Meet our Mentor: Tan Qing Lin, CC
1. Tell us a little more about yourself and what do you do?
Hello everyone! My name is Qing Lin, and I am currently a student from NUS, studying Business Administration, specialising in Business Analytics. I am a person who is passionate about the future, nature and adventure. I don’t know how this rhyme came about, but I guess it’s a habit to write fancy things when it comes to Toastmasters haha. I joined Toastmasters back when I was serving the army, as I am someone introspective and I feel like I have something to share with other people, so Toastmasters became the place for me to do so. Oh, and I used to be in drama for 10 years, so I tend to be a more dramatic speaker on stage, you’d see!
2. What would be your most memorable experience in MMTMC so far?
Honestly, there are many! One of the most memorable experience would definitely be the time where I participated in the humorous speech contest in my first year in MMTMC. I was competing in the area, division and district level, and I will never forget the days where the club would gather after every contest to run through my script, give me suggestions and help me improve for the next contest. I felt like I have grown tremendously as a speaker then, and I’m so grateful for it. There’s nothing quite like the Money Mastery village preparing you to win a contest, and that is why we have been quite successful in the big stage as well. Some honourable mentions include our 15th club anniversary organised by Mike on the yacht, and some of the more emotional moments I had as club president (the triumphant and the tough times), but they were all great memories in the end.
3. How has being a Toastmaster changed your life?
Funny thing, because it actually did. Being in Toastmasters, and making the effort to be active has helped me to make a lot of friends in the community, and opened doors for me to visit strange/cool places as I visit other clubs (I love exploring btw), be it Goldman Sachs’ meeting rooms, or a strange office building in Shanghai, Toastmasters actually created many interesting life experiences for me. I am currently on exchange in Beijing, and because of Toastmasters, I was able to get to know many local friends and bond over this activity that we are all familiar with, and I think that is super cool! Apart from that, Toastmasters also helped me get to know some of the kindest, nicest and smartest people, and I am so grateful to have gotten to know them.
4. What motivates you to take up a role as a mentor?
For me, it will be to give back to the club. I felt like I have benefited a lot from other people’s kindness, and I want to give it back to our new members and show them what our club is all about 🙂
5. What is your top de-stressing activity?
Getting my work done honestly, and I also like to indulge myself in YouTube videos and read articles when I have time!
6. If you can invite anyone for dinner, who will you invite and why?
Well, technically I can invite anyone for dinner, it’s just whether they would attend or not haha. I guess I would go with my parents, because I have been staying in school, and out for exchange, so much so that I haven’t actually eaten with them for a bit. I would love to cook something for them, but I would have to learn how to cook first.
Meet our Mentor: Prakash Ramalingam, CC
1. Tell us a little more about yourself and what do you do?
I am Senior Software Engineer by profession and have around 7 years of experience in building commercial software products for diverse clients across the US, EU and Singapore. I spend my typical day mostly programming or attending meetings giving technical consultation for my customers. My profession demands to stay up to date with the latest development in the software field and I try to learn something new every day!
2. What has been your most memorable experience in MMTMC so far?
Every chapter meeting to me is to be cherished but my most memorable experience in MMTMC was my tenure as the Club President (2018-2019). From being a member who gave speeches and enjoyed the meetings to become a first-time leader who is responsible for running the show and maintain the stellar standards of one of the top-notch clubs in Singapore was challenging but a fantastic learning experience.
3. How has being a toastmaster changed your life?
Phenomenally. I believe the greatest challenge to any of us would be to get out of our comfort zones. Be it waking up 5 AM in the morning or following your passion to venture into entrepreneurship, it takes a lot of courage to try difficult things and be successful at it. Toastmasters has simply given me that immense confidence and courage to face my fears and march towards my personal and professional goals. This, I strongly believe is what a person can gain from Toastmasters beyond public speaking and leadership.
4. What motivates you to take up a role as a mentor?
Public Speaking, Leadership and Mentorship are the three main pillars of Toastmasters. Having tried my hand with the first two, I was inspired to take up mentorship from my own mentor. I wish to share the invaluable learnings I have got from my mentor and the senior members of MMTMC with the newer members. Also, as they say, “Mentorship is a two-way journey”. By giving my mentees useful insights and guidance, I too wish to personally learn and grow from the role.
