Lessons from Covid-19

Hi Colleagues & Friends,

This journal posting is unique? It is a period where the global community faces the same predicament, where the enemy is common to all! The invisible enemy which has caused widespread havoc and fear.

Under such an unpredictable environment, we can still lift up our spirits to reflect on the more meaningful issues of life. As we travel through the roller-coaster of life, this moment can be regarded as the downward spiral where the exhilaration in life turns to anxiety and uncertainty! The anticipation of the upward climb will cause hope to arise and maybe quieten the anxious mind.

With these brief opening thoughts, we are grateful to our former AIA/AIG colleagues who are willing to share their thoughts and insights during this time of isolation and distancing.

Peter Lin (USA):

Los Angeles - a city with unhealthy air quality and a skyline always covered with a dense layer of grayish smog. Yet with the onset of the lockdown in mid-march due to Covid-19, the skyline has surprisingly become a crystal-clear sky. Just as Covid-19 has added clarity to the Los Angeles skyline, COVID-19 added clarity to 3 key areas of my life - (COmmunity, Vibrancy, & IDentity). Together they form the acronym - COVID.

First, Covid clarifies my Identity. Being recently retired, I no longer have my work to add to my sense of significance.  Having no real estate to my name, my nest egg is subject to the roller coaster ride of the world economy. And when my work is gone, my resources decline, and my health can no longer be taken for granted, the true foundation of my identity becomes clear, I know I am still important today because of only one reason - I trust in a God who loves me regardless.

Second, Covid clarifies vibrancy. Young men are considered vibrant because of their high energy. Old men are considered dull because of their lack of energy. Yet Covid 19 uncovers a new gold standard in vibrancy in the front-line workers - the giving of one’s lives for others. This measurement has nothing to do with age but in acts of compassion. As an older man, I can truly be vibrant by the choices I make and the people I serve.

Third, Covid clarifies our true community. Because of the pandemic, we know who are our true friends - the ones who call us when we cannot contribute to their social needs. On the other hand, the pandemic has fostered new communities. In my apartment complex, a young missionary from Dominican Republic said that she was a stranger in a new land until the virus struck and new caring friendships were formed. Covid cannot destroy true communities but it open doors to new communities.

I broke my left wrist from a fall last July. The doctor told me that when the bone heals, it will be thicker and stronger than before. I believe the same holds true for us as we survive this pandemic together. We can be wiser as to who we are (ID), what makes us vibrant (V), and who really cares for (CO). A wisdom that will serve us well as we navigate the balance of our earthly journey meaningfully.

(Peter, an American citizen has returned to his home country in "retirement mode", but never knows he may reappear to his next calling!  He was formerly the President of Asian Operations, Liberty Mutual Group; former Vice President in Nan Shan and AIA Hong-Kong.)


Anna Ho (Hong Kong):

After the Chinese New Year holiday, all my interest classes which I had taken up after my retirement were suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak. My regular lunches with various groups of friends from work and from school were also cancelled in order to comply with social distancing advice. 

My only two weekly engagements that remained were the Sunday Mass and the Bible Study Fellowship. Although churches were closed, the diocese arranged live Mass on its website. BSF went on with its weekly lessons via the Zoom application.

It has dawned on me that while everything may stop, God is Unstoppable. He  will always stay with us; and we’ll always have access to Him and to His Word. During difficult times, I can still find peace in Him.

(Anna found her passion as an artist during her "retirement" mode; Anna together with Dominic Lee are the Coordinators for the AIA Hong Kong Alumni Group; former VP, Regional Group Business, AIA Hong Kong)


Daniel Tan (Australia):

Life lessons from COVID 19 pandemic.

1. *Stay Focus* and do not be fearful of the news and the circumstances. For me, I focus on being spiritually uplifted. 

2. *Stay Positive* by keeping myself filled with positive thoughts and edifying words. For me as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ, I feed myself with God's word of Peace, Power & Promises.

3. *Stay Strong* by building up my immune system with healthy eating, adequate sleep & regular exercises.

4. *Stay Connected* with my loved ones, family members and friends. Update and check in on them to encourage and support them.

5. *Stay Serving* others within my sphere of influence, neighborhood and community so that I can offer random acts of kindness and practical support to those in needs.

(Daniel migrated to Australia and is currently involved in helping social enterprises in various communities. He is the Associate Director, Corporate Real Estate, TEMA International; former AVP, Property in AIA, Singapore)


Vincent Kwo (Malaysia):

This Covid pandemic has brought the world to the standstill. This virus shows all human beings without regards to your status, wealth, power, fame and race are equal and our human lives are so vulnerable.

The lockdown has given nature a breathing space. Blue sky, less waste, cleared pollution, sends human beings indoors and animals outdoors. The lockdown has brought us back to the safest place of home with family. It teaches us that life can be simple and be contented and guide us to live with faith, hope and love in our everyday living.

We are blessed that this pandemic happens now and not 10 or more years ago. With the social media and new technologies in place now, we can cope much better to this new normal of life. 

Perhaps we can arrange the next Singapore AIA Alumni gathering by Zoom. 

Stay Safe and healthy!

(Vincent can scale the heights in the insurance industry but due to his entrepreneur spirit, he has ventured into the "pioneering mode" of discovery. President of Malaysia Financial Planning Council, Society of Actuaries; Co-Founder of Bamboo Insurance; former Actuary, AIA Singapore)


Kevin Chia (Resident in China):

The pandemic is causing lots of problems throughout the world but I would like to share some happy thoughts.

You know China went into total lockdown in the last week of Jan. My adopted grandchildren in Jiangsu could not  leave their home. So their parents took them to stay in the country home before their town too went into lockdown.

