Insights into
thirteen countries’ ancient and modern cultures, their national identities
and nation brands, and their place in the world today.

Around The World In 68 Days is a travelogue
with a big difference - not about how to get there, what to see or where to
dine, but instead, seeking to glean insights into the meaning of life and the
true nature of human societies, using the lens of the brand attributes of
each territory to look more clearly into the kaleidoscope of humanity. In a
time of a global pandemic, this is also a type of memoir, a tribute to
travel, of a pre-Covid-19 world. This is like a 68-day extravaganza of ichigo
ichie, the Japanese concept of cherishing every worthwhile moment.

Singaporean writer Koh Buck Song - author and editor of more than 30 books
- distils the quintessential brand essence of very different cultures in 13
countries across four continents. He draws from his experience and
perspectives as a country brand adviser, advocate of liveable and sustainable
cities, and commentator on society and public policy. Koh, also a poet and
artist, opens each chapter with his own haiga artwork of a haiku poem with an
ink sketch. These artworks complement this book’s effort to capture and
interpret shared humanity across the globe - what makes each of us unique,
what we share, and how, in the end, perhaps we’re all really chasing
ultimately similar dreams.