5. What is your top de-stressing activity?
Chilling with a couple of close friends for a dinner/drink would always be my top favorite de-stressing activity. My other interests include freelance content writing, watching movies and swimming during weekends.
6. If you can invite anyone for dinner, who will you invite and why?
Mr.Aditya Maheshwaren. He is a management consultant by profession, an executive coach and more popular for clinching the 1st runner up title during World Championship of Public Speaking 2015 at Las Vegas. He and I hail from the same home club in India, the Chennai Toastmasters Club. He came a celebrated chief guest to my home club when I attended my first ever Toastmasters meeting as a guest. I want to invite him for dinner and let him know he was the one who ignited my interest to join Toastmasters. I also would hear his story of how Toastmasters has impacted his profession as a management consultant and leadership coach.
Seeing the World Through Their Eyes
Contributed by Jessica Chai Pei Shan, ACB, ALB
I grew up shy and afraid to speak. As an adult, public speaking didn’t get any easier. I spent my first job dodging meetings that would potentially require me to make presentations. Six years ago, my life took an unexpected turn.
I started volunteering at Money Mastery (Singapore) Toastmasters in Singapore, part of an international non-profit organization that promotes public speaking. Gradually, I grew in confidence and it improved my relationships with friends and co-workers. I became passionate about raising awareness about speaking confidently and found my calling in motivating others.
As Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.”
Recently, Special Olympics Asia Pacific invited me to conduct media training and public speaking workshop for a group of athlete leaders with intellectual disabilities from across the region.
Special Olympics Asia Pacific conducted a training to empower athletes with intellectual disabilities to become advocates for inclusive health.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQkd3195u4c
The organization’s cause of social inclusion and inclusive health resonated with me and prompted me to volunteer at Special Olympics Asia Pacific’s Athlete Leaders as Health Messengers Training workshop, held in Singapore.
Initially, I was apprehensive and uncertain about how the athlete leaders would respond to my workshop, and whether I would be able to adapt my training style effectively.
My worries were unfounded. They were warm and open to what I had to share. My experience interacting with them completely inspired me.
Volunteer trainer Jessica Chai (centre, front row) was inspired by her experience interacting with Special Olympics athlete leaders.
Reflections: Live a Limitless Life!
As a volunteer trainer, I aimed to deliver a bespoke workshop to encourage the athlete leaders to speak with confidence and without fear.
During the session, I was moved by their personal stories of change and growth, and how they overcame the toughest of hurdles to become champions both on and off the sporting field.
The energy and spirit of perseverance shown by the 20 athlete leaders and their mentors from 7 countries across the Asia Pacific region was nothing short of amazing.
No words can express how gratified and humbled I felt after the experience.
Truly, giving is receiving. I found joy during my interaction with the athlete leaders who exemplified resilience and inspired me to live life without limits. I believe that the confidence one can gain from speaking can overflow to other arenas such as sports, to build resilience, strength and tenacity.
It has truly been my privilege to serve. I’m honoured to have been a part of their journey to go on and inspire other athletes with intellectual disabilities to lead full, healthy and active lives.
Our MMTMC member and past Exco member, Pamela Lau also volunteered as a facilitator who brings forth her Toastmasters skills to nurture and uncover the speaking talents of the athlete leaders. Pamela says, “ I am inspired by their positive attitude in learning new things”
How Special Olympics has transformed their lives
Philippines’ athlete leader, Marlon T. Tindoc represented 4 sports (soccer, bocce, athletics, bowling)! Another athlete leader from Brunei, Mohd Fuad, shared about his motivation was to encourage his best friend to join the programme and inspire others together.
Vietnam’s athlete leader, Nguyen Ngoc Ban Tran travelled for the first time to Los Angeles for the World Games. She was a proud athlete representing Vietnam in bocce. Tran’s story is about how a father’s dedication helped her get over a crippling fear, overcoming the odds and allowing her to soar. Now, Tran advocates for people with intellectual disabilities beyond her shores. She hopes to become a coach, a mentor and inspiration to other athletes.
