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. 

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 1^st 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.

Meet our Mentor, a Charter Member, a Past Club President, a Contest Champion, an entrepreneur, a renowned speaker, a Consultant and a friend who has been contributing greatly to the advancement of the Club since MMTMC was first founded in 2002: Mike Ng, DTM.

1. Tell us a little more about yourself and what do you do?  

I’m currently the Vice President, Food Business Development with Koufu Group since 1 Nov 2019. I assist the Chief Strategy Officer to develop the food business segments and its online food ordering and delivery services. I also explore JVs, strategic alliances, acquisitions and investment opportunities in complementary food businesses. Furthermore, I help in the development and management of the 7-storey integrated facility which consists of the Corporate HQ, food manufacturing operations, central kitchens and workers dormitory.

Before this, I was a Group Director with International Enterprise (IE) Singapore, the government agency spearheading the overseas growth of Singapore-based enterprises and promoting international trade. Over the 17 years with IE, I was based in New Delhi (2006-2011) and London (2015-2016) to help Singapore-based enterprises penetrate India and Europe markets, navigate regulatory frameworks and establish strategic overseas contacts. My geographical area was subsequently expanded to cover the Latin America & the Caribbean. I also developed and administered IE’s capability development programs and financial assistance schemes to build firm-level capabilities and help them gain market access overseas.

Before joining IE, I had experience in the private sector as a Senior Auditor with Arthur Andersen and the Finance & Admin Manager with Oasis Holdings. Interestingly, I also dabbled as an entrepreneur and started Nagai, a Japanese restaurant in Singapore in the past.

Feel free to talk to me about international business development, organizational leadership and government assistance in venturing overseas.

2. What has been your most memorable experience in MMTMC so far?

At the personal level, I remember I was seated and unashamedly tearing like an open tap when fellow club members bid farewell at my last chapter meeting at Toa Payoh SAFRA before I went for my first overseas posting to New Delhi in 2006. Having been together at MMTMC for more than 3 years by then, their warm words of appreciation, camaraderie and well wishes made me so emotional and unwilling to even temporarily leave this family of friends (sob sob). At the contest level, it was winning the Division D Table Topics Contest in 2005 with a contest topic “The Eagle Does Not Eat Flies” (I vaguely remember I talked about leadership and team work); and the opportunity to compete at the District level in Jakarta with fellow international contestants! At the leadership level, I enjoyed my “tour of duty” as Club President (2004-2005) achieving the President’s Distinguished Club award, Area D2 Governor (2014-2015) achieving the Select Distinguished Area award and as the Organizing Chair of MMTMC’s 15^th Anniversary Celebrations in 2017.

All in all, it’s the people at MMTMC that’s always providing me with memorable experiences. To see their personal breakthroughs, to hear their moving stories and to feel their fun & craziness within the creatively themed chapter meetings!!

3.      How has being a toastmaster changed your life?

Being a Charter Member with MMTMC since 2002 had built my personal confidence and abilities as a public speaker, presenter, panel moderator, communicator and coach. It prepared me well to express my thoughts and content sharply within time. It raised my attention towards my audience’s needs and refined my engagement with them throughout the speech. Through toastmasters, I learned the art of giving positive feedback, persuasion and inspiration. It helped me at work when I strived to motivate and improve the performance of my colleagues. Speaking off the cuff became comfortable through the numerous impromptu table topics that I had practised over the years. In 2017, I steadily handled a “live” business interview by a Mexican Bloomberg-linked TV station without knowing the questions beforehand (https://youtu.be/kIT2QapwQxc). I’m always grateful to Toastmasters for developing me into a proficient communicator in all situations.

4. What motivates you to take up a role as a mentor?

Simply, it’s for me to pass on what I’ve gained as a toastmaster so that members can fast track their learning journey and discover their speaking persona quickly. Over the past 15 years, I’ve walked a path of learning, made a family of friends and gained a chest of experience with MMTMC. Having benefited tremendously and becoming the first Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) in MMTMC, it’s my desire to be a role model, lead and show members how to optimize their efforts in this Toastmasters path of personal growth. To remain effective as a mentor, I’m continuing my personal growth under the new Pathways Education Program, so that I’m familiar with every new toastmaster’s curriculum and learning journey. I walk first, so others can follow with confidence.

5. What is your top de-stressing activity?

A swim in a pool, preferably with a cocktail bar! I also enjoy my DJ mix at home in the evenings, accompanied with moving lights and smothering smoke; or a weekend round of golf at a beautiful oceanic course.

6. If you can invite anyone for a dinner, who will you invite and why?

As an avid Arsenal fan for more than 2 decades, definitely Arsene Wenger, the longest serving manager in the English Premier League’s history. I’m eager to learn from him on how he can calmly manage Arsenal under all the public pressure and media limelight over his decision-makings on reputable recruitment (or the lack of it), player selections, and tactics during the games. His leadership and management abilities to withstand the harsh scrutiny, work within the limitations imposed onto him (often financial and due to player injuries), groom young talents instead of buying from the transfer market and continue to do what he thinks is right for the club and the fans is admirable. His in-depth views will be applicable in the business world for aspiring entrepreneurs like me to remain calm, professional and focused to do what we are made to do. Will you want to join me in this private dinner with Arsene Wenger?

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.

1. 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.

2. 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).

3.      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!

