Interview with Simon Gibson

Ahmad Fakhri, my co-author was originally scheduled to meet Simon Gibson in person in the UK, with me joining via Zoom. However, due to the war in Iran, we were obliged to shift the meeting to a fully online format with all three of us attending virtually. 

The April 08 interview with the founder of World Speech Day was part of our research for an upcoming third book (tentatively titled "The Rubycon in Your Speaking Journey).

Launched at the Athens Democracy Forum in 2015, Gibson created the initiative to celebrate speeches and public speaking, specifically by providing a platform for "unexpected voices" – everyday people with ideas for a better world – rather than just politicians, celebrities or corporate personalities. 

Today, he can take pride at this accomplishment because World Speech Day is now held annually, celebrating the power of speeches and the spoken word through live, streamed, and virtual events in over 100 countries every March 15. And other dates too.

[FYI, ever since our 2019 debut, World Speech Day Kuala Lumpur has grown from strength to strength]. 

Like the other two (Singapore's Dr Ernest Chen and Mongolia's Dr Ganchimeg Zagdaa) whom we interviewed in October 2025, Gibson has been a revelation. It really affirms my belief that public speakers can influence, impact, and inspire. 

A speaker who positions himself not as the hero, but as the learner who found the lesson, keeping him relatable, engaged and connected. And that's what sets him apart from the others! 

Simon Gibson is, indeed, in a class of his own.

Interview with Dr Ganchimeg Zagdaa

Ahmad Fakhri and Victor Ong, the authors of "The Diamond in Your Speech" (2022) and "The Pearls of Your Speech" (2025) had travelled to Mongolia with the intention of meeting up with Dr Ganchimeg Zagdaa (right). They wanted to interview her as part of their research for an upcoming third book (tentatively titled "The Rubycon in Your Speaking Journey).

FYI, this power woman is the President of Toastmasters Mongolia National Organization, World Speech Day Ambassador of Mongolia and Founder of the Academy of English in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. 

In case you're wondering, these are the criteria the two writers are looking for insofar as identifying the credible public speakers whom they wish to feature in the said book: 

1. Extensive Experience ‒ Possesses 15–20+ years of consistent experience in public speaking across diverse platforms (corporate, community, international), demonstrating both versatility and longevity. 

2. Thought Leadership ‒ Recognised as an author, trainer, mentor, and coach with published works, structured training programs, and a proven track record in developing other speakers. 

3. Community Impact ‒ Has established or led impactful public speaking initiatives (e.g., Toastmasters and World Speech Day), or projects/campaigns that have nurtured a speaking culture within local communities. 

4. Reputation for Integrity ‒  Widely respected within the public speaking and training ecosystem as a genuine, ethical, and approachable go-to person, known for uplifting others without ego.

5. Culture of Contribution ‒ Actively gives back through pro bono mentoring, public sharing, or educational outreach, reflecting a deep commitment to the lifelong learning of others. 

6. Non-Commercial Legacy ‒ Has earned significant recognition, awards, or titles, yet remains purpose-driven, valuing influence and impact over profit or fame. 

7. Consistent Growth & Relevance ‒ Continuously refines their craft by staying current with speaking trends, technologies (like virtual/hybrid speaking), and evolving audience needs. 

And that opportunity came on October 15 when the Malaysian duo were at the Jolly Campus in Erdene, about 88km from Ulaanbaatar. 

She already knew their questions. And her responses, sure and steady came fast and furious. As they listened and made notes, they knew she fits the bill. 

She's No. 2 on their list after Singapore's Dr Ernest Chen. (Note: His interview was on October 06).

In fact, both these public speakers have clearly met all seven of the stated criteria. They are truly public speaking luminaries in every sense of the word.

After 3 hours, Ahmad and Victor got to know Ganchimeg Zagdaa. And you bet, they are eager to tell her story.

A Study Trip to Singapore

Since Monday, I have been away from the country. 

First stop was Singapore. On October 06-07, together with Ahmad Fakhri and Jamilah Samian. 

The authors of "The Diamond in Your Speech" (2022) and "The Pearls of Your Speech" (2025) were there to do research for their third book on public speaking – a 2-and-a-half-hour interview with Dr Ernest Chen, a Legacy DTM. A passionate Toastmaster and the earnest initiator and driving force behind World Speech Day Singapore.  And a prolific author of seven books on public speaking.

[👉The tentative title of the forthcoming book is "The Rub(y)con in Your Speaking Journey"]. 

As well as connecting with Toastmasters, Zuhriyyah Ariffin and Mohd Hijazi (Ejaz).

Malaysian women's doubles stars Pearly Tan-Thinaah Muralitharan underlined their intent to go all the way at the Arctic Open in Vantaa, Finland with a dominant first-round performance today. 

The world No. 2 hardly broke a sweat in dispatching Denmark's world No. 127 duo Natasja Anthonisen-Amelie Kudsk 21-13, 21-14.