Memories – Glimpses of the Past

As we travel through the corridors of time, the past plays a significant role in our present situation and unconsciously shapes our future.  We are constantly in a flux of change and transitions, what happens in the present will determine our future.

Tracing the past to at least four decades ago, AIA was then the American-Chinese insurance company headquartered in Hong Kong which had its roots in Beijing.  My first encounter with AIA was with Mr. P.L. Bei who started in Hong Kong and was later posted to Singapore - an Accountant who later became the Regional Vice President & General Manager for AIA Singapore.  He was a meticulous individual with a keen eye for figures and reputed to be the king of abacus (faster than the mechanical calculator in those days).  I had the honor in counting the share scripts before every buy or sell order of stock shares.  Those were the days before the introduction of script-less share transactions.  In the 1970s, we were the biggest user of the IBM computer - the software programme was the card system using COBOL and FORTRAN as the main computer languages.  Mr. Eng Hai Yong, our veteran was then the Head of AIA data processing department.

My next transit was to the Investment Department in 1974.  Mr. Timothy Chia and me were the "pioneer generation" for the investment department in Singapore.  Mr. E.W. Tilling and Michael Kwee were the Investment bosses stationed in Hong Kong.  The attached photo (taken about 40 years ago) tells the story of its beginning where we had our Investment conference in Hong Kong - Mr. Edmund Tse, who is now the Non-Executive Chairman of AIA Group, was then the finance & investment executive representing Taiwan;  other representative included Malaysia and Thailand. 

Mr. Don Long was the RVP & General Manager but his tenure was "short", obviously he did not lived up to his name.  The next four years (1975-79) I became the Regional Comptroller for Singapore, Brunei and East Malaysia.  What was interesting at that time was that from a staff position, I was given the unenviable job of overseeing the Accounts department when I came back from one month's attachment in Hong Kong office.  Trial and error in leadership was the learning experience in those days.  When the Property Manager left, I was asked to take over and with the help of the Secretary Betty, we managed to maintain the AIA Tower. 

Interesting individuals emerged during this time.  We had Raja Azwa from Malaysia as the Company-wide Regional Comptroller.  Being connected to the Malaysian Royal family, he had certain privileges and rights which he sometimes displayed his position in public.  Mr. R.J. Barth, my boss and mentor from Hong Kong, was a bubbly individual.  Although he was strict, by nature he was jovial.  Whenever he visited the Singapore office, he would stand at the entrance of AIA towers to greet staff, especially the latecomers.  Barth retired more than 15 years but he has never failed to send me a Christmas card every year.  He is an example of a colleague who values friendship and connection.  Sa-ard Dhararag, former Regional Vice President of AIA Thailand is also an example of a gentleman and an effective leader.  Colleagues like Millie Shing and Jimmy Wong from Hong Kong, Wah Pui Sam from New York, Joe Emmanuel and Hashim Ismail from Malaysia, Soontorn Boonsai from Thailand were the close working associates those days. 

Life is full of legal entanglements and AIA's share of legal cases from policyholders and governmental bodies are common experiences.  This was the job of our Cantonese speaking Caucasian man, Mr. Greg Crichton (former AIA Legal Counsel & Director).  A hardworking individual who sometimes forfeit lunches to feed on legal documents!  Thanks Greg for inviting me to the AIA legal conferences although I am the only non-lawyer among the other attendees.

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When Mr. Ted Loo, the VP Admin left, I was asked to take on his role in administration in 1980.  This was also a trial and error experience, covering the Accounts, Personnel, Insurance Operations (Underwriting, POS, and Claims), Medical, Property and Data Processing.  Although the region had direct responsibility, AIG system of matrix reporting to HQ for the functional departments was AIG method of exercising control and keeping abreast of developments and changes in the regions.

During the 1970s to 2000, it seemed that AIG policy was to rotate the RVPs.  The following RVPs played a significant part in the development of AIA in Singapore during this period to place AIA as the number one and premier insurer: 

Don Long

PL Bei

Warren Hill 

Paul Johnson

Rick Ponthiex

Dick Ritter

Andrew Tan

William Beatty

Market share in terms of premiums was over 30%, followed by GE, Prudential and NTUC.  Our training and development of agency and staff were considered as the model for other insurers to emulate.  The philosophy and value system in AIA is unique, the then AIA Chairman & Director of AIG, Mr. Ernest Stempel will constantly remind staff that we, in admin are second class citizens and that the agency force is the first.  Preference was outwardly shown and the worship of the “god of Insurance premiums” was actively pursued - 20% production increase is the slogan of the day.  For the admin staff, we are reminded of the quote from one of Shakespeare's play: "whether to die or to suffer the slings of outrageous fortune".

In the seventies and eighties, we had Mr. E.W. Tilling as the President and CEO of AIA, a man tall and dignified, I believe, with Jewish background.  Together with Mr. M.R. Greenberg a lawyer of Jewish descent, the rapid rise of AIG was inevitable.  Later when Mr. Edmund Tse took over the reins as President and CEO, the rise continued, a man with a "bridge card game" mentality - strategic and keen insight!  By the way, Edmund was a champion in the national bridge-game competition.  Edmund is the only Asian Chinese which has made it to the high office of AIG boardroom - a remarkable achievement.  This reminds me of the dream of Mr. Allan Tan, former Regional Vice Present of East Malaysia. In the early 80s, together with the late Mr. Andrew Tan, he would propose his strategy of running AIA.  The plan was that Allan would run Hong Kong office, Andrew will take over Malaysia operations and me over Singapore.  With this control of the 3 regions, we should be able to control AIA company - only a dream, but on hindsight it was fun thinking of strategies for the future.

