James Tan is on his way to becoming the youngest person to fly solo around the world. He's doing it using a single engine Cessna aircraft he calls "Spirit of Malaysia". His goal is to fly 22,000 nautical miles and visit 20 countries on 4 different continents.
His main motivation is to inspire young people around the world to pursue their dreams and to show that anything can be achieved if you put your heart into it. Tan's achievement is even more impressive when we consider that he has dyslexia. Contrary to what many of us might think, he calls it a gift.
Attending aviation school was a challenge and he acknowledges that he has to study over and over, really focus on everything he does and check and double check everything. This training comes handy when reading instruments in mid flight.
His inspiration to do this incredible journey is a young boy with down syndrome he saw on the streets. James said he looked into his eyes and they were empty. He then realized he had to do something to inspire those who face challenges and disabilities "and the only way I know how to do it is flying."
James is a genuine, charismatic, and driven young man. In addition to earning his wings he has already established other flying Malaysian records. He's an entrepreneur who also currently runs two businesses.
During the press conference he was greeted by the Nisgaa Vancouver Community of Tsamiks to wish him a safe journey. A very special ceremony was conducted by Travis Angus, William Alex Watts and Terry Azak who embraced and praised him.
Before the conference I had the chance to talk to Sandra Ngoh-Fonseka from the Tourism Board of Malaysia about her impression of Tan. When she met him at the airport upon his arrival to Vancouver she said "I was taken away by his humble personality and the way he is respectful towards others. I can see how young people in Malaysia are proud of him".
James worked the press by being approachable, respectful, spontaneous, and direct. When someone asked him how he was embracing the culture of the places and people he met on his journey and how he was going to incorporate this knowledge in his life, he simply said it was a complex question and he would need time to think about it.
Some of the fun and interesting things Tan mentioned at the conference were:
Why are you doing this trip?
JT: I want to inspire people to dream and the only way I know how to do it is flying. The gift of dyslexia made me better.
Aren't you scared?
JT: Yes but I trust my education and abilities.
What have you learned from your trip so far?
JT: Another lesson I learned is to trust women around me.
How have you been received in other countries?
JT: In Taiwan they named me the "Second Tom Cruise"
What do your parents think about it?
JT: My parents fully support me they believe in my abilities.
Why did you choose Vancouver?
JT: Because is a beautiful city
I truly enjoyed assisting Tourism Malaysia. They are welcoming, warm, and respectful people. Tan is without a doubt a first class ambassador for his country that will make them proud and positively promote the country's own achievements.
Thank you Tan for your visit and Bon voyage!
