ISSHOKENMEI - Story of A Globe-Trotter

Book Description: Dedicated to all who have walked in the footsteps of a tourism "Shokuninしょくにん(Artisan)" that traversed over 11,000 days in the tourism industry and savored adventures across 141 countries and territories. Author Bio: leesan 李桑 Hi, my name is Leesan. I grew up in a rubber estate outside Yong Peng in Johor. I came to KL at the age of 18, and later studied at Tokyo International University in Japan, majoring in international economics, and was a part-time tour guide there. The suffix “san" in Japanese means "Mr.” As a matter of fact, to me "Leesan" has become a legacy of my Japanese schooling days that carries far-reaching significance in my career life. At the same time, because of ”Leesan,” I have been able to travel across the world, and fulfill my wildest dreams in the tourism industry. As if that's not enough, I was also honored to have been conferred “The Order of the Rising Sun” by the Japanese Emperor. I could proudly claim that I was a pioneer and the first to receive this award from tourism industry worldwide. Since the scouting days during my secondary school in 1977, “traveling" has become very much an integral part of my life. Back in those days, I would casually raise a hand along the road in the country, and hitchhike my way up and down the Malay Peninsula. Fast forward to 2024, with a strong determination and conviction, I have set foot on 137 countries and territories across seven continents over the past 46 years. To me, the sky is the infinity.