Tag Archives: FEATURED

Lord of The Skies 航空主宰者

Tishti SumitraTishti Sumitra

General Manager of Thai Airways International


The balance between staff welfare and company policies, is hard to achieve but very crucial. I strongly believe in staff development and maximum skill-training.  The happiness quotient of every member of staff is also important.

Built like a football linebacker, Tishti Sumitra is equally formidable in a suit and the corporate realm. As General Manager of Thai Airways International for Malaysia and Brunei, his boyish smile and charm can easily thaw the most rigid opponents or negotiate multifaceted deals with ease and success.

Responsible for a gamut of portfolios, from sales to passenger comfort, his leadership style is hailed as refreshing, gentle and result-oriented. “The key to a successful company is team work and I try to be accessible to my staff most of the time.  The balance between staff welfare and company policies, is hard to achieve but very crucial. I strongly believe in staff development and maximum skill-training. The happiness quotient of every member of staff is also important.”

While Sumitra appoints a higher level of principles for himself, he shares that, “Every moment with Thai Airways is a good one for me. Self -discipline is paramount and one should not only rely on rules and regulations to do the right thing. Doing the right thing should come from the heart and mind.”

Born and bred in Bangkok, Sumitra studied engineering in the Chulalongkorn University before furthering his education in Italy at the Politecnico di Torino (The Polytechnic University of Turin), an engineering university based in Turin, Italy. He studied MIS, majoring in multimedia.

Self -discipline is paramount and one should not only rely on rules and regulations to do the right thing.  Doing the right thing should come from the heart and mind

Before joining Thai Airways in 1999, he dabbled in software sales and even held a brief tenure with the Science Museum in Thailand. He was posted in Laos before heading the Malaysia and Brunei offices. What is his biggest challenge in running one of the top premium airlines in the world?  “Speaking to the press,” he says with a wink. He is reticent but there is a force about him that is reassuring.  “Every Thai Airways moment counts – the experience, friends and business acquaintances, the successes, trials and tribulations.  I find tremendous pride in working for one of the best airlines in the world.”

“The market is tough but my mission here is to strengthen the Thai Airways presence in this region. This year Thai Airways bagged the Skytrax Awards for World’s Best Economy Class, Best Economy Class Onboard Catering, World’s Best Airline Lounge Spa, Best Cabin Crew in Thailand and Best Economy Class in Asia. We have Michelin-Star chefs designing our catering menu.” With those accolades, everything should be smooth as silk.

Tishti Sumitra.jpg

“在员工福利和公司政策之间保持平衡也有一定的实现难度,但却是相当关键。
我坚信维持员工发展和最大化的技能培训,当然员工们的幸福指数也很重要。”

Tishti Sumitra 犹如一名足球场上的后卫,他在专业领域里自成一套的法则令人崇敬。作为泰国国际航空公司 (Thai Airways International) 马来西亚和文莱区域总经理,他略带孩子气的笑容和魅力可以轻易化解最顽固的对手,轻松地与各方达成协议与交易。

从销售成果跨越到乘客舒适度的达成,他的领导风格被誉为清新、温和与注重结果。“一家公司成功的诀窍在于稳固的团队合作,我尽量让员工们在大部分时间都能与我正面接触沟通。在员工福利和公司政策之间保持平衡也有一定的实现难度,但却是相当关键。我坚信维持员工发展和最大化的技能培训,当然员工们的幸福指数也很重要。”

Sumitra 已经为本身制定更深层次的原则,而他也借此分享:“在泰航的每一刻对我来说都是美好的。高度自律会让一切事半功倍,一个人不应仅依靠规章制度去做正确的事情,这些行为应该发自内心。”在曼谷出生和长大的他在泰国朱拉隆功大学 (Chulalongkorn) 攻读工程学,之后前往意大利都灵理工大学 (The Polytechnic University of Turin) 继续深造,学习管理信息系统专业 (MIS),主修多媒体。

“高度自律会让一切事半功倍,一个人不应仅依靠规章制度去做正确的事情,这些行为应该发自内心。”

在 1999 年加入泰国航空公司前,他曾涉足软件销售,甚至在泰国科学博物馆工作过一段时间。至于受委为泰航马来西亚和文莱区域负责人之前,是在老挝地区任职。而运营一家全球顶级优质航空公司,他面临的最大挑战竟然是面对媒体发表言论时刻。不过,即使沉默不语,但他身上散发一股让人安心的力量。“身处泰航的每一个阶段都很重要——经验、朋友和商务伙伴,还有成功、考验和磨难。”他对于自己在全世界最好的航空机构内服务感到无比自豪。

“即使营销市场艰难,但我的任务是强化泰国航空在上述区域的存在感。今年,泰国航空公司获得 Skytrax 全球航空业评选为“全球最佳经济舱”、“全球最佳经济舱餐饮” 、“全球最佳航空公司休息室 Spa”,“泰国最佳机组人员”与“亚洲最佳经济舱”等殊荣。而我们有米其林星级厨师设计餐饮菜单,拥有这些荣誉加冕,一切都应该像丝绸一样光滑顺畅。”

ThaiAirways.jpg


By Billie Ooi-Ng Lean Gaik

Always Learning To Be A Cut Above The Rest 坚持学习,持续超越

Datin Winnie LooDatin Winnie Loo

Director of a A-Cut Above Salon and Academy


“It’s ironic, but I’ve always had this urge to know and learn more. You can never stop learning and to stay competitive and successful, you have to keep learning.” 

To remain a cut above the rest, it’s a continuous journey to keep learning, unlearning and relearning. Success is easily achieved but it sure won’t last forever if you become complacent.

This philosophy applies to almost everything in life, especially in business and it’s something that Datin Winnie Loo practices to be and remain the successful business woman that she is today.

For someone who is known locally and internationally for A Cut Above – her chain of high-end salons and impressive repertoire of global hair and fashion shows, the learning never stops.

