It All Starts With a Dream: Rebuilding Community, One Connection at a Time

How a Visionary Friend’s Journey Reminds Us to Dare, Dream, and Connect

There’s something extraordinary about walking alongside someone who doesn’t just talk about their dreams but lives them, breathes them, and dares to bring them to life, even when it feels like the world is asleep. That someone is my good friend, Gary Hong, a visionary who wears his authenticity with pride and isn’t afraid to let his vulnerability show. For years, I’ve watched him chase his vision - boldly and tirelessly - from the early days of Meaningful Sunday events to Meaningful Weekends (because let’s face it, most youth don’t roll out of bed early on Sundays), from the iconic PlayPan movement at Peace Centre to his latest, most daring adventure yet.

Now, with each step he takes, more people are beginning to see what Gary sees… which is a bigger, bolder vision, closer than ever to becoming reality. And I’ve been privileged not just to witness it but to walk alongside him all these years, swapping stories, egging each other on, and daring to dream those big, hairy, audacious dreams. We’ve experimented together, encouraged one another, and opened up opportunities where we could, reminding ourselves to persist, to keep moving forward, no matter the odds.

Gary speaks often about the “good ole’ Kampung days”… a time when community wasn’t just a word, but a way of life. Back then, we weren’t strangers glued to our devices or wary of the world around us. We were neighbours, friends, and extended families who looked out for each other. The connection was real and tangible, a kind of fellowship that we’ve all but forgotten. Somewhere along the way - thanks to technology, the pandemic, or just the relentless pace of our economic progress - we lost that sense of community. The world shifted from relational to transactional, and we’ve struggled to find our way back ever since.

But Gary isn’t ready to give up. In fact, he’s doubling down on his mission to bring back that spirit of connection. His next big quest? Glass Dome at 28 China St, a remarkable event space in the heart of Far East Square. It’s not just any event space; it’s a monster of a venue with the potential to spark a movement… imagine a space where we can dream, create, and reconnect. It’s a return to his roots in placemaking, only this time, it’s bigger, bolder, and more daring than ever before.

Gary teaches us to set our sights on a goal while remaining adaptable to the unexpected. His path has been anything but linear, yet he’s never wavered in his commitment to bringing people together. Through every phase of his journey, he’s remained resilient, knowing that progress doesn’t always look like a straight line. Sometimes, it’s more like a winding road with breathtaking views you’d miss if you didn’t take the time to look up. More importantly, he embraces each step with a playful curiosity and a willingness to try - even if it’s beyond his comfort zone or something entirely new.

As a true place-maker, Gary isn’t just focused on the give and take of doing good. Instead, he envisions finding the “best match” for giving and receiving, creating opportunities where each act of exchange doesn’t just balance out but generates Shared Value - benefits that multiply and ripple out into the community. It’s about aligning efforts so that every interaction, every collaboration, contributes to something greater, fostering a deeper sense of purpose and connection.

As he prepares to launch this new chapter, it’s clear that Gary’s vision isn’t just about reclaiming the past; it’s about shaping the future. It’s about making space - literally and metaphorically - for people to come together, share ideas, and rediscover the joy of simply being with one another. He’s inviting us all to step away from the hustle, to stop measuring success purely by outcomes, and to start valuing experiences, relationships, and those beautifully messy moments of just being human.

A Mindset of Resilience

It’s not just about having a vision; it’s about embracing the mindset and motivation to see it through. Persistence doesn’t mean ignoring setbacks; it means recognising that they’re just part of the story. It’s about reframing each challenge as a plot twist, something that adds depth and meaning to the narrative rather than derailing it.

Gary teaches us to set our sights on a goal while remaining adaptable to the unexpected… And his path has been anything but linear, yet he’s never wavered in his commitment to bring people together. Through every phase of his journey, he’s remained resilient, knowing that progress doesn’t always look like a straight line. Sometimes, it’s more like a winding road with breathtaking views you’d miss if you didn’t take the time to look up.

Dream Big, Start Small, But Start

What excites me most about Gary’s new adventure at the Glass Dome isn’t just the potential for massive gatherings or iconic events. It’s the opportunity to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s about taking baby steps towards a bigger dream… because every monumental movement starts with one small act of courage. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when looking at the grand vision, but when we break it down into smaller, meaningful steps, we realise that we’re capable of so much more than we thought.

As Gary would say, we’re not here to just watch from the sidelines; we’re here to play. We’re here to build, to collaborate, and to bring that “Kampung spirit” back to life. So, if you’re wondering whether you should get involved or if this is your kind of thing… let me say it clearly: Don’t miss the wave.

First of, I’d like to thank Gary for inviting me along for this awesome ride, and secondly I’d like to extend his invitation… to come join us. Be part of a movement that’s about more than just making noise - it’s about making meaning. Let’s reconnect, one story, one conversation, and one daring adventure at a time. The future is what we create together, and the journey is so much richer when we walk it side by side… together.