UTS http://www.uts.org.my University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Alumni Association Malaysian Chapter Fri, 26 Dec 2008 05:03:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.5 en Feng Shui and Astrology 2009 with Joey Yap http://www.uts.org.my/2008/12/26/feng-shui-and-astrology-2009-with-joey-yap/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/12/26/feng-shui-and-astrology-2009-with-joey-yap/#comments Fri, 26 Dec 2008 04:15:13 +0000 admin News http://www.uts.org.my/2008/12/26/feng-shui-and-astrology-2009-with-joey-yap/ We had a record attendance of more than 529 guests at our Personal Development Programme (PDP) last week entitled “Feng Shui and Astrology 2009 with Joey Yap”.
 
Thank you for your support for our UTS Personal Development Programme. Many had claimed that PDP was our best to date but we say the best is yet to come. 

The UTS PDP was established for UTS graduates when many of you had difficulties in getting your employers to invest in training. So, we took the initiative and set up this PDP just for you. We want YOU to have the best and NOTHING but the best. So there you have it…
 
We sincerely apologise to those who couldn’t get their seats and had to return home empty handed last week. We hope you can register and arrive early for the PDP next time in the future.
 
Visit our PDP website http://www.uts.org.my/pdp for more learning based solutions.

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/12/26/feng-shui-and-astrology-2009-with-joey-yap/feed/ Michael Evan Lawrence Soertsz http://www.uts.org.my/2008/12/21/michael-evan-lawrence-soertsz/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/12/21/michael-evan-lawrence-soertsz/#comments Sun, 21 Dec 2008 17:20:08 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/21/michael-evan-lawrence-soertsz/ Year of Graduation: July 2007

Occupation: Advertising Creative at Leo Burnett

Place of Residence: Kuala Lumpur

Favourite UTS Memory:
Many, best is probably the team building trips i organised as President of the International Student Council.

Also…when i taught photoshop seminars on campus to increase the general student body skillbase.

Also working with college management to make interesting and fun events for the clubs i was president/director of…i was pretty active in extracurricular

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/12/21/michael-evan-lawrence-soertsz/feed/ Chin Siong http://www.uts.org.my/2008/09/12/chin-siong/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/09/12/chin-siong/#comments Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:44:44 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/19/chin-siong/ Year of Graduation: 2003

Occupation: Investment Banker

Place of Residence: Kuala Lumpur

Favourite UTS Memory:
Oh, favourite UTS memory huh? errmmm….kinda tough but i guess it will be midnight walk from Darling Harbour to UTS broadway building during freezing winter time.

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/09/12/chin-siong/feed/ 2008 UTS Alumni Annual Dinner http://www.uts.org.my/2008/08/26/2008-uts-alumni-annual-dinner-3/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/08/26/2008-uts-alumni-annual-dinner-3/#comments Tue, 26 Aug 2008 04:17:41 +0000 admin News http://www.uts.org.my/2008/08/26/2008-uts-alumni-annual-dinner-3/ The University of Technology Sydney Alumni Association Malaysian Chapter (UTSAAMC) recently organised their grandest annual dinner ever at the Carcosa Seri Negara, Kuala Lumpur in July 2008. The response was overwhelming as all dinner tickets were sold out 4 months prior to the event!  

Themed “Le’ Prestige: A Red Carpet Affair”, all 180 guests came with their best outfit and were treated with French cuisine and Australian wine, accompanied by live jazz during the dinner. Present at the annual dinner included Australian High Commissioner - Her Excellency Penny Williams, Director of AEI Mr. Adam Carlon, UTS Chancellor Professor Vicki Sara, President of Malaysia Australian Alumni Council (MAAC) – Pn Seri Susan Cheah, Patron of UTSAAMC – Dato Lee Yee Cheong as well as UTS graduates residing in Malaysia.

Guests were serenaded by a three piece Jazz band. Another highlight is the selection of wine which was endorsed by qualified oneologist – Ed Soon who is the wine editor for various magazines and newspapers in Malaysia and Singapore. UTS Chancellor Professor Vicki Sara also took the opportunity to present UTS Young Alumni Award 2008 to Mr Lim Kian Tong (UTS graduate, 2000) for his voluntary contribution towards St John Ambulance.