“I’m going back to my studies, more specifically to do my MBA in the Asian Metropolitan University and my dream will be to graduate in 2020. My business celebrates its 40th anniversary next year and it has achieved many milestones, but finishing my studies has also been on my bucket list for some time,” says Winnie, who was to begin a tertiary course in chartered secretarial studies some 40 over years ago, but she deferred it to study at Morris Masterclass, a Vidal Sassoon school of hairdressing, in London. From there she studied under Vidal Sassoon and in 1979, started A Cut Above in Malaysia.

Loo’s own A Cut Above Academy is a five star government rated and international institution that prides itself by giving students the knowledge and practical skills to become hairstylists, beauty therapists, make-up and special effects artists of the future.

So, resuming her studies means that she will be the student, and no more the teacher. “It’s ironic, but I’ve always had this urge to know and learn more. You can never stop learning and to stay competitive and successful, you have to keep learning.”

“Every challenge is a lesson for you to become better, to find yourself and to find success. I feel that the current trend of doing business such as crypto currency, online investments and online fame is somewhat easier and fast paced – if done well, the rewards are almost instant. When in my time, I had to go through the grind of investing in my first physical shop where the returns only came much later,” she explains.

Aside from continually learning and then training the next generation about exceptional styling and hair-dressing, Loo also wants the 40th anniversary of her business to leave a legacy.

“It won’t be a one day event because it’s been four decades, so it’s going to be a big bash over a whole year. We’re talking about throwing staff parties, galas and even awards for loyal clients, long time associates and suppliers. It’s mainly like a big ‘thank you’ to everyone who’s been with us through the years as we wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for them,” explains Loo.

Datin Winnie loo_1.jpg

“每一次挑战都是锻炼,让你变得更好,找到自己和成功。”

一个人想保持领先地位,其实是不断学习、忘却和重新学习的循环过程。实现成功不难,但如果变得自满,肯定无法永远持续。

这一理念几乎适用于生活中的每件事物,尤其是在商业领域。这也是马来西亚美发造型界领军人物拿汀卢妙卿(Datin Winnie Loo)所努力追寻,维持今日成功商业女性面貌的原因。

她一手创办在本土和国际上有口皆碑的 A Cut Above 高端沙龙连锁店,令人叹为观止的全球杰出发型设计和精彩时装秀,都诠释了学无止境的真谛。

而她宣告即将再重返校园,更具体地说,是在亚洲城市大学 (Asian Metropolitan University) 攻读 MBA 学位,并期望在 2020年毕业。明年她所打造的事业将迈入40周年,纵然取得许多关键里程碑,但是完成学习研究也在她的心愿清单里搁置了一段时间。这一切都是从 40 年前开始,卢妙卿本来应该就读特许秘书课程,但却推迟上述课程,而选择在伦敦的维达沙宣(Vidal Sassoon)美发学院进修 Morris Masterclass。之后她在维达沙宣手下学习,并于 1979 年在马来西亚创立了 A Cut Above。

A Cut Above Academy 是一家获得政府评鉴资质的五星级国际机构,给与学生们相关知识和实践技能,让他们成为未来出色的发型师、美容师、化妆师还有特效师。

因此,恢复学习意味着她将成为学生,而不再是老师。“这有点讽刺,但我一直都有这样的冲动,想深入了解和获得更多。同时为了保持竞争力和成就,你永远不能停止学习。”

“每一次挑战都是锻炼,让你变得更好,找到自己和成功点。我觉得目前的商业趋势就像数字货币,在线投资或传播,非常容易掌控和快节奏-而且如果做得好,可以立即获得回报。在我创业的时代,我必须经历投资第一家实体店的重重难关,那时的回报也相对缓慢。”

除了不断学习和培训下一代针对美发专业和美妆造型创新开拓之外,卢妙卿还期望企业40周年纪念能够留下难忘的馈赠。估计这不仅是一天的活动,因为已经走过 40年,所以这将是一整年的盛会。他们正在讨论举办员工聚会、联欢会,甚至奖励忠诚客户、长期合作伙伴和供应商。

“主要是对每一位和我们并肩走过这些年的人们由衷的说一声“谢谢”,因为如果没有他们,我们就不会有今天。”


By Karina Foo

Penang Medical College Awarded University Status 槟城医学院升格为大学

Penang Medical College.jpg

PMC_President Higgins
Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland and patron of PMC
PMC_Prof Stephen
Professor Stephen Doughty, President & CEO of PMC

Penang Medical College (PMC) was recently awarded the Foreign University Branch Campus status by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (MoHE). Malaysia’s newest Foreign University Branch Campus (FUBC) is now named the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD) Malaysia Campus – or “RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus” (RUMC) for short.

Degrees awarded by the National University of Ireland are globally recognised and programmes offered range from foundation, bachelors, to masters and doctoral levels.

“Ireland and Malaysia have an extensive history of links and collaboration in the field of education and this accolade, the first Irish foreign university branch campus in Malaysia, is further evidence of the growing relationship between Ireland and Malaysia. We hope to see many more students moving between Ireland and Malaysia as RUMC grows and develops,” said the Irish Ambassador to Malaysia, His Excellency Eamon Hickey, who has been instrumental in cementing Irish-Malaysian education links in the region.

The PMC campus is centrally located close to the heart of George Town and within a five-minute walk of Penang Hospital, where most of the clinical teaching takes place. Located at the Sepoy Lines grounds, a four-storey academic complex houses the modern facilities essential for training medical professionals.

Established over 20 years ago, Penang Medical College provided Malaysia’s first registrable medical degree from a Malaysian private higher education institution and is wholly-owned by Irish institutions, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and University College Dublin (UCD). It remains the first and only full Irish university in Malaysia and the region. The PMC Clinical Skills and Education Centre in Seberang Jaya was launched in 2015 and is located next to the Seberang Jaya Hospital.

