Posts

A Short Notice to Myself

Introduction A few weeks ago at work, I was complaining to a colleague that the latest edition of the Garis Panduan Kaunseling Ubat-ubatan, 2025 essentially just copied product leaflet information and compiled it into a checklist. When assessing provisional registered pharmacists (PRPs), I find myself in a deep dilemma regarding how much detail we actually expect them to memorize. She pointed out the real reason behind this: authorities realize the newer generation seldom studies beyond what is explicitly provided. Therefore, the current approach is to hand them the material in as much detail as possible, regardless of whether they can fully grasp it. I was stunned for a moment. For too long, I had been complaining about the system while neglecting to see my own ignorance. My own frustration and agony had completely taken hold of me. We are nobody, and other people's happy lives are independent of us. The Unwinnable Race Against AI Over the past few months, I feel I have slowed do...

The Vibe Coding Experiment

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Introduction As a pharmacist by profession, I have approached Vibe Coding and Progressive Web App (PWA) development as a personal experiment in self-directed learning. Rather than enrolling in formal training or studying dense programming manuals, I chose to dive straight into the "vibe coding" process. Content The Vibe Coding Experiment is the culmination of that journey - a distilled collection of wisdom gained over a year of hands-on building, troubleshooting and creating. While the core content was originally presented in the series Vibe Coding Journey From Firebase Studio to Antigravity , this book offers a more polished and refined version. However, please note that the fundamental perspectives remain consistent with the original work. Summary Drawing from my non-technical background, I humbly present this guide as a foundational framework for web app development. However, this is not a traditional textbook; you won't find a "far cry" of complex command...

The Investing Outsider

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Introduction I believe the most significant amount of time I spend writing "The Investing Outsider" is actually spent agonizing over the title. While the stock market fluctuates with total unpredictability, human nature remains the one constant: our collective greed and our paralyzing fear. Premise The Investing Outsider never promises "new" tricks or revolutionary rules. Instead, it continues to explore established trading philosophies like value investing and growth stocks. Think of this as an "impostor’s guide" to exploring market mechanics. The core tenet is simple: build a watertight financial foundation. This allows the bear market to shatter souls around us while we watch from the sidelines - getting soaked by the storm, perhaps, but observing it all with the detached clarity of an outsider. Summary This is not an open invitation for everyone to indulge in active stock trading. In fact, I would rather issue a warning: if you are faint of heart, t...

Migrating to Vite + React

Introduction When Google introduced Firebase Studio for "vibe coding", Next.js was established as the primary framework due to its seamless integration of front-end and back-end logic. While this unified design is compelling, it carries a hidden cost: a heavy reliance on server-side post-processing and Cloud Functions to serve even basic assets. For many developers, this architecture introduces unnecessary complexity and overhead for projects that don't require a persistent server. The Migration While exploring alternative configurations, I discovered that Google Antigravity suggests app setups tailored to specific functional needs. The PWAs (Progressive Web Apps) I designed for personal use - an offline-first budget tracker , a QR code suite , and a "Sheet-to-Database" utility - are primarily static applications. They rely almost entirely on local client-side execution ('use client') and do not require Server-Side Rendering (SSR). Antigravity reco...

AppSheet

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Introduction AppSheet is a no-code mobile application-building platform that was acquired by Google in January 2020 . Having explored AppSheet and its features, I must say that the mobile application design experience is exceptionally well-crafted , and it can be considered among the best in the field. Features In an overview, AppSheet offers an advanced editor for app customizations, such as app logos, view controls, app names and sign-in requirements. Users also have the flexibilities to add various features to their apps, such as GPS maps, charts, push notifications, email alerts and photo capture. Offers seamless data synchronization with Google Sheet file , ensuring the data is always up to date and accessible. Enables offline functionality , allowing users to continue using the app even without an internet connection. Furthermore, AppSheet provides options to enable HTML interpretation within the spreadsheet to further styling their app's content. Views > General ...

Passing The Torch

Introduction This week marked the retirement of a senior pharmacy assistant at my facility. While these professionals may not always be the clinical experts you seek for complex drug information, they form the essential backbone of our administrative operations. His work often happens silently in the background, yet it encompasses everything that keeps the department’s junior pharmacy assistants running smoothly: shift arrangements, attendance monitoring, CPD (Continuing Professional Development) tracking, asset management, and staff reshuffling. As he prepared to depart, he handed over his daily responsibilities to two other senior assistants - both of whom are set to retire next year. The reality of healthcare administration often lies beneath the surface. The longer we remain at a facility, the more we accumulate "invisible" responsibilities until the workload becomes deceptively heavy. From Independence to Mentorship In our early years, we are eager to learn and take on ...

The IESA Framework in Patient Assessment

Introduction The IESA framework is a structured approach used to perform comprehensive medication management reviews. The sequence of the assessment - Indication, Effectiveness, Safety, and Adherence - is intentional. It is designed to guide clinical pharmacists and healthcare teams through the essential clinical questions required to determine the appropriateness of a patient's drug therapy. The framework operates on a logical hierarchy: one must first confirm that an indication is valid before evaluating effectiveness, safety and adherence. Only after confirming that a medication is necessary, effective at the prescribed dose, and free of significant adverse effects should the focus shift to ensuring patient adherence. The IESA Framework By evaluating a patient’s active medical conditions and their specific goals of therapy, each medication should be assessed using the following criteria: Indication Does the patient have a clear medical indication for this medication? Is the med...