October 2006

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 3

Introducing Featured Alumni ... get up

FEELING LUCKY?

What happens to each of us as we go our separate ways after UTS? Years later, do we walk past each other as strangers when at one time in our lives we were or could have been compadres?  Let us help you get connected. Get an up close and personal experience every month with our 3 featured alumni. It keeps you informed about their lives after UTS, current well-being and their future plans. Join our editors as they bring you to meet them through their fascinating interviews and 'sensational exposes' :) . If you know someone or you, yourself would like to be one of the featured alumni, please feel free to write to us at utsaamc@gmail.com

UTS Alumni Networks and Chapter Conference
Click here to see photos

Australian Universities International Alumni Convention (AUIAC)
Click here to see photos

Let's hear what the readers' say...

"UTS columns is good. Keep it coming."  Vincent Ng, Bachelor of Business 2001

"Congratulations to everyone involved in this very interesting publication..." Peter Meyer, UTS

"Hot tears welled up in my eyes after reading the interview write-up..." Louise Lau, Bachelor of Business 2001

"Columns is great, interesting and informative. Thumbs up to all of you." Chong Sim Ming, Bachelor of Business 2001

UPCOMING EVENTS

1. Personal Development Program (FREE)
- 7th Oct: Technology Hype Cycle 2006

FEATURED ALUMNI

2. Launch of MAAC Album
- The 70's Retro Party happening on 30th Sept (FREE - By Invitation Only)

ALUMNI NEWS

THE GLOBE TREKKER

1. Australian Universities International Alumni Convention (AUIAC): 13 - 15 Sept 2006, Brisbane
- An Alumni Convention that Matters

50 Countries, 120 Cities
http://davidtann.spaces.msn.com
(Voted Best MSN Space of 2005)

2. Updates from Sydney
- UTS Alumni Networks & Chapter Conference

Destination of The Week:
HONG KONG

3. Write up on Personal Development Program (Sept)
- Fantastic Response to 'OPTIMISM...An Essential Element in Life'

OFFERS AND BENEFITS

1. Yip Kee Noodle House :
- 10% off ala carte menu (min order of RM80)
- Complimentary dumpling (meal order of RM40)

11.11.2006

ALUMNI RE-INVENTED:

A New Revolution Begins

uts.org.my

MAKAN CORNER

This month:
TGIF

It is so easy to win!

The winning slogans are:

I think UTS is…

“the most memorable place in my life as it provided me with confidence and gUTS to step into working life.”

                Ng Swee Hong, Bachelor of Business 2004

“Undeniably Terrifically ‘Syiok’!”

             Wee Lay See, Bachelor of Business 2004

CONGRATULATIONS!!

You are both a winner of one RM25 voucher each from Esquire Kitchen.

OCTOBER 2006 ISSUE 3

ALUMNI NEWS

Fantastic Response to September 'OPTIMISM...An Essential Element of Life' Seminar

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Alumni Malaysian Chapter recently organized a free public seminar presented by UTS graduate, Richard Monaghan, entitled ‘Optimism…An Essential Element of Life’.

A strong crowd of 72 participants attended the seminar workshop which is part of the monthly Personal Development Program introduced by UTS Alumni. “The program was supposed for our own Alumni members but we later extended to the public due to strong demand and the benefits of the program”, according to David Tann, the president of the Malaysian chapter.

The speaker, Richard Monaghan shared his true life stories in the past and how he had overcome them….through OPTIMISM. As a Cancer survivor and having planned an attempted suicide, he had learnt how to deal with the missing, disappearing, and rough stepping stones that determines how easily and how far along the path of life we proceed. According to Richard, “the path of life is not always smooth. The stepping stones are not always close together to allow easy steps. Sometimes they are missing. Sometimes they disappear from beneath your feet. Failing in the past does not mean you are going to fail in the future.”

Whilst we all have varying degrees of talent, skills, desire, education, breeding, good network connects, and a host of other important elements, the catalyst that keeps them working efficiently and YOU at peak performance level is OPTIMISM.

The next program will be on 7th October entitled, 'Technology Hype Cycle 2006' by Alex Lam. For more information on this free monthly personal development program, please contact Mun Cheng at 016-6860281

October 2006 ISSUE 3

 CLOSE UP...Get To Know Your Alumni

Ng Su Yen  - Hot, Yummy and ... chocolaty?