An organization may sometimes be considered as a "playground"!  We play company politics to obtain an advantage or edge in our working careers.  Choosing the right relationships and connections are essential ingredients for career advancement.  Sometimes the playing or betting on the wrong horse could have adverse or opposite effect from our expectations.  I have witnessed this in operations and only time will reveal its outcome.  Another "play" is also much evident in AIA/AIG; the literal "playing of tennis" was the corporate game.  I was able to overcome the "outrageous fortune" by having the advantage of playing tennis with Ernest Stempel, R.J. Barth, Stephen Tse, Michael Kwee and other AIA/AIG executives whenever they visited Singapore.  Mr. Ronald Seah was also the regular tennis partner.  Politics is also involved - we have to ensure that Ernie wins the match or else the mood will not be conducive when he visits the office.

When we reflect on the past, we remember those who have helped to make our journey a lot easier and more pleasant.  Staff and Bosses that have inspired, mentored and helped us to become better.  I remember those staff that worked for me and still in contact - Jenny Wong (Executive Vice President, Global HR, UOB Banking Group);  Koh Poh Wah (Entrepreneur & Social Enterprise Contributor); Dr. Philomena Tong, Director, Regulatory and Legislation Division, Ministry of Health, Singapore;  Desmond Yong (Director, Able Pack (S) Pte. Ltd.; Robert Lian (former Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Patrick Kok (COO, Great Eastern);   Daniel Tan (Director, Asset Management Aquaint Property Pte. Ltd, Perth); Margaret Chang (COO Tokio Marine Life Insurance); Goh Siong Chu, Head, Outreach, Faith Acts; Clement Chua, Senior Team Director, Focus Property Exchange Pte.Ltd.; Han Kok Kwang, Chief Consultant, Worklife Asia Pte Ltd.;  Confidential secretaries were an integral part of the corporate team – Josephine Foo, Elizabeth Teo, Sarah Ong and Serene Wong.

Below are some reflections and thoughts of our former colleagues.  The experiences, connection, and friendships made while working in AIA Singapore have, in most cases, left an indelible mark that will last for years to come.

Timothy Chia, Chairman of Asian Business, Coutts Banking Group:

The most memorable was to get Cheong Wah Long's and P.L. Bei's signatures whenever investments had to be made as they were the only 2 authorized signatories then.  One had to wait till they were free and in a good mood and this meant hanging outside PL Bei's room because Wah Long sat outside and he would be first you would see when you walked up the staircase.

Others would include the tryst with Stephen Tse (AIG Investment Head based in New York) whenever he came to town and the double dry martinis with a twist and make sure it wasTanqueray Gin!!

Daniel Tan, Group COO, Asset Management, Aquaint Property Pte. Ltd., Australia & Lecturer in Curtin University:

"There were many good memories while working with you and the rest of the local management team including Ronald Seah, Andrew Tan, Desmond Yong and KL Tay.  My most memorable time is the annual management retreat, where I learnt so much about teamwork, job productivity and efficiency.  Up to today, I can still remember some of the great lessons learnt and still applying them in my current job assignment in Singapore and Australia.

I am glad to have played a small part in the history of AIA in Singapore in terms of the redevelopment of AIA Tower, AIA Alexandra, AIA Changi, AIA Tanjong Pagar, AIA Lavender, and many other tenanted offices at Parkway Parade, Seaview Hotel and Gateway with the wonderful property team  and leadership of AIA Singapore."

 Michael Tan, former VP, Agency:

"Looking back at my eleven years with the agency organization, I am amazed how that experience shaped my career, family and life philosophy.   As I recall, I had the pleasure of having to report to at least 7 Vice President (Agency) as well as leading a team of agency executives throughout that period.  For that I must give thanks to the late Mr. Andrew Tan and my mentor Mr. Hwang Liang Tso for trusting me and believing in me."

Benjamin Chan, Senior Actuarial Consultant Life Asia, Munich Re, Singapore:

"AIA had (hopefully still has) a unique culture - pragmatic, goal getting, never say die.   It was a unique blend of AIG owned (meaning Greenberg) and HK managed.   I worked there for 7 year (1992 -1999) and had the opportunity to spend 3 years in marketing (product development) and actuarial.  Due to the nature of my role, I had to work with many different kinds of people from the most technical to the most marketing-oriented.  Working there was challenging and yet fun.

I treasured the annual overseas outings as a company - to Port Dickson and Johor - two places I have fond memories of.  The bonding formed with colleagues on such overseas trips was valuable for getting things done at work.  Apart from company outings, the many management seminars and retreats allowed me to get to know the senior and middle management team well, which helped form my working style in my earlier career - provided me with the foundation needed in today's world."

Mack Eng, Country President, ACE Insurance Limited:

"I was in AIA from 1991 to 1995 - worked in the PA department with Fabian Ng and Chin Chung Wen (Chief Agency Officer, AIA Singapore), and reporting to Kevin Chia and Kok Thian.  Leaders have distinctly different styles - Kevin was flamboyant, the consummate presenter and motivator .......Kok Thian was the planner and architect.  The two made a perfect leadership team.......  I have learned much from both of them.

AIA had the best agency sales force in Singapore - those were pleasant memories, the agency leaders and agents were most supportive, gracious and generous - they welcomed a new kid on the block with open arms, ....

AIA had a unique culture of East & West = a sense of American optimism that everything can be achieved and problems can be solved, and where relationships and partnerships are valued.  That was what made working in AIA special and unique - great colleagues, bosses and a first class sales force - one can't ask for a better place to start his career.  It had been a most enriching experience all round."

Vincent Kwo, Chief Executive Officer, Uni Asia Life Assurance Berhad, Malaysia:

"I was blessed to start my working life and insurance career in joining AIA Singapore in April, 1984.  I was provided with a room in the corporate office as an actuarial trainee and had the privilege of three angels (Elizabeth Teo, Doris Lim and Sarah Ong, the secretaries of Paul Johnson, Andrew Tan and Douglas Cho) as my regular lunch partners.  I went through 2 1/2 years of training in almost all departments and had the opportunity to be taught by almost everyone in the company.  All these trainings were just invaluable for my future career growth.  More importantly also I made a lot of good friends and they treated me like their younger brother.  Although I was transferred to AIA KL office in September, 1986 the friendship with all the colleagues made in AIA Singapore will last forever."

