Why We Need to Be a Hummingbird: Embracing Change and Cultivating Inclusion

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the ABCurry Club event recently held at Handelsbanken, our brilliant hosts. Many thanks for their support. It was a pleasure to welcome such a wonderful group of participants for an evening filled with inspiring conversation, networking, and, of course, delicious curry!

At our last ABCurry Club event, we were reminded of the power of collective action, dialogue, and collaboration. The evening was enriched by meaningful conversations, a shared commitment to progress, and the call for each of us to become a "hummingbird." But what does it mean to be a hummingbird, and why is this so important in today’s ever-changing world?

The hummingbird is a deeply symbolic creature. In many cultures, it represents positivity, resilience, and the potential of small, consistent actions to create significant impact. This tiny bird moves swiftly, pollinating flowers and spreading life with purpose and precision. In the context of inclusion, being a hummingbird means actively nurturing a more inclusive and diverse environment, where everyone, regardless of their background or identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

As we discussed at the ABCurry Club event, the future of inclusion in our region will depend largely on how we, as individuals, choose to act in our daily lives. Inclusion is not passive; it requires deliberate, continuous effort to break down barriers and create spaces where people feel valued and heard. Much like the hummingbird, our actions need to be both purposeful and agile—small, daily acts of kindness and advocacy that build momentum and inspire others to do the same.

In business, education, and community development, the "hummingbird" mentality is essential. The rapid pace of change in society—whether driven by technological advancements, shifting cultural norms, or global interconnectedness—means we can no longer afford to wait for change to find us. We must be proactive in shaping the future, seizing opportunities to foster diversity, and amplifying voices that have traditionally been marginalised.

Moreover, the hummingbird’s ability to navigate vast distances with speed and efficiency reminds us that we must adapt and innovate in the face of challenges. As we noted at the event, inclusion is not a one-off achievement but a continuous journey of learning, unlearning, and relearning. We must remain open to new ideas and perspectives, challenge our own assumptions, and constantly ask ourselves how we can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.

Following the ABCurry Club event, here are some ways you can join us today and make a positive difference like the hummingbird:

1. Become our member: ABC Membership | Asian Business Connexions and receive exclusive offers.

2. Complete our IBD Survey: Inclusion By Default | Asian Business Connexions

3. Host an upcoming ABCurry Club event

4. Host an upcoming Roundtable

5. Be part of the ABC Awards in October 2025

6. Take part in the IBD Conference 2025

7. Become a co-author for a blog in our newsletter

8. Send us an email at inclusion@abconnexions.org, letting us know how you would like to join ABConnexions and make an impact in your community.

   
   

In conclusion, the need to be a hummingbird is more urgent than ever. By embracing values such as resilience, agility, and purpose, we can all play a role in building a world where inclusion is not just an aspiration but a reality. Let us move forward with intention, recognising that our small, collective actions can lead to significant and lasting change.