off. Yeah. Zahin: You can take a leave, or I mean, you can support administrative matters, I got so much like stuff on the back end that I've not finished. You want to help me with that? That's so many things you can do than just like you know, slack off, right? Yeah. So there are all these different things I think people's minds need to kind of change into that frame. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Zahin: So I think this year we are trying it out. Hopefully by the end of the year, people are more comfortable. Davier: Hopefully, hopefully. I mean, humans have a remarkable ability to get used to things. To adapt.

28:32 Zahin: Yeah, so I think we will definitely adapt. It's just a, you know, it's a common feedback that I've been hearing from my team lah. I'm not sure about the other departments. Davier: I'm sure they are also saying the same things. Zahin: I-I suspect that, yeah. So but it's just because I think humans we just don't like change. Davier: Yeah, exactly. Zahin: Yeah, so we'll see how that goes. And of course, this one is uh, you're more up their ass basically, yeah previously. They feel more um, you know, someone's looking at them at their monitors at their screens. Zahin: Yeah, so I think there's a bit more pressure lah. And at the same time also our Monday check-ins, you know we have like you know the notation and documentation. I think people are still getting used to that also. Previously, our check-ins we just go over, right? We just talk and we okay whatever. But there's no actual documentation, putting it down and sharing it with the other departments, which currently we are doing in our operational meetings. Yeah. So I think that is also a culture shock not just in terms of leadership, I think we are trying to you know note all of these things down. Yes, there is AI, but also I think doing it manually I think for people is like cultural shock lah, to do that at the start of the week on Monday lah. Yeah, so I think that is a new change for people. But I told them it's like it's not anything different. Because we have been discussing every week, you know? We've been doing it for years. It's just that now it needs to be documented properly lah. Yeah. So I think that is a cultural change that also they are getting used to.

30:16 Zahin: Other feedbacks that I've heard from my team is that some of them they do really like the retreat. Like you know local retreat, yeah, they do think that is good, very good for the company. Um, overseas retreat, some of them they definitely have mentioned about, you know, if I think Bali is the choice of destination. Some of them they may be sick of it. Davier: I'll never get sick of it. Zahin: Yeah, if, yeah. I-I think the destination was beautiful but it was just where we stayed. People are just bored with it. I mean, I was so sick. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Where- y'all can suggest lah. Zahin: Yeah, so I think uh, within the budget. Yeah. Davier: Draw a circle around Singapore, draw a circle around Singapore that ends at Bali and then you see where what other destinations are within the circle. Zahin: Um, we can go to, what is that beautiful island in Indonesia near Batam? Davier: Bali? Near Batam, Bintan lah. Zahin: Bintan. Davier: Yeah, Bintan's expensive lah. Zahin: Okay, because luxury resorts. Okay, I understand lah, okay that's out. Davier: Possible, possible. I-I-I'd rather go to a Malaysian island somewhere because you get the same thing because you're stuck in one place because Bintan you're also stuck in some- in one place. Zahin: Is Ho Chi Minh very cheap at the moment? Davier: Possible, that's possible. I think that's possible. But I- we've tried cities over the years, right? Cities are always very, very stressful. So you don't get the the Bali-Bali, but you get sick in other ways. Zahin: Of course, the traffic is going to be so bad. Davier: Yeah, exactly. Zahin: Yeah, but I mean I don't mind lah, try again. Bangkok, I say our half of our guys take into the scam centers. Yeah, so we'll see lah, we'll see. Davier: You going to Bangkok soon? Zahin: Yeah. Go- take the right transport lah, don't get into a stranger's cab and end up in Cambodia. I am going to Phuket like next Friday, actually.

