Yew Ming Liew’s Post

“I’ve been there. Twice.”   Edwin Neo, Career Coach at WSG, knows firsthand the turmoil of retrenchment. He’s gone through the anxiety, the fear and the uncertainty. “It’s a rude awakening,” he admits. “But you know what? It’s also a