Before we knew it, not only had most of 2017 passed, but it’s almost over. Looking back at the year’s developments, I’ve had fewer opportunities to travel. From August until now, trips to Germany, Vietnam, Laos, mainland China, and even Macau had to be canceled for various reasons — a bit of a pity, really.
But looking at it from another angle, I’ve been on stage less this year, yet I’ve put in plenty of effort behind the scenes. I remember at the start of the year, taking advantage of DCFever’s photo exhibition, I carved out some evening time to organize a small “Travel Culture Festival.” Over three consecutive nights, I invited several guests to share how travel can serve as a form of education. I’ve always believed that travel is part of education — there’s so much it teaches us, and it’s worth exploring.
This year, many friends in the travel industry have published books or launched new projects. For instance, one friend started a platform called Guyguide, where various travel professionals can lead tours, turning their unique travel experiences into itineraries.
Usually around this time, I’d write articles to share on the website where I work or organize a lecture in support. Maybe the support isn’t huge, but within my capacity, I hope to do what I can.
Support from peers is also key to a platform’s development. This year, I was fortunate to host a star-studded photography route exhibition at the International Travel Expo. Its success was thanks to everyone’s support in sharing their travel routes.
Beyond travel, I’ve also been more involved in other areas this year, the highlight being the TEDxChaterRoad conference at the end of the year. This year’s theme was“Move On: To Those Who Haven’t Succeeded Yet”, featuring speakers such as former political assistant Lester Shum, Uber Hong Kong General Manager Kenneth She, top coach Jay Lau of Boxer Rex Tso, and social enterprise founder Lawrence Lui, who shared their ups and downs.
But most importantly, I value the interaction and exchange with the audience. Because what I hope to create isn’t just a TEDx talk, but an event where people from different fields can come together, get to know one another, and spark new ideas.
Lastly, here’s a little plug — tickets for TEDxChaterRoad are now on sale, and everyone is welcome to sign up and join us.
On December 31 this year, let’s come together for the TEDxChaterRoad event, Move On together, and step into a new year.