
"It is more important to release the right response than to send the right message."
- Edward T. Hall (1914-2009) -
August, a month named after the illustrious Augustus, emperor of the Roman Empire, must be glorious! This month, many of us in Asia will celebrate our respective National or Independence Days (Singapore on the 9th; India on the 15th, Malaysia on the 31st). Besides, the 5th of August is also the day to celebrate your friendship with friends.
Let me also take this month to introduce our advisory director, Su-Yin YAP. Su-Yin (or Su, as her friends call her) travels around the globe. She joins the team to share with us her thoughts as she reflects on news hitting the wires...

Here is the answer for July’s Photo Contest:
VIETNAM
Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hoi An is a picturesque ancient town that transports you to a melting pot of different cultures and rich heritage. You will enjoy walking through the narrow winding lanes, exploring temples to brightly coloured French colonial buildings, the ornate Vietnamese houses, and the iconic covered Japanese bridge.
Click the link below to learn more aboutVietnam (clip by touropia):
If you thought “Crazy Rich Asians” was the first, you are mistaken! The stage for Asian artists was probably set by the Broadway musical “Miss Saigon.” For avid theatregoers, you might remember its’ debut in London’s West End (that was 28 years ago! Ah! those good old days as a student strolling around Convent Garden…)
A Journey A Month...
Your Story. Our Story. The Human Story.
by Su-Yin and Keng Keng.

There is endless strife around the world. At heart are people who cannot see eye to eye. Unfortunately, the resulting friction is costly and can impact generations. For example, in Hong Kong, tensions peaked between anti-government protesters and the police over the highly controversial extradition Bill.
For now, the government of Hong Kong has pulled the brakes, suspending the Bill indefinitely but the conflict continues. What it shows is that even with people who seem ethnically homogenous, they are divided by opposing mindsets and beliefs. Question is:Would these people be willing to find common ground, and look for ways to unlock the hidden value that comes with their differences? Would the desire to create a brighter future for all be strong enough to get everyone to the drawing board in a calmer manner? We wonder…


The invisible 90 percent is where all the energy lies. When a leader can harness this 90 percent, it can bring tremendous value that will propel a team to a height many would hope for. Unmanaged, the same 90 percent may also break, and destroy a team.
Referring to Edward Hall’s quote at the beginning of this newsletter, if we are willing to find the way to release the right response rather than focusing on sending the right message, we will be able to navigate through the sea of differences. If we can master that skill, many issues shall become non-issues but only opportunities to create benefits to all.
Let’s celebrate our differences;
Together, we shall build a better world for a better existence of humankind!

We, at TransCultural Group (TCG), are determined to play our parts in making the world a better place, and we have teamed up with the Cultural Intelligence Centre, U.S.A to bring their well-researched and designed CQ assessment tools to our clients in the Asia Pacific.
We are passionate about building bridges and breaking down walls. Please join us in our journey,

We have so much in common, we just don't always notice it...
Spread the words, share the vision, do our part!