For most forms of public speaking — When people are asked about common fears, public speaking always tops the list. So unless you’re Tony Robbins, chances are you get nervous before a presentation. Even Adele gets nervous. The following five points are what I’ve learnt when it comes to most cases of going first, from presentations at…

Dealing with the inner self critic in times of difficulty — The peak in the background is Kilimanjaro — around 5,995 ft high. I tried to climb it in the summer of 2016, but failed at the last hurdle. It was 2am, we were going for the summit in what I can only describe as the coldest temperature I have ever…

But one of the most fascinating out there — Retracing our footsteps This is a Game Boy Color. This wasn’t my Game Boy Color — mine was purple. This was the second Game Boy in the series, after the Game Boy Original, before the Game Boy Advance. After that, the Game Boy SP. If you look at this and feel nostalgic, chances…

Is to read fiction — We’re all looking to escape a little bit more — there’s no doubt about that. Whether it’s through reducing our Screen Time by deliberately setting limits on our most-used apps, or whether it’s because we’re feeling a little run down from a long few weeks at work or school, escapism…

The influence of China’s historical political structure on future competitiveness — China’s relationship with the tech sphere is an interesting one. What grew to be known as ‘Electronics Street’ is now the recognised Zhongguancun, home to some of the world’s largest tech companies, from Baidu to Tencent-backed platform, Meituan-Dianpin. This is by no means accidental, and it is most probably the…

Exploring the overwhelming expectation of instant response — Last weekend I had a conversation with a couple of friends, and we were talking about how overwhelmed we feel with the onslaught of daily WhatsApp messages we receive. Now, this isn’t to hail ourselves as mega-popular or obsessed with tech, but rather to draw attention to an issue that’s…

One of my book highlights in 2019 so far — I haven’t read a book like Convenience Store Woman before, and I’m not sure I ever will again. It’s endearing, humorous, kind of dark. The language is simple, the concept twisted and profound. Plus, you can read this book in a couple of days and it won’t feel like a…

Nothing more, nothing less — Yesterday, I crossed the road with a smile. It was a zebra crossing outside the tube station where I get off to go home. I approached the crossing, smiled and stuck my hand up while I looked to the left to make brief eye contact. Once the car stopped, I…