It’s green on the outside, chocolaty on the inside and the best of all - DELICIOUS! What am I? – Ng Su Yen, graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing & IT in 2000, was the Vice President of MASA, Sydney in year 1999, a very familiar face in the front desk of UTS’s International Program Office and certainly a famous figure behind the Malaysian Fest scenes at Darling Harbour. Years later, she is now the brand manager in Nestle, Malaysia – our very own MILO® girl!

Ok, let’s get started with our trademark question,

Most unforgettable memory in UTS
Aiyoh… what was the question again? Let me think ah. That was so long ago I can barely remember! *laughs* Well, I guess for me, it was being away from home and my family for the first time. I realized that I have to learn to be independent, do everything on my own such as grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning – my entire living abroad experience was definitely unforgettable.

Along the way, I made some really good friends and we shared a lot of things together like having fun at beach parties and barbeques. Oh yes, I used to stay in Miramar with my friends and coincidently, our guy friends lived in the unit opposite ours. It was so cool that both apartment doors were always unlocked and we could just go in and out freely. We girls would go over when we need to use the internet and the guys being guys, would whiz over for food. That’s what we call sharing resources! * laughs *

Briefly describe your career journey since graduation. How did you end up being the brand manager of MILO®?
Well, after UTS, I did my Masters in Commerce, majored in Advanced Marketing in UNSW. Upon graduating, I stayed on in Sydney to try my luck in the job market over there and eventually found my first permanent job in BHP (Broken Hill Proprietary). BHP is an Australian based steel company and at that time, I was interviewed for an opening in KL. Need I say more, this was a perfect chance! I get to work for Australia but based in Malaysia.

After 2 years with BHP, I felt that I was ready for more challenges and excitement. I didn’t want to be looking at steel for years and years to come man! Coincidently, Nestle was looking for people for their new talent development program. And Nestle has always been my dream company, so you can say that the rest is history.

Briefly describe your current career. What is your typical day like?
What can I say… I love my job! * grins * My role covers everything and anything about marketing MILO®. It is all about bringing the brand MILO® to the next level. My boss and I would plan a whole year’s marketing activities from events and campaigns to drive awareness of the brand, this includes new developments of TV commercials, print ads, billboard advertising and lots more. I also get involved in a lot of research activities and I find it very exciting working to beat close competitions like Vico, Horlicks and other beverages. Ooh, ooh… have you all seen the latest MILO® communications? Whenever I see a MILO® billboard or turn on the television and suddenly see a MILO® ad, I will think “hey, its looking good… hahaha.” I guess, it is personal satisfaction and pride for a job well done.

My typical day, hmmm… I get in to office at about 8am, plonk myself down and read my emails first, then, fix myself a cup of coffee to start the day. (Yes, I don’t only have to drink MILO®!) I stay in the office most of the time and only go out when I’m needed at offsite events. Sounds pretty boring isn’t it? Hahaha…

* Editors’ note: Wai Ping and Su Yen soon launched into a long discussion on the latest MILO® vending machine in their offices. Su Yen was impressed that IBM already had the latest MILO® machine which was just launched. For your information, the latest MILO® vending machine provides the drinker with a choice for less sugar, less cream etc. It also dispenses ice! Readers, have you seen the latest vending machine? Sounds really cool.

What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of your job?
Challenging, hmmm… One thing’s for sure the learning curve is very steep. There is always something new to learn every single day and therefore, chances of screwing up is also high. And also, as you know, the advertising/marketing world is very fast-paced and there’s always the pressure to move ahead of competition, making sure we could reach the targeted audience successfully, increase market share/penetration etc. Furthermore, I have a very demanding boss! * laughs * I definitely need to work harder to keep up. :)

Rewarding… hmmm, free MILO®?… Well, fortunately for me is that I love my job and therefore am really passionate about it. That’s why I think I’m willing to spend time on the job to learn more things and not whine about it. It’s very satisfying when the results of my hard work comes in end of the day like knowing the whole of Malaysia would be viewing the TV commercials and billboards standing high along the highways and roads that I had played a part in developing. Even I myself would purposely drive over to the billboards locations and make sure the latest creatives have been executed well. *grins*

Given the stressful and imbalanced hours of your job, how do you relax and unwind?
On Sundays I’ll be a sleeping princess catching up on my beauty sleep of course! * laughs * Also, clubbing days are over for me, life has indeed slowed down a little but still just as fun when I hang out with my friends, sharing updates and juicy news, watch good movies and having dinner with my family. I also often have “yum-cha” (drink) sessions with some of my close colleagues.)

