Form Supports Function

The Drive, the Field Trip, and the Legacy Vision

Sometimes the biggest revelations don’t happen in boardrooms or strategy meetings. They happen in traffic—on the way back from a fish farm.

Today was one of those days.

I’m driving solo, heading back to school. It’s the 28th of March, 2025—last day before the Raya break.

This morning, I went to Star Fish Farm in Kulai. Beautiful spot—not just for school field trips, but perfect for family outings. While snapping photos, I wasn’t just thinking logistics. I was thinking legacy.

During Chinese New Year, I took up the role of reunion facilitator. Why? Because I’ve been trying to disrupt that “once-a-year-only” culture.

Yes, CNY Eve is great. But why not gather more often?

This year’s goal: two to three family gatherings. Four, if possible.

And Star Fish Farm? That might be the next one. I’ll make it happen before May.

Even this trip—unexpected as it was—reminded me again: even simple forms can carry legacy.

The Car Ride That Became a Coaching Session

The drive to the farm took nearly an hour. I had a one-on-one with one of our media team members. Solid guy—humble, grounded, people-focused.

As men—and as husbands—we need to call each other up. Not just make small talk, but challenge one another toward love and good deeds.

I always carry a PDD into moments like these:

• Purpose: Be a good listener.
• Desired Outcome: Encourage him to grow as a husband.
• Desired Response: Inspire him to see that being a great father begins with being a present, intentional husband.

I don’t write these out anymore—PDD is default mode now. That clarity drives connection.

Because clarity is a form that sets people free.

A Field Trip with My Son—and the Healing of Childhood

I also got to spend time with my younger son, Evan.

He wasn’t feeling well, but he still wanted to join. And I’m so proud of him—he didn’t just endure it, he enjoyed it.

But the real insight?

Kids love being outside. That’s obvious.

But they need it too. And we’re slowly realizing why.

Yesterday, we reflected on Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation:

“We rewired childhood—and now we’re seeing the cost.”

It’s not academic pressure that’s breaking kids. It’s the shift from real play to digital life. From scraped knees to dopamine hits.

So at Stellar, we’re flipping the model:

• Reintroduce outdoor play
• Allow risk and independence
• Build emotional immunity, not just test scores

Because kids need to feel like they can make a difference. That’s agency—and it only grows through experience, not consumption.

Since 2012–2013, mental health issues have skyrocketed:

• Girls? Body image, Instagram filters, online cruelty
• Boys? Gaming addiction, disengagement, isolation

Self-harm. Depression. Suicide. All rising.

We’re not shielding them by locking them up. We’re protecting them by setting them free—in safe offline spaces.

Right now, society is paranoid offline and careless online.

We should reverse that.

Let them get mosquito bites. Let them fall.

That’s how immunity builds—both biological and emotional.

Even field trips like today—they’re forms that support the deeper function of healing childhood.

Meeting a Kindred Spirit from China

After the trip, I visited a preschool and had a great conversation with a former international school principal from China.

We clicked instantly.

Old-school like me. Turns on his camera during Zoom calls. Prefers face-to-face. Could’ve been a doctor—but chose education. For purpose, not prestige.

People like that? They refuel me.

Time Management as Impact Allocation

The preschool owner looked almost guilty.

“You’re so busy,” she said. “And you came through all that jam just to see me.”

I smiled.

“I’ve got 24 hours a day. Eight go to sleep. The other 16? I invest them intentionally.”

Not living carefree anymore. I’m stewarding my time.

I’m responsible for 200 people and the future of Stellar Education Group.

I don’t spend time with people.

I invest it.

And one hour with the right person?

That can unlock a thousand hours of impact.

Bible Study, Momentum, and the Power of Routine

Later that night, I hosted our kids’ Bible study.

I didn’t feel like it. I was tired. Traffic drained me. Field trips drained me.

But when I checked the notes, I saw our last session was over a month ago.

That’s when it hit me again:

Routine is a form. Momentum is a function.

And sometimes, just showing up is the victory.

Joe, Witness, Overwhelm, and Directional Clarity

At the gym, I caught up with Joe & Witness. We were talking about disrupting the business.

“Too many ideas,” he said. “I don’t know where to start.”

I told him:

“You don’t need to chase everything.

Start with end in mind—what’s the end?

You don’t need to change your actions today.

Just give them meaning.”

It’s not about jumping from idea to idea.

It’s about walking with clarity—letting function shape the form you build next.

Growth vs Breakthrough: Know the Difference

There’s a gap between growth and breakthrough:

• Growth = Doing what you previously weren’t willing to do
• Breakthrough = Doing what once felt impossible

A baby learning to walk? Breakthrough.

Me? Writing daily. Listening deeply to my wife instead of defending myself. That’s growth.

But sitting down with my parents for a deep encouragement session?

That still feels impossible.

So even organizing a family reunion?

That’s not just growth.

That’s breakthrough.

And every breakthrough needs a form strong enough to carry it.

Form Supports Function: The Philosophy Shift

While prepping for Bible study, I had a call with one of my closest sisters.

And one phrase stood out:

Form supports function.

A chair is a form. Sitting is the function.

Worship is the function. Church, prayer, songs—those are forms.

But often, we confuse the two.

Christian vs Muslim? We argue over form.

But forget the shared function—discipline, love, devotion.

Some of my Muslim friends live more spiritual lives than Christians.

So what matters more—religion or love?

Religion is form.

Love is function.

Let that sink in.

But Don’t Dismiss the Form

This isn’t a rejection of form.

Our breakthrough at Stellar—scaling beyond 300 students—only happened because we built a form strong enough to hold the growth.

System → Franchise-ready → IPO-ready.

Form drives function.

And when done right, it doesn’t limit—it unlocks.

Accountability, Ceremony, and Sacred Rhythm

Accountability is a form.

Sometimes, obligation brings you to the table.

But once there, you taste the meaning of the meal.

That’s why ceremony matters:

• It mentally prepares us
• Triggers reflection
• Creates sacred space

Obedience to the right form leads to joy in the function.

Don’t overlook the quiet power of:

• Systems
• One-on-ones
• Rhythms
• Even rules

They might feel like duty.

But they birth depth.

Even this article is a form that allows reflection, connection—and maybe even healing.

Final Reflection: Legacy in Holiday Form

Term’s over. Raya break begins.

But this isn’t off-time.

It’s just a different form of living out the same function:

Family. Reconnection. Presence.

Even holidays carry legacy.

Good night.

Another full day.

Another layer of clarity.

Another confirmation that…

Form supports function.

Always.