Never give up on your dreams
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional life? I was mentored by different people. Without their mentorship, I would not be what I am today. My parents (naturally), my teachers in school (especially my Form 3 science teacher), my university professors, my boss and many Most-admired business leader? Why? I don’t have any one person in particular. There are many, each with their own strengths. Always choose and learn the best from each.
How do you stay abreast of issues affecting your industry? Reading. And also discussing with other industry players in my field.
If you could have an hour with any thought leader in the world, who would it be and why? Oppenheimer. As to how we could shape the future world free of nuclear weapons.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced? And what did you learn from it? The biggest challenge was my heart attack (100% block) four years ago. My life would have possibly ended had it not been for the good doctors of Prince Court Hospital who operated on me that faithful Saturday morning and saved my life. However, my heart was damaged from the loss of blood and oxygen. The challenge then was to turn my life around and live my life to the fullest. Each day is to be treated with sweat and tears of joy, doing what I like to do best. It does not mean I should shirk my responsibilities. It means, we got to live life like every day is a gift. So use it wisely. And please
exercise daily.
What man-made innovation confounds you? Why? The nuclear bomb. We should have avoided creating it, or even more so, refrained from using it.
Malaysia’s greatest brand. “Malaysia Truly Asia”. That was great branding. The world spoke of it. We need to continue building on it.
A must-read for every business owner/manager is .. The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari. And comics that make you laugh, like Lat.
How do you expect policies on climate change to impact businesses in the future? It will impact, as petroleum-based pollutive fuels will be phased out and technologies which reduce travel, like HD quality video conferencing which makes you feel like you are there, will become more in demand.
What are the top three factors you would attribute your success to? Personally, I feel I still have not achieved full success. I have achieved success in certain specific areas, but there are many other areas still awaiting.
For success, you need persistence, perseverance and the correct mental attitude.
Tell us a joke. My son told me this joke. The Queen of England had tea with the Prime Minister of India. She then expressed that it must be very difficult working with a politically corrupt system, and laughingly stated “it must be difficult sharing coffee with all those thieves around you”. The Prime Minister replied with a smile. “Yes, your highness. It’s even more difficult sharing tea with a thief who proudly wears the loot on her crown.”