(Video: https://www.facebook.com/soasiapacific/videos/1156378061205042/)
Volunteer trainer Shan (left) gives athlete leader Nazir Akmal from Special Olympics Malaysia tips on public speaking techniques.
Malaysia’s athlete leader Nazir Akmal summed up his experience, “I want to inspire other people with intellectual disabilities to lead a full and healthy life, and to let the world know that we all deserve the right to quality healthcare.”
On the last day of the workshop, these athlete leaders received professional media training from sports TV veteran, John Dykes of Fox Sports Asia and presented confidently as guest speakers on the show. It made me smile to see their transformation!
View more high-res photos: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/648l0m848i60dc0/AACATmTIfeahYgM-B62zWdjRa?dl=0
About the Author:
Jessica Chai Pei Shan works at NVPC, a non-profit organisation promoting a giving culture in Singapore through catalysing development in volunteerism and philanthropy to build a City of Good. NVPC facilitate partnerships with non-profits, companies, public sector bodies and individuals to enliven the giving ecosystem within Singapore.
At NVPC, Shan is a dedicated advocate for building a City of Good. She believes in living a purposeful life and defines success as leaving the world a better place. Her latest mission is to promote NVPC’s suite of initiatives (Company of Good, Giving Week, Giving.sg, SGCares), enliven the Giving ecosystem, encourage and educate citizens/community of corporate givers to give back sustainably.
Shan pioneered Enterprise Singapore’s first overseas CSR project to Vietnam (featured in Annual Report here), and was the industry champion who steered the business strategies for Singapore’s consumer electronics companies to internationalise in Asia-Pac, US, Europe/Turkey.
Currently, she is serving as the Area Director in Toastmasters Singapore and oversees 300 members to encourage them to speak more confidently; club mentor at the Money Mastery (Singapore) Toastmasters Club, and chartered a new club, Toastmasters in Christ in 2015.
Wonder Often, Wonder Always
If you want to witness what the sense of wonder is like, just observe a child. A child whose whole world is defined by wonder and curiosity – without any judgments, without any fears!
As we grow up, we lose our sense of wonder. We are constantly in a need to understand the outcome of our actions, such that we often miss the magic of life.
When was the last time we trusted life with its surprises, the last time we paused our lives and appreciated the present moment?
The ability to wonder is a quality we were born with. All we need to do is to reclaim it once again.
If you have ever wondered what it feels like to walk onto a stage and speak to an audience or how it feels to overcome your fear of public speaking – join us on 23rd March and witness a wonderful evening. Our speakers are united by their childlike wonder, which has encouraged them to overcome their fears and enthrall the audience with their confidence.
What a proud moment it is for a mentor to share the stage with her mentee. Come and witness this unique Mentor-Mentee chemistry as Pei Shan and Pamela entertain you as the Toastmasters of the Evening.
Let us remind ourselves of the joy of having that curiosity that we once had!
Let us come together and pledge to “Wonder Often. Wonder Always.”.
See you there!
Download the programme sheet here: MMTMC Program Sheet – 23 Mar – Wonder Often. Wonder Always..
Meet our Mentor: Chai Pei Shan, DTM
Meet our Mentor, Chai Pei Shan, DTM, our Past Club President (2015-2016), a TEDx Talk Speaker, and a Communications and Public Relations Specialist who has been with the Club since 2014.
- Tell us a little more about yourself and what do you do?
I am a Communications and Public Relations Specialist at a non-profit organisation that promotes philanthropy and volunteerism. I greatly enjoy my work as it involves pitching stories to regional media; writing speeches for management; profiling unsung heroes, volunteers, ground-up movements; developing powerful narratives and training spokespersons for media interviews. Outside work, I give coaching and conduct workshops for executives in areas of public speaking and dynamic presentations. Last year, I accomplished three major achievements arising from my experiences as a Toastmaster. My joy of sharing and training has inspired me to achieve my WSQ Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA), delivered my first TEDx talk and WSQ workshop, and traveled on international cruises across Pan-Pacific to deliver talks to large, international audience as an enrichment lecturer. To learn more, you can visit shanswan.com for my stories.
