The Talking Mountain

Source: SCAS Connections Leadership plays a role in nearly every part of our daily lives. Whether it’s a small group or a large institution, having a good leader makes all the difference. Without someone to guide, inspire, and lead the way, progress is hard to come by. I have always felt that one of the most important places where leadership truly matters is the school. Schools bring together a wide range of people –tiny toddlers just starting out, curious students, mid-career educators, seasoned teachers, and professionals with all levels of experience. And we can’t forget the families and communities that surround them. All of these people look to the school for direction and hope. Because we believe school is a temple and everyone who goes to this place comes out wise and nonetheless, a good human being. In such a rich and diverse setting, good leadership is essential. A great school leader can spark inspiration, encourage growth, and set the tone for an environment where everyone –...

Image: CLCS, Bhutan Perhaps, listening to  Dasho  Chewang Rinzin, the Director of Royal Institute for Governance and Strategic Studies (RIGSS), about professionalism in public service was truly an amazing pursuit in collectively building a great future for our nation.  The topic on professionalism in public service from the  Lee Kuan Yew  school Alumni was great in so many ways.  However, to know that the lack of unity, poor leadership, and self-serving behavior within the government and organizations is in fact posing some unprecedented challenges. The quote "Above the clouds, every day is a clear day" was a powerful reminder for all of us to keep a positive outlook, knowing that better days are always ahead. We were reminded that as educators, we must choose to prioritize the important tasks, like supporting our students, over less important ones like fixing archery matches.  We also discussed in length about the growth vs. fixed mindset which captur...

Source: Dani Redd, 2024 Bhutan's journey towards food self-sufficiency started long before the First Five Year Plan in 1961, and since then, it has been a key priority at every level of the country’s policy. In 1961, a solid foundation was laid after assessing the country’s agricultural needs. However, progress has been slow, and the impact of Dasho Keiji Nishoka, who significantly shaped Bhutan’s agricultural development, seems to have faded over time. To achieve food self-sufficiency, we need to refocus on agriculture, invest in our people, and encourage a mindset of growth. Bhutan needs a leader like Dasho Keiji—someone who is practical, dedicated, and able to inspire real change in every citizen. For a small nation like Bhutan, food self-sufficiency is easy. If we unite and work together, we can lay the groundwork for a sustainable and reliable agricultural future for our children. Ken Haigh pointed out that although 93.8% of Bhutan’s population is involved in agriculture, on...

I have had the great privileged of meeting one great soul from an oil-rich country, South Sudan. I shared many fascinating stories with him about endless things. His name id BOL and he has been living in Australia for over a decade now. Over the months, Bol has become more than just a colleague; he is a great friend. Like anyone, we both have many beautiful dreams.  Through the scorching sun and long days, week after week and month after month, we have shared countless conversations—not just to pass the time but to learn from each other. Our discussions have taken us on a journey through education, healthcare, democracy, government, and even personal experiences. And, of course, we never escaped talking about CORRUPTION! Bol is one of the most interesting people I have ever met from South Sudan. His humility and kindness are too far to describe.   Free Health and Education "Did you know, Bol, that in my country, both health and education are completely free?" I asked him one ...

  Source: Samuel Spencer, PPT Slides One of the most fascinating things I came across in this lecture was a slide discussing “the future trends in data and why documentation remains more important than Artificial Intelligence (AI). But what struck me the most was how this slide encouraged me to think beyond the obvious. The moment I saw it, I couldn’t stop analyzing it—processing each detail, trying to understand the connection between the topic and the three images on the slide. As a photographer, I found each picture visually striking, and they sparked deeper thoughts and emotions, from simple observations to more complex reasoning. The Clock at 8:13 The first image showed a wall clock displaying 8:13. At first look, it's just a clock on a wall, symmetrical and visually appealing. But when AI was asked to generate an image of a clock at 8:13, it created one showing 10:10 instead. Why? Because clock manufacturers typically set their product images to 10:10—it makes the clock hands...

Source: Scholarship Positions I had yet another insightful and eye-opening learning experience during a guest lecture session for my ITS-Capstone Project, featuring Samuel Spencer, CEO of Aristotle Metadata. One of the most rewarding aspects of studying at a university with strong ties to industry partners and business associations is the opportunity to learn directly from experts who have navigated real-world challenges. It's a mutual exchange, give and take —universities produce a skilled workforce, while industries provide invaluable exposure and opportunities for students. One of the best ways to understand the realities of the job market is by listening to influential leaders, CEOs, and entrepreneurs. These are the individuals who have worked relentlessly, experimented with various ideas, encountered failures, yet persisted with unwavering determination. Their experiences offer lessons far beyond textbooks—they embody the resilience and innovation crucial for nation-building a...

👯👯 Time flies so fast —it's hard to believe it's been already two years since we last held our beloved kids. So much has happened, some moments were beautiful and others unforgettable, but the hardest part has been missing them every single day. Some days, it felt almost unbearable to exist on the other side of the world just missing them, too much —their absence was felt so deep.  There were some moments that knocked so hard, pierced my heart  so deeply, and the world had just collapsed over my chest and emotions ran over the sky. And it was this moment I felt real pain in my heart. (All the whats and hows👀👀👯👯) Birthdays are incredibly special, both for parents and children. They are a time to connect, share love, impart values, and strengthen family bonds.  For my daughter’s 8th birthday, we celebrated through video calls. Thanks to the internet and modern technology, we were able to make the moment feel real and unforgettable, even from miles away. Being away fro...