The story is destiny arranges everything and in two days after they shifted there, our female golden retriever started to give birth in the middle of the night. Luckily my assistant, the children's father was there two days earlier, he suspected that the dog would give birth that night.

Lo and Behold, 12 puppies came that night but they were warm and comforted. I saw all through WeChat and actually cried with joy. If my assistant wasn't there, the water basin would have frozen ice, little light and the puppies might have not lasted through that winter night.

In a way, the pandemic saved the mother dog and her puppies and my little ones had a great time at home.

Even with a pandemic, Mother Nature still carries on with her work. Nature is GREAT!

(Kevin is our philosopher, commentator in Chinese culture and politics. He was formerly General Manager, China North Region, AXA Minmetals Assurance Co. Ltd.; Former VP, PA Dept., AIA)



Charlie Lau (Hong-Kong):

The time spent in Singapore from end January to April had me thinking of a few things, and allowed me to share with you.

It dawned on me that God has given us family relationships, be it between spouses, parents and children or siblings, to help us understand and appreciate His love. For God to say “I love you”, and if we had not experienced what love is, how are we to know what it is like to love and to 9be loved. It’s hard to love even family members the way God loves me; knowing that His love is unconditional and He is always willing to forgive, but I realized it is not impossible. 

We all have our challenges in our families, surprise, surprise!!  During the “circuit breaker” and quarantine period, I’ve learned, taking one step at a time, to appreciate my family, not to always take them for granted, and be more forgiving.

I’m now back in Hong Kong. While Carrie Lam seemed to have done well in fighting the Pandemic. She didn’t win the love of the black shirt protesters, who are again gearing up for another showdown as the first anniversary of the ‘mayhem’ draws near.

Life is short!  Take time to appreciate the amazing people in your life.
It’s not what we have in life,
but WHO we have in our life that matters?

(Charlie is a compassionate individual ministering to the needy and handicapped. He is residing in Hong Kong after spending most of his working life working as Regional Auditor for AIG)



Timothy Chia (Singapore):

"Three things that I learnt from this covid-19 pandemic:

(1) How helpless one can feel that you don’t know when and how the end will look like?

(2) It’s a mechanism to level the playing field as it does not discriminate if you are a towkay or a coolie and today you’re somebody and tomorrow you’re nobody if your business or you encounter cash flow issues and 

(3) When you get over to the other side, you need to learn how to adjust and adapt your life to the new normal - face mask, social distancing etc."

(Timothy is a significant sponsor in charity, especially in higher education. He is the Chairman of Hup Soon Global Co. Ltd; former Investment Executive in AIA, Singapore)



Mack Eng (Singapore)

Lessons for me, would share a couple:

People are inherently flexible; look how quickly we adapt to the new world order. Organizations already begin to digitalize, Covid19 expedited the process. Remote meetings, etc. are part of the new norm.

Despite our ability to adapt to digital etc., one thing remains constant - people to people relations are still core to all that we do, whether in business or otherwise. We can’t email or WhatsApp a warm handshake or hug. 

Through all this, it has made me value friends and colleagues more. 

(Mack is the "gig" generation of leaders which will have a great impact in the new norm. He is the Executive Vice President of MSIG Insurance Group; former Asst. Manager, PA Dept. in AIA, Singapore)



Kenneth Ling (Brunei):

This is the first ever pandemic that had a lasting impact on me. So much has already been written about it and how it will forever change the way we live.

To me it is just simply the forces of nature at work.

When you come to think about it, in term of resources, there is only so much in this world. Nothing more nothing less. Value is something created by mankind. When you put all the monetary value aside, matter on earth is finite.

So, when you take mother earth’s resources and use it for something good, good will comes out of it. The same is true otherwise.

However, mankind has done so much harm in the name of high living and development. Therefore, when the balance is disturbed, a counter force will be created to balance it out.

We can all choose what to do but we must face the consequence that comes with those actions.
In the end the forces of nature will always win.

We are just guests on earth, enjoy the stay, but have some courtesy.

(A philosophical view! Looks like Kenneth is a keen activist in preserving nature's environment. Currently Kenneth is the General Manager of AIA Brunei)



Let me highlight the essence of the lessons shared:

●     Relationships are vital component to life

●     Family matters when we are in trouble times

●     Human lives are so vulnerable

●     Our true identity being revealed in crisis situations

●     Changes and adaptation are essential for a better tomorrow

●     Spiritual perspective gives the reason and meaning of life

●     Nature has its way of preserving the weak and helpless

●     In a stand-still mode, God reveals himself

●     Nature is God's creation to enjoy, not to destroy but to preserve

●     Self-reflection opens new avenues of appreciation and support 

With this pandemic crisis, we witness how vulnerable human beings are! All the knowledge and latest technology cannot seem to resolve the attack of the invisible enemy. We are all finite and with limitations!

Kenneth sent me a story, I quote the ending for your reflection,

"Let’s spend this lockdown period to reflect on life’s true meaning.
We come, we go, the in between defines who we truly are."

We hope that on the micro level (families and friends), faith will arise instead of fear. Hope that will bring a meaningful existence rather than an aimless search for an elusive dream!

Survival is not always to the fittest, but to those who have learnt the lessons well and can adapt and change when adversity brings normalcy into uncharted territory.

Stay connected with family and friends as they are the source of support and encouragement in difficult circumstances. Creation reminds us that God is relational in nature!

All the best as we weather this unpredictable storm and emerge to the new dawn in the history of mankind!

Your colleague,
Douglas Cho
May 26, 2020