Do you think you have achieved work-life balance?
Yes, when I was in BHP. Those were the days when everyone disappears from the office by 6pm! Man, that was heaven. But now in Nestle, I don’t see myself balancing work-life very well. spend a lot of time even off-work hours thinking about those little nagging things in my mind.

What was the best advice you’ve been given?
It was from my Dad. When I was trying to make one of the hardest decisions in my life, he said to me “Do what will make you most happy. Don’t do it for the sake of doing it.” Keeping this close in my heart, I enjoy what I do in the office daily and I’m happy with it. And of course, the pay must be OK too! Hahaha….

Ng Su Yen – who she really is…

How would you describe yourself?
Hmmmm….. weird, perky, laidback, happy, cheerful, I don’t know! Hahaha… why not checkout my Friendster page to find out more?

What would surprise people once they get to know you?
Most people think that I’m a very quiet person when I’m actually not. When I don’t say anything and just sit there, others would naturally think that I’m very shy and proper! But, when people get to know me, they will be surprised. They say that I cover my true character very well… so terrible! * smiles *

*Editors’ note: It is true. Su Yen is not a quiet or shy person at all!

What was your childhood ambition?
To be in the orchestra, playing the flute. But that didn’t happen. *smiling sheepishly* lazy-lah, didn’t practice enough… hahaha

Who inspires you?
My family – especially my dad. I think my dad is really cool. He is always supportive of what I do and most importantly he wants me to be happy.

If you had 1 million dollars, what would you do with it?
Let me see…hmmm…. First I would bring my whole family for their dream holidays to wherever they want to go. Then, perhaps maybe I would start my own business, say open a little café in a nice place/environment away from the stressful life of working. Err, how much does it cost to open a Starbucks franchise ahh? :)

Your word of wisdom…
What wisdom? No wisdom lah… how? Hahaha…

Any particular reasons why you are not in the alumni till today?
*Shocked* I’m not in the alumni?? I thought I was… No wonder I have not heard from the Malaysian Chapter on any of the events organized!

*Editors’ note: Don’t worry, Su Yen. You will definitely hear a lot from us from now on.

October 2006 ISSUE 3

 CLOSE UP...Get To Know Your Alumni

Leow Yew Seang a.k.a "Fei Kei" - From salad and tuna to the wings beneath your feet

What do sandwiches and sandals have in common? – Anson Leow Yew Seang or more fondly known as “Fei Kei” to some, part-timed in the UTS Union Bar making sandwiches, and finally graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing with sub-majors in Accounting and Finance in 2001, left Sydney with one big plan in mind - to bring his father’s business to greater heights. Now, 6 years later, he is the successful man behind Jukebox Shoes, a very popular household brand in Malaysia.

Now, let us take you back down memory lane…

What is your most unforgettable memory in UTS?
Ahemm! * thinking….and thinking… and reflecting * Editors’ note: He really did take a long while to think!:) I guess, it has to be the whole experience of studying and working abroad. I used to work in the UTS Union Bar in the Tower Building selling sandwiches and my wife worked in the UTS Union shop next to the bar. Until today, I still have my Union bar apron and t-shirt at home! Hey, did you know that people used to say that when I put on my UTS cap when I was working, I looked like Jay Chow (a famous Taiwanese singer). Hahaha… Maybe that’s why business at the Union Bar was always good when I was around. Hahaha… It was really fun those days when we earned about A$14.50 per hour with 1 free meal. My wife (my girlfriend back then) and I would normally save the money to go sky diving and harbor bridge climbing. And oh! Guess what?! I remember this one time when I sold a sandwich to Tiru, who is now an Accounting lecturer in UTS. I made him this HUGE sandwich with lots of extra fillings for the price of a normal sandwich! * After awhile * Errr… maybe I shouldn’t have mentioned that to you guys…

*Editors’ note: We wish we had known that you were selling sandwiches back then, then at least we could have had extra fillings in our sandwiches.

