Bananas was great. Despite my earlier concerns (the July post I referred to in my speech is here), I have to say I departed proud and optimistic about the future of my culture outside China. The stats shown by Prof Paul Spoonley about the future trends in Chinese migration (and its likely shift into becoming an immigrant nation itself in 30 years’ time) were fascinating. Who would have thought that my ’flu-ridden weekend in late March would produce so many positive things?
   I also got to enjoy and laugh at some of the Podcasts from Mr Brown, a.k.a. Lee Kin Mun, the controversial Singaporean blogger. The man has real wit and is an embodiment of someone who has taken the best parts of a lot of cultures to aid his free expression.
   Wong Liu Sheung’s summing up was considered and thoughtful and, with Kai Luey’s formal closing, really brought a good finish to the conference.
   I had the duty of being the last speaker, asked to liven things up. It wasn’t the original plan—my name was third to last. But I had to become the “motivational speaker” to conclude things and, interestingly, was quite calm when the change was announced just before our session started. I was pretty happy with how things went and I hope the audience felt the same.
   For those who want my notes, they are available on this website: just go to the speeches’ page and there’s a pop-up box linked from there. Time permitting, I may put them on the blog itself.
   Please bear in mind I never follow my notes religiously. They have as much relation as a James Bond movie to the original novel. Posted by Jack Yan, 07:14  permalink

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