 
To view photos, click here…

To view video, click here… ]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/08/26/2008-uts-alumni-annual-dinner-3/feed/ Christine Wong May Yee http://www.uts.org.my/2008/06/22/christine-wong-may-yee/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/06/22/christine-wong-may-yee/#comments Sun, 22 Jun 2008 17:08:33 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/22/christine-wong-may-yee/ Year of Graduation: 2000

Occupation: Chartered Accountant - Manufacturing

Place of Residence: Hong Kong

Favourite UTS Memory:
Definitely running Temasek Club! My fondest memory of UTS is running Temasek club with the Vice President at the time, Leong Sue Yinn. It was a really rewarding experience because I made a lot of friends.

We also got to meet a lot of people from MASA including your President David Tann because we always had joint activities.

I also met my group of bestfriends there; they are still my closest friends today! ;-)

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/06/22/christine-wong-may-yee/feed/ Victor Lim Jin Yew http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/29/victor-lim-jin-yew/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/29/victor-lim-jin-yew/#comments Thu, 29 May 2008 09:20:50 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/29/victor-lim-jin-yew/ Year of graduation: 2000

Employer: Goldis Berhad

Place of Residence: Kuala Lumpur

Favourite UTS Memory:
Walking to the UTS Tower Building in Broadway clad in T-Shirts and shorts at 3am in the middle of winter.

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/29/victor-lim-jin-yew/feed/ Lim Chin Wee http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/29/lim-chin-wee/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/29/lim-chin-wee/#comments Thu, 29 May 2008 08:48:59 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/29/lim-chin-wee/ Year of Graduation: 1999

Occupation: Loan Portfolio/ MIS Analyst

Place of Residence: Kuala Lumpur

Favourite UTS Memory:
Besides studying in a “city” campus that prepares us all for working life in the concrete jungle, short visit to the cove or shorelines of Sydney is a stress relieving moment that I can hardly forget.

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/29/lim-chin-wee/feed/ Lee Suat May http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/21/lee-suat-may/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/21/lee-suat-may/#comments Wed, 21 May 2008 15:34:57 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/21/lee-suat-may/ Year of Graduation: 2008

Occupation: Still a student

Place of Residence: Kuala Lumpur

Favourite UTS Memory:
As weird as it sounds, I think it would have to be the busy times that come with a degree life. Coupling a hectic academic schedule together with tons of extra-curricular activities, as well as having to juggle other aspects of life such as friends, made me push myself to the limit. The end result was good, because I got to realise what exactly I’m capable of

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/21/lee-suat-may/feed/ Kwan Wen Ching http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/kwan-wen-ching/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/kwan-wen-ching/#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 17:51:56 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/kwan-wen-ching/ Year of Graduation: 2004

Occupation: Postgraduate Student

Place of Residence: United Kingdom (UK)

Favourite UTS Memory:
The friends I’ve made over the years, whom are multi-cultural, broadens my mind to the world out there. Good friends are life’s treasures. I’m doing postgraduate Masters at Warwick Business School, UK, at the moment, graduating in September 2008.

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/kwan-wen-ching/feed/ Michael Ong Thean Haw http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/michael-ong-thean-haw/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/michael-ong-thean-haw/#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 17:02:48 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/michael-ong-thean-haw/ Year of graduation: 1999

Employer: Mobile Communications Media (MoCoMe) - www.mocome.net

Place of Residence: Kuala Lumpur

Favourite UTS Memory: 50 cents happy hour drinks at the Uni Bar!

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/michael-ong-thean-haw/feed/ Khadijah Lubis http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/khadijah-lubis/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/khadijah-lubis/#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 02:45:34 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/khadijah-lubis/ Year of Graduation: 2007

Employer: Tradewinds Plantation Berhad

Place of Residence: Kuala Lumpur

Favourite UTS Memory:
Time spent with those riding in the same boat. Studying, late-night-pre-exam-revisions at Building 5, karaoke, parties, coffee sessions.. Sydney sure was a memorable phase.