“Congratulations to Penang Medical College for being upgraded to become the tenth FUBC in Malaysia. This indicates a strong global recognition of the Malaysian higher equation system and of Malaysia as an education hub. We hope RCSI-UCD Malaysia Campus will continue to contribute towards Malaysia’s higher education excellence and nation building”, said Datin Paduka Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir, Director-General of the Ministry of Higher Education.

Nearly 1,700 medical doctors have now graduated from PMC with globally recognised medical degrees of the National University of Ireland (NUI) and practice in Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Ireland, UK, Switzerland, Malta, Australia, New Zealand, USA and many other countries.

Once the Brexit process is completed in 2019, RUMC will be the only foreign branch campus in Malaysia linking the European Union with Malaysia.

An official launch ceremony will be held later this year to celebrate and mark this momentous achievement as the first of many RUMC milestones moving forward.

PMC_Irish Ambassador
Irish Ambassador Designate Presents RM2.26M in Scholarships to PMC Students
PMC_Award Winners 2018
Awards Winners 2018

“庆贺槟城医学院升格为马来西亚第十间外国大学分校(FUBC)。这也显示了全世界对于马来西亚高等综合系统和马来西亚作为教育中心的高度认可。我们希望RCSI-UCD 马来西亚校区将为我国的高等教育缔造卓越成就与贡献国家建设。”
– 马来西亚高等教育部总监 YBhg. Datin Paduka Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir 表示。

槟城医学院 (PMC) 最近被马来西亚高等教育部 (MoHE) 授予了国外大学分校等级。这间马来西亚最新的外国大学分校 (Foreign University Branch Campus – FUBC) 目前被命名为爱尔兰皇家外科医学院 (RCSI) 与都柏林大学学院 (UCD) 马来西亚校区——或简称为 “RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC)”。而爱尔兰国立大学颁发的学位是获得全球公认,升学课程从基础、学士到硕士和博士学位兼具。

“爱尔兰和马来西亚在教育领域有着广泛的联系和合作历史,而随着这项荣誉升格,造就了马来西亚首间爱尔兰外国大学分校,进一步证明了两国之间飞跃促进的友好关系。随着 RUMC 成长与发展,我们希望看到更多的学生在爱尔兰和马来西亚之间积极互动。“爱尔兰驻马来西亚大使 Eamon Hickey 表示。阁下在巩固爱尔兰与马来西亚教育联系方面发挥了关键作用。

PMC 校区位于乔治市的中心地带,距离槟城医院步行 5 分钟,是大多数临床教学的地方。一座四层的学术综合楼坐落在 Sepoy line,具备训练医学专业人员所需的现代化设施。

槟城医学院成立于 20 多年前,也是首家马来西亚私立高等教育机构获得注册医学学位,由爱尔兰教育机构、爱尔兰皇家外科医学院(RCSI) 和都柏林大学学院 (UCD) 所拥有,并且仍然是马来西亚和该地区第一家也是唯一保持完整爱尔兰文化的大学。另外,位于诗布朗再也的 PMC 临床技能和教育中心于 2015 年启动,比邻诗布朗再也医院。

“庆贺槟城医学院升格为马来西亚第十间外国大学分校 (FUBC)。这也显示了全世界对于马来西亚高等综合系统和马来西亚作为教育中心的高度认可。我们希望 RCSI-UCD 马来西亚校区将为我国的高等教育缔造卓越成就与贡献国家建设。”马来西亚教育部高等教育总监 YBhg. Datin Paduka Ir. Dr. Siti Hamisah Binti Tapsir 表示。

目前已有近 1700 名医生毕业于槟城医学院,并获得了全球认可的爱尔兰国立大学 (NUI) 医学学位,并在马来西亚、文莱、新加坡、爱尔兰、英国、瑞士、马耳他、澳大利亚,新西兰与美国等国家执业。

一旦 2019 年英国退欧进程完成,RUMC 将成为马来西亚唯一将欧盟与马来西亚连接起来的外国分校。今年内预计将举行正式的推介仪式,庆祝并纪念这一重大成就,这也是 RUMC 向前迈进的首要里程碑之一。


by Monica

An Eye For Style & Philanthropy 时尚与慈善的聚焦点

Datin Caroline Wong.pngDatin Caroline Wong

Ambassador of International Ipoh Fashion Week


“It should be a common objective for every woman to look beautiful and healthy. I love to sing and dance, and that keeps me alive and energetic”

A philanthropic spirit curb more generosities within the human heart than you can ever imagine exist. Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give” is a true and honest expression whose statement many would agree. The conception of this virtue for ‘love of mankind’, whether in big or small ways, speak of only kindness and love; an effort of walking the talk.

When the EZ Malaysia team first met Datin Caroline Wong, her smile exuded a generous and warm charisma – “a personality we all wish would come naturally to us”. Caroline’s passion for giving a hand is never far away. And throughout the years, her charitable efforts surrounding the Ipoh valley did not go unnoticed. Her regular appearance, many times in the name of friendship, naturally became philanthropic efforts and pride to many who know her. A dedicated mother from the start, she threw herself into motherhood and was actively supporting the interests of her children. These initial involvement were the start of a life-long support for many Perak swimming meets.

Coupled with her love for dressing up, she takes on stylish roles for many charity organisations, beauty pageants, and was most notable for her ambassadorship for Ipoh’s very first edition of the International IPOH Fashion Week (IIFW™) in 2017. She worked closely with Louis Sebastion, CEO of IIFW and its board members at the paediatric cancer care unit at Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh with the objective of connecting humanity through fashion.

The mother of three is proud of her Ipoh roots and carries that pride wherever she goes. As a public figure, her appearance shows her love for style and beauty seen in her carefully chosen attire for every occasion. “It should be a common objective for every woman to look beautiful and healthy. I love to sing and dance, and that keeps me alive and energetic”, said Datin Caroline. Her adoration for colour is also seen in her vibrant selections of attire – always respectful to herself and the host who’d invited her.     

She now splits her time between maintaining a healthy lifestyle, helping those in need and as a pillar of support to her family.

