First Social Media Breakfast: Singapore A Success!
March 30, 2008 – 3:03 am | by Daryl TayAbout 40 people turned up for the first Social Media Breakfast: Singapore at Frujch today and it was a really good experience for me and I just wanted to thank everyone for getting up early on a Saturday to have breakfast at 9am.
It never ceases to amaze me how “flat” interactions are between people involved in social media (ie I can be a student but people doing real research and real work are still interested in what I have to say on certain issues and vice versa). I don’t have pictures (because I was too busy running around) and I’m sure videos will be posted by Michael and Andre in the coming days, so look out for that.
Before going further, I just need to clarify that SMB: Singapore was not organised as part of the social media course I’m taking in SMU. I don’t get a grade for this. In fact, Derrick, who isn’t in SMU, started the ball rolling and I just joined him for the ride. The aim, as emphasised in my earlier post is community.
So, here are my memorable experiences (in no particular order):
Finding out ladyironchef.wordpress.com (aka Brad) is a guy and introducing him to the other foodie in the room, Amelia.
Finding out Jean is a researcher in life science (which you would not expect from a social media person). Thanks Xiao Hui for the introduction.
Meeting Andrew whose passion is virtual worlds.
Discovering Michael’s very cool site: Comiqs.
Putting faces to people like Michael Cheng, Debbie, Joanna, Brian, Enning & Supriya.
And meeting people I never even knew online before like Coleman, Hisham, Ridzuan, Yu Hui, Robert & Kenneth.
Of course, it was great seeing people from social media class: Andre, Amelia, Nabilah, Lydia, Yunying & Xiao Hui. As well to Prof. Michael who dropped by despite having classes to teach today.
Finally I need to say a big thank you to Derrick (for the initial idea to start SMB: Singapore), Sheylara (for really doing a lot of work to get it going and reminding me that if you wanna do something, gotta do it well), Nabilah for kindly letting us use Frujch even when they don’t open on Saturdays and Caleb for appearing out of nowhere and sponsoring SMB:Singapore for everyone. I think one thing the organisers felt really took off was the tagging concept (as explained in our video), but credit has to go to everyone who was game enough to help the activity take off.
Ps: I just know I missed out some people and there are people I didn’t even get to talk to today. So sorry about that, but hey, that means we gotta have another such event soon to make amends! Also, it was sad that Kevin and Vanessa couldn’t make it because they were speaking at NUS (I guess Kevin couldn’t have made it anyway unless he Skyped). Next time us Singaporean social media people must schedule properly! (And thanks for the Tech65 crew for postponing their podcast recording just to make it down. Means a lot!)
I have to say if today’s response, interaction and conversation is anything to go by, the social media community in Singapore is definitely present and definitely posed to progress strongly in the future. So if you’ve been a passive reader or consumer of the blogosphere and social media, it may be that time to get your virtual feet wet and jump right in.
Well that’s it for the first Social Media Breakfast: Singapore. Stay “tuned” for the blogosphere coverage that should occur over the weekend and I’ll post all the links up either late Sunday or early Monday. I’m really looking for feedback on today’s session, so any discussion in the comments or email would be greatly welcome and appreciated!
If you’d like to be in the mailing list for the next SMB: Singapore, just contact me directly or leave a comment below.
Tags: frujch, smb singapore, social media breakfast singapore, tech65
19 Responses to “First Social Media Breakfast: Singapore A Success!”
By Michael Netzley on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
Great job everybody! It appears you pulled together a fabulous event that that you can be proud of. Hopefully my next Geek Dinner can be even half as successful. I wish I did not have to teach, but I am glad I could swing by for even a few minutes.
This is the kind of leadership the 2.0 community can learn from.
Michael
By amsiewong on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
Once again, great job D. I’m sure the next breakfasts are only going to get better and better! I’m looking forward to them.
By aplink on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
Well Done David ! Hey Virtually - itsReal
By Nabilah on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
Ah. “We all went home tired, but happy”
That about sums up my thoughts for SMB!
Looking forward to the next.
By Miccheng on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
Here’s the video folks!
http://miccheng.com/2008/03/30/social-media-breakfast-singapore/
Miccheng
By claudia on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
I hate myself for missing this one! Really!
Looking forward to the next one!
Congrats Daryl and team for the successful event!
By Robert | reason4smile on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
Hi Daryl, thanks for organizing, really enjoy the event with you guys. Great job!
By Daryl Tay on Mar 30, 2008 | Reply
@Michael, @Robert, @Amsie, @aplink, @Allquirknoplay: Thanks for the kind words!
@Miccheng: Thanks! Will post it up in the consolidated post tomorrow!
@claudia: make sure we see you at the next one!
By yin on Mar 31, 2008 | Reply
wow. incredible turn out and i wish i was there. congrats on the first ever local smb (it is the first right?). hope to see another one coming soon and i’ll be sure to be there!
By brian on Mar 31, 2008 | Reply
i think it was a success, a simple concept that has tremendous networking value. had some really good conversations with the people i spoke too, everyone’s so interesting!
been busy playing FF on my new PSP instead of blogging, but i shall soon!
By Derrick Kwa on Mar 31, 2008 | Reply
Yeah, as far as we know, it was the first. =).
Really glad everyone enjoyed it. We’ll definitely be doing another one, and hope to see you guys there.
By Daryl Tay on Mar 31, 2008 | Reply
@Yin: Hey I would so have liked to meet you! Come for the next one =)
@Brian: Definitely much value and I’m sure the future conversations will prove that.
@Derrick: Indeed. At least until we get told otherwise!
By ladyironchef on Apr 2, 2008 | Reply
Hello, thanks for the finding-out part, many people had the same problem with my identity. lol!!
look forward to the next one! And oh ya, i’m having a food gathering for food bloggers, bloggers, and anyone who loves food this sun! will u be able to make it? details are on my blog : )