How long has it been since you left Sydney? Have you gone back there since?
6 years. My wife and I finally went back there last year and we visited my wife’s manager at the Union shop and surprisingly, he still remembered us! Anyway, our trip back last year was slightly different, because Sydney has really changed a lot and sadly we no longer felt a sense of belonging there. We are just like any other tourists walking on the street. I guess, all that’s left are only the memories after all. *hmmm… poignant moment*

Briefly describe your career journey since graduation.
Well, my career path has pretty much been determined right from the time I was born. So, after graduation, as expected, I returned home to join my father’s business. Together with my elder brother, the two of us aim to build the family business and take it to greater heights. As the Marketing Manager, I basically oversee all the marketing aspects of the company.

In the midst of running my family business, I also did my Masters in International Management in RMIT. I started the course 3 years ago and just recently graduated.

October 2006 ISSUE 3

 CLOSE UP...Get To Know Your Alumni

Lee Yuien Siang  - A man of Patience...

He preaches the word PATIENCE. He was our Vice President in 2001. Lee Yuien Siang, graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Finance. After 1½ years in a consultancy firm in Kuching, he packed his bags, left his family behind and landed himself in the buzzing city of KL, where he patiently spent the next 7 years in PricewaterhouseCoopers, working his way up to where he is today - a Manager in Advisory (Corporate Finance).

Ok, here comes the famous question…

Most unforgettable memory in UTS
The entire 1 ½ years. Living away from home, seeing new things and discovering different cultures. However, what I loved most was taking those “free” ferry rides across the Sydney harbour and enjoying the beautiful sceneries along the way.(Editor's reaction: *complete shock* HUH??? What free rides???) Well, I used to purchase those weekly travel passes and it comes with unlimited bus and ferry rides.

*Editors' note: Wow, we didn’t know that! Readers, do you?

It has been 9 years since you left Sydney. Have you gone back there recently? Do you still keep in touch with your uni mates?
I went back about 3 years ago to visit some friends and am constantly in contact with my room mate cum course mate cum best friend. I also continue to keep in touch with the Australian-Vietnamese family whom used to be my landlord when I was staying in Sydney.

Briefly describe your career journey since graduation.
I returned home to Kuching and spent 1½ years in a relatively small consultancy firm. But the snail pace and under-utilization of my capabilities at work finally got to me. I moved to KL and joined PwC.

So, would you say that you’re someone who craves excitement and a fast paced life?
Hahaha… Actually, I would say that I’m a patient person, and therefore do not get overexcited living in the fast pace.

7 years is a long time for someone to stick to one job. What is your secret? Ever thought about a career change?
Because I’m patient! (smiles). Well, there is neither strong push nor pull factors at the moment. I enjoy the work that I do and the people I work with. To me, the people are important. Most importantly, I believe I’m still in the position to add value to what I do. And of course, on top of all that, compensation and work-life balance are within expectations. :)

Career change?? Well, I think about it 3 times a year to basically evaluate whether I am still adding value to myself, the business or whether I could be adding value elsewhere. There have been other job offers but coincidently always during my “up” moments *laugh*.

*Editors’ note: With this interview, you have definitely exceeded your 3X limit this year. :)

Hhmmm… patience seems to be your favorite word. Don’t you ever get stressed up? Monday blues?
For me, I know my job has its cycles. Its ups and downs. When I am down, I know that there will be no other way but up. So why worry too much. Things that bother me, I just try to solve them so that they don’t bother me any more. Plus, I am a person who likes to plan ahead to manage the expected outcome and to avoid getting too stressed up.

Monday blues?? I don’t drag myself to work everyday but I do always look forward to the weekends for some quiet time at home *smile*.

Who he really is...

He married his high school sweetheart at the age of 29 after dating for 12 years. This year marks their 15th anniversary together. He believes in true love, and that is how they survived the 3 years long distanced relationship while he was away for his studies. And here’s a piece of exclusive news which until today is only shared with family and close friends! Aheemm… his wife and him are expecting their first born sometime in February 2007 *ooooohhh*

* Editors’ note: For this piece of exclusive news, Lay Har had to show her PwC ID card for authentication purposes, to which Yuien Siang replied “Actually, I just wanted to see your picture. Hahaha… because girls nowadays like to reverse their ID card to hide their picture!” and he continued laughing.

OK now, back to questions. Do you plan on sending your kids to UTS?
What? My kid is not even born yet and you’re asking me about my plans on sending him/her to UTS? *laugh* Naturally, I would want to give them the best, so if UTS is in the top 10 universities list, then yes, most definitely. But of course, my children will have the freedom to decide where they want to go, just like the freedom my Dad gave me, and I chose UTS!

