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Jessica
Cheah
Bachelor of Business (1998)
What is your most
unforgettable memory in UTS?
The change in life style,
having to learn to be independent and balancing work and
taking care of my daily needs. It was tough, but I wouldn’t
trade it for anything in the world.
Briefly describe your career journey since graduation. How
did you end up in your current position?
The position was posted over
the net, and I would like to think that it’s my enthusiasm
and willingness to work hard in all the positions I’ve taken
since graduation that got me to where I am today. Keep an
open mind to opportunities if you feel you’re in a dead end
job, but be prepared for new challenges!
Briefly describe your current career. What is your typical
day like?
I speak to many people
everyday. To my vendors, I regularly communicate to them
new ideas for projects we’re working on so that we can best
meet the objective we have in mind. To my distributors, a
lot of studying key indicators of their business performance
and follow up with them to ensure they know areas they need
to work on and to keep up the good work at areas they have
done well. Regular and open communications with business
associates is key!
What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your
job?
Most challenging: managing
emotional individuals who challenges your intention although
you know it’s for their business’s long-term good. The most
rewarding will be seeing personal growth and financial
development distributors have achieved and knowing I have a
part to play in their success today
Given the stressful and imbalanced hours of your job, how do
you relax and unwind?
Exercise, especially kick
boxing, is very good for stress relief. I also watch a lot
of TV – CSI, HBO, Discovery, National Geography, etc, etc
and even variety shows for good laughs.
Do you think you have achieved work-life balance?
Yes, I do. If not, life would
be depressing and hopeless. I am speaking from experience
and you won’t do well at work if you’re not happy.
What was the best advice you’ve been given?
Firstly, take care of your
health. Secondly, listen more, speak less. Thirdly, work
hard, work smart & be happy with what you do!
How would you describe yourself?
At work, I am not the most
friendly employee because I take my work seriously and
passionately and I speak my mind objectively when wrong need
to be corrected. It’s not personal. Out of work, my
colleagues are surprised at my candid mannerism. I think
they find it refreshing after seeing the usual composed me
at work.
What would surprise people once they get to know you?
I am not the iron-lady they see
of me at work. They will find a very sincere friend if they
take the trouble to get to know me.
What was your childhood ambition?
I remember I had wanted to be a
‘businesswoman’ and make a lot of money.
Who inspires you?
My parents – who have worked so
hard and honestly to give me their best! They are the most
selfless people I know
If you had 1 million dollars, what would you do with it?
I would spend 50% on a decent
resident (not a big mansion), 10% on a car (not a
Ferrari/Porsche), be debt free and invest the rest so that I
will be able to give more to charity and I would continue
working to be relevant and contribute to the economy. Also,
when your mind is active, you don’t age so fast.
Any particular reasons why you are not in the alumni till
today?
I am in the alumni (aren’t I?)
Your message to other alumni members and UTS grads?
You will face challenges at
whatever you do. The good thing about it, you will learn
from experience and you will get better at what you do.
Therefore, be patient with yourself if you’re not
progressing as fast as you would like to, but you’re getting
there! So, be brave when you make mistakes and learn from
it! Experience & sharp mind will distinguish you from the
rest!
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