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/khadijah-lubis/feed/ Michelle Teng Yin Mei http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/michelle-teng-yin-mei/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/michelle-teng-yin-mei/#comments Tue, 20 May 2008 02:39:52 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/michelle-teng-yin-mei/ Year of Graduation: 2006

Employer: KPMG

Place of Residence: Kuala Lumpur

Favourite UTS Memory:
Loads of them! The trip to Pulau Perhentian, the TBS Ball (was in the organising committee in 2004), the lectures and tutorials…

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/05/20/michelle-teng-yin-mei/feed/ 2008 UTS Alumni Annual Dinner http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/26/2008-uts-alumni-annual-dinner-2/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/26/2008-uts-alumni-annual-dinner-2/#comments Sat, 26 Apr 2008 03:58:04 +0000 admin News http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/26/2008-uts-alumni-annual-dinner-2/ Le’ Prestige: A Red Carpet Affair

The response to our 2008 UTS Alumni Annual Dinner has been in one word…EXCELLENT!
All dinner tickets have been sold out 3 months prior to the event. That’s a record breaker for us. We are still receiving countless calls and emails asking for more tickets. In response to your request, we have negotiated with the hotel and they have agreed to add two more tables (that’s 20 seats) for our event and that is FINAL. So what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now. This is your last opportunity to be part of the grandest UTS alumni dinner EVER.

For more info and how to get your tickets, please visit our dinner website:
http://www.uts.org.my/event/alumni_dinner_2008/dinner.html

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/26/2008-uts-alumni-annual-dinner-2/feed/ UTS Alumnus…Live On Air http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/26/uts-alumnus-live-on-air/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/26/uts-alumnus-live-on-air/#comments Sat, 26 Apr 2008 03:32:52 +0000 admin News http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/26/uts-alumnuslive-on-air/ UTS ALUMNUS, Live On Air!  

Venue: Radio24 93.9FM  

15 April - 7.15pm
16 April - 12.15am
18 April - 6.15am
19 April - 6.15pm

We are proud to inform you that UTS Alumnus, Ms. Shannon Lim, will be live on air for an interview with Radio24 93.9FM, the first and only branding talk show in Malaysia. Shannon, the Project Director of SkyEvents, will be interviewed with regards to her company in providing advertisement space through hot air balloon service.

For more information on SkyEvents, please visit http://www.skyevents.com.my/


Left: UTS Alumnus, Shannon Lim
]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/26/uts-alumnus-live-on-air/feed/ Lye Wei Wern http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/10/lye-wei-wern/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/10/lye-wei-wern/#comments Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:16:42 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2007/06/13/lye-wei-wern/ Bachelor of Business, 2006
Major - Finance,
Submajor - Information Technology.

The link…

With a high tech PDA phone on one hand, the stylus on the other and a flash of killer smile, this charming young man can track anyone down in seconds.

Lye Wei Wern, graduated with a Bachelor of Business in 2006, majored in Finance and sub-majored in IT, began spinning his powerful network web since his days as the Communications Director for MASA in Sydney and today, he is the wittiest, most energetic and popular networker among the recent graduates. As busy as he is training under the British American Tobacco Global Management Trainee program, he never failed to awe us with his presence in every single UTS alumni event. He is indeed the spotlight we can never miss to have shining on us.

Ok, let us walk you down memory lane ………

What is your most unforgettable memory in UTS?
I would say it’s the whole journey of being so far away from home in another country. The change of atmosphere, environment and culture had actually brought me out of my comfortable shell and opened up my eyes to what staying abroad has to offer. It was an exciting experience to have Aussie lecturers and tutors, staying in a new place I called “home” for more than a year and I loved my new friends and of course not forgetting my cool housemates! Ah, special mention goes to the food in Sydney. Fantastic food I have to say. Do you know that I gained 10kg there?! It’s like 1 kg on average per month! Gosh… shy already *laughs*.

