Aspire Graduan 300 Conference - 2011
My train reach KL late today from Penang hence I was rushing my way this morning to Aspire Graduan 300 Conference in KL Convention Centre. I was lucky that I didn't miss much, just the speech part by Senator Masnah Mazlan also as the Deputy Minister of Human Resource. She was speaking in a rather fluent English. I was amazed.
So I was slight late but there were more people later than me. Anyhow the opening ceremony finish with a corporate video of Graduan 2011 which was fascinating. I love it. Then token of appreciation present and we had a small refreshment session which includes Fried Noodles, cake and also coffee and tea.
With the ring of hand bells, we went into the hall for the next session which was the forum session with all the market top leaders.
1st session.
Topic : Building a career in Malaysia
Speakers :
1. Dato Seri Johan Raslan, Executive Chairman PwC Malaysia
2. Mr. Sajith Sivanandan, Country Head of Google Malaysia
3. Mr Johan Merican, CEO of TalentCorp
4. Dato' Sri Mohammed Shazalli Ramly, CEO of Celcom Axiata
They shared about their experience of getting the 1st job and also doing their internships.
Dato Johan said about him studying in London back in those days. Then getting his internships and photocopying documents and also making coffees.
Dato Shazalli was proud that he sold dadih in Kg.Baru and from that he got a job offers from a marketing company.
Mr.Sajith was the only foreign leaders in 4 of them. He started with Channel V in India. Which was a new entertainment channel back in 1996.
Lastly, Mr.Johan speak about how he got into audit firm just to think that he could get a steady job. In the end, he thought otherwise and from then he move forward each and everyday.
I would like to share a few thoughts that being shared this morning.
1. Adaptability vs Uniqueness
- Adapting in your surroundings is rather important factor that employers see in one but you need to adapt and yet stands out. Openness to experiences is also important as only when you are open minded then only you will learn eagerly.
- All are encourage to have the willingness travel as because being in other countries will help in further career enhancements.
- Diverse workforce is a good platform to train one's adaptability.
2. Local VS Foreign University
- this is a stereotyping of thinking but also a reality where everyone in this world is thinking about it.
- Graduates should battle stereotyping by this means students should involve in more activities beside studying. Build networks & also confident.
- Graduates are required to erase all the perceptions with their own effort meaning being actively involve yourself in things that will build you.
3. Earlier challenges and how to overcome it
- 2 way relationships.
- It is believe that who you mix with that makes you. Environment shapes you hence the people with actually do matters.
- Honor & treasure those who treat you well then you will be successful along your path.
4. Brain Drain
- There are lots of GLCs(Government Link Companies) which also act as a MNCs(Multinational Companies) in Malaysia nowadays. Lots of companies are looking for young & creative talents hence eagerness to work and love challenges will help in getting your ideas across the table.
A few last words from them..
1. Don't equate job promotion with career growth.
2. Do things that you have more passion. It help you grow.
3. Focus on things that keep you driving forward. (ie, family)
4. Look for meaning of why you doing it.
5. Find meaning in work, it motivates you.
6. Find things that turn-you-on at work and keep going.
7. Build your personally brand. (You need to be the best in your field so that everyone wants you)
8. Failures are important to success. It helps to build yourself up again from zero to hero and that's when you learn even more.
9. Work ethics & Values (Treasure dignity & moral/civic values)
Session 2
Topic : The pursuit of dreams
Speakers :
1. Mr.Joel Neoh, CEO of Groupon Malaysia
2. Mr.Harith Iskandar, Stand up comedian, director, writer, actor
3. Mr.Hans Issac, Actor, director, producer
4. Mr. Jason Lo, CEO of Tune Talk
From them i get a more relax & laid-back session, this is what i get from them.
1. Talks & Execute (More important for action)
2. LOVE WHAT YOU DO, DO WHAT YOU LOVE.
3. Get excited about what you doing. Self motivation.
4. Visualize your goals
5. Create yourself out. Bring yourself out and present it to others. People don't know you if you stay invisible.
6. Never react straight away, always think 1st. Think before you act.
7. You are who you mix with. (People around you shapes you)
8. Create opportunity. Always ask why and then find out.
9. Organize your thoughts so that you know when to get this goal and when for the others.
4 of them are equally funny and also relax. But i prefer the corporate image dudes. I really didn't regret rushing all the way from home. I love it.