(Side Comments arising from Vincent's reflection: Didn't know Vincent is a Lady's man!  Vincent is a unique individual - he passed all 10 subjects in one sitting for the LOMA exams with distinction.  It is the record in AIA history and still stands today. )

Lance Tay, Chief Executive Officer, Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore Ltd.:

"I had two stints in AIA, first was from 1985 to 1992 where I was successfully interviewed by KL Tay and Douglas!  The second stint was from 2004 to 2008 when Mark O'Dell hired me back in AIA.  Through out my 29 years of working life, I have made an effort to keep in touch and maintain the relationships developed with ex-colleagues and bosses.  I truly believe in the power of networking by maintaining meaningful relationships.  We never know where we will end up next."

Hwang Liang Tso, former Vice President, Agency:

"I treasured the many friendship of colleagues through my 44 years service in AIA which is like a big family and discard the unhappy event that the old AIA is no longer in existence."

Jenny Wong, Executive Vice President & Global Head, Group Human Resources, United Overseas Bank Limited:

As I reflected on my time in AIA, I really count my blessings that the late Andrew Tan and Douglas gave me the opportunity to stretch myself and take on the role of Personnel Manager just one year after my time as Training Manager with them.  This augurs well for the policy of identifying and grooming good talents in the company.  The experience that I went through and the mentoring I received have played a big part in shaping my career that followed. 

I recalled challenging moments in streamlining people policies, working closely with the union leadership to the point of agree to disagree and the various staff engagement programs that included annual trips to places beyond the shores of our island, the more memorable ones included Turi Beach and Kuching, Sarawak. 

I am pleased that together with my seniors and peers, we are able to leave behind a legacy of strong leadership, engaging people programs and enlightened policies.  I must applaud Douglas for his belief in people and his efforts to keep the friendship bonds that was established years back till today."

(My comments: Congratulations Jenny for being one of the few ladies in AIA to achieved such high position in the corporate world. Your hard work, determination and diligent efforts have reaped its rewards.  Margaret Chiu and Alan Jackson will be proud of you!)
   

Peter Lin, former General Manager of Prudential Assurance, Hong Kong;  former President, Asia Operations, Liberty Mutual Group: 

God gave me a heart for Asia and AIG was His channel to send me back to Asia in 1989.  I had many blessings while I was holding positions in AIA.

1. As VP of Marketing /Health Services in Singapore, I met my best friend in AIA - Douglas Cho - and learned partnership means helping each other grow.

2. As VP of Training/Marketing/Credit Life in Nan Shan, I learned management skills Chinese style from a world class manager - Dominic Leung.

3. As VP of Administration in Hong Kong - I was inspired by Frank Chan to make contributions to society by taking on bigger challenges.

And today, the friendships, the skills, and the ambition to contribute more to others, are invaluable assets as I strive to serve God and others as a Pastor, here in Asia.

(My comments:  Pastor Peter, a unique and outstanding colleague, is a man of humility and steadfast faith on what he believes.  Although schooled in the prestigious Harvard University, he can still relate well to people irrespective of their status, colour or creed.  Although Peter has left the insurance world, he still believes in the past slogan of AIA - "Security for Life")

Margaret Chang, Chief Operating Officer, Tokio Marine Life Insurance Limited:

I joined AIA in 1978 when I was just a "wee lass".  I was fortunate to work under and learned from bosses who gave me many opportunities during my career in AIA.

It was the camaraderie that kept teams together despite the volume of work we had to contend with.  I still have many fond memories of the AIA of old.  The, we had sports day with our Malaysian counterpart, family days and yearly trips overseas.  Imagine going all the way to Haddyai in Thailand by coach!  But we had such great fun.

At Christmas, each employee will bring a hamper home.  Yes, we all grumbled then, when we had to lug a hamper home.  But this is something that some of us still remember, not forgetting the noise and chatter for those who volunteered to wrap the hampers in every which way we pleased to boast our creativity.  Of course, we had Tommy Lim (the Union Chief) checking to ensure that the contents were the same.

Let me quote this Chinese saying, "when drinking water, remember the spring".  The experience gained in AIA is invaluable and put me in good stead to take on a new role when I joined Tokio Marine Life in January, 2011.

(My comments:  "wee lass" means "young girl" - that was long time ago!  Margaret was one of the most helpful and hardworking staff in AIA Singapore, of course, she has her moods)

Sajan Raman, former General Manager of AIA Brunei:

I joined AIA in 1980 after being interviewed by Personnel manager KL Tay and VP Agency Andrew Tan.  My first position was Head of Public Relations department.

Over the years I learnt a great deal from the expat and local senior executives such as the late Andrew Tan, Hwang LT and KL Tay and made many great friends such as Tay Cheng Heng, Kevin Chia and Danny Lee.  I was 'pushed' to being the GM of AIA Brunei twice in my career and there I also met many more wonderful people.

I have no regrets spending most of my life with AIA and I wish the next generation all the very best."

(My comments:  Sajan, well done!  Although in the minority group, you have achieved the position of "General Manager".  It is better to be 'pushed up' than to be 'pulled down')

Koh Poh Wah, former Vice President, Management Information Systems:

Looking back, I must say I could describe my various postings at AIA with 3 simple adjectives-Refreshing, Challenging and Enriching.