What was your favourite food in Sydney?
Well, I ate out a lot but then I also cook a lot at home. I tell you the amount of food I consume is extravagant! J Can I blame it on the portion they serve outside? *laughs* That’s why I gained 10kg lor! Hahaha! It’s hard to list out because I loved everything I ate there. See, there are the awesome ribs at Meat & Wine Co., Pancakes on the Rocks, the Korean food at Liverpool St., the Japanese food at George & Pitt St. and the list goes on……

I remember during Christmas 2005, my housemate’s parents came over for a visit and we had a really good Christmas dinner. That’s because I made roast turkey and roast lamb with the condiments all by myself! Hahahaha! *laughs*

Editors’ note: Well well, look what we’ve found here. A special hidden talent. Ok, now we know who to call for Christmas dinners! *wink wink*

Who was favourite lecturer and why?
Well, I guess it would be Ms. Anne Ross-Smith, who teaches Management Skills. She made lasting impressions on me as she’s a very jovial and friendly person in nature and she made what seems to be a dull subject interesting and managed to capture her students’ attention.

Briefly describe your career journey since graduation…….
Well, when I was there in Sydney, I attended a career fair during my final year. There were some interview opportunities and I was actually offered a job by Proton which I accepted at that time. However, as the saying goes keep your options open, I did attended other interviews hoping to get better offers elsewhere in the meantime. Cut the story short, upon returning to KL, I joined Proton’s international business division managing the sales operations for 3 countries – Bangladesh, Nepal and Brunei. In the 8 months I spent there, I managed to travel quite a fair bit mainly to the three countries I managed as mentioned and in addition to that, Bangkok and Laos too! *grins*

In Nov last year, I made a move BAT for a better long term career and here I am enjoying it! J

What is the most rewarding and challenging part of your job? What is your typical day like?
Well, the hardest part now is to maintain a work-life balance. In my current attachment ie the Strategy, Planning & Insights division, I report to 5 managers and the challenge now is how to manage my time to handle 5 people’s expectations efficiently and yet, still get to go home early and live my life! *grins* As for the rewarding part, the pay packet is “so-so” lah! *laughs*

Typical day ah.. hmmm well my usual working hours are from 8am – 5pm. I usually start the day around 8 plus, depending on the projects I have at hand I would run around doing what I have to do. That would keep me busy till lunch time. After lunch I would continue the paper work and if nothing much for the day, I would go home around 6pm or 7pm. But if the day’s super busy, I would stay back till around 10pm or 11pm and sometimes 12am! And of course I’m going paper work lah! No entertaining work yet *smiles* Hopefully I get to “try” that soon lah! *laughs*

As the saying goes it’s tough out there. What keeps you going?
Being satisfied that I’m progressing and learning new things everyday. Being a management trainee in BAT, I will get transferred out suddenly from one division to another, so it’s like there I am learning something and while I got better at it, suddenly I will get thrown out to learn other new things. So it’s the continuous learning journey that keeps me going and going and going…. *laughs*.

Do you think you have achieved work-life balance?
Hmmm… Yes I think I do at the moment. Hopefully it remains this way forever. Hahahaha! Right now things are manageable so yeah, I have work and a life *smiles*.

How would you relax and take work off your mind? What do you do on weekends?
Eat, sleep, shop, meet up with friends to chill out or go to the movies and of course, go clubbing! Yeah! *grins*

What would make you smile and make your day?
Receiving Mun Cheng’s email lor!! *cheeky grin*

Editors’ note: Wahhhh this would instead make Mun Cheng’s day indeed! Her smile would be so wide and big you won’t be able to see her eyes anymore. *laughs*

Wei Wern – who he really is…

How would you describe yourself?
Hmmm… *rubbing chin* Well, I’m friendly, cheerful, understanding…. what else… it’s a tough question lah! *laughs* Enough points or not? *laughs*

What would surprise people when they get to know you?
Well, some people that I have met first saw me a quiet and an introvert person, but once they get to know me well, I’m actually very outgoing and talkative! *giggles*

What was your childhood ambition?
A doctor! Typical right?! *laughs* Right from high school till A-Levels, I studied science and I even offered to do medicine in IMU and Bio-tech in Monash respectively, but at the end of the day, I realized that science is not what I would really want to do in life, thus I did a 180 degrees turnaround to study business instead. Shocking huh? *smiles*

