Global Future Forum • Bali • Kuala Lumpur • Ipoh
13–22 October 2026 | Indonesia & Malaysia
A journey connecting international dialogue, education, entrepreneurship and cultural discovery.
Following my European Youth Summit experience in Geneva, my international journey continued across Indonesia and Malaysia in October 2026. From participating as an Indian delegate at the Global Future Forum in Bali to meeting professional and academic connections in Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, these 10 days offered opportunities to listen, exchange ideas and build relationships across borders.
As an author, entrepreneur and TEDx speaker, I approached this journey with a particular interest in education, career development and the possibilities that emerge when people with different experiences come together.
Bali, Indonesia | Global Future Forum 2026
13–18 October 2026
Bali was the first destination of my journey and home to its central engagement: the Global Future Forum, held from 15–18 October at Nuanu Creative City.
Participating as an Indian delegate brought me into an international setting where conversations extended beyond individual careers and countries. The forum’s theme, “Spirit of Resilience,” offered a meaningful starting point for reflecting on change, perseverance and the responsibility to keep learning.
My own path—from government service to entrepreneurship and authorship—gave this theme personal relevance. The experience provided space to consider how individual journeys can contribute to wider conversations about opportunity, purpose and the future.
Conversations Beyond the Sessions
An important part of the forum was the opportunity to connect with fellow delegates. Networking, informal exchanges and shared experiences created room to understand different perspectives and discover common interests.
These interactions reinforced the value of approaching international forums with curiosity. A thoughtful question or an unhurried conversation can be the beginning of a relationship that continues long after an event concludes.
Nuanu Creative City added a distinctive dimension to the experience. Its creative surroundings offered an engaging backdrop for meeting people, exchanging ideas and reflecting on the connections between place, community and imagination.
Experiencing Bali Beyond the Forum
My time in Bali also included Canggu and experiences beyond the conference setting. Time by the coast and a cruise added a quieter, more personal dimension to a journey centred on people and conversation.
Together, these moments made Bali both a professional milestone and a memorable travel experience—one that combined the energy of an international gathering with time to appreciate a different environment.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | Connections & City Perspectives
18–22 October 2026
On 18 October, I travelled from Bali to Kuala Lumpur, beginning the Malaysian chapter of the journey.
Here, the focus expanded from forum participation to individual meetings and exploring the city. Kuala Lumpur offered a different pace and perspective, bringing together professional conversations, cultural variety and striking urban landmarks.
Professional Connections
My time in Malaysia included connecting with Mr. Murli and developing relationships introduced through my wider professional network.
I am grateful to Dr. Praveen S for facilitating introductions that helped make this part of the journey more meaningful. Such introductions create an opportunity to move beyond online exchanges and begin understanding people, their work and their perspectives in person.
These connections formed part of an ongoing process of exploring possibilities for future engagement.
Exploring Kuala Lumpur
Visiting the Petronas Twin Towers, including the experience of viewing the city from the 86th floor, was a memorable highlight. The KL Tower Observation Deck offered another perspective on the city’s scale and character.
Exploring Kuala Lumpur through the Hop-On Hop-Off Garden Route, along with seeing the exterior of the Malaysian Parliament, added further context to my visit.
Between meetings and sightseeing, travelling around the city offered opportunities to observe everyday life and appreciate the setting in which these new connections were taking shape.
Ipoh, Perak | An Academic Connection Beyond the Capital
20 October 2026
On 20 October, I travelled by train from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh, in the Malaysian state of Perak, for a meeting with Dr. Kogila and a senior academic associated with the academy.
Our meeting lasted approximately two and a half hours, making it a substantial and memorable part of my Malaysian visit. It provided time for introductions, conversation and a closer understanding of each other’s work.
For someone whose writing and entrepreneurial interests are closely connected to education and career development, meeting educators in another country was particularly meaningful. It offered a more personal perspective than a brief introduction could provide and a starting point for further dialogue.
I returned to Kuala Lumpur that night with an appreciation for the time and hospitality extended to me.
What I Took Home
Each destination contributed something different to the journey.
Bali offered the shared energy of an international forum and conversations around resilience.
Kuala Lumpur brought professional connections together with the experience of exploring a new city.
Ipoh created space for a focused academic meeting and a relationship that could continue beyond the visit.
Together, these experiences strengthened my interest in connecting education, entrepreneurship and international exchange. They also reinforced a simple lesson: meaningful relationships begin with showing up, listening carefully and following through.
Continuing the Journey
I returned to India on 22 October 2026 with new connections, experiences to reflect on and conversations to continue.
From Geneva to Bali, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh, each international experience adds another perspective to my work as an author and entrepreneur. The lasting value lies in how those perspectives inform what I create, the people I engage with and the opportunities I help explore.
“The most meaningful part of a journey is often a conversation that continues after you return home.”
Dr. Bhanu Pratap Singh
Author | TEDx Speaker | Entrepreneur | IIM Kozhikode Alumnus | Former Government Officer
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