AIA has a system of seconding staff to various branches in other parts of the world, and as a beneficiary of that system, it had provided me a refreshing outlook not just on the operations but also on the cultural aspects as well.  Working with so many direct and matrix bosses from Hong Kong and Singapore had been a challenging and enriching experience as I learned to master the art of juggling my time with the memorable LifeCom and Operations Management projects.  The project that stays so vividly in my mind is the Search Project, whereby the team ("The Magnificent Six") was assembled and tasked to search the globe for a LifeCom replacement.  We had to think of creative means to make the mission possible.  I must say, after a tenure of 15 years I made many friends in AIA in the east and also as far west as AIG in US...

(My comments:  If I recalled they were given US half a million as a search budget!  Bob Howie, Dominic Leung, Frankie Tse and Albert Chan would love to have it for business travel around the globe.)

Robert Lian,  former Associate Professor, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore:

Two incidences which highlighted my memory of AIA of the past:

• Avoiding the stigma of "doing things by the book" especially in the area of policyholders services.  In my role as Head of Policy owners Services, we were able to make exceptions on cases without setting precedence.
• The culture of "going by logic" - we were able to streamlined our policy service procedures to optimize the advantage of computerization."

(My comments:  Robert was an amiable individual who got well with "operations" colleagues like Mark Tay, Tan Jit Poh, Long Mun, Annie Tan, and Anna Lim.  In AIA, he also took on the role of "Personnel Manager".  Although he has a Masters in Actuarial studies, he never pursued his career in the actuarial arena until he joined NTU)

From Overseas:

RJ Barth (former EVP & Director, AIA, Hong Kong), now residing in Oregon, USA:

You have done a good job with your Journal.  It refreshes a lot of wonderful memories for me since you mentioned so many people that we all know and remember well after these many years.  Unfortunately a number of them have passed away but remain alive in our memories.

I don't remember who said the following but I find that I am in total agreement:

"As we get older, the only thing we have to look forward to are our memories."

My memories of the time I spent in Southeast Asia are of all the wonderful people I had the good fortune to work with in AIA especially and since I spent 17 years in Hong Kong, I also met a number of very interesting and talented people from AIU and AIG as well.  I appreciated that we were all together during the "good old days" of our respective companies and were given a lot of opportunities and responsibilities because of MR Greenberg"s unique and very successful management of this outstanding group of companies.

The years I spent with AIA were some of the happiest of my life because of the great people I was associated with!

(My comments: the above is half of his email, the other half is about his encounter with today's technologies - he is still using Microsoft XP which is now obsolete and still using a cell phone which is not a smart phone.  No wonder it is said that we cannot put "new wine in old wineskin".  Barth knew about my journal entry when Anna Ho, former VP Group department from Hong Kong, forwarded my email to him and also to Millie Shing)

Charlie Lau, former AIG Regional Auditor, Hong Kong, now residing in Hong Kong:

The late Albert Ho was my boss and mentor.  He had a big part to play in grooming me in my formative years as a young auditor.  I held the fort in Singapore for five years after Albert returned to Hong Kong.  In 1989, I was given the opportunity to go to HK to work for the Division.  I took up the challenge and was happy to pass the baton to a very competent associate, Yvonne Tan, who later recruited Goh Tho Suan.

Working in the Home Office, 1 Stubbs Road, was refreshing and a new beginning for me.  I came to develop a close working relationship with my immediate boss, the late William Renfrew, who was the Director of Audit for Asia Pacific.  I owe him much for helping cultivate my writing style.  It was an interesting time for me when I could finally put faces to names I often heard or saw on company's documents.

The journey I walked in AIG, once the greatest financial services institution on planet earth, could be summed up like this: joined 1980, departed 2010, a career short of distinguished, but one that spanned three decades ( to be exact six months shy of my 30th), when I looked back I could say to my self, "though there were occasions of pain and unpopularity, it was all worth it.  Having the opportunity to work for AIG, and a man who will be remembered for his contributions to humanity as a provider of protection to the lost, it was a great honor.  As far as I'm concerned, I had run a good race, I kept my faith.

(My comments: Charlie has written a rather lengthy email and it's featured in the Hong Kong Alumni website - a well documented and interesting account of the "good old days".  It is true that the many junior staff and secretaries who have helped us along our working careers are some times forgotten and not given the due recognition.)

LK Lam, former colleague from AIA, Hong Kong, worked in Data Processing, Group & Corporate Systems, now residing in Canada:

Douglas’ article brought back all the good memories of working with colleagues in AIA Singapore.

I started to enjoy my retirement ever since I left AIA in 1993 and migrated to Canada. I had a chance to visit Singapore in late 1999.  Remember meeting Eng Hai Yong, Koh Poh Wah and Danny Lee for lunch.

I knew Eng when I was at the Data Processing department and was introduced to him around 1965.  I knew Poh Wah during the time I worked at Corporate Systems.  In many occasions, I met up with Danny Lee in Group seminars.

At my age, I am too lazy to travel.  I still play tennis three times a week regularly, doubles matches of course.

Best regards to my friends.

(My comments:  LK responded to me twice after receiving my journal (glimpses of the past) from Dominic Lee.  The above are extracts from his emails to me.  Not bad for an "oldie" to be playing tennis 3 times a week.  Although short in stature, LK is a lively and  an outspoken individual)

Vidyasagar Govind, former Vice President & Actuary, AIA Singapore, now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:

I came to AIA Singapore when Andrew Tan was the General Manager (I think he was probably the best GM I was fortunate to work under).  Overall it was one of the most enjoyable phases in my life, with periods of work pressures and stress which at times seemed unbearable.  What made the periods of stress bearable was the wonderful colleagues (including some from the agency force) that I was fortunate to work with, whose sense of humor made it possible to laugh at our difficulties and problems without being overwhelmed.

I am always grateful to them for their friendship and comradeship, and often think of them.  I look forward to catching up with at least some of them at your next get-together.