What is your guiding principle in life?
I live by the scout motto – Be prepared! I always try to be prepared in facing life challenges. J

What is the one thing you are most grateful and thankful of?
My education! *smiles* I’m thankful for being blessed with the chance to be able to study until university level. Without being able to graduate with a degree from UTS, I wouldn’t have the chance to be where I am today, wouldn’t have the chance to meet good friends and definitely would not have the chance to meet the beautiful people in UTS alumni like you! *laughs* J

Editors’ notes: Wow…. That was smooooth. No wonder you’re in Marketing! *laughs*

Who inspires you?
That would be my late mom. She passed away a few years ago. The drive she used to have in life rubbed off on me.

What would your retirement plans be like?
Wah I just started my career man! What retirement? *laughs* Hmm coming to think of it, well, hopefully by then, I would have more than enough money and have built my empire to sustain a stress free retirement plan! J That should happen in 21 years time *laughs*.

Let’s say we are now giving you 1 million dollars. What would you do with it?
Aiyoh 1 million very little lah nowadays! *laughs out loud* Well, OK if I have 1 million now, first I would donate about 5% to charity. Then I would invest about 70% of it and the balance I would use it to upgrade my life say get a house, a nice car etc etc… so where’s my 1 million? Hahahahaha!

Where is your favourite holiday destination?
I love Bangkok. It’s a vibrant and exciting city to visit and the food is fantastic! Shopping is great there too! I also would really like to go and see the mountains of Switzerland. I prefer cold icy mountains as opposed to the beaches. I went to the snowy mountain in Sydney and I enjoyed it very much. But then there’s nothing much to eat there and I had to starve a bit in the cold. Hahahahaha!

Lastly, what is your message to the other alumni and UTS grads?
Study smart play hard! Work smart play hard! J

Editors note:The day’s stress has vanished after meeting Wei Wern for dinner. This guy seemed to emit an aura of fun energies which was contagious and had caught on us the whole night. Conversations rolled on and on and on and on and endless laughter was heard from our tiny little table right in the middle of the floor. Wei Wern, we appreciate your time with us and we are proud to know that you have embarked on a great career journey with BAT. We wish you the best in all your future endeavors. Most importantly, do keep in touch! J

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/10/lye-wei-wern/feed/ UTSAAMC Celebrates 10th Anniversary http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/06/utsaamc-celebrates-10th-anniversary/ http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/06/utsaamc-celebrates-10th-anniversary/#comments Sun, 06 Apr 2008 04:09:41 +0000 admin News http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/06/utsaamc-celebrates-10th-anniversary/ We Are 10 Years Old…and Still Growing !

UTSAAMC will organize its 10th anniversary party and would like to invite you to join in the celebration with our VIP guests, fellow Australian graduates and associates. An exciting night awaits with lucky dips, tantalising finger food, games and many more! The cost is RM25 for early birds and RM30 at door. So do grab your tickets early. See you there!

Date: 11 April 2008 (Friday), 7.00pm onwards
Location: Isthmus (Unit B-G-3, Ground Floor, North Point, Mid Valley, Kuala Lumpur)
Website: http://www.isthmuskl.com/
Ticket: RM25 UTS Alumni Member, Australian graduates and early birds ; RM30 (At door)

* For tickets, kindly call David Tann (012 2045191)

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2008/04/06/utsaamc-celebrates-10th-anniversary/feed/ Australian High Commission Welcome Alumni Presidents http://www.uts.org.my/2007/08/24/australian-high-commission-welcome-alumni-presidents/ http://www.uts.org.my/2007/08/24/australian-high-commission-welcome-alumni-presidents/#comments Fri, 24 Aug 2007 10:00:19 +0000 admin News http://www.uts.org.my/2007/08/24/australian-high-commission-welcome-alumni-presidents/ New Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Penny Williams, recently held a gathering at her residence for all Australian university alumni presidents and representatives.

