2020 In Retrospect 

 

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Let my musing thoughts be an avenue to stay connected as we close the year. For those who are still mentally active and not in "dementia" mode, it is wise to cultivate a continuous learning attitude.  Some of our  former AIA colleagues are still in contact through my journal thought postings on LinkedIn. 

Let me reflect on some random thoughts before we end the year. 

Christmas is a season to remind us the importance of having peace, joy and love.  Besides the bitter cold weather in some areas, the year 2020 will go down in history, as the worst virus pandemic we have experienced in our generation on a worldwide scale. Unexpected in retrospect and uncertain going forward. 

 Economies are so advanced and so smart but still unable to contain or eradicate an invisible enemy! 

 We are forced to ponder on the more meaningful issues of life:

• Is wealth more important than health? 
• Is power more important than peace? 
• Is fame more important than family and friends? 

The choice could be either or!  Sometimes a balance can be achieved but with some compromise! 

On the lighter side of life, the measures taken to contain the spread of the COVID-19 virus, have taken away the many expressions of smiles from our faces. The mask veils have hidden the smiles!  Our hugs have been limited to a mere touch! Even the new babies have fewer cuddle contacts! Living in a world of untouchables! 

2020 will be a significant milestone in the history of mankind!  The results of the battle against covid-19; the global trade wars; the undertaking of climate change; the disruption in work and play; the health challenge at its peak.  We seem to be at the peak of human ingenuity and knowledge, but  unable to resolve the virus pandemic and human unrest! 

 I find the following description a bit ironical and also amusing:

"The human intellect was like peacock feathers. It's an extravagant display intended to attract a mate. All of art, literature, a bit of Mozart, William Shakespeare, Michelangelo, and the Empire State building... just an elaborate mating ritual. Maybe it doesn't matter that we have accomplished so much for the basest of reasons. The peacock can barely fly. It lives in the dirt, pecking insects out of the muck, consoling itself with its great beauty.”

At this moment in time, we are at an inflexion point. A crossroad of decision and choice to determine the path to tread and life to live. The past where we thought that we are the "master of our destiny" may be a pipe dream in the new normal of life. 

The new reality presents uncertainty and unpredictability!  An era that marks its peak and an attempt to relive another zenith experience!  The human nature is complex and sometimes confusing!  Some have reached their "actualization" stage but have been dragged down to the "survival" mode due to health or wealth downturn. 

Life is a mystery!  Developed countries are spending billions of dollars to explore the outer planets when our earthly planet are plaque down with poverty and famine? 

Many have been shipwrecked by the storms of life; some have been able to stay afloat; others have managed to sail through without much trouble!  In troubled times, we begin to understand the value of family and friends relationships. The helping hand extended; the words of encouragement; or the wise counsel, will provide the source of support to minimize the pain and soften the sufferings. 

As we end the year, it is a good time to reflect and consider what we have done and whether we can adjust and make changes to our values, beliefs, and lifestyles? 

In life's journey, there must be a compass to guide us, an anchor to provide security and stability, and a hope to assure that our destination is not in vain. 

To sum up, 2020 is an exceptional and unique year!  We are all taken by surprises.  The weak will be vulnerable and shaken. The strong will need renewed strength and courage to face an uncertain future. 

I began my musing with the thought regarding Christmas  and will end with it. Christmas not only reminds us of the close of the year, but signals the dawn of a brand new year. There is always hope and assurance for a new beginning in our lives, even when we are at the end chapters of our life's story. 

May you experience the joy in living and a heart of gratitude for the blessings in your life. 

Let me close on a positive note by wishing you and your family "A Merry Christmas and Happy & Successful New Year!" 

 God Bless, 

Douglas Cho

December 22, 2020 

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

2019 Reunion Gathering Feedback

Feedbacks are important as a communication tool. They provide an outlet for feelings, emotions and views.

Some of our colleagues have given their feedback on our 2019 Reunion Gathering on June 15th held at the SMU Lounge.

Anna Ho (Hong Kong)

"Just want to thank you once again for including us for the Singapore reunion.  Agree totally with Poh Wah's comments. Our appreciation goes to all the sponsors and the ambassadors.  We have taken advantage of and enjoyed all the benefits and services that went into the event."

Jacob Wong (Hong Kong)

" Thank you very much for allowing us to join the 2019 Reunion in Singapore.  It was fantastic and we all loved it, particularly on meeting all our good friends in the AIA family.   Please do include my email in your distribution list so that I can get those related news.

Seeing you in the coming events."