(My comments:  To have an Actuary pen his thoughts is a more difficult task than to have him calculate the premiums for a new product!  Vidya although a reserved person by nature has a very keen mind, not only on actuarial matters but also on politics and social issues - how do I know, he was one of my lunch partners while he was in Singapore.) 

Kevin Chia Soo Gim,  General Manager, China North Region, AXA Minmetals Assurance Co. Ltd.; now residing in China:

I think nobody knew that I stumbled into AIA with the help of Danny Lee.  At that time I really had no idea what I was to do in AIA.  It was 1980 and insurance then was just a word to me.  However I fell in love with AIA very soon and stayed till 2003 with a brief departure of 4 months in 1994.

Life is very strange sometimes and we do not know what cards our destiny deals us.

For 12 years I was in the Personal Accident department and then suddenly I was sent to Brunei.  After a brief departure to Prudential for 4 months, I returned to AIA to head the Regional PA department.  Four years later I was sent to China and 5 years later, I left to join another AIA colleague in Generali.

I have been blessed to be working in AIA and have been privileged to work with many fine people.  I was given the opportunity to groomed many fine lads and ladies, resulting in having many friends holding high positions in different countries enjoying their free lunches, presents, gifts and the usage of company car, even till today!

In my PA position, I reported mostly to the local GM and bosses in Hong Kong, like Edmund, Jeff Kestenbaum and Kim Igleheart.  They were all great bosses and made AIA a great place to work.  Douglas was really great and took care of me and saw to my growth in AIA although he was not responsible directly for PA growth.  The true measure of a man can be seen in such circumstance!  I have left AIA for 12 years now, but somehow am attached to AIA.  In Singapore, I have tea and lunch with Tay Cheng Heng, Danny Lee, Sajan Raman or Chin Chung Wen.  In Shanghai, I constantly meet with Nysco and Clement Lien.  In other parts of China, I meet with colleagues and support staff from AIA days!  I can say that 90% of my friends that I meet nowadays are from AIA!

To me AIA was family then, I earned my money, learned new things, travelled the world, met new friends and learned new cultures and languages.

I am now therefore very happy that there is now this new forum to catch up with lost friends.

(My comments:  Kevin has done well enjoying the fruits of his labor!  Although a thrifty individual by nature, he has generously supported two underprivileged children in China and taken on the role as "godfather".  When we are blessed with so much in Singapore, it is incumbent on us to consider the less fortunate and needy in our societies!)

Serene Chan Hui Hua,  former Admin Manager, AIA Kuching Office, East Malaysia:

 My personal encounter with Singapore AIA staff started way back in the seventies when LOMA course was first introduced.  I was encouraged by my boss, the late YY Lee, to go for it.  So I did, but at a snail pace.  The important thing was I reached my goal, with my FLMI certificate!  Exams in those days were only conducted in head office.  I didn't mind even to travel at own expense as I had a chance to visit Singapore for my shopping.  It was then that I met AVP Ted Loo whom I fondly remember as a humble and approachable person.  I was well taken care of by his kind secretary, Rosalind Chua, who became my good old friend.

As business grew over the years, some services were decentralized.  I had the opportunity to undergo different aspects of training in Singapore.  Those department heads who played their part in training me were:  the late Annie Tan in servicing, Ambrose Szeto in underwriting, the late Missy Lim in policy issue, Long Mun in claims and Steven Tay in loan.

Having got acquainted with some of the staff members, I would visit the office whenever I was in Singapore.  But came the day when the Management decided to move our Sarawak admin to Kuala Lumpur in the early eighties.  It was certainly sad to separate, after having established a good working relationship with the staff members.

Recollection of a few memorable events:

• November, 1982 - Grand opening of Wisma AIA in Kuching officiated by the Sarawak Chief Minister.  This significant occasion was graced by a number of VIPs from Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, among whom were Mr. & Mrs. Stempel(Chairman), President E.W. Tilling and VP Russ Klingler.
• December, 1988 - For the first time I attended the AIA Annual Dinner in Kuala Lumpur.  For you all in Head Office or Home Office, you may think "What's the big deal?"  But, it's a rare occasion for branch staff to attend such a dinner.
• December, 1996 - It was indeed a pleasant surprise to be nominated as one of the five "Employees of the Year award" for AIA Malaysia.  I was invited to the award presentation at the Annual Dinner in Kuala Lumpur.  My award was a plaque plus a cheque for RM1, 000.  Besides, I was lucky to win a prize for the "Best Dressed".

(My comments:  First met Serene in the seventies while I was Regional Comptroller for Singapore, East Malaysia, and Brunei.  Serene is a pleasant, friendly and hardworking individual.  She specially flown in from Kuching to attend our last alumni dinner gathering in January and still "well dressed

We like to thank all our colleagues who have graciously taken time to share their memories and helped us to relive happy moments of the past.

May your precious memories, like footprints in the sands of time, be remembered in their hearts of your loved ones, colleagues and friends.

Happy Reminiscing,

Douglas Cho

(Above written in March 25, 2014) 

Success & Significance

  

Some dream about it, some talk about it, some strive for it, while others achieved it!

The consensus is that "Success" means differently to all of us.  As beauty is to the eyes of the beholder, so is success to the mind of the achiever.  It largely depends on our aspirations, convictions, values, and dreams at the various stages of our lives.  Success and significance to some, are intertwined and connected; while others perceived them as separate goals to achieve.  Success tends to be internally focused and intrinsic; while significance tends to be externally oriented and extrinsic.

The following are some brief insights and wisdom from our colleagues on the following:

• What is success?
• Is significance important in one's life?
• Can we achieve both success and significance in our journey in life?

Anna Ho, former Vice President, Group Dept., Home Office, AIA Hong Kong:

Success can simply be defined as achieving a goal or meeting an expectation.  Success can be just a personal matter.  However, if what is involved touches other lives, it becomes significant.  For example, one can do a very successful presentation on a project and gain much applause on oneself.  However, only when the completed project can actually make life much easier for the people concerned will it become significant.