32:29 Davier: Oh, nice lah. Zahin: Phuket, yeah, and then after that Bangkok. Yeah, and it's just going to be- I'm just going to stay on my own, it's a very quiet resort. Davier: Oh, he's a solo trip. Solo trip. Wow. I feel like I want to cash in my solo trip as well. Because uh, Jane went on one many years ago, I haven't cashed in mine yet. Zahin: It will be a quiet trip lah, I would say. Yeah, I booked this um, it's at the end of Phuket, it's called Sri Panwa. It's like a villa on the mountain and it's just overlooking the ocean. So it will be a quiet, yeah thing, and it's really there's not much people there, so I just be myself. Davier: Just be very careful of your on the transport. Zahin: I know, I know. Davier: Don't get into- Zahin: I-I booked a a very like a, a private driver already. Yeah, and he was recommended by Sherin also. Sherin went on family trip there also, they got private driver and the rates are quite cheap. Davier: Oh, okay. Zahin: Wow. Wow, what- what- personalized for you, private driver. Davier: For a few days. That's good. Zahin: Yeah, so I will be recharging. Davier: You pray love. Zahin: Yeah, I-I haven't slept for like these past two weeks lah, so I- I've never done this before, so it will be fantastic. Yeah, but I think those are the feedback that I have heard from my team and definitely they are important, not just in terms of hardware and software, but it's also about how people want to manage their hours and I think just getting into this new system people just need time. But generally, I think in terms of business, I think we performing well. Davier: Okay. That's good to hear. Zahin: I am hoping that there are good things to come, which I really hope so. Yeah. We'll see lah. We've pitched for so many stuff, right, if we get all of them in the second half of the year, right, that's it. Davier: Nexus for G- Nexus for GS haven't come back yet? Zahin: No, not yet.

34:54 Davier: NS Square, NS- NS Gallery, NS Atrium. If we get these two- Zahin: Oh yes, the atrium, yeah. Davier: Boom town. Boom town. Uh, we bid for Mandai, is it? Zahin: No, no Mandai. Davier: Yeah. Zahin: Not yet. Davier: SIA Gallery? Zahin: Yeah, SIA Gallery. Davier: SIA? No, SIA Singapore Airlines. So it's at their training center. Zahin: Oh, the one at Changi there, Upper Changi? Davier: Yeah. No, so about it lah. Any uh feedback about your your guys? Any complaints or issues? Zahin: Uh, the, I mean the last year definitely like Josh talked about it in the staff right? I think Sherin was quite, based on what Sherin told me is that she was quite upset about it. Um, but there are some usage of words that I just have to refrain lah, that say defined sensitivity, it was usually words like "assisting" or "do me a favor" and things like that. Which it's very like focused on me, which I'm like, well I'm lead of my department. Davier: Wow. Zahin: It's just, yeah, that kind of stuff lah. Yeah, and Sherin say it's like, you know that that's very strange, yeah, but Sherin didn't say it to her, but Sherin say it's like, you know that's a bit wild. Yeah, because you're working with, you know, a lead, right? Davier: Yeah. Zahin: Yeah, but that is the general feedback. But is it only coming from one person or- Davier: Yeah, only. Zahin: Okay. Davier: Diva lah. Zahin: A diva lah, yes, exactly. I mean, I also shared my opinion with my personal friends also, you know, like what is going on, isn't it so bizarre? They're like, well she is coming from, you know, a more performance background, and she just needs limelight sometimes, and she doesn't like when people are in her way. So I was like...

36:29 Davier: Okay. That's very true. That's very true. If you consider her other life. Zahin: Yeah, that's her culture, right, so she doesn't like it. But I'm like, well you're here, and it's like- Davier: Does she have siblings? Zahin: She is a middle child. Davier: Hmm. Zahin: Yeah, but I'm not sure she gets along with her siblings because her... yeah, middle child usually are neglected. Davier: Sometimes. Yeah. I mean I've heard it before lah. It can go different ways, you can be either very independent or you you know, demand... Zahin: Yeah, yeah. I-I mean I've heard it from her sharing about her family background lah. Davier: It does sound like that lah. Zahin: Yeah. Okay. So I mean if you factor into all these cultures definitely it's like you see your lead speaking this way maybe becomes like a very personal thing. But technically it's not, yeah. So I- I just be very, very clear it's like, in work you have to overlook all these things and wait- wait, I-I get this kind of feedback all the time for myself. So yeah, get used to it. Not personal, definitely. Zahin: Yeah, and it's like, I think it's also like, I mean, something that my friends brought up that I didn't think about that perspective was that I think during the NMS period, it's like I was interviewed by MediaCorp. And I think maybe she saw and well, we both are the experts too, and how come B is not being interviewed by MediaCorp because she's an expert? Her. She went to me directly. Davier: She- it's very different. I mean like, um, you ask any of these artists, right, about let's say my interviews with Fine DB and everything, right, none of them will want to be interviewed. Yeah, it's just, she's she comes from that background.

