Editorial | Master Storyteller The writing career of singer and peace advocate Agnes Chan

I’m particularly pleased with this issue’s exclusive cover story on Agnes Chan, UNICEF goodwill ambassador. Not only is she my childhood idol, Agnes Chan is an internationally recognized artist that has many inspiring stories to tell. Last year, when she was in Bangkok to be the keynote speaker at our third anniversary party, she gave us an interview about her responsibilities as UNICEF goodwill ambassador, a role she was appointed to in 1988. This time around, we went all the way to her office in Tokyo to sit down and talk with her about another side of her life – her life as an author.

Many of you might think of Agnes as singer and TV personality, but she is also an avid writer who will soon release two children’s books. In this exclusive interview she explores her creative process, sources of inspiration and the fulfilment she receives from writing. We were greatly inspired by her perceptive world view and attitude, and we hope that you’ll feel the same when you read the article.

Other highlights include insight into investment and business opportunities in China from the head of Saha-Union Investment (China), who gave me the honour of an interview in Shanghai last month, and a glimpse into the future of healthcare at Verita, the leader in preventive healthcare that has just opened its first establishment in Bangkok. We also had a chat with Phil Jablon, an American photographer with an activist mind who is at the forefront of architectural preservation work, especially for old cinemas in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia. We had a lot of fun putting together this issue, and we hope you’re having fun reading it, too.

This issue is also special because it marks our fourth anniversary. We have grown, evolved and improved, thanks to your feedback and comments. In fact, we aim to communicate and listen to you more, so in any way possible, please let us know how we can do things better or differently to serve you better, whether it’s the print or online edition. We intend to change with the world and move along with the changing behaviour of readers, so in the near future you will see new digital features and a few changes that we hope will satisfy our valued readers and cater to your modern lifestyle.

Thank you again for your support throughout the years. Without you, we wouldn’t have made it this far. Until next time!

Warm regards,
Arthorn Techatada
Executive Editor