I have always been drawn to the theory of the Butterfly Effect, that idea that a butterfly fluttering its wings in one part of the world could cause a tornado in another. I have always found it deeply empowering, the sense that every action we take has an effect, whether to ourselves or to others.

For Collaborative Practice, that flutter of butterfly wings first took place somewhere in the state of Minnesota, when one man decided that family practice needed to be done in a more compassionate way, with decency and which looked out for the well-being of all, including the professionals involved. That flutter was then carried across various parts of America, and one day, our organization, the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, came into being.

That same flutter reached the shores of Malaysia almost 14 years ago, when a few thoughtful lawyers sat in a conference and heard a sharing about Collaborative Practice for family disputes. That seed of an idea stayed with them for a decade. Then, one day, a training was organized for Collaborative Practice to be taught to our practitioners, making us among the pioneers of Collaborative Practice in Malaysia.

The effect did not stop there. It moved us towards becoming members of the IACP, and through that, we were exposed to the richness, growth, and development of Collaborative Practice in other parts of the world. What began as membership soon deepened into being part of the IACP community through volunteering, contributing and involvement in IACP committees.

From there came my privilege and honor of serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the IACP, alongside truly remarkable individuals, each a leader, each willing to give their time, effort, and heart to growing Collaborative Practice. And this year, it is a complete honor, and one I accept with humility, to take on the mantle of leadership and to lead this extraordinary organization and its people.

The fluttering of those butterfly wings, all of it, began with one small movement in one corner of the world. It serves as a powerful reminder that every one of us can do good, to cause change and to make a difference. No matter how small the action, there will be a reaction. Something will grow, develop, and emerge from it. That, to me, is profoundly empowering.

As we move forward in living up to the vision and mission of the IACP together, we continue to build a community that fosters connection. I can say that nothing in my life journey so far has impacted me as deeply as being part of this organization and this truly global community.

In this inaugural message, I share my story to remind all of us that every step we take brings us closer to fulfilling the vision we all share, that all dispute resolution is collaborative, compassionate, and constructive and of the hope of Collaborative Practice spreading its wings across the world.