So, what are you like off-work? What are often people’s first impression of you?
I’m basically a very private and quiet person. I spend a lot of time at home. My home is my sanctuary when I seek peace and quiet. On my off-days, I like to catch up on my reading, watch tv and just relax. Oh yes, I also love gardening. It is my time for quiet thinking and soul searching while taking care of my favorite potted plants (and this needs patience too!). Plus, plants do not talk back. But, this doesn’t mean I don’t socialize. I meet and catch up with friends whenever I can.

First impressions? Definitely too serious. Hhmmm, must be my lack of facial expressions. They need to have lunch with me to get to know me! *smile*

* Editors’ note: Tell us earlier lah, then we can arrange for lunch instead.

Mind telling us what was your childhood ambition? Did you achieve it?
*Smiling sheepishly* Fly a plane - a pilot. To be more specific, I wanted to be in the military. Obviously that didn’t happen. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be here talking to you today. Besides, reality hit me in the eye. (He wears glasses).

In your opinion, how true is the statement “Behind every successful man there’s a woman”?
I think that is a little biased! (laughs). Why must it always be a woman? It can be a man too! For me, my wife is my partner in life but one important person behind my achievements is my Dad. I would say how I live my life, how I carry myself, the way I treat people and work today comes from the way he brought me up. I also remember my dad’s favourite phrase “Don’t do unto others, what you don’t want done unto you.” *After a while*. Hhmmm… maybe I should have said both man and woman, huh.

What is your definition of success?
Hmm… not having to worry about money. Doesn’t mean you need to earn tonnes and tonnes of money, so long you don’t have to worry about it.

His passion about the alumni......

You have been MIA for a while and re-appeared last year. Are you telling us that you still care?
Well, I am here tonight! (smiles). To me, once a graduate of UTS, I’m an alumni for life. I will try to support the alumni in whatever ways I can.

How successful do you think UTSAAMC is now?
It’s not quite there yet. Reason being, the alumni is still young and small. It does not enjoy the high profile and prestige as compared to some other well-known ones. We also don’t have many prominent members which could help in increasing the alumni’s brand name and people’s awareness. We definitely need more exposure.

Nevertheless, I am happy that there has been a lot of developments and improvements compared to the past years. It takes a lot of initiatives and commitment. UTSAAMC has managed to keep its presence felt.

What kind of UTSAAMC events would you look forward to participating?
Hey, that’s a tough question. *After a very long errr… * changing diapers course?? Hahaha…

* Editors’ note: We let Yuien Siang off this question since he promised to be more pro-active in giving feedback & suggestions to the alumni. So, Yuien Siang, we will hold you to your words!

Message for David…
His energy and dedication to the alumni always amazes me. I am happy to see that he spends so much energy, time and effort for the alumni. He should be paid for it! (laughs).

Lastly, what is your word of advice to the other alumni members and UTS grads?
Be honest and true to yourself. Find something you are comfortable doing and do it well. Always improve yourself step-by-step and be willing to learn from others.

Editors’ note: For someone who claims to be a very quiet and private person, we believe you will agree that we have managed to painfully extract quite a lot of personal information from him. And we can assure you that he does have a lot of facial expressions. We’re sorry Yuien Siang, your secrets are out!
 

September 2006

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

Introducing COLUMNS...a new beginning

FEELING LUCKY?

COLUMNS is a monthly e-newsletter for alumni and        friends about the University of Technology Sydney Alumni Association Malaysian Chapter. Columns is published twelve times a year and is the signature publication of the UTS Alumni Malaysian Chapter. Prepared by the editors of Columns, it keeps its audience of alumni households informed about events, news, trends, career and alumni making news in the community.

Write to Editor

Give us your thoughts on the current Columns, your time at the UTS, the future of higher education or your favorite UTS professor + Write to utsaamc@gmail.com

UPCOMING EVENTS

Personal Development Program (FREE)

 Australian University Alumni Presidents' Gathering
Click here to see photos

2nd Sept - "OPTIMISM...An Essential Element of Life"

7th Oct - "Technology Hype Cycle 2006"

ALUMNI NEWS

 FEATURED ALUMNI

Alumni in the Press
- The Star write up on 2006 Alumni Dinner

 > Ang Zjia Fernn

 > Wong Jin Hun

Fellowship
- MAAC Alumni President's Gathering

OFFERS AND BENEFITS

20% Discount for Mooncakes by Westlake Restaurant, Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel

Line Dancing Classes

CAREER CENTRE

Analyst: Service Management

Analyst: HR Services

Accounts Executive

COMING SOON...

