THAILAND, 2022. I don’t consider myself a public speaker at all. You know that dreadful feeling just when the rollercoaster ride is about to start? It’s the exact same feeling that stews inside me when I’m about to speak in front of a crowd. Plus, I’m always conscious and awkward on stage.
So when I was invited to speak at TBEX Asia in Phuket, it took me a long while to respond. It had been years since my last speaking gig, and it would be my first time since the pandemic.
But if there’s one thing I truly enjoy, it’s sharing ideas and experiences. It’s the very reason I started a blog in the first place. Plus, I really wanted more Asian representation at international blogging conferences. So I said yes.
And whoa, WHAT A RIDE! 🎢
Not only did I get to meet a lot of incredible bloggers, I also got to see some of my ASEAN friends shine like my SG brother Hendric and my new ID friend Trinity. And Kyle’s opening — so inspirational! Learned heaps from other speakers as well!
After Kyle’s fantastic opening and a series of wonderful breakout sessions, I think I was — understandably — anxious. Just before the closing keynote, I told Shane I was shaking and he told me to just be myself. And I did just that.
I don’t remember half of the words I said but I’m still over the moon about the whole thing.
But more importantly, this event reminded me — after over 2 years of doubt and forgetting — why I love doing what I do.
Thanks for having me, Shane, Rick and Anton! Thanks to all the lovely people I met at the event!
Special thanks to Avantika for the picture!