Around the World in 68 days Observations of Life From a Journey Across 13 Countries

by SONG, KOH BUCK

• ISBN13: 9789814882231
• ISBN10: 9814882232
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2021-05-11
• Publisher: Penguin Books

Summary

Around The World In 68 Days is a travelogue with a big difference – not about how to get there, what to see or where to dine, but instead, seeking to glean insights into the meaning of life and the true nature of human societies, using the lens of the brand attributes of each territory to look more clearly into the kaleidoscope of humanity. In a time of a global pandemic, this is also a type of memoir, a tribute to travel, of a pre-Covid-19 world. This is like a 68-day extravaganza of ichigo ichie, the Japanese concept of cherishing every worthwhile moment. Singaporean writer Koh Buck Song – author and editor of more than 30 books – distils the quintessential brand essence of very different cultures in 13 countries across four continents. He draws from his experience and perspectives as a country brand adviser, advocate of liveable and sustainable cities, and commentator on society and public policy. Koh, also a poet and artist, opens each chapter with his own haiga artwork of a haiku poem with an ink sketch. These artworks complement this book’s effort to capture and interpret shared humanity across the globe.

Author Biography

Koh Buck Song (family name: Koh) is a Singaporean brand adviser and the author and editor of more than 30 books, including one on Singapore’s country brand – Brand Singapore: Nation Branding In A World Disrupted By Covid-19 (third edition, 2021, with a Chinese translation published in China, 2012). He has advised foreign governments on building their nation brands, and has spoken extensively on country branding internationally, including in London, Oxford, Cambridge (Massachusetts), Chicago (Illinois), Phuentsholing (Bhutan), Tahiti, Tokyo, Shanghai and Melbourne.

Table of Contents

United Arab Emirates - Heights of human aspiration Oman - Slivers of sanctuary Madagascar - Microcosm of survival Kenya - Humility and wonder Spain - The icon as catalyst Colombia - Culture as power Costa Rica - Small and smart Cuba - Island of isolation and invasion Panama - Betwixt two oceans Mexico - Seeking firmer ground Guatemala - Tradition amidst turmoil Japan - At Southeast Asia’s edge Taiwan - Spirit of enterprise