Datin Caroline Wong_3.jpg

Datin Caroline Wong, as an ambassador for The International Ipoh Fashion Week Gala Dinner 2017 in Ipoh Syeun Hotel Ballroom.

“我想,每个女人都应该有一个共同的目标,那就是让自己看上去既漂亮又健康。而我的最爱是唱歌跳舞,这让我充满朝气和活力。”

博爱精神让人类内心比想象中更慷慨激昂的情感有了节制。英国著名政治家 Winston Churchill 曾说过:我们靠得到的东西谋生,我们靠给予的东西生活。相信大部分人都认同,这是一种真实、纯粹的表达。这种美德对“人类的爱”的概念,无论事物的大小,信奉慈悲仁爱;努力实践所说的。

当《御智马来西亚》采访队第一次与 Caroline Wong 面对面时,她的微笑散发出一种慷慨而温暖的魅力—“我们都希望自己能自然而然地拥有这样的个性”。而她对伸出援手的热情从未冷却。多年来,她在怡保周边进行的慈善活动并没有被忽视,而她经常以友谊的名义出现,成就了许多认识她的人的慈善事业和影响力。

她从一开始就是具备献身精神的母亲,全身心地投入到母亲的角色中,并积极地支持孩子们的兴趣发展。从最初参与到长期支持许多霹雳州游泳比赛。

而且由于 Caroline 的衣着打扮时尚,她在时尚界所扮演的慈善角色更是多彩多姿,最著名的是2017年第一届怡保国际时装周(IIFW™),她作为盛会的大使参与其中。她与 IIFW 的首席执行官Louis Sebastion -同时是位于怡保的 Raja Permaisuri Bainun 医院儿科癌症护理部门的董事会成员密切合作,目的是透过时尚将社群联系起来。

作为三个孩子的母亲,她为自己在怡保的深远根基感到骄傲,无论何时何地,皆具备自豪感。作为一名公众人物,她的外表显示出对于时尚和美丽的敏锐和热爱,在她精心挑选的服装中随处可见。

“我想,每个女人都应该有一个共同的目标,那就是让自己看上去既漂亮又健康。而我的最爱是唱歌跳舞,这让我充满朝气和活力。”对于色彩搭配的崇尚也体现在她充满活力的着装选择上—这也是她对自己和邀请的主人家表示尊重的方式。

如今,她还是巧妙得宜的分配自己的时间:维持本身健康的生活方式、帮助有需要的人和作为家庭支柱存在。

Datin Caroline Wong_2.png
Hospital interviewing the Paediatric Cancel Patient in Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun Ipoh.

 

Small But Mighty 微小却强势

Wayne Lim.pngWayne Lim

Group CEO of Malaysia SME

Group CEO/Group Chief Editor of MALAYSIA SME® Media Group

Founder & Chief Facilitator of Qŭ Exchange


Within 3 years Wayne propelled the group from being the publisher of a single SME directory to becoming an established SME media corporation in Malaysia.

Wayne Lim has been actively involved with the SME community for over 24 years. His involvement with the SME community began when he was attached to a Singapore PLC. There he started the SMI Business Directory with the SMI Association of Malaysia in 2001 and ever since, he has been deeply involved in the business of SMEs.

He founded the MALAYSIA SME® media group in 2005 and subsequently conceptualised the MALAYSIA SME® media brand. Within 3 years he propelled the group from being the publisher of a single SME directory to becoming an established SME media corporation in Malaysia.

In the course of his business endeavours, he has always kept abreast and connected to the SME community; along which, he acquired in-depth understanding of their trends and challenges. He regularly champions for SMEs to be recognised and assisted on a level playing field with large corporations.

On September 9, 2017, he launched Qŭ Exchange, a Fintech set-up that helps to solve and improve SME’s temporary cash flow. It is an online marketplace that facilitates the trading of business products & services with the use of Qŭ Point (QŭP), a SME currency.

When he is not thinking and ‘breathing’ SMEs, he is passionately engrossed in the game of football; Wayne is an avid football fan and a FAM certified football coach.

Wayne Lim_2

Wayne Lim_4
Annual event for MALAYSIA SME Congress 2017 at Muar Johor.

在3年内,林明财推动集团从单一的中小型企业名录出版商,成为马来西亚一家有口皆碑的中小型企业媒体公司。

林明财 (Wayne Lim) 积极参与中小企业社区活动已经逾 24 年。他是在加入一家新加坡公司后,开始涉足中小型企业。2001年,他与马来西亚中小型企业公会共同创办了 SMI 企业名录,不间断对于企业经营进行更深入的运筹帷幄。

自 2005 年他创立了马来西亚中小型企业®媒体集团 (MALAYSIA SME® media brand),随后概念化马来西亚中小型企业®媒体品牌。在3年内,他推动集团从单一的中小型企业名录出版商,成为马来西亚一家有口皆碑的中小型企业媒体公司。

在努力经营业务的过程中,他始终与中小型企业社区保持同步连接,在此期间,他对该领域的发展趋势和挑战具备更深化运营和了解。他极力推进中小企业获得更多的瞩目和认可,并在与大企业的公平竞争环境中得到帮助。

2017年9月9日,他创办取换思维 (Qŭ Exchange) 的金融科技,以这种方式协助解决和改善中小企业的临时资金流动问题。这个线上交易市场,也提倡业务产品和服务使用 Qŭ Point (QŭP),一个属于中小型企业的融资机制。

不过,当抛开一同呼吸和共存的中小型企业,他也投注许多热情且全神贯注于足球运动,他是一名狂热的足球迷,也是著名的足球教练。

Wayne Lim_3.jpg

Common Enemy Forges New Coalitions 缔结新盟驱众怒,得人心者得天下

Tun Dr.Mahathir.png

Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad

Prime Minister of Malaysia


60 years ago in 1957, various ethnic groups mainly from the Malay, Chinese and Indians forged together and our first Prime Minister proudly declared the independence of Malaya by shouting ‘Merdeka’. Marking the end of British colonialism. Few years later in 1963, Sabah and Sarawak joined and Malaysia was complete. From a humble beginning, Malaysia has became one of the Asian tigers when it came to developments and progress of the nation. It was not until late 1990s when the global financial crisis hit and the economy of this country started to slide. It is undeniable that the race and religion have always been an issue that many choose to be silent of until a decade ago when the opposition parties gained momentum in the political platform threatening the ruling Barisan National. This power shift led some Malay parties and leaders to play the race and religion cards with the hope to cling onto power. Tension was rising and minority groups especially the Chinese was targeted. Topping this were the introduction of GST and the 1MDB scandal that caught the world attention citing impropriate fund management and money laundering. The last two elections saw the shift of support from the Chinese to the opposition parties and but it was never enough.