In my journey in life, I do hope to be able to achieve significance by making a positive impact on those around me with what I say and what I do, rather than thinking too much of my own success.  Whether I'm successful or not in my various roles is not for me to say.  However, I can be certain that I have failed many times in my different roles, but have also tried to better myself as time goes by.

As it is said, "Failure is the Mother of Success", true success comes after many failures and with much effort put in.  If a goal is achieved or an expectation is met with just one go, it may be by sheer luck and the success will not last!

Daniel Tan, Group Chief Operating Officer, Acquaint Property Ltd., Australia:

Success: achieving the goals and targets in my life in the areas of family, church, finance, possessions and positions.  In short, what I can achieve materially are temporal.

Significance:  Yes, much more important in this season of my life after having achieved little successes in my life. I am doing things that are meaningful, transforming and lasting.

Seeking significance requires personal sacrifices like being away from family and friends, and the comfortable life in Perth.  The impact of what I am doing here in Singapore cannot be measured immediately but can only be felt after many years to come as I contribute to the company and touch lives that I meet each day.

Significance precedes success!  If I do the thing with significance in mind, success usually follows.  Even if it takes a long time to see the successful outcomes and in some cases, I may not be around to see the results of the efforts put in.  This is what some people called "Leaving a lasting legacy."

  

Vice President, Prudential Assurance Co. Ltd., Singapore: 

I'm not sure if I've achieved it but I've always shrived towards living A Life, rather than two separate lives, a corporate and a personal life.  So success to me is to live a significant and meaningful life.

Even if, to some I'm perceived to be successful at work today, believe it or not I've never dream of corporate success.  In fact, I don't feel successful, rather I feel blessed that it's one of the many stops in my life journey.  My dream is to achieve spiritual success.

So my thought is simple.  One cannot be successful without significance.

Michael Tan, Chief Executive Officer, Great Eastern Life, Vietnam:

Success means different things to different people at different stages of our life journey.  When I was younger starting my career and family, success means personal career achievement, accumulating wealth and material possessions.  Then when you grow older, all these measures of success seem like an illusion.  Today, my success is to work to the best of my ability and to trust God to direct my path with humility and sincerity.

Significance is leaving a legacy - transforming lives; caring for the less unfortunate and needy in society; and being with my family

Dominic Lee, former Chief Actuary, Home Office, AIA Hong Kong;  Lead Coordinator for AIA Alumni Club, Hong Kong:

Most worldly people take success as the procurement of fortune and fame.   I am impressed by a motto from ROC President Chiang Ching-Kuo which states that fortune is defined as the "fortune for the people", while fame is defined as "fame not only for the current generation but for many generations going forward."

As an Actuary, my forte is in numbers and not in words therefore my remarks are terse!

(If numbers can be translated to philanthropy giving, it becomes significant in nature)

 Mack Eng, Country President, ACE Insurance Limited:

Success can be defined in so many ways, and means different things to different people.  Success is doing what you love and doing it well.  Success is also multi-faceted, whether we are 'successful' as a leader at work or home is dependent on the individual's focus. Success at work means not just delivering the results for the organization, but the ability to garner the support of your team at all levels to share your vision and focus: that's always trick since, individuals have different values, principles, backgrounds and priorities.  Success is creating a work environment that can bring out the best in your team - I'm a strong believer in creating a positive, progressive, open, and conducive environment for individuals to collaborate and excel. 

Success in an organization can be defined when teams are able to work well together, which will breed a winning culture and success for a company.  Being a good husband, father, son, brother and friend to family and close friends are what I defined as success as well.  Overarching all this - work, family, and friends is my faith - being true to my Christian faith and belief is the ultimate success I'm striving for - it's work in progress!  When it's all said and done, success is knowing what you want out of life, working towards it and having a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in whatever you set out to do.

Significance is important, whilst we do what we can, it's not for us to say it is significant but others are the judge of what we do.  Work wise, I've been fortunate to have bosses who have guided and mentored me throughout my career, and given me opportunities.  It's important to pay it forward - I see budding young talent - future leaders in the industry, my way of giving back is to guide, develop and invest in the young talents in our industry.   Contributing to our industry in any way that can pave the way for our future leaders is also critical – it’s not a job requirement but beyond the call of duty.  The sowing of these seeds is a mid to long term play - the significance - only the future will tell.

Success and Significance should go hand in hand - it's what gives meaning to our existence, to know that we have done what we can, left our mark and legacy, and paved the way for others ... we can and we must strive to make a difference.

Lance Tay, Chief Executive Officer, Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore Ltd.:

  

Both success and significance can mean different things to different people.  I think it is important that we do not judge people based on our own definition of success as we may not know the goals or aspiration of someone else.  Significance is even harder to pin down as what is meaningful to one may not mean much to another.

Putting definition of these two words aside, it is safe to say that successful leaders would have achieved some level of success and significance in their life.  So it is entirely possible to have achieved both success and significance.

To me what's important is to know what we want out of life and who we want to be.  If we achieve what we set out to do and be the person we want to be, we would have achieved success and significance in our own way.

Timothy Chia, Chairman, Asia, Coutts & Co. Ltd.

Success is subjective and means differently to each individual.  It could be viewed as achievements in the area of career, status, wealth, family, or even spiritual aspirations.

I've been blessed with a wonderful family, good health and have achieved reasonable success in my career and to hopefully return a small part of what I  have taken back to society.

Significance to me is to make a discernible difference in the lives of others, by providing resources in the area of education, medical facilities and research.  Education provides an equalizer for the less fortunate by enhancing their earning capacity and thereby narrowing the income gap.