It was her first official meeting with the respective alumni presidents who have contributed towards the alumni development. In her speech, Penny wishes to work with all the alumni leaders for future collaboration with the Australian High Commission.

To see the photos, please click here…

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2007/08/24/australian-high-commission-welcome-alumni-presidents/feed/ 2007 UTS Alumni Annual Dinner http://www.uts.org.my/2007/08/24/alumni_dinner_2007/ http://www.uts.org.my/2007/08/24/alumni_dinner_2007/#comments Fri, 24 Aug 2007 03:46:43 +0000 admin News http://www.uts.org.my/2007/08/24/alumni_dinner_2007/ UTS Alumni recently organized its annual dinner with the theme, ENCHANTING PARADISE. The event was held at the poolside of Hotel Nikko, Kuala Lumpur. There were more than 150 guests who attended the annual dinner. All tickets were sold out one month prior to the event. Guests were assigned to their seats according to Malaysian island names.


The registration counter for the dinner

Treasure chest at the entrance
Welcoming all the guests to the dinner

Guests served with pre-dinner drink

Helping out to arrange the lucky draw prizes
More guests
Alumni President David and Patron Dato’ Lee Yee Cheong
Hello girls!~You look charming
The band of brothers
Dinner served
Vice-Chancellor Ross Milbourne presenting
Young Alumni award to Alumnus, Ng Khai Lee
Ross presenting a prize to UTS staff Maureen McMahon
More dinner photos available here…
]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2007/08/24/alumni_dinner_2007/feed/ We Want You: Serve Your Alumni http://www.uts.org.my/2007/06/25/alumni-volunteer/ http://www.uts.org.my/2007/06/25/alumni-volunteer/#comments Mon, 25 Jun 2007 12:13:33 +0000 admin News http://www.uts.org.my/2007/06/25/alumni-volunteer/ Calling out UTS Alumni and graduates who wish to serve in the Malaysian Chapter. This is your opportunity to serve your UTS Community. This volunteer and leadership programme is from August -December 2007 (6 months).

Besides being a volunteer, you will also be provided with a series of leadership training programme which may not be found at your workplace or other organizations. The programme is open to all UTS Alumni and graduates. Upon the completion of the training programme, outstanding candidates will be considered for nomination for UTSAAMC permanent executive posts, including President and Vice-President. This will be the opportunity of a lifetime to lead the most active and one of the largest Australian university alumni with over 4,500 members in Malaysia.

You’ve decided to volunteer? What next?
As a volunteer, you can have a real impact on the work of the Alumni Association. Three easy steps will take you there. First, consider your talents, strengths, and/or interests. Think about capacities you’d like to develop too. Next, consider your other commitments and how much time you can give. Finally, research the opportunities.

Volunteering Self-Assessment Tool (Click here…)
Complete this self-assessment to determine what volunteer roles might be right for you.

Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering has its benefits! There are hundreds of ways to volunteer and equally as many ways that volunteering will benefit you and enhance your life. Consider these benefits:

  • Meet alumni from around the world and develop lasting friendships;
  • Help shape current and future life at UTSAAMC;
  • Gain or enhance your leadership, communication, problem-solving, consensus, and team-building skills - skills that can help your professional career;
  • Connect with other volunteers and senior Association leaders and the experience, history, and contacts that they bring to the table;
  • Gain contact with current UTS students and their energy, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas;
  • Utilize great tools and updates online, via email, and in print;
  • Build your career opportunities and as you are challenged with new roles or opportunities;
  • Get satisfaction from giving back and making a real difference;
  • Have lots of fun!

Volunteer Awards and Leadership Roles
Though many of our top alumni volunteers tell us that the service is its own reward, the Alumni Association formally recognizes alumni and friends of UTS who demonstrate outstanding service and accomplishment. Awards are presented annually at the UTS Alumni Annual Dinner.