60 years later, Former Malaysia Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir surprised the nation by becoming the leader of the opposition pack Pakatan Harapan. The so-called ‘Malay Tsunami’ and the dominance of Barisan National finally come to an end when the majority Malay ethnic group finally decided that enough is enough. The General Election 14 Of Malaysia on 9th May saw an unprecedented movement where the Malays, Chinese, Indians, Sabahans, Sarawakians and others came together and removed the only ruling party that had been in power since Merdeka. This time the common enemy what’s not the British empire but sad to say it was Mohd Najib Tun Razak, the Prime Minister who is also the leader of UMNO and Barisan National. The very person who was sworn in to do right for the people and to do better for the country on the contrary has done so many wrongs that not only frustrated the people but made Malaysia a laughing stock in the international arena.

The voices of the people is loud and clear. Peace, harmony and a strong economy are what the people wanted. The fall of Najib marks the end of the ‘RAHMAN’ myth and the beginning of a familiar face, the legendary Tun Dr. Mahathir. The person who made Malaysia a brand in the world scene and now this world’s oldest elected leaders at the age of 93 is back to make Malaysia great again.

PH Leaders
DS Shafie Apdal, Lim Guan Eng, TS Muhyideen Yasin, Tun Dr. Mahathir, Anwar Ibrahim, Dr. Wan Azizah, Hj Muhammad Sabu, Lim Kit Siang

60 年前的 1957 年,主要来自马来人、华人和印度人的各种族群联合结盟,由我国第一任首相自豪的高呼“默迪卡”宣布马来亚独立,结束了英殖民统治时期。几年后的 1963 年,沙巴和砂拉越加入马来亚联邦,组成马来西亚。从一个不起眼的开始,马来西亚逐渐强大成长,成为“亚洲四小虎”之一。直到 20 世纪 90 年代末,全球金融危机使我国经济严重受挫。无可否认,种族和宗教一直是让许多人选择沉默以对的问题。直到 10 年前,当时的反对党在国阵执政的威胁之下势头渐起。这起势力让欲掌握权力的马来党派和领导人以此炒作种族和宗教的议题。紧张局势日益上升,少数民族尤其是华裔成为了箭靶。引进 GST 和不恰当的资金管理及洗钱而引起世界关注的 1MDB 丑闻,让局势白热化。过去两次的选举看到了华裔对反对党的支持,但这远远不够 。

60 年后,马来西亚前首相敦马哈迪医生成为了反对党希望联盟的领导人,使全国感到惊讶。国政的统治地位终于在多数马来人也觉得受够了—所谓“马来海啸”的时候结束。5月 9 日的第 14 届马来西亚大选发生了史无前例的转变,马来人、华人、印度人、沙巴人、砂拉越人团结一致,推翻了独立后执政的唯一政党。这次可悲的共同的敌人不是大英帝国,而是巫统也是国政领导人的首相—拿督斯里纳吉。这位宣誓效忠国家并为人民做的更好的人犯了许多错误,不仅使人民感到挫败,也让马来西亚成为了国际笑柄。

人民的声音如此清晰响亮,和平、和谐和繁荣是人民的心愿。纳吉的倒台意味着“拉曼”神话的结束,及无人不知的敦马哈迪医生传奇的开始。曾让马来西亚在世界占据一席之地,现在是全世界最高龄的国家领导人,回来重新执政让马来西亚再次变得更强大。

Tun Mahathir-GE14.jpg

Hard Working Equals Success 努力乃是成功之道

Tan Sri Dato Seri Tan Khoon Hai

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Khoon Hai

Executive Chairman of SWS Capital Bhd.


Tan Sri Dato’ Seri is passionate about giving back to the community and works tirelessly in support of social welfare and education charities.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Tan Khoon Hai was born in Muar, Johor but fate and a chequered career led him to the bright lights of cosmopolitan Penang where, through sheer talent and determination, he succeeded in carving out an illustrious career for himself. At the same time, he managed to integrate effortlessly into the local Chinese community, contributing his time and talents in a variety of important roles.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri comes from a poor family, the fourth of eleven children. After graduating from secondary school, he left for Kuala Lumpur where he studied for an accounting qualification while working in various jobs to support himself. An honest and unassuming young man, he got along easily with people and was well-liked by his peers. These qualities have served him well and today, he is a well-respected figure in the business world where he has built up an impeccable reputation and is looked up to as a role model. Highly-accomplished, he is a qualified company secretary, business management consultant and accountant with his own accounting firm which provides a wide range of services catering to various sectors including industries, plantations, public and long-haul bus services, and housing development. He has served on the boards of several companies including, until recently, Pensonic Holdings Sdn Bhd where he was Executive Director and played a significant role in taking the company public in 1995. He is currently the Executive Chairman of SWS Capital Bhd and Chairman of EKA Noodles Bhd. besides being a substantial shareholder in both companies.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

An honest and unassuming young man, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri got along easily with people and was well-liked by his peers.

