Learning from last weekend conference

Learning from the Global Social Innovation Forum 2008
There are many nuggets of wisdom that I would like to pen down both for myself and my fellow comrades in this journey of life.

1 The need to question the status quo. Pamela Hartigan liked to use the word “unreasonable” to challenge us to be “discontented” with what has been reasonable in standards etc. Only discontented people can push the existing boundary. She also challenged the use of the word “empower”. She felt that we could only provide the means and opportunity for people to choose. And in choosing, people are empowered. We cannot possibly empower people directly.

2 Jet LI gave a very interesting perspective on why we should give back to the society. He highlighted that the 2 chapters of life ie from birth to 10yrs old and the remaining 10yrs of one's life, we need people to care and support us. Thus the remaining middle portion of our lives, we should care and support others. That is what essentially being human means. Compassion and good works must not be a result of hype or loud promotion, it must stem from within every human being ie our nature to give back. I am impressed with his insight of life and commitment to change the world through his foundation. I only lament that we are not seeing much from the Christian world. The world is needful of such people who are not afraid of personal loss in exchange for global change. They would use all within their means to impact society. We must challenge the next generation of believers to do likewise…It is time for the light and salt to shine and influence!

3 Robert Chua, media owner, made an interesting insight about the media in the future. He shared that it would be about cross platform ie we could see “live” input from internet to media content to media programming. It is not about just 1 medium anymore. People are seeking “live” infoentertainment. Also he felt that mass media should be responsible to educate and entertain and not promote wrong habits and values and fear. Very refreshing voice in the media world.

4 Claire Chiang lamented that despite the mammoth growth in wealth, there is no change in the quality of life around the world. There is something fundamental wrong in the way business are run. She predicted that future jobs must have both the motivation of money and meaning to attract and retain Gen X and Y workforce. I cannot agree more!

5 Zainudin reminded us the future of high technology. We could be seeing nano and super nano technology that would allow technology to be implanted into human. The pages of Revelation are coming to past.

6 Amit shared that while youth is lacking in experience and knowledge, youth could start with building relationship and networking.

7 CSL - How to start a SE?
Identify our passion, concerns, interest or even skills.
Clarify purpose and mission; SE is one possible outcome.
Assume a possible attitude for change; attitude is everything
Develop business model for sustainability; details determine destiny
Craft a pitching approach
Engage stakeholders
Take the 1st step!

8 Personal Applications
- Read “Doing good doing well” by willie cheng
- Research on global needs ie Clinton initative and high noon
- Reason the need for YOUTHSOUL – giving the soul to the youth through challenging them to believe God to MAD