Success Has Its Address

uts.org.my

  To Be Continued...

SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE 2

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES for IT/Finance/Accounting Graduates

1. Analyst: Service Management

2.Analyst: HR Services

3. Accounts Executive

Interested candidates, kindly email resume to ap_execsolutions@yahoo.com

As this is a recruitment agency, therefore it is not convenient to review our client information. However, for further enquiries interested candidates can contact Veronica at 017-8899099 or Angeline at 016-6113722

About UTS e-Job Centre
We have over 4,200 UTS graduates in Malaysia. We do this for passion and our service is FREE. Target your future employees with UTSAAMC.

About UTS Graduates
We have over 200 graduates returning from Sydney every year and UTS graduates have respected reputation amongst employers for producing graduates with strong practical skills, good business acumen, analytical skills and hands-on experience in industry - graduates who "hit the ground running".

Select from the most job-ready UTS graduates in Australia!

SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE 2

OFFERS AND BENEFITS

Do You Wish to Learn Line Dancing?

Do You Wish To Burn Extra Calories On Your Waistline?
Do you Wish To Increase Your Self-Esteem?
Are The Lessons Too Expensive?

For the first time, UTS Alumni is extending
this once in a lifetime offer to our members
who wish to learn line dance. Here are the details:

Line Dancing Class
Time: 7.30 - 8.30pm
Date : Every Thursday
Venue : Dance Hall, Sunway Lagoon Club
Price RM 150 (UTS Alumni)

Duration: 3 months (4 lessons per month)

RSVP: President David @ 012.204.5191
* Registration fees waived
* Free line dance VCD

SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE 2

OFFERS AND BENEFITS

20% Discount for Mooncakes by Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel

In conjunction with the up and coming mooncake festival, you can get great savings while purchasing mooncakes for your business associates. A box of 4 mooncakes (can be in a combination of different flavours) by West Lake Restaurant, Sunway Lagoon Resort Hotel  is priced at RM50 (Normal Retail Price: RM64)

Why must you purchase? This exclusive offer is part of the fund raising exercise organised by The Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC). Part of the proceeds will be channelled to charitable causes as well as to support all alumni associations of Australian universities. Enjoy a mooncake while helping someone in need.

How to order? Kindly contact Michelle at 012-2863845 or email her at michelle.sookmun@gmail.com to place your order today.

For further information, please click here

Happy Mooncake Festival!!

SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE 2

 ALUMNI IN THE PRESS

 To see the full article, please click here

E D U C A T I O N

Sunday August 13, 2006

Alumni reminisce about good ole days

IT WAS an evening filled with sentimental moments and laughter for those who attended the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) alumni annual dinner at the Royal Selangor Golf Club recently.

More than 150 UTS alumni members and friends attended the event. Also present were UTS chancellor Prof Vicki Sara, vice-chancellor Prof Ross Milbourne and Australian High Commissioner James Wise.

Malaysian UTS alumni at the get-together in Kuala Lumpur
(from left) Tann, Sara, Lee and Wise.

UTS registrar and vice-president (student) Dr Jeffrey FitzGerald announced that David Tann was re-elected again as the UTS Alumni Association Malaysian Chapter (UTSAAMC) president.

One of the highlights of the evening was the installation of academic Datuk Lee Yee Cheong as UTSAAMC patron by chancellor Prof Sara.

There are over 4,500 UTS graduates in Malaysia. Taylor’s College is the partner of UTS in Malaysia and they offer twinning programmes majoring in Accounting, Finance, Marketing, and Management.

Graduates from the university who would like to be part of the alumni can call Tann at 012-2045 191, or e-mail: utsaamc@gmail.com 

SEPTEMBER 2006 ISSUE 2

 ALUMNI NEWS

 MALAYSIAN AUSTRALIAN ALUMNI COUNCIL'S
 ALUMNI PRESIDENTS' GATHERING

It was a night full of fellowship as Presidents of Australian Alumni gathered for a  dinner at Bangsar Seafood Village Restaurant. The dinner was organised by the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (MAAC). The Alumni representatives who came for the fellowship dinner include:

• Murdoch University
• University of Southern Australia
• University of Melbourne
• University of New South Wales
• Sydney University
• Queensland University
• Queensland University of Technology
• Victoria University
• Australian National University
• Curtin University
• University of Western Australia
• James Cook University
• RMIT
• Swinburne University of Technology
• University of Technology Sydney

 + To see the photos, click here...