From a very early stage, the young Tan Khoon Hai knew deep down that he would never achieve his full potential by working for other people, and so he made the decision to strike out on his own. The first ten years proved to be some of the most challenging of his career. Working more than ten hours a day, he would ride his motorcycle everywhere, travelling far and wide to meet his clients and do their accounts. Later on, his entrepreneurial ambitions took him down a different career path and saw him venturing into the world of business where his high level of financial acumen and sound judgement helped him succeed in building his fortune.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri has weathered many storms throughout his career. In the process, he has come to believe that, in order to achieve success, one must not only work hard and accept challenges – one must also be willing to obtain and accept help from others. In his opinion, when one’s personal talents are supplemented by the help and goodwill of others, success will surely be just around the corner. Therefore, he has these words of advice for young people: work hard, persevere and cultivate a good attitude, then at the right time, success will be yours to reap.

Tan Sri Dato’ Seri is passionate about giving back to the community and works tirelessly in support of social welfare and education charities. He currently holds positions in several associations and educational institutions, among them the Federation Of Chen (Tan) Clan Associations of Malaysia, where he is Honorary Advisor, and Penang Fujian Merchants Association, of which he is Chairman cum Trustee. Moreover, heritage and cultural conservation being issues close to his heart, he established the Jin Xiu Art Gallery & Tea House, located in a restored historical building in the heart of Georgetown, with the aim of promoting local arts, culture and the work of new, up-and-coming Malaysian artists.

丹斯里拿督斯里陈坤海不仅坚信努力才会成功,坚守为人处事不拖沓要有决断力,也坚持“取诸社会,用诸社会”

所谓不是猛龙不过江,诞生于柔佛州麻坡的丹斯里拿督斯里陈坤海硕士越过麻河,北上至人才济济的槟城,凭着惊人的能耐以一己之力创出一番事业,成功融入本地华社担任多个举足轻重的要职。

祖籍永春县五里街吾东村的陈坤海诞生于清贫的大家庭,共有十一个兄弟姐妹的他排行第四。中五毕业后,他就离乡背井到吉隆坡进修半工半读考取海外会计师资格。他为人谦虚敦厚,交友广阔人缘极佳,在商业界拥有良好声誉,为工商界闻人和儒商典范。此外,他不仅是会计师,也是公司秘书及商业管理顾问。并拥有本身开设的会计公司,其所营业之业务包括工业、种植业、公共与长途巴士服务业及屋业发展。

提到创业的过程,陈坤海坦言当时深觉“工字不出头”,不想汲汲营生一辈子所以决定创业,人生将来或许有转机。起初十年是最辛苦的,每天工作十多小时,骑着一部摩托车到处去承接做账的工作;后来进军商场,靠着智慧和眼光赚了一些钱,生活才渐渐有起色,公司也越做越好。“我也不是说打工不好,也可以养家糊口,就端看个人怎么想而已。”

他表示,成功的秘诀除了勤力和奋斗之外,贵人也很重要,获得贵人扶持加上自身的能力与才华,才能相辅相成,一同迈向成功之道。他在 1977 年在槟城当会计师楼学徒时就结识了槟城遍视利控股有限公司 (Pensonic Holdings Berhad) 的创办人拿督斯里周荣吉。在为一些商家服务时,他贡献自己的知识和专长,协助商家申请新兴工业地位、提供代客加工服务、塑造品牌,最终完成上市大计,现已功成身退。

陈坤海现是 SWS 资本有限公司 (SWS Capital Berhad) 主要大股东兼主席及一家面 (EKA) 有限公司主席兼大股东,他寄语年轻人:“只要秉持拼搏精神、坚持努力不懈、端正心态,天时地利人和之下,成功机会指日可待。”也呼吁年轻人多参与宗乡团、商会组织,从中可获得更多交流平台和商业机会。

有说创业难,守业更难,孩子现帮忙打理生意,陈坤海表示:“正因如此,所以我的孩子必须要更努力,家业才得以长存。”他会从旁引导他们走正道,只期望孩子们恪守本份,不做不该做的事,不赚不该赚的钱。“他们这一代至少比那时的我幸运,生活条件比以前好,只要肯努力,未来前途并不会过的太差。”

丹斯里拿督斯里陈坤海不仅坚信努力才会成功,坚守为人处事不拖沓要有决断力,也坚持“取诸社会,用诸社会”,对社会福利及教育慈善事业不遗余力,同时担任多间社团及教育机构要职,包括马来西亚陈氏宗亲总会名誉顾问及槟城福商公会主席兼信托人。此外,他更成立了“锦绣画廊茶艺馆”,宗旨在于让艺术文化迈向企业化,成为马来西亚新生代艺术家的发展平台,并通过互联网让他们进行更广泛的交流及宣传画家的作品。他说:“有了这个发展平台,艺术家的天赋才华才得以施展、理想也得以实现。”他表示未来仍会继续投入企业发展工作及参与慈善与福利活动。

丹斯里拿督斯里陈坤海于 2010 年荣膺最高元首端姑米占再纳阿比丁陛下封赐皇室英明将领荣誉勋章 PSM 丹斯里勋衔,较早时分别在 2008 年荣膺槟州元首阁下封赐 DGPN 拿督斯里衔及 2002 年荣膺 DSPN 拿督勋衔。

 

Living The Dream 活出真我 

Michael Deeb.pngMichael Deeb

Photographer


“We should always appreciate that good fortune and success does not make us better or more deserving than anyone else.”

Exactly seven years ago, Michael Deeb, left the corporate world in a bold move to live a full life with his family and pursue his passion for photography and travelling. He was only 57 years old; but he had decided it was time that he left his jet-setting corporate life behind to start another adventure. This time with a focus on quality of life.

“I guess it was time to focus on some “me” time,” he said. Now 64, with homes on four continents, Deeb has settled comfortably into a new lifestyle which includes going to the market with his wife, taking his two children to school, cruising on their yacht and photography. “I retook to the skies travelling this time with my family but I replaced my briefcase with my cameras,” he said. The family spends three to four months travelling each year and Deeb has been to more than 400 destinations worldwide.

Deeb previously held five CEO positions various sectors and founded two companies. He had devoted most of his adult life to working 16-hour days and travelling.This left little time for a social life and as a consequence, friendships suffered. “When you are taking 100 flights each year, friends simply stop calling you as you are never around,” he explained.