]]> http://www.uts.org.my/2007/06/25/alumni-volunteer/feed/ Ryan Chia Wai Yuen http://www.uts.org.my/2007/06/14/ryan-chia-wai-yuen/ http://www.uts.org.my/2007/06/14/ryan-chia-wai-yuen/#comments Thu, 14 Jun 2007 06:14:20 +0000 admin Profile http://www.uts.org.my/2007/06/13/ryan-chia-wai-yuen/ Bachelor of Business, 2006
Major - Accounting and Finance

The sky is the limit…

He is like an energizer bunny on a quest of knowledge. It’s not the work that counts, but the knowledge milestones gained is what matters most to Ryan, who graduated in 2006 with a Distinction in Bachelor of Business, majoring in Accounting and Finance. His first mission has jetted him off to Egypt working on a year long project, and having just returned to Accenture, Kuala Lumpur a month ago, this energetic SAP consultant is now awaiting his next mission commands.

Ok, let us warm you up with sweet memories first ………

What is your most unforgettable memory in UTS?
Wow.. this is not an easy question! It was so loongggg ago! *laughs* Can I say I prefer working than studying? *laughs out loud*. I had more fun while I was at work *smiles*. Well what I remember most are the good friends I made along the way, who are from many different countries such as Hong Kong, China, Vietnam and the list goes on. And of course, not forgetting my Aussie buddies! *grins* It’s rewarding to study overseas as it gives us the chance to experience different cultures and environment but it would be a plus too if I had the chance to experience working life in Sydney. Hahahaha!

What was your favourite food in Sydney?
Seafood at Fish Market! It’s cheap and delicious, especially the cheese-baked lobster and scallops. I loved the steam scallops so much I still can imagine the delicious taste of it now! Yum! *laughs*. Other than that, it would be something close to home, which is the “Teng Chai” porridge at Superbowl on Golburn St. The dim sum there is good too but to me it is still something normal which we can have back in KL.

Who was favourite lecturer and why?
If I have to choose one, it would be Helen Bendall, who teaches International Financial Management. I like her style of teaching. Yes, I heard a lot of other students think that she is too strict on us but not for me. I remember on one instance, some students went up to her to ask her directly for some exchange rate information for an assignment and she told them to do more research themselves instead. I liked the way she handled it because I think this is more of a reality where no one will spoon feed you information and I think we could learn more if we were to try harder to find out information by ourselves.

Briefly describe your career journey since graduation…….
Back track to 6 months before graduation, I have actually applied for a position in Accenture. They kept me in anticipation for quite a while before they responded to my application and called me up for a phone interview. Fast forward a little, it was time to fly home. Upon returning to KL, subsequently I went for another 2 interview sessions before getting the offer from them. I joined Accenture as an analyst under the consulting workforce in the resources industry segment in Jan 2006. After returning from Egypt, I’m now under the System Integration & Technology workforce as a consultant performing analysis work. At the moment, I am based in Cyberjaya.

How did you get assigned to Egypt then?
Well when I first found out I was shocked too. You see, on my first day at work, I was told to meet an executive. I was thinking he would be my mentor and probably the person who would be passing on work to me so I eagerly went to see him. As soon as he introduced himself and mentioned briefly an overall about the company etc, he told me that I need to go to Egypt on a project assignment after 1 month of training. So there I was on the first month in Accenture undergoing consulting training for 3 weeks and 1 week of SAP technical training before flying off to Egypt alone. No, I don’t work there alone if that’s what you are thinking. There were altogether 3 analyst who worked for the same project but each of us go there at a different time. When I reached Egypt, it was almost winter. I was put up in a service apartment instead of a hotel because of the duration of my expected stay there. Initially, I thought it was going to be a 3 months stint but ended having to support the customer for 13 months. I came back barely just 2 weeks ago and now I’m being “sold” to Cyberjaya. *laughs*

So, what experience did you gained from working in Egypt?
It was quite an experience working in a country so far from home with different culture and environment. It’s really an eye opener to me. Apart from the technical stuffs I catch along the way, I’ve learnt how to communicate with people especially people from the higher management level, how to socialize with clients of different culture and views and strategy planning.