About MAAC
The Malaysian Australian Alumni Council (The MAAC) is the national organisation for Malaysian alumni associations of Australian universities and other institutions of higher learning.

The MAAC was initiated in June 1996 when the need to establish a national organization for Malaysian-based alumni associations of Australian universities was recognized at a meeting to plan the then 1996 Malaysian Australian University Alumni Convention (MAUAC) in Kuala Lumpur. That meeting consequently moved to establish The MAAC and The MAAC Protem Committee of five members, which was charged with the responsibility of pursuing and developing this initiative.

For more information on MAAC, please visit www.emaac.org

September 2006 ISSUE 2

 CLOSE UP...Get To Know Your Alumni

Louise Lau  - A Voice of UTS on air...

Someone who dares to be different – Louise Lau, graduated with a Bachelor of Business majoring in Economics & Finance in 2001, had made one of the biggest decisions of her life to move away from a typical 9-5 job in the finance world to become a star in 98.8FM. Tune in to her as she hosts the 6am-10am program known as the “Oriental Rice Bowl” together with partners – Sam and Chan Fong.

As a start, let's begin with a question close to our hearts:

Most unforgettable memory in UTS
Everything! The entire experience of studying abroad (this was my first time away from home to foreign country), experiencing university life and getting to know people from countries around the world.

Briefly describe your career journey since graduation. How did you end up in 98.8FM?
Well, after UTS, I did my post-grad in e-Business Management with UNSW. And after returning to Malaysia, I worked as a credit analyst executive in Orix Leasing. At the same time, I was also doing my training with 98.8FM. Oh, life was truly hell at that time… hey wait a minute, what life?! For me life was 9-5 in Orix, continue second shift 7-11 in 98.8, dinner and home to zzzzzz. And (thank god!), 98.8 finally offered me a full-time job as a deejay and I made one of my toughest decisions in my life. And the rest, you would say is history…

Briefly describe your current career. What is your typical day like?
Well as you know, I host a program called “Oriental Rice Bowl” with my 2 great buddies – Sam and Chan Fong. My typical day starts the night before when I crack my brains to prepare the show’s content for the next morning. The next day would see me waking up as early as 4am to get to the station. (Hey, until today, I still can’t get use to waking up that early! Aarrgghh, can I just snooze another 5 minutes pleeezz?). Anyway, I work 5 days week, Mondays to Fridays. Hey, just because you don’t hear me on Wednesdays does not mean I’m lazing at home ya. I would still be in the office doing paperwork, planning sessions for future show’s content (example planning ahead for one month’s show contents) and recording radio advertisements. Other than on-air shows, I also host off-site events in places like shopping malls, Genting Highlands, etc.

So, which radio ads would we have heard you on?
Hhmmm…. Osim Uzapp, Otto Trimax, House of Leather luggage and Jogoya Japanese restaurant. (Hey, am I allowed to say this in print? Free promotion man!)

How do you do it? Waking up at 4 am (arrgghhh, such an ungodly hour!) and be so cheery all the time.
Well, when you love and enjoy your job as much as I do, it will come naturally. I put on my headphones, turn on the mic and I feel completely energized.

Is being a deejay something that you’ve always dreamed of doing? Was this your childhood ambition?
Looking back when I was young, I remember listening to a radio deejay and thinking to myself “I can definitely do better than you!” However, it was only when I was introduced to the 98.8FM training program that I thought, Hey, this is something I really want to do. I don’t want to be doing what everyone else is doing. I want to be different! So, here I am today. The opportunity was there. I grabbed it, took a chance in life and challenged myself to see how far I could go.

What are the most challenging and rewarding part of your job?
Challenging, hhmmm… most definitely embracing the power of broadcasting. It suddenly hit me how far reaching and powerful my words could be. Every single word I say could affect peoples’ lives in many, many ways! As a deejay, communication is only one way. We cannot see who our listeners are, cannot gauge the feelings of the listeners. Therefore, my challenge to myself is to say the right things, at the right moment and touch their lives. I want to be able to make a difference!

