“Over the years, those who have seemed to me to be the most happy, contented and fulfilled have always been the people who have lived the most outgoing and unselfish lives.”
- HM Queen Elizabeth II, 1926 -
Seventy-five years ago, a young girl aged twenty-one pledged her life to service. “Noblesse Oblige” – privilege entails responsibility. Born privileged, she knew her life comes with a duty to serve. She has since kept her promise and served her people for seven decades. This Platinum Jubilee weekend (2nd-5th June), more than 16,000 street parties will take place across the United Kingdom as people join in to celebrate HM Queen Elizabeth II’s exceptional milestone.
Over in Asia, we can also enjoy the Dragon Boat and Rice Dumpling festival on the 3rd of June (the 5th day of the 5th lunar month.) A Happy Father’s Day, too, for fathers out there on the 19th – thank you for your dedication to your families.
Finally, for keen observers of nature, you can experience the phenomenon of the longest day and shortest night if you live in the northern hemisphere. Or, call it the winter solstice if you observe it from the southern hemisphere, the shortest day and the longest night. Nature shows us that the perspective of things depends on where we stand, and there is simply no right or wrong.
With all the festivities and celebrations:
Happy and Glorious June!
A Journey A Month…
Your Story. Our Story. The Human Story.
One may have heard of the Commonwealth, the Commonwealth Games, or come from one of the Commonwealth countries. However, very few realise the significance of the foundation of the Commonwealth and the impact it has on our modern world.
I was born in one of the Commonwealth countries. After spending some growing-up years in the United Kingdom, it is almost natural for me to think of the Commonwealth of Nations as Queen Elizabeth II’s legacy. In her Christmas speech in 1959, the Queen shared her vision of the Commonwealth as “an entirely new conception – built on the highest qualities of the Spirit of Man: friendship, loyalty and the desire for freedom and peace.“
The Commonwealth comprises 54 independent countries with common goals to promote development, democracy and peace. Its charter includes Democracy, Human rights, Peace, Tolerance, respect and understanding, etc. It has since added Sustainable Development and Protecting the Environment to its list.
Three facts that may surprise you:
1/ Almost one-third of the world’s population, 2.5B people, live in the Commonwealth countries.
2/ 60% of the Commonwealth’s population are under 30 years old.
3/ Economically, the Commonwealth rivals that of the EU: Its GDP in 2021 was ~US$13.1T while that of the European Union was ~ US$14.4T.
The Commonwealth of Nations spans the globe and includes advanced economies and developing countries. Its membership is the epitome of diversity and Inclusion, and Queen Elizabeth II is its current Head:
This June, we witness an exceptional and remarkable 96-year-old lady with her stories written into history. Even Stonehenge and Marble Arch are lit up with her images to pay tribute. What a gal, what a beacon of light!
Her stories, your stories, my stories and ALL OUR stories make up the canvas of humanity! May we heed the wisdom of each to make our world a better place! As the wise Queen once said:
The world is fascinating simply because differences exist!
Join us to spread the words, share the vision, and do our parts.
At TransCultural Group (TCG), we are determined to play our part in making the world a better place. We have launched an e-book for Youth. We have also uploaded the complete series of “Food around the World” on our YouTube channel.
Please share it If you love our effort, and please give us a “like” and subscribe to our “YouTube” channel (it is free!) Come support us!
Crossing Cultures – Beyond Boundaries
Keng Keng Tan
Founder & CEO
TransCultural Group
kengkeng@transculturalgroup.com
www.transculturalgroup.com
