"Conversations That Matter"

I was having supper with Nathaniel one night and knowing that he used to serve on the Student Associations Council (SAC), I began to enquire about his views on the recent SA elections and fiascos. Being a Workers' Party member, he also shared with me his take on local politics and why Singaporeans are so afraid of being associated with the political opposition.

That's when an idea struck me.

There are so many people out there with vast experience, great ideas, and expounding visions that are both challenging and admirable. When I made a mental calculation of the number of forums and talks I attend, and the number of personalities I come into contact with, I realised there is a wealth of knowledge over there that can be tapped upon.

Imagine if there is a platform where conversations with such personalities can be freely published. Through a format of inquiry (i.e. kind of similar to the YEP Social Enquiry methodology of facilitation and reflection), there is much to be taken out of such conversations.

Imagine if there is a platform which the youth or the public can access to get insights into how such personalities think, act and feel, and walk away feeling somehow inspired by their work, ideas or vision. Or just a platform where one can air his views freely in support or rebuttal of these personalities. It's all about bridging the chasm between the public and such personalities.

"Conversations That Matter" will have no preference for individuals from any sectors, industry or school of thought. I believe political, business or social leaders all have one thing in common: that they believe in a vision greater than themselves that will benefit their community, and perhaps beyond.

I then made a mental list of people whom we could engage as writers and publishers for this platform. Nathaniel even suggested we could start off as an online blog\website, generate income from ads, then sell the rights to a media outlet with the promise that the platform will retain its accessibility and unbias for readers. Or we could brand it as an SMU publishing project which will be non-profit and run entirely by student volunteers.

Or we could simply shelf the idea and revisit it at a later date because it is so convenient to do so.

I need discipline, time and resources to make this happen!