Evenlypiece

On October 28, e27 or Entrepreneur 27, organized and coordinated with Google to bring Google Devfest to Singapore. As you know, it’s not always that we get to feel Google closer physically here in Singapore. We’ve heard so much about its competitors and their undying passion in the field of technology evangelism. We’ve seen their “evangelists” crossing out dates after dates in one podium to another, telling of their new, cool and undeniably useful offerings to various ranges of audiences. But when was the last time I saw a Google engineer/evangelist/staff drop by and present their very own? Well I probably have missed the earlier ones that the recent Google Devfest was my first real life encounter.

I went with my brother and a few friends. The feeling was nostalgic for it was a “geeks gathering”. Usually I would be in the company of my project group mates back in school coming with a relatively big backpacks loaded with laptops and chargers for such events. While everyone flaunted and booted up their laptops, I had the arm rest table pulled out. Nothing on it. Then came my attempt to crack a joke but fully aware it was corny, ‘Look at my MacBook Air.’ pointing at my empty table.

The rest had laptops and I had my “MacBook Air”. Apparently I wasn’t there to take down notes or even try out any of their demos. I know It would have been more meaningful if I brought mine, especially that the day was my vacation leave that no sane NS man would dare wasting. But I was in a different mood. My plan was to get the experience and the feel to see big G engineers.

The most unique was the organizers’ snacks of choice. Now I know how Hanzel and Gretel felt when they saw the house made of ginger bread and candies. Served on the stretch of tables were the snacks you probably wouldn’t expect in any ordinary seminar or talks. Potato Chips, Nips, Kitkat, Oreo, fruit juice in tetra packs, beer, sweets… More sweets… Have I mentioned sweets? That came totally as a surprise but smart of the organizers to give everyone the sugar rush crucial to stay awake until 10pm. I surveyed the area and there was no bee hoon, chicken wings, curry puffs… I grabbed a Potato Chips and a Kitkat. Next thing I knew I was scrambling to finish those quick so I could get the Oreo that was finishing fast.

All in all, the day was worth the vacation leave. ‘Til next time Google!