- What has been your most memorable experience in MMTMC so far?
The most memorable experience in MMTMC was the time where I served as the Club President (July 2015 – Jun 2016) and came up with novel solutions alongside a team, to bring our Mother club to greater glory. It was my honor to work with a team of 9 dedicated and talented Exco members to roll out new initiatives like, Improv (helps in spontaneous and creative speeches) and curating many fun and enriching themes to engage the new and retain existing members. We were delighted to help our members achieve their education goals, motivate them to further their journeys, and eventually achieve wonderful milestones as a collective group! Apart from the usual President’s Distinguished Club Award, we were surprised to be awarded three prestigious awards: Winner of ‘Diamond Presence Award’ (that acknowledges only two clubs out of 250 clubs in Singapore with the best Publicity and Social Media strategies), ‘Toastmasters Awareness Award 2016’ (that promotes the benefits of Toastmasters to the wider community) and ‘Club President of Division D Award, 2015-2016’ (recognising the best Club President among 28 clubs).
- How has being a toastmaster changed your life?
Being a Toastmaster has transformed my life and “gifted” me greater confidence to make a giant career leap from a business development role in the public sector to a communication lead (Storyteller/Advocate) in the non-profit sector. The empowering experiences enabled me to follow my dreams! Through my journey, I also met many new friends who fellowship together, traveled overseas and learnt together as a family. The life-changing aspect is the opportunity to adapt, grow with the club, and hone communications and leadership skills through experiential learning in my role serving as Club President, Club Mentor and chartering a new club, Toastmasters in Christ. These experiences are invaluable!
- What motivates you to take up a role as a mentor?
What motivates me is the person’s heart to learn, especially someone who is teachable and committed to learning. It gives me tremendous joy when I see my mentees excelling in the personal goals that they have set out to achieve. The rewards go beyond the ribbons and trophies – the greatest take-away is the life skills to be confident, have courage and speak up for oneself. One of my mentees discovered her hidden talent to be humorous and grew increasingly confident after being aware of her abilities to entertain the audience. A few of my mentees who are older than me also shared life lessons and become great friends. My mentees go ‘club-hopping’ with me together, and exchange ideas. It’s truly a blessing to give and motivates me to give more. I would encourage all members to become someone’s mentor at least once.
- What is your top de-stressing activity?
To de-stress, I would sing worship songs, indulge in drawing or watch funny YouTube videos like The Ellen Show or The Night Owl Cinematics for some good laughs and catch up with my friends on their Facebook social feeds.
- If you can invite anyone for a dinner, who will you invite and why?
Minister Mentor, Lee Kuan Yew. I will ask him about how (the secrets) to groom the future generation to be great orators like himself.
If he is open to share, I will interview him about his real thoughts on the Lee family, thought-leadership about the future of Singapore and his views regarding Millennials as the key human capital driver in the world economy.
MMTMC Club Contest!
When you shout “Thank God It’s Friday!”, do you have an idea what is the best way to spend your Friday evening?
We don’t know about the other Fridays, but on 9 Feb 2018, it’s time to cast your old routines aside, and check out the biggest Public Speaking Event in Money Mastery (Singapore) Toastmasters Club, as we will be organising a Speech Contest that is going to fill your heart with passion and enrichment!
Every year, our club brings together our brightest speakers to organise a highly-anticipated speech contest for everyone!
A contest is a learning institution where speakers experience immense growth, and where the audience gets to witness how much their friends have grown over the year;
It is a sacred arena where every single detail of your speech will be evaluated by a panel of eagle-eyed judges;
It is a meditation ground where you learn to appreciate the finer details of connecting with the audience, taking you on a quantum leap from being a good speaker to a great PUBLIC SPEAKER.
This year, we are proud to say that our International Speech Contestants are a remarkable group of speakers, each with their own abilities and might to inspire and empower you. We have a variety of speakers, ranging from 2 former District Contestants, to speakers who are competing for the first time. Eyes on the prize, as these contestants will stand on equal grounds, and strive with an Olympian spirit to perform their best! Only your presence will tell, who would eventually represent our Club in the Area Contest!