Michael Deeb & Family.png

“There is a time for everything and I have no regrets making the change. If anything, I wish I did it sooner.”

“I was moving at an exhilarating pace. So, when I finally hit the stop button, the silence was deafening,” Deeb says. “It took me nine months to plot out a different course and transition fully to a new mindset,” he said. He started to enjoy the joys of being a parent for the first time.”There is a time for everything and I have no regrets making the change. If anything, I wish I did it sooner,” he said.

Today, he still sits on the boards of some companies in a non-executive role with an investment portfolio to manage. He also has a dedicated 4,000 sq. ft. personal studio where he focuses on portraiture, fashion and travel.

Deeb believes that one should always treat others how they wish to be treated themselves. “We should always appreciate that good fortune and success does not make us better or more deserving than anyone else,” he said.

Michael Deeb_fashion.png

“我们应该保持感激之心,好运和成功并不会让我们比其他人都更有价值和优越。”

七年前, Michael Deeb 做了一个大胆的抉择:抽身离开企业界,长时间陪伴家人,并全情投入自身热爱的摄影和旅行。他只有 57岁,但已经决定脱离全职公司工作生涯,开始人生另一场冒险,而这一次的重点是落在提升生活质量。

“这是时候聚焦在“我”个人生活。现年64岁的他以四大洲为家,舒适地融入了全新的生活方式。其中包括与妻子一起去菜市场,送两名孩子去上学,周旋于游艇巡航和摄影活动。“这次我带着家人重新航行,但我用相机代替了公文包。”这个家庭每年要花3到4个月的时间在旅程中,他的足迹已经走遍全球超过 400 个风光名胜。

Michael Deeb 此前曾担任过5家公司的首席执行员,并创立了两家公司。他成年后一天长达16个小时在工作并航行,社交空间受限,也让生活中的交友情况受到影响。他解释说,当你每年乘坐高达 100 次飞机时,朋友们就不会再给你打电话,因为你根本就不能在他们身边。

Michael Deeb_Venice.png

“人生都各有阶段,我不后悔做出这项改变。如果一切能够重来的话,我希望我能早点做。”

“我正以一种令人振奋的速度前进。因此,当我终于按下中止按钮时,可怕的寂静却让人震耳欲聋。我花了9个月的时间规划出一门截然不同的课程,并完全转变一种新的思维方式。”他第一次开始享受作为父亲的乐趣。“人生都各有阶段,我不后悔做出这项改变。如果一切能够重来的话,我希望我能早点做。”

如今,他仍在一些公司的董事会中担任非执行职务,负责管理投资组合。他还拥有一个专属的 4000 平方英尺的空间作为个人工作室,专注于肖像画,时尚和旅行。

他认为,一个人永远要以希望旁人如何看待自己的情况来对待别人。“我们应该保持感激之心,好运和成功并不会让我们比其他人都更有价值和优越。”

Michael Deeb_photograph1.png

Auctioning With Pride 拍卖的自豪心

Stephen Soon.pngStephen Soon

Managing Director of MNP Auctioneers


“My life revolved around real estate as my investments in properties and auction events have always been about properties for many years.”

For all of us, there’s a first time for everything and usually, this first time is an experience that we will never forget.

For Stephen Soon, it was his first time to become the youngest auctioning company owner when he started MNP Auctioneers (Central) in 2004.

Soon foresaw where his career path would lead him to when he was inspired by his father’s good friend who presented him with a unique English wooden hammer that he used for several years as an auctioneer.

Stephen Soon_2.png

“It’s about having strong core values to be trustworthy and reliable. It’s also having a great team as we operate on a rather lean capacity, we keep things transparent and recognise and reward the hard work of our employees.”

“His name was Mohd. Hussain Ibrahim and I am forever grateful to him as he encouraged me to pursue this profession. He became my mentor and guided me through the process to obtain my license, and it’s led to where I am now in MNP” recalled Soon who comes from a background in IT, banking and real estate.

MNP operates as a one-stop shop solution for all auction-related services such as pre-sales to marketing which works to promote the sale and disposal of movable and immovable assets by competitive bidding.

“My life revolved around real estate as my investments in properties and auction events have always been about properties for many years.” said Soon a graduate of Victoria University in the Bachelor of Business in Commercial Law.

The hammer that Mohd. Hussain gave to him represented many other things: honour and truth.

“An auctioneer is a sacred profession and practices the highest standard of professionalism through conducting an open, fair and transparent bidding process,” explained Soon, who’s also held the position of Chairman of the Penang Auctioneers Association for nine years.

Since he started the business almost 15 years ago, it was named as the top 50 Enterprise Malaysia Gold Award winners in 2011, National Mark of Malaysian Brand Award Winner (by SMECorp & SIRIM) in 2015 and received the award from the Best Standard Chartered Bank Panel of Auctioneers 2009 and 2015, to name a few.
When asked about the secret to his success, he said: “It’s about having strong core values to be trustworthy and reliable. It’s also having a great team as we operate on a rather lean capacity, we keep things transparent and recognise and reward the hard work of our employees,” said Soon.

