Finding Joy
Tatler
24
I always look forward to December, largely because Christmas is my favourite holiday but also because I have a thing for reading year-end reviews and predictions. I particularly look out for Oxford Languages Word of the Year and Pantone’s Colour of the Year, which I suppose speak to my twin loves of writing and design.
It’s fascinating to have 365 days condensed into a single word—like “unfriend” in 2009, arguably the height of Facebook. Given this very special year, the lexicographers have decided to forego crowning just one and instead released “Words of an Unprecedented Year”, which summarised findings about how much our language has evolved. When your week is filled by blursdays and you are prone to doomscrolling, perhaps it’s time for a workcation. Get that? In the past 12 months, we have seen a profound change in how we communicate, birthing new portmanteaus such as “infodemic” and an explosive spike of words rarely used publicly like “personal protective equipment”.
The year 2020 has required us to apply a new language, approach, and perspective. In a starkly different year, it is apt to cap it with a large feature dedicated to individuals whose mission is to make a difference. In this issue we introduce the Asia’s Most Influential: Impact List, showcasing the 100 most influential voices leading positive change in our region. From legendary inventor Peter Tsai, who came out of retirement to find ways to further increase the efficiency of N95 masks (he invented the mask’s current filtration technology 25 years ago), to Shiori Ito, who fights for gender equality and human rights in Japan, this inaugural list champions those who truly make the world a better place.
There are many noteworthy changemakers profiled in this issue—including 11 from Singapore—one of which is The Majurity Trust founder Danny Yong, who appears on our cover with Muslim Mas Holdings CFO and executive director Alvin Lim. Their story (page 158) is an inspiring example of what we can achieve when we work together and a call to action for everyone to contribute, no matter how small. “An effective government does not absolve us of the responsibility to take ownership to do our part to make our home a better place,” stresses Yong.
Elsewhere in the issue, we see sprouts of positivity coupled with much-needed escapism. Get lost in the whimsical creations of Japanese designer Tomo Koizumi (page 102) and enjoy the fun interview with actor Ashley Park of the Netflix hit Emily in Paris (page 196). Our sub editor Hashirin Nurin Hashimi also speaks to Singapore’s leading theatre mavens, including Adrian Pang, Ivan Heng and Gaurav Kripalani, on what’s next for the live theatre scene now that the stage is set for a comeback (page 34).
Our holiday celebrations may be upended this year but there are still traditions to be upheld. That is, bonding over a festive meal even though some of our loved ones can only join us virtually to the wonderful practice of giving to others and yourself. Above all, however, Christmas is a time for reflection. While 2020 will be forever etched in our collective memory as a year of immense suffering, let us not forget the learnings and silver linings and bring those with us as we forge a brighter future ahead.
I wish you and your family a very happy Christmas!