Turning our attention to the Table Topics (Improvised Speech) Contestants, this is often a training ground for younger contestants to gain contest experience, and for the experienced contestants to sharpen their improvisational skills. This year, we will be seeing 4 young contestants who will be competing in the Table Topics Contest. But be warned! Don’t be fooled by their juniority… these speakers have the potential of to a lighted dynamite, as they have proved their worth in our regular Table Topics Sessions and were hand-picked by our Club Mentors to CHALLENGE existing members. With ample hard work and preparation, this could be anyone’s contest.
So ladies and gentlemen, we hope you are as excited as us for this year’s Club Contest! The potential of our speakers is boundless, the things we can learn from them are limitless, and the fun you will have in this evening is endless! So come on down on 9 February 2018, 6:45pm – 10:15pm to join us for a precious evening together.
See you there!
Toastmasters Chef – Public Speaking by Money Mastery Toastmasters
An artist is a creator – a person who makes the art. Artists may differ in the way they express their creativity, but what unites them is their passion for the craft. It is their courage to follow their passion and to achieve perfection in it that makes them such a remarkable individual that is admired by many.
On 26th January, MMTMC invites you to “Toastmasters Chef”, an appetizing evening honouring the love for food and the zest for taking on the stage. Get treated with delightfully prepared speeches carefully assessed by our head chefs – the evaluators. But what is a feast that doesn’t end with delectable desserts? To cater to your appetite, we have our tantalizing table topics that will leave you craving for more.
In addition to our scrumptious treat, it is also our first dress up meeting of the year and we hope to convert our beloved Tai Seng venue into a Michelin star restaurant! The dress code for the evening would be to put on an apron, so that your favourite shirt will not be stained by all the action going on in the kitchen!
So come on down and join us, and be served with a buffet of talent as our Toastmaster Chefs are all set to treat you to an audio feast!
Sounds like the perfect recipe for a delicious evening!
Click here to download the programme sheet.
Ignite the Fire Within – MMTMC Chapter Meeting
The new year may just be a change in the calendarial date, but the power to make it much more is a gift that lies deep within each one of us.
It exists in a form of a spark; a mix of passion and madness; a spark defined by our child-like ignorance and imagination, unique to everyone. This spark is all we need to ignite the potential within us, and to make us shine like a firework!
On 12th January, MMTMC invites you to kick-start the new year in our first chapter meeting of the year – “Ignite the Fire Within”. As we embark on a new journey in 2018, let us remind ourselves to make the constant effort to keep that inner spark alive and use it to ignite the change we want to see in our lives.
‘You’re only given a little spark of madness, you mustn’t lose it’ – Robin Williams
Sit back and enjoy as our charged-up speakers usher in the new year with an aim to captivate you with expressive speeches, eloquent evaluations and an energised table topic session!
Click here to download the programme sheet.
#2017 – Money Mastery Toastmasters Club Chapter Meeting
New Year – a celebration of a new beginning. It may just be a simple change in the calendar, but it is the attitude towards this change that matters. It’s that time of the year where we make promises to be a better version of ourselves.
2017 for us was a milestone year which will be etched in our memories forever. We completed 15 glorious years and made a promise to get better with each passing year.
On 8th December let us all make our last meeting of the year #2017 a one to remember with members new and old commemorating what we have achieved so far and work towards an even more successful future. In true Toastmastersspirit let us come together as we see our speakers take stage to enthrall us with exciting speeches, profound evaluations and enjoyable table topic sessions.
It’s not just a Toastmasters meeting, it’s a celebration!
See you there!
Click here to download the programme sheet.
Pun Intended
On 24th November 2017 we welcome you to “Pun-Intended” an evening of puns with an intent of fun which will make your minds run. Experience an evening where for once, words will speak louder than actions!
Sit back and enjoy as the “PunMasters” take the stage with their enthralling speeches, captivating evaluations and entertaining table topics.
Click here to download the programme sheet.