A week away from work. Considering that we’ve just received the grant and there’s work to be done. This isn’t the best time to take leave. But no choice! I applied, got selected and have paid for the seminars.
So I went to jakarta for 8 days. Lugging my lap top (a.k.a my lifeline) praying that there will be time to sort out some work.
I was set on meeting like-minded people like myself, to expand my network and scout for business opportunities at Jakarta.
In the end, the deal was much sweeter.
I made friends (read: not merely potential business mates), toured to places not normally open to public and learn much about culture from different countries! There were 45 participants from ASEAN countries. Most of them are undergraduates. And most of them are entrepreneurs.
Striking a standard 'ASEAN' handshake pose
Founders of consultancy firms, shoe retailers, modern cultural coffeeshops, web designers, fashion houses and much more.
Impressive, inspiring and brilliant bunch of people. I feel fortunate to be amongst them.
Our days were filled with seminars. Speakers after speakers. Every speaker is unique, with wealth of experience to share.
Just to name a few:
Wahyu Aditya, founder of Hellomotion and HelloFest (Indonesia’s only animation festival).
Aditya looking fun and animated in this picture
Yoris Sebastian, founder of OMG Consultancy & 2006 International Young Creative Entrepreneur of the Year
Yoris shared a great deal of creative tips, perking us up even at 10pm!
Iim Fahima, founder of Virus communications and director of Virtual Consultancy, one of Indonesia’s top firm
I wish, I wish to become as capable as her in a few years time:)
However, because most of us did not have enough sleep due to the packed schedule, staying focused was difficult.
Even I, someone who can proudly proclaim to have not skipped a single lecture in school, had to sneak off for a short nap!
*sorry honoured guests*
Towards the end of the trip, we all exchanged gifts. I bought a notebook with woodcarved merlion (I tried my best to be creative in gifts!) .Others brought their countries’ specialty snacks to share. As the food was distributed, my Filippino friend, Krizanne, broadcasted ‘If it tastes good, tell me, I can export it to your country!’
Haha! well, that’s her. Staying true to the wild entreprenuerial spirit!
A Lefthander's Writings 