Chin Chung Wen, Chief Agency Officer, AIA Co. Ltd., Singapore:

Success to me means living a life one can feel proud of.  Two things come in mind.  The first is success in our career, the part of us that's ambitious, that wants to accomplish.  Many will also relate this to having the tangible things in life, position, status, home address, cars, wealth, club membership.  Personally, I think normal people judge someone's success as achieving all these tangibles.  But working hard and wanting to be successful may not mean our desire is to have these tangibles.  Some go for success to provide a better living for the family.

That's where the second comes to mind - success in the area of family ties, friendship, helping others, being a good father, a good son or daughter, unconditional love for the family, making a positive difference in people's lives- the intangibles such as giving love, contentment and happiness.  Success in this area outweighs the first.  People will better remember us in these successes than the successes in the workplace.

There are usually some conflicts between success and significance in today's demanding and hectic work life - chasing after the next promotion or work taking priority than spending time with loved ones.  Likewise, it may not be easy to do well in work when the focus is on family and friends.  Some jobs may allow us to help others and be successful, but most do not.  It is not easy balancing the two, when we know having a balance is important.

To me, achieving significance is usually linked to achieving the intangible, something worthy and important that successes at the workplace will usually not get us.  For those of us that want to strengthen the intangibles, nothing without labor.

Strengthening the intangibles need a conscientious effort.  I know of friends that work hard in their summer season of their lives, retire early to spend time with loves ones and do the things they want to do.  It will be nice to know that the option is there.  If we can't strike a good balance during our career, maybe we can have better balance over our lifetime.

Success may or may not bring us happiness, and that's why many place emphasis on having a job they like.  Happiness tends to go along the path of significance.

Peter Lin, Senior Pastor of Queenstown Baptist Church; former President, Asian Operations, Mutual Liberty Group

A good friend of mine said "Life is a journey of seeking for three things - destiny (successes), love (relationships), and meaning (ultimate satisfaction)."  I agree wholeheartedly.

In my younger days, I started my first quest - seeking for success as achievements and titles.  I have been blessed. ............

As I grew older, I realized that achievements were overrated and were not lasting. The only thing that seems to remain is friendships and testimonies of touching people's lives or having been touched in return. 

I began my second quest - seeking for lasting relationships.

I realized even relationships are fleeting as life cannot be taken for granted.  There is an intangible piece of my life that is not related to achievements nor even to relationships.

In 2002, I decided to embark on this last quest for meaning and soul satisfaction.  I left the insurance sector and became a pastor.  My journey no longer leads me to limelight and recognition but rather humility and service.  I finally have a taste of the intangible satisfaction of the soul that success and significance cannot offer.

Vincent Kwo, Chief Executive Officer, Gibraltar BSN Life Bhd., Malaysia:

I had just arrived back to KL from my trip to Los Angles attending the Prudential International Insurance Convention.  It is the annual Life Planners convention where the top performers from Prudential companies around the world meet together to celebrate the success of these sales professional.  The Prudential Life Planners approach where the passion and commitment to helping families find financial securities in terms of family protection is the guiding principle for each successful Life Planners and you can feel the joy and pride when these successful Life Planners went up the stage to receive the plaque together with their family members.

So, what is success?  I would equate success to happiness.  A worldly successful person might not be happy but a happy person must be successful in life.  The worldly success is temporary and relative to others but the everlasting success in life is to achieve calmness and happiness internally.  I was reading an article on how to boost your happiness and hence your success in life:  1) Hug it out and sharing love with family, loved ones and friends.  2) Go for the flow.  It means feeling fully immersed with what you are doing - gardening, singing and even your daily office work.  3) Appreciating what you have and expressing gratitude to others.  4) Have faith in life.  A spiritual experience and be connected with something larger.  5) Joy in your daily activity in work and do exercise.  6) Sleep well at night and 7) Helping others and make the world a better place.

I would like to wish everyone a successful and happy journey in life and may you bring blessings to others.

  

Much has been said; I hope that the sharing from our colleagues has opened up your thinking and maybe sowed some seeds of wisdom in the garden of your mind.

I would like to thank all our contributors for taking time and sharing their insights and wisdom - one has written to seek clarification; another for a face to face interview; another over a lunch appointment; others need to pause and wait for insights to envelope them; while others are still seeking enlightenment.

One of our colleagues recently donated one million dollars to the cause of helping others to have a better and brighter future - an act which is commendable and displays the positive side of the human spirit.

I conclude with my parting words: To succeed in life is laudable, but to live a life of significance brings meaning and purpose.  In our relentless pursuit of success and significance, may we not forget that we are blessed and therefore in return should bless others and find our hope in lasting values so that we can say as Peter Lin puts it, "It is well with my soul".  The choices you made in the past is what you are today, but the choices you make today will determine what you are tomorrow.  Choose wisely and be blessed!

LIFE THAT MATTERS!

There is a time and season for everything under the sun!  They bring with it happiness and sadness, also success and failure.  

Life is a continuous time line lived through the four seasons yearly cycle.  It can be expressed in many ways:

If life is a journey!  What is the final destination?

If life is a roller coaster ride!  Where are we heading?

If life is expressed in a formula!  Which formula can be relied on to provide purpose and meaning in life?

The list goes on as life continues.  The following short expressions of life that matters are contributions from our colleagues.

Quotes on Life that Matters:

Life is like taking a roller-coaster ride with its ups and downs, twists and turns but if you are able to maintain a sense of balance, you will be always be happy and healthy.                       

Danny Lee, former Vice President of Group, AIA Singapore

Life is like a photograph, keep your precious memories and delete the ones you don’t like!                

Magdalene Teo-Yong, Senior Associate, Norton Rose Fulbright

The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.

Life doesn’t get better by CHANCE it gets better by CHANGE!

Charles Lau, former AIG Regional Auditor, Hong Kong

Here in Greece in the midst of the Euro crisis:  Life is like a teacup in a storm, only safe in His everlasting arms.

Standing on an earthly paradise; learning that paradise is not an area code, but a state of mind.

