Phanganist speaks with Jaime from Moonlight Cinema about 'Converge Forum'....
Hey Jaime so where did the idea for Converge Forum come from?
Although Koh Phangan is known for its care-free party atmosphere, there is an ever-growing amount of locals and long-term tourists that are well-accomplished in their fields from back home; many of which being involved in tech, digital media, finance, and other relevant industries outside of Koh Phangan.
To be frank, it's time there is a platform that is not a dance floor where these think-tanks can get together, and thus Converge was incepted.
And what is the concept of this event?
My vision for this initiative held regularly is to provide interesting speakers from both local and international communities to discuss relevant, compelling, and academic ideas with Koh Phangan’s ever-growing community of thoughtful, conscious and progressive locals.
It is my belief that these shared ideas will be followed with inspiration to pursue one's passions and dreams – no matter how great the challenge. Shared ideas and inspiration coupled with meaningful networking, well, this is Converge.
How do you think this will benefit the community of Koh Phangan?
We have the opportunity to really change Koh Phangan’s image in the next few years into something more diverse, more valuable, and more interesting than just the intoxicating Full Moon Party and all the associated ‘extra-curricular activities’ around this event and its smaller counterparts.
In short, it's time Koh Phangan grows up a bit, especially if it wants to be taken seriously domestically and beyond.
It’s very easy to get complacent here and to fall off the path of professional, personal, and ironically enough, spiritual growth. Often times caused by too much time hanging out on the beach or dance floors with the chemical brothers; if you catch my drift.
Nothing wrong with this as I believe everything in life should be fun, but balance is key.
There was a point two years ago before starting the cinema that I could barely punch two plus six in my head. It had turned to mush. And this is when I decided to start working out my brain again, and I hope Converge is a mental gym people can use from time to time.
This month is about 'failure', why did you decide on this topic?
The first event was launched in conjunction with a digital nomad group who had requested the topic based on their groups background in entrepreneurism. I think it speaks to everyone especially us locals who live here.
I believe it takes a certain mindset to achieve a peaceful and sustainable lifestyle here in Thailand, especially on Phangan with all its ambiguity. It’s very hard to make money here and it’s also very hard to feel the same level of security as back home. This type of environment creates for much uncertainty and I believe the event spoke to just this: uncertainty and how to turn it into opportunity through set backs, either small, or large – considered by most as failures.
And how did you compile the speakers, what will each individual bring?
I was already aware of a few exceptional people on the island that I had met throughout my dealings here with Moonlight Cinema being opened so I drew from that warm network. Asked around a bit more and gathered up the crew. There were a few people that had backed out due to stage fright and such, which is understandable as well. But it worked out perfectly with everyone bringing a different perspective to the table surrounding the theme of failure.
We plan to host different speakers with each new edition of the Forum and we are accepting and reviewing requests to speak on our Converge Forum facebook page. Just PM us at @convergephangan.
What can people expect from the networking after the talks?
Networking is what completes the Convergence. It allows for people from all walks of life and backgrounds to come together under a common goal or interest. Through these connections, people end up with like-minded friendships, business relationships, and sometimes you might even find that smart, successful, outspoken – yet elegant – partner, who is nothing but a hippy at heart.
With this I hope to allow connections on all levels to be made without having to be intoxicated on a dance floor. Something a little bit more sophisticated for the sophisticated…
And what do you hope for future Converge events?
This event was the first trial run but it's clear that there is a demand for this type of event it just needs to be commercialised better. The first one was rather low tech and rough around the edges so to speak, but the ‘realness’ factor I think helped, plus it’s Koh Phangan, not NYC. However, being a perfectionist, I would like this event to be as professional, streamlined, and heavily supported by like minded communities as well as local and international brands; one of which being TEDtalks.
The idea is to run Converge for a few rounds throughout the year as a local initiative, but through this, create an opportunity to host a fully licensed and internationally promoted TEDx conference once a year, right here on Koh Phangan. And this is what I mean when I say that we as a community have a great opportunity to really change the image of the island in the next couple of years, and I have already met some key players on the island to help make this vision a reality, so give me a little bit of time on this one, but it will happen!
Final Words….?
If you like what we are doing with Converge please share as much of its content as possible. Initiatives like this only take off through sharing and spreading the word on a grassroots level.
Media and advertising will only get this project so far in the mindshare of the local and international communities. Thank you for your help and support!
Keep updated with phanganist.com by following our Facebook page.