Stephen Soon_Auction.png

“我的生活一直都围绕着房地产展开,因为我除了房地产投资,在拍卖项目皆与房地产有关联。”

对于所有人来说,通常第一次是我们永远铭记的经历。而对孙子珑 (Stephen Soon) 来说,第一次是他在2004年创办MNP拍卖(中央)有限公司 – MNP Auctioneers (Central),成为行业历史上最年轻的拍卖公司经营者。

他在接收到父亲好友赠予的一把独特英式木锤那天起,就预见到这将引领他走向特定的职业生涯,当然他也潜心耗费了几年的时间成为一名拍卖官。

“最重要的是具备稳固的核心价值观。我们拥有一个最佳团队,以讲究精益的方式运作,因此我们时刻保持透明、认可和奖励员工的辛勤工作。”

“我永远感激父亲的好友 Mohd. Hussain Ibrahim,因为是他鼓励我从事这个行业。他成为了我的伯乐和导师,引领我顺利通过程序和取得执照,也让我有今天在 MNP 的位置。”他本身涉猎的背景包括 IT 科技、银行和房地产领域。

MNP 进行一切与拍卖相关的业务,并提供一站式的解决方案。如预售、营销等,通过竞争性招标,推进所有动产和不动产的销售和处置。

“我的生活一直都围绕着房地产展开,因为我除了房地产投资,在拍卖项目皆与房地产有关联。”他拥有维多利亚大学商法学士学位。Mohd. Hussain Ibrahim 的木锤给与了许多更深层的东西:荣誉和真理。

“拍卖师是神圣的职业,通过公开、公平、透明的竞标过程,实践着最高的专业水准。”他还担任槟城拍卖官协会主席一职长达9年。

自约 15 年前 MNP 开展公司业务后,除了获得2011 年马来西亚 50 强企业的金奖,2015 年马来西亚全国品牌奖 (由 SMECorp & SIRIM 颁发),2009 年与 2015 年荣获渣打银行最佳拍卖咨询团等等。

当询及成功的秘诀时,他认为,最重要的是具备可信赖的稳固核心价值观。”我们拥有一个最佳团队,以讲究精益的方式运作,因此我们时刻保持透明、认可和奖励员工的辛勤工作。”


By Karina Foo

Joie De Vivre 乐享人生

Nelson Chew.pngNelson Chew

Executive Director of Pensonic Holdings Bhd


Being sad or happy is a state of mind, and we always have the right to choose whether we want to spend our days feeling down in the dumps or happy as a lark.

A Google search on Nelson Chew of Pensonic Holdings Bhd, yielded more than ten webpages of remarkable content and images. The scion of the Pensonic empire, Chew is the second generation and youngest of the three sons of Dato’ Sri Chew Weng Khak, founder of the homegrown Penang-flavoured success story.

Often seen in the company of celebrities and socialites, Chew junior is a tour de force in the boardroom and among corporate echelons. This flamboyant Executive Director of Pensonic summarises, “Although we brothers share many roles together, my main responsibilities are leading the brand management, communications, market research, customer service and exports.”

The journey from Keat Radio to the multi-conglomerate Pensonic, was not always easy and filled with stark realities. “We lived above our retail shop where we had the opportunity to interact with customers. I remember answering phone calls and issuing cash bills even at a very young age.”

Although not purpose-built for Pensonic, the three Chew brothers always knew their destinies. “We were lucky enough to be given the freedom to select our majors. However, we always understood that our father wanted us to be in the business that he has created.”

The one thing I learned from my folks is to be a trustworthy and reputable person. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Walk the talk.

With friends the likes of Alan Yun and Amber Chia, it is hard to pin down a favourite celebrity. “Would it be too cliché if I say my favourite star is my dad, the founder of Pensonic? I see a trustworthy, hardworking, humble and very sharp person. A 30-minute conversation with him will give me the knowledge that’ll probably take me weeks to learn.”

Pensonic is dedicated to ‘Your Enjoyment’. As the corporate motto goes, Chew’s joie de vivre is infectious. “I bring my personal element of fun into whatever I do. Even selling kitchen appliances or refrigerators can be fun. If you make your work enjoyable, every moment will be good. In a nutshell, my whole life feels like a hobby.”

Pearls of wisdom from this inspiring individual come in spades. “Never be afraid to fail or lose. You need to work twice as hard for everything, focus and do more than others. Rewards will come in due time.”

Nelson Chew_1.jpg

悲伤或快乐只是一种精神状态,我们有权选择是否在沮丧情绪中度日,抑或像百灵鸟一样的快乐生活。

如果用谷歌搜索遍视利控股有限公司 (Pensonic Holdings Bhd) 的周俊方 (Nelson Chew),将会发现逾10个网页中非同凡响的内容和图片。除了身为 Pensonic 王朝的后裔,并且作为槟城发家、成功故事创始者拿督斯里周荣吉的第二代,也是后者三名儿子中的幼子。

长期在社会名流的熏陶下,周俊方在董事会和企业梯队中形成一股强大的力量。这名神采奕奕的遍视利执行董事总结,虽然兄弟们共同身兼众多角色,但他的主要职责是领导品牌管理、沟通、市场研究,客户服务
和出口。

从父亲初始开创的 Keat Radio 到现今多元化的遍视利,这段旅程并非一帆风顺,其中也充斥着严峻的现实。“我们一直生活在零售店里,所以与顾客的互动非常多。我记得在很小的时候,就已经学会接电话和开现
金账单。”

我从家人那里学会要成为一名值得信赖和讲求信誉的人。说出和落实你的想法,说到做到。

虽然他们不是专为遍视利而设,但三兄弟却对于他们的命运版图思路清晰。“首先我们很幸运,可以自由选择专业。然而,心里一直都很明白,父亲希望我们继承他创办的
事业。”

拥有如著名艺人袁锦伦和谢丽萍等朋友,周俊方对于自己最喜欢的明星名人难以确认。“如果要我说,我最喜欢的明星应该是我爸爸-遍视利公司的创始人,这是否太老套?但我从他身上看到值得信赖、勤劳、谦虚、精明,务实的特点。一般上和他进行30分钟的交谈后,我可能需要几周的时间来消化和学习。

正如遍视利座右铭所强调:致力于带给顾客“您的乐享”,周俊方的生活方式也具有感染力。“无论我做什么,都带有本身的乐趣体会。甚至卖厨房用品或冰箱也能感受趣味性。如果你让工作的情绪愉快,每一分钟都是美好。简而言之,我的一生都像是体验自己的爱好。”

智慧的妙语如珠激励人心。不要害怕失败或失去,你需要加倍努力工作,集中精力比别人做得更多,并且将在适当的时刻获得回报。


By Billie Ooi-Ng Lean Gaik