4. 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.

5. 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. 

6. 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.

Meet Brian Chye, DTM, an MMTMC member who is now serving Toastmasters community as the Area Director. Find out more about what he thinks of becoming a mentor at MMTMC.

1. Tell us a little more about yourself and what do you do?

I am a Procurement Professional working at the National University of Singapore. My role involves supporting the procurement process, maintaining compliance and ensuring value for money for our purchases. My hobbies include reading, gaming, travelling, and of course Club Hopping as a Toastmaster. I am looking forward to many fruitful years ahead meeting like-minded fellows and continue my journey in our movement.

2. What has been your most memorable experience in MMTMC so far?

There are many memorable experience in MMTMC till date. I am especially humbled and inspired by our team harmony in preparing for the Humorous Speech and Evaluation Contest in 2016 where I was the Organizing Chair.

3.      How has being a toastmaster changed your life?

Having the trust of our members, taking on greater responsibility and delivering the results have help to make me a better person. While I have joined toastmaster to improve my public speaking, I have gained acceptance into the MMTMC family, grow as an individual, stay grounded and work well in a team setting.

4. What motivates you to take up a role as a mentor?

I hope to work towards supporting our members and helping them to experience the MMTMC culture, to continue their journey of growth.

5. What is your top de-stressing activity?

I enjoyed gaming; it helps me in de-stressing. Reading the newspaper comes a close second.

6. If you can invite anyone for a dinner, who will you invite and why?

There are too many people whom I would love to invite to dinner. If I can only choose one, I would choose my grandmother whom I was especially close to. While she has left us quite some time ago, her imprints on me have left a lasting impression, I would not be the person I am today without her support and it would be wonderful to have dinner again.

Today, let us meet Candrika Adri Tjo, CC, CL, Club President 2016/17, who has been with Money Mastery Singapore Toastmasters Club (MMTMC) for more than seven years. As the first Runner Up of Division D Humorous Speech Contest in year 2013 and 2015, Candrika believes that nurturing others and seeing them grow are more important than winning a ribbon. Learn more about her story here.

1. Tell us a little more about yourself and what do you do?

I am an architectural graduate with more than seven years of experience working in architectural industry in Singapore. I have been a toastmaster since 2012 and still love learning and listening to stories from fellow members.  I call myself an ambivert, aspiring entrepreneur, and shaved-ice lover. I believe that communication skill is the highest compounding skill to master.

2. What has been your most memorable experience in MMTMC so far?

There are too many memorable experiences with MMTMC. I love the camaraderie the most, like how we always come in a big group supporting fellow members at area/ division/ district contest, as a club.

3.      How has being a toastmaster changed your life?

Since I embarked the journey of being a toastmaster, my personal life, career, and many other areas have improved tremendously. I am a better communicator, a better leader, and a better person compared to myself seven years ago.

4. What motivates you to take up a role as a mentor?

Seeing fellow members improving is a meaningful experience that is more satisfying than winning a ribbon. And I find that I learn much more when I mentor members.

5. What is your top de-stressing activity?

Reading books, doing outdoor activities, learning new skills, hanging out with friends, traveling, journaling, practicing mindfulness.

6. If you can invite anyone for a dinner, who will you invite and why?

Ahok, being the only Jakarta’s Governor who has the ability and courage to make a difference to Indonesian’s politic and bureaucracy. I wish I could pick up his brain and learn one or two things from him about leadership and life.

Meet Raymond Ee, ACB, CL, one of our mentors, a past president, and club advisor for operations management. Raymond was the President of MMTMC in the year 2013-2014 and has been a Toastmaster for more than seven years. As a mentor, Raymond loves to share his knowledge on how to be an effective and impactful presenter.

1. Tell us a little more about yourself and what do you do?

As a certified Business Continuity Management (BCM) management consultant and avid evangelist for corporate adoption of good BCM practices, I have been invited to speak and share my vision in numerous BCM related seminars and conferences across Asia. I believe that Business Continuity is everybody’s responsibility and all socially responsible corporations should treat this seriously. I love conducting trainings in my industry; always aiming to make the complicated simple. I hope to help the younger toastmasters to be more confident and competent in public speaking.

Before I became a management consultant, I was a General Manager for two factories of 1000 employees each in China for 8 years.

2. What has been your most memorable experience in MMTMC so far?

It has to be joining the various contests in MMTMC. We have a lot of awesome speakers and the competition is intense. You will get that quantum leap in public speaking when you prepare seriously in the contests. 

3.      How has being a toastmaster changed your life?

At the age of 40 when I returned from China and joined Toastmasters in 2012, I have almost zero management presentation and training experience. Since then, this platform has greatly accelerated the progress of my career in management consulting and training in the Organizational Resilience industry. Cutently, I am one of the top trainers in the company and a well-recognized speaker/facilitator in regional conferences.

4. What motivates you to take up a role as a mentor?

I love to teach and share my knowledge. One of my strengths is the effective use of visual aids in presentations. One is never too young nor too old to become an influential speaker and presenter.

5. What is your top de-stressing activity?

Drinking wine, watch Netflix, watching soccer, road biking, playing with my three cats and listening to well-crafted speeches from my life partner, Michell. 

6. If you can invite anyone for dinner, who will you invite and why?

I would like to invite my older self 30 years in the future, and ask him to mentor me.