38:47 Zahin: Exactly, like she needs to be center. But I'm not- Davier: What person has to be interviewed, why? Zahin: Yeah. B- be careful, right? It's not like you you get the limelight all the time also. This is like once in a lifetime, not once in a in a blue moon kind of interview and it's your first time doing it also. Zahin: Exactly, yeah. So I was like what? It's so strange. Yeah, but anyways, um, these are generally things lah, um, so far she's been okay, but it's also I think it's like she knows she has more responsibility now, and I also like toughen up the tasks for production also. Davier: She, she put up a very good front the past- she's never exposed that side of her before. Zahin: I think I think in terms of conversation with people, like in terms of how she talk with me and Rachel and how she talk with other people is very different. I think it's- Davier: It's a double edged sword because she's so close to you all. Zahin: Yeah, she's very comfortable. Davier: She's like family to you all already. Zahin: To show every facet of herself. Davier: Yeah, yeah. For better or for worse. Zahin: Yeah, but I don't think I'm any different the way I'm talking to you guys or even the difference between my team and stuff. Davier: Different strokes for different folks lah. Zahin: I'm even gentler with my team, right? So it's like what is the deal? I don't understand. And if Rachel is a very sensitive person, and if Rachel is not complaining, I don't see how you are complaining. Yeah, and Rachel is just like, I understand this is business, it's whatever, it's just business. Business is business lah. Davier: Somehow I feel like the six years they don't- they don't matter. I think six years later she'll still be exactly the same. Zahin: Yeah, it's just- maybe it's not just maturity, it's just like your your mindset. Davier: Yeah, it's the mindset, it's the mindset. Zahin: Yeah. So these things are challenging, but as long as I know that it's not personal, and she has a problem, she has to bring it up and then we'll have to explain lah, it's like what? Yeah, just get it over and done with.

41:11 Zahin: Yeah, but there's no tension, there's no- I don't see if anything, I told her it's like I'm very supportive of, you know, her job here and you know her contribution. And I know she she does a lot of her personal like, um, stuff outside of work. Davier: Yeah, yeah, I can see that. Zahin: She's still doing that and I always congratulate her for doing- and very supportive of that, you know? If anything, you know, her leadership and her management will be better than mine. Davier: Yep. Zahin: Okay, lah. I think that's about it lah. Anymore, anymore things to bring up? Davier: No, keep up the good work. Yeah, I try. We'll check in in the few more months. Zahin: Yeah, probably with Josh lah, right? Davier: No, I don't think with Josh. Zahin: Josh got NDP. NDP, NDP. Davier: Oh my god. Okay, I'll see you again. Zahin: Yeah, okay, the thing is for NDP, right, my goodness. Okay, the thing is Josh was saying it's like, um, the composers that are doing for NDP they got no time for this section, right, they approach us, right? Davier: Yeah. Zahin: Then after that, I think there was a very big miscomm. Davier: Huh? Zahin: The thing Josh was like, okay here is the song reference, she say reference. Song reference is like I need you to like kind of like think about like something that feels very similar, but remain some- same style lah. So we design our think of other ideas and stuff. Create different ideas already, and then he was like, oh yeah, I like this idea. And then after that I develop fully that idea. And then he was like, this sounds very different though from the original song. I'm like, but you say reference lah. Reference is like that lah, it's just a reference. So what I understood, right, later on that he thought is like, you take this style that you developed, you attach it to the original. Davier: Attach it to the original? I thought it's used as a reference.

43:29 Zahin: No, the the song remains the same, you are rearranging the style to the one that you are developing. What he means. Davier: You, you sure? You double confirm with him, ah? Zahin: I confirmed already. So what in fact he should have just said is like you need to cover this song. Davier: Yeah, exactly. Yeah, yeah. Zahin: So we wasted three weeks, you know? I- I talked to him about it. I was like money already gone already, and we already- Oh my god. Bro, we already record here, we already record there, now you say it's wrong. Oh Josh. Zahin: Yeah, and then we are okay, the jingle is gone already, ah? Then we said okay we cut down here already, it's like where else you want to put the hours into? You cut down admin fees, or you cut down director fees, like where you want to assign, I was like I don't know. Most likely the profit wouldn't be 100%. Zahin: Let's see lah, it will be probably 20% lah. Davier: Okay, record from within the house. Zahin: Yeah, so I- I was like ah, that's a big miscomm. But I know he's stressed also. Davier: Yeah, yeah. Been there, done that. Zahin: Project director. Yeah, we see. I hope the song sounds good lah. All I can say is I hope the song sounds good, but if the song don't sound good, you don't blame me. Davier: Not my fault. Zahin: That one Josh's idea. Yeah, yeah. Okay.

45:29 Davier: Okay. All right, thank you so much. Zahin: Okay, thank you Zahin. Bye-bye. Davier: Bye.

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