Lily Rumjahn (Hong Kong) 

" Douglas, thank you and the Alumni Ambassadors for all the hard work in organizing the reunion.  It was totally enjoyable to spend time with members of the alumni and everything was well organized.  We all loved the performance by the very professional band and the photo booth. So happy to receive hard copies of the photos which we can always flip through from time to time."

Kevin Chia (China)

" Let me first thank you for organising this event. I know it is very troublesome to be doing this and that it takes great determination and sense of purpose to continue doing this.

For me who have been in China for over 20 years and having left AIA Singapore for even longer, these previous meetings let me keep in touch with so many old colleagues, some of whom I have forgotten their names. And as we grow older, we will even forget more persons as our minds deteriorate. 

I am so glad that Edmund himself turned up, knowing well that he has so many functions and do not easily turn up for such social functions.

As for the function, my flight back was truly worthwhile. It was a delightful evening to meet so many old friends and have so much good food. And all for free!!!

From the looks of the others present, you can clearly see that they were enjoying themselves. In their old days in AIA, I don't even see them fraternize so much. You can also see your group of loyal supporters. Thank you once again."

Daniel Tan (Perth, Australia) 

" It was a nostalgic and memorable event for me to catch up with all levels of AIA staff from Singapore including those from Hong Kong, other neighboring regions. We have over abundance of foods and drinks, music, instant photos, and prizes to take home including lasting friendships and memories!

Thank you, Douglas and your committed team for organizing this special reunion for all of us. It worth all the effort to reschedule my flight to make it."

Clement Lien (Indonesia)

"Thank you Douglas for organizing such an enjoyable gathering. I am happy that I have the opportunity to meet up with old friends. Hope that we can continue with this tradition."

Timothy Chia (Singapore)

"Let me first thank you and all my former colleagues , who have now become friends, for again putting together a very warm and nostalgic reunion .

So good to see so many familiar faces and suddenly you begin to realise that it has been nearly 3 decades that we were all working together and how time has flown . 

Great to have given Edmund Tse a ride to and from the party as I haven't seen him for more than 20 years and, short as it was, we had a great catch up time. 

Looking forward to the next one! "

Sarah Ong (Singapore)

"It was a relaxing night with good food, great company,  overflowing of fine wine, soothing music and fun photography session to capture our precious memories with our ex-colleagues. Thanks to all for making it yet another unforgettable gathering."

Jenny Wong (Singapore) 

"It was a well organized event. Thank you Douglas and the organizing committee for making the reunion of the  alumni possible." 

Ronald Seah (Singapore)

I think it was well organised and as in previous years provided a very good opportunity for old friends and colleagues to re-connect.

Lance Tay (Singapore) 

"A great gathering of all the wise man and woman! Also, made me feel young as I think I am below the average age of the group! This gathering was made special by the presence of Edmund Tse who looked exactly the same as he was in 1985 when I joined AIA!

Cheers Douglas and thanks for organising another great reunion."

We thank all the colleagues who have given their feedback. Indeed the opportunity to meet fellow colleagues, past and present, resonated from all who have attended the reunion.

The critical success factor for all reunions is the presence of attendees or else all efforts will be fruitless and with limited outcome.

Remember that in human relationships, we can experience moments of happiness and pleasure. Keep the collegial friendship intact as you continue to journey through life. 

Douglas Cho

Dear Colleagues & Friends, 

Our 2019 Reunion Gathering has come and gone! It will be part of memories for those who have attended. 

This year's gathering had added international flavour as we welcomed colleagues from Hong Kong, China, Australia, Indonesia and Malaysia. To spice up the occasion, we had the pleasant surprise of the attendance of Edmund Tse (current AIA Hon. Chairman) and Tan Hak Leh (AIA Regional CEO). 

It's a rare occasion where such event is free of charge. We are thankful to the generous sponsors: buffet dinner from AIA; Croatia wine from Timothy Chia; lucky draw prizes from Ronald Seah; photo booth from Desmond Yong, Jenny Wong, Lance Tay And Ronald Seah. 

Reunion is a time of renewing friendship and establishing the collegial bond. For those who attended, it is an indication that life matters and human relationships are vital in our pilgrim's journey. 

Memories captured in pictures provide a better and more lasting effect than words. Hope the photos contained in the blog portray the sentiments of the occasion. Memories come alive when reunion gatherings occur! 

Happy Memories, 

Douglas Cho 

2019 Reunion Gathering

June 15, 2019, Singapore

SMU Lounge 

The above photos were obtained from Tommy Lim's memory files.  Those were the day when we were young and slim!

2017 REUNION GATHERING AT SMU LOUNGE

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THUMBS UP FOR THE REUNION

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FOOD, ESSENTIAL PART OF THE NIGHT

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SONGS OF THE OLDIES FROM OUR SINGING TRIOS

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