When I first began exploring how stories travel across cultures, I never imagined the journey would bring me here—to London, presenting at the SOAS University of London, one of the world’s leading centers for the study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.
SOAS has been shaping global conversations on culture and identity for over a century. Walking through its campus, I felt the weight of history and the excitement of being part of an institution dedicated to understanding diversity in a deeply interconnected world.
At this gathering, I will be sharing insights on narrative repatriation and culturally intelligent storytelling—how we can honor cultural origins while building bridges of understanding. In an age where stories often cross borders faster than ever, the challenge is to ensure they do not lose their roots in the process.
This experience reminds me why I started this journey: to show that Southeast Asian voices have something vital to contribute to global storytelling. From Manila to Hanoi, Tokyo to London, each stage affirms that our stories not only travel well, but also shape conversations on identity, empathy, and belonging.
The journey continues.