Peter Lin, former President Asian Operations, Liberty Mutual Group; Senior Pastor of Queenstown Baptist Church

Success is when you look back at your life and the memories make you smile.

L.K.Lam, former Vice President, Corporate Systems, AIA Hong Kong

Always live life to the fullest!

Lance Tay, Chief Executive Officer, Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore Ltd

Live for a purpose that is bigger than I am and that will outlive me!

Dr. Andrew Goh, International Motivational Speaker, Editor of Impact Christian Communications

The QUALITY of your THINKING today determines the QUALITY of your FUTURE!

Linda Low, Managing Director, Edward de Bono International Network

  

My one advice on life is to be kind, be thoughtful and be giving.

Daniel Tan, Group Chief Operating Officer, Aquaint Capital Group, Australia

If you love life, life will love you back.

Look for the positives, instead of the negative ones, even in the most challenging situations.

Cynthia Ng, former Sr.Vice President, Learning and Development, HSBC Singapore

Lighten your life with a simple life, bringing peace of mind, joy and happiness upon oneself and others.

Yvonne Tan, former AIG Auditor, Singapore

YOLO – You only live once.  Don’t live in fear!

Juliet Lim, Vice President, Marsh (Singapore) Pte Ltd

Don’t Put Off Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today!!!

Brian Anstey, former SVP & General Manager, AIA Thailand

A joyful heart is good medicine; be happy always, be thankful for what you have and cherish it!                 

Mack Eng, Country President, Ace Insurance Limited, Singapore

Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see; live in the life of faith, we live in life of certainty.

Vincent Kwo, Chief Executive Officer, Gibraltar BSN life Bhd, Malaysia

Happiness starts with You – not with your relationships, not with your job, not with your money, BUT with YOU!

Things may not be rosy all the time but keep smiling and stay positive and remind ourselves that everything happens for a reason.

Sarah Ong, former Secretary to VP (Admin), AIA Singapore

Happiness is what we feel, not what we have.

Kok Mun Sum, former Vice President Operations, AIA Malaysia

Be positive, always happy and most important be yourself.

Goh Tho Suan, Regional Auditor, Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore Ltd

Take care of yourself so that you are able to take care of your loved ones; love yourself so that you are able to love others.

Anna Ho, former Vice President Group, AIA Hong Kong

Stay in harmony, happy, give and forgive.  

Cathy Yu, former Executive Office, AIA Hong Kong

Courage, Patience and Resilience are best learnt from the disadvantaged and marginalized in our society who had lived through them.

Wisdom is a gift and blessing, treasure it.

Pauline Toh, former Executive Office, AIA Singapore

Never harbor Bitterness!

Kamsani Tati, Chief Executive Officer, Tokio Marine Retakaful Pte Ltd

It is better to bite your tongue than let it bite someone else!

M. Manoharan, Director of TRIO33 Pte Ltd, Preventive Healthcare Systems

Never let your sense of power prevent you from respecting others!

Patrick Kok, Chief Operating Officer, Great Eastern Life Assurance Co. Ltd

Have an open mind on all matters in this long life journey.

Hwang Liang Tso, former Vice President Agency, AIA Singapore

I believe A CLOSE FAMILY BONDING is the best in our life!

Bei Nai Tong, former Payroll Manager, AIA Singapore

Thank God for each day as it unfolds with new learning, act with love and kindness, live with purpose of giving and finding joy in everything.

Shirley Lee, Head of People and Culture for IAG Asia

If there is a will, there is a way!

Benjamin Chan, Head of Actuarial Asia Pacific & Appointed Actuary, Singapore Branch, Munich Reinsurance Company

Life is relatively short; enjoy it; or else, someone else will!

Sajan Raman, former Vice President, Brunei Operations, AIA Singapore

Live every day as though its your last, provide comfort and compassion to those facing their challenges, and see the humor even in your darkest hour.  Enjoy the journey!

Calvin Loh, Director A&H Asia, Assicurazioni Generali S.P.A Asia Regional Office, Hong Kong

Life as expressed in a formula.

Tay Cheng Heng, former Vice President & Regional Comptroller, AIA Singapore

   

If life is a journey, travel simple and travel light!

Life is like a roller coaster ride!  You can choose to close your eyes and go through the ups and downs with the twists and turns or open your eyes wide, lift your arms up high and enjoy every moment of the ride.

Tang Weng Liang, Head of Training, Tokio Marine Life Insurance Singapore Ltd

Do not complain on matters you cannot change; but each time you receive a complaint, do your best to change for the better.

It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see!

Kenneth Ling, General Manager - Brunei Branch, AIA Co. Ltd 

Live a carefree life - just let go, and let God!

Dr. Philomena Tong, Director, Regulatory & Legislation Division, Ministry of Health

Life is what you make of it and no one owes you a living.

Timothy Chia, Chairman, Asia, Coutts & Co. Ltd.; Chairman, Hup Soon Global Corp. Ltd.

My philosophy to life is happiness - quote from F. Roosevelt resonates with me: "Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort"

Raymond Neo, former Agency Manager, AIA Perth

Do or do not.... there is no try!

Lionel Chee, Managing Director, Shenton Holding Ltd

Life is a journey through the seasons when one springs to life, basks in the summer warmth of families and friends, cherish the moments of autumn beauty together and leaving a legacy that warms the hearts of families and friends in winter.

Foo Yoke Leong, Head of Finance, Manulife (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Live in the moment. Find happiness from within you

Aw Soke Yee, Profession Trainer & Consultant, Learning Culture

Where there is life, there is always hope - Keep the jungle, why worry no wood to burn?

Robert Lian, former Associate Professor of Nanyang Technology University

Seek the Truth and live in it, for in it you will find abundant life and joy unspeakable!

Douglas Cho, former Vice President(Admin) & Principal Officer, AIA Singapore