What are the most rewarding and challenging part of your job?
The rewarding part would be of course the money! Need I say more? *laughs*

The challenging part would be the learning process as quite often, I really have to struggle to find my way around to learn up the things I have to do and at the same time deliver them excellently. Another difficult thing about being a consultant is that the crowds I mix with are good drinkers whereas I’m not! The call of duty requires me to be at social events where alcohol is unavoidable and really, it’ is tough having to keep a conversation going without getting drunk! *laughs*

As the saying goes it’s tough out there. What keeps you going?
The network I have in Accenture. The people in there regard each other as part of a happy Accenture family and they really look out for and help each other out. Even if you are put into a project you know nothing of, the rest of the team will help you to fit in the best possible way. It’s the people I met in my career now that really keeps me going when the going gets tough.

Do you think you have achieved work-life balance?
Well, each individual defines work-life balance differently. The balance really depends on each individual’s wants and needs at certain stages in life. To me now, work-life balance is something that can be achieved at a later stage. For now, I can work hard and yet play hard too. I don’t mind working 7 days a week to gain more experiences and I’m sure somewhere in between I’d still manage to find time to chill out with my friends or catch a movie to relax myself.

How would you relax and take work off your mind? What do you do on weekends?
I spend most of the time doing things with my family like having dinner and watching tv with them. On certain times, I also do enjoy going shopping with them. If I’m not out with them, I’ll be chilling out with my friends just chit-chatting and catching up on each other’s lives. Going online is also one of my favorite weekend past time too! *grins*

What would make you smile and make your day?
Whenever I see something beautiful, I’ll smile. I do appreciate looking at something which I think is beautiful. Like a piece of art or painting or some designs. What makes my day is when say I’ve been working very hard during the day and at the end of it when I sit down to reflect on what I did and realized that I have learnt something new and useful, then I’ll be happy for the rest of the day.

Ryan Chia – who he really is…

How would you describe yourself?
Hmmm.. what should I say about myself? Actually I don’t know lah! *laughs*. Ok how about this. I’m the type of person who don’t like to sit around doing nothing, or worse sitting there spending time on doing something that is deem worthless later. Another thing about me is that when I am given a lot of choices, I tend to be very fickle minded. Like buying shoes for example. I could stand in front of the shoe racks in a store looking at the innumerous selection of nice shoes and having a hard time to choose which pair I like best! *grins*.

What was your childhood ambition?
Errm… I can’t remember what I wrote about it back in school lah! *laughs*. I know it wouldn’t be something typical like being a doctor because as I was saying, I’m not a person who likes to sit at a place and stay there the whole day and a doctor does exactly that. He would sit in his clinic all day and just wait for his patients to come. I want something that can fully utilize my energy instead.

What is your guiding principle in life?
Have you heard of a Chinese proverb about rowing a boat upstream against the current? *Editors shaking heads as he was writing it out in Chinese characters* Hmmm.. well that’s what it literally means in direct translation.. rowing a boat upstream against the current. I believe one should always improve oneself and to be more successful, you have to row your boat even faster than others. Now that I’m still young and have the energy, when is the better time to row hard than now?

What is the one thing you are most grateful and thankful of?
Definitely my family and of course, my parents! They brought me up well and provided me with good education. What more can I ask for? I’m really thankful for that! *smiles*

Who inspires you?
The person who inspired me a lot was my dad. He was a person of strong character and lived guided by a set of strong principles he believed in. A no nonsense type of person, my dad will tell you things like if you want to sit, then sit properly and not slouch on the chair. I get inspired when I see him do things on a daily basis. His willingness to learn new things everyday and up keep himself with all kinds of knowledge really inspired me a lot. Guess I picked up after him at a young age.

What would your retirement plans be like?
To spend time with the one I love in some place say Europe? *grins*

Lastly, what is your message to the other alumni and UTS grads?
If possible, try to do something that you like in life. That way, you can guarantee that the efforts put in will be truly 100%.

Editors note: Ryan gave us an impression of an energy atom ready to explode. Throughout the luncheon meeting, his energetic vibes had actually rubbed off on us and made us think (for a minute) that we could work for free if knowledge is the only return! J. Ryan, with your thirst for knowledge and the energy you have within you, we believe you will be a high flyer of the century and the sky is your limits. So go Ryan, go!

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