I suppose the previous posts by Shobana, Cherrie and Chip have provided an awesome account on what the forum is all about. Therefore, I would like to write more about the People—each and every individual who is an integral element of the forum itself, and also little remnants of thoughts (whatever I'm able to recollect at this hour of fatigue).

I still have a vivid memory of the moment I stepped into Room 1466. The receptionist told me that my roommates have not arrived yet, and thus I do not have much ‘mental preparation’ to meet them. However, lazing around on each bed were Kartini and Johanna. I saw Johanna’s picture on her TIG profile, so I don’t even have to guess who’s who.

Many a time, it’s not about ‘breaking the ice’—that sounds too violent! Ice splinters everywhere! It’s about melting the ice…

Initially, we’re like, “Okay… So we’re the only ones who got triple-sharing room. Hmm… now we have to call the operator for an extra mattress.” But it only makes things better! We have one more roomie! …until there’s a space in Kam’s room and we have to ‘part’ with Johanna.

Some of us were rather flabbergasted (perhaps that’s a bit of an exaggeration) when we were chosen to participate in this cross-cultural opportunity. We did not feel as if we were active enough to deserve the opportunity. Then someone mentioned something about quality over quantity… haha…
For my part, I just thought it would be great to voice out some of my views, from both the positive and negative perspectives. The idea of the use of technology in education is often idealised and perhaps I could add a little more critical elements to the online forum. After a while, I was too engaged in the various activities in school and out of school that I almost forgot about it. Thus I must admit I didn’t do some follow-ups to the threads that I had started. I guess a few others shared similar stories here.

It’s amazing how fate brought us together. For instance, I never would have known Kong Soon though we are from the same school. Sagar and Kartini met previously but it was because of the forum that they had more understanding of each other. Many of us are from the same countries, and we may have passed by each other at some point in the past without knowing. Imagine, Kartini and I might have taken the same MRT in Singapore before, or I may have the chance to visit Bangladesh 10 years from now and not know Anwar. ***Strangers are just friends that you have yet to make. The world is connected by an intangible bond, but it is not uncommon for people to pass one another in a brush of a shoulder and never meet again. Many do not even have a chance to meet.

But here at the Innovative Students’ Forum, we met.

Michael Furdyk-They call him a millionaire. But it’s not about the money, is it? It’s about how millions of opportunities are created! For youth and for social activism!

Katherine Walraven-Most helpful and supportive! And she speaks on stage with so much ease! Very passionate about what she’s doing right now.

Bernise Ang-When I saw her profile, I really really think she has this aura that I perceive as beauty—her character, her smile and all. But with a different hairstyle that day, she looked really cool and full of exuberance. Anyhow, she’s still the Bernise with great personality.

Cherrie Kong-Someone told me that people who take PhD in Science are usually a bit of a science maniac. But I disagree, because that’s Stereotype and Generalisation! She’s crazy enough though—social activism, kind heart, fun, brainy and look at all the things that she has done!

Shaun Koh-See if anyone is ‘innovative’ enough to invent a proper hair wax for him! It’s no way anyone can go through breakfast without staring at his hair. Really hyper and crazy guy here! But he gives constructive comments too. On second thought, perhaps it’s better to let his hair remain that way.

Brian-Our big big friend! He comes every day at the conference though it is not an obligation for him to do so. I especially like his straightforward, quick and sharp and kind personality.

Joel Neoh- One of our speakers from Malaysia. We didn’t have much interaction together, but it’s great to meet the winner of the Malaysian version of the Apprentice-The Firm, and plus, he was a model and studied engineering.

Anh- He forgets a little Vietnamese and dresses in a rather Japanese style. Nevertheless, it doesn’t matter whether he’s more Vietnamese or more Japanese. As an environmentalist, he’s a good citizen of our Earth!

Anwar-His proficiency in software and such is indubitable. But that’s not all; he’s the Global 100 Social Entrepreneur.

Chip-She brought along a small child to a party, and people asked her if that’s her child, and she jokingly says ‘Yes!’ But they took it seriously and gossiped about it, then asked her again, ‘Who’s the father?’ Best answer: WHO CARES??!!

Iman- He’s a self-motivated youth who is part of the generation that’s able to shape the future of Indonesia.

Johanna-She’s one of the best roomies and partners you can find!

Kam- Jackie Chan (US + Thai Style) speaks it all!

Kartini-She invited us to go gym but woke up at 8 am or something… She’s really cute and fun! And she’s able to bear with me…haha. Kartini, we won’t forget THE prawns!!!

Kong Soon-My schoolmate. He’s a citizen reporter who claimed to have written positive and negative things.

Linh-He changes his English slang easily, and often without realising. He wished to introduce Lara Fabian to me but never had the chance too.

Marcus-He’s the only ‘white’ among us students—a situation which he admitted he hardly had the chance to be in, but he claimed to look like an Asian when he couldn’t keep his eyes open because of the camera flash. A few of us had a long late-night conversation by the poolside on the first day.

Matthew-He’s a smart guy from a smart school. Like the Malay proverb, ‘diam-diam ubi berisi’, I didn’t talk much with him but I believe he has lots of substance inside.

Sagar-I pushed him into the pool. Haha. We still keep in contact but unfortunately he’s back to India when I’m going to Singapore. Many things to say about him but I don’t have the time to do so right now…

Shobana-She looks fabulous in her modernised Sari during the gala dinner.

Vaspol-He has a really cute nickname, Pai. Snored while asleep? (thanks, Linh)haha

Puay San and Gean Oh-the support behind everything!

Trecia-It’s a name made up. But thank you too!!

Of course, special thanks to Microsoft, TakingITGlobal and also teachers from the conference!

To all participants of the online forum, you all will remain as part of our virtual memory! All the best!

As everyone knows, day after the last day of the forum is Johanna’s Birthday. To me, birthday is just a reason to celebrate a person’s being. We didn’t do much for Johanna though—it was spontaneous, just a blow at the decorative candle in the middle of the dinner table, no cakes, but a bundle of wishes. It’s the meaning behind it that matters. ***We should all celebrate the existence of our loved ones at all times, birthday or not, and celebrate each and every moment of our lives…

Photos capture the very moment but memories and images may become vague someday, and my poor words are incapable of preserving the essence of everything. What matters most are how you personally feel, and the notion that we have become ***part of each others’ memory at one point of our lives, though short and temporary.

Regards,
Jin Yun