By: Jessica Chai Pei Shan, DTM
District 80 – Area Director D1 (2018/2019), TEDx Speaker, Professional Trainer and International Cruise Enrichment & Keynote Speaker
Since I joined Money Mastery (Singapore) Toastmasters Club(MMTMC) six years ago, I have never looked back. It was the best decision I ever made.
My Toastmasters journey accelerated five years ago when I represented my home club, MMTMC in a Humorous Speech Contest and emerged as the youngest winner in District 80. Shan Swan Skills acquired from my contest journey, the mentoring that I received from the club was invaluable. It helped me grow personally and professionally as I grew in confidence when communicating with friends, and presenting to a new audience and key stakeholders. Sometimes, they asked me,” how you improve so much? What’re your secrets to success?”
All I can say is the mentoring and learning opportunities that MMTMC have afforded me.
Recently, a luminary leader asked curiously,”What’s the secret of MMTMC?” I quipped,” It’s all about the people, friendship and culture that makes the magic.”
What’s The Secret of MMTMC?
It encourages one to learn and to fail spectacularly so that we learn to hone our skills in a safe environment. I had failed many times before I finally received my breakthrough. The nurturing environment and collective wisdom at MMTMC help me persevere and become a better version of myself. I’m grateful to my mentors, Jeffery Seah, Raymond Ee, Michell Sheya Wong, Jei Sim, as well as, my peers, Desmond Yam, Mike Ng, Candrika Adri, Arva Kayamali Rangwala, Abbas Vakharia, Chye Bei’anTan Qing Lin and Catherine Chai for their relentless encouragement, helping me to improve and believe in me.
Furthermore, my positive leadership experiences serving as a Club President afforded me with learning opportunities to speak courageously.
The MMTMC family has members from all walks of life and profession who added value to me. It propelled me to give back by serving as a mentor to help another member grow.
MMTMC sparked my aspirations to be a motivational speaker. I was invited as a speaker for international cruises (Royal Caribbean and Princess) sailing across Japan, Shanghai, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore, to deliver bilingual (English and Mandarin) talks to a diverse audience of 800-pax. With my practice sessions at MMTMC, I learnt how to curate and deliver entertaining talks to make the audience laugh.
It opened up more speaking opportunities, such as emceeing for corporate functions and speaking at TEDx platform, to inspire and motivate others.
The spirit of volunteerism at MMTMC has inspired me to give my time and talent to serve the community with special needs. Last year, I volunteered with the Special Olympics Asia Pacific to train regional athlete leaders in media and public speaking so that they can speak with ease on live media interviews, like FOX TV.
Being a Toastmaster and a member of MMTMC has transformed my life and “gifted” me the confidence to make a giant career leap after a decade in the public sector. The empowering experiences enabled me to follow my dreams.
The life-changing aspect is the opportunity to hone communications and leadership skills through experiential learnings serving as Club President, Club Mentor and chartering a new club, Toastmasters in Christ.
Since two years ago, I worked at the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre – NVPC, a national body/non-profit that promotes a giving culture in Singapore. Serving as Area Director 2018-2019 took me to another level. Today, I can apply the skills from Toastmasters to helm live broadcast interviews (in Mandarin) and the youngest spokesperson in my company.
What are you waiting for?
Embark on this life-changing journey today.
Join us to experience this life-changing improvement for yourself!
Why MMTMC to learn public speaking or leadership?
If you want to go fast, go alone.
If you want to go far, go together,
If you want to go far and fast, get a mentor from MMTMC!
“MMTMC is a world-class Toastmasters club, with creative thematic programmes, refreshing workshops and solid mentoring that bring great value to members and visitors alike. Like a rare diamond, MMTMC is in a class of its own. Nothing short of spectacular! After six years here, I’m still growing and have found true friends. We are home to sophisticated, award-winning speakers and evaluators, and fun and dedicated mentors/servant leaders who groom speakers selflessly.”