Rewarding… when a complete stranger calls up to the station and tells me that something I had said was truly meaningful to him or even to thank me for something that I had said. And I would think to myself, aahhh… I have made the right choice, after all. Being able to affect other peoples’ lives in such a positive way makes what I do worthwhile.

Any funny stories about your job?
I did a radio advertisement for a bakery to promote their moon cakes sometime ago. This was what I had to do – While opening the moon cake box: “Waaah… so yummy” (think typical housewife, high pitched intonation, in Cantonese of course). Imagine doing this over and over and over and over (need I stress some more?) and each time before I can even finish my three-worded sentence, the unsatisfied manager would thunder out “CUT!”. According to him I needed to be able to make him want to run out and buy the moon cake immediately! What? When I myself have not tasted the moon cake? So I repeat myself again, while thinking of the yummiest food I’ve ever had. Apparently, my imagination wasn’t yummy enough, for the advertisement never made it live. Sigh.

Given the stressful and imbalanced hours of your job, how do you relax and unwind?
All I have to say is, “Thank god for spas, massage, facials and of course the creation of brownies and ice cream.”

Do you think you have achieved a work-life balance?
Never! (laughs). But, I think the sacrifices that I’ve made, is truly worthwhile.

Louise Lau – who she really is…

What would make you smile and make your day?
When everything goes well on my show. Or even when my listeners calls in to thank me for a good show. I will be on a natural high the entire day!

Lessons learnt ......
It has truly been a journey of self discovery. I have learnt to understand myself better and in times when things are down, I know that only I can change the way things are. Where things are beyond my control, I have learnt to let go, move on and trust that everything will be alright.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? How would you like to improve yourself?
My time management. I definitely would love to spend much, much more time with my family and friends. Hhmmm… and being a couch potato occasionally would be nice too.
Well, recently, I am also flirting with the thought of going back to school. Need to keep the inspirations flowing and also bring fresh new ideas to my shows ma.

Tell us something we might not have known.
Hhmmm… when I first decided to be a radio deejay, my dad did not stop me but said that he was disappointed with my decision. Can you imagine how CRUSHED I was??? Anyway, today, I am glad to say that I had recently discovered that my dad secretly tunes in to my show every morning. And I also over-heard him telling my mum that he was happy that I am happy with what I am doing. I was ecstatic!

Where do you see yourself in 10 years time? What do you hope to have achieved?
10 years ahh…  still a long way to go lah… hhmmm, I would love to be my own boss someday, perhaps own a fashion house. Oh, I also dream to have my very own talk show, like Oprah Winfrey.

Your message to other alumni members and UTS grads?
Hey, you all… I MISS YOU!!  You know who I am, where I work – Turn up the dial and listen to the voice of UTS on air! *beams proudly*

Editors’ note: Meeting up with Lock Yee for this column, was more than just an interview but a meeting of long lost friends. Well, we would just like to say that, “Lock Yee, we salute you for the choices you have made and are truly proud of your achievements. Keep up the awesome work!”
 

September 2006 ISSUE 2

 CLOSE UP...Get To Know Your Alumni

Ang Zjia Fernn – Newsletter Editor

Zjia Fernn is the latest addition to our Malaysian Chapter committee. She completed her Bachelor of Business, majoring in International Business and Information Technology in 2004. Started as a management trainee in IBM Malaysia then moved on to pursue a postgraduate qualification in economics at SOAS, University of London.

Most unforgettable memory in UTS
The treasured friendship that I made while 4,109 miles away from home as well as the times when I stayed overnight in the Haymarket campus computer labs to complete assignments.

Most rewarding part of your job
Being able to interact with people of all levels while being exposed to a wide array of business operations including business analysis, event management and operational audits.

Career/alumni/life balance,
how do you achieve all these?
I believe that if you do something you enjoy, balance comes naturally.

Your guiding principle in life.
Change is the only constant. Be prepared to step out of your comfort zone and embrace changes.

One thing that you are always grateful and thankful for
My parent’s moral and financial support to let me gain the experience of overseas education. This invaluable experience not only provided me with a good degree but also shaped me to become a more independent person. Besides studying, I acquired time and money management skills.

The best advice you have been given
Put 101% effort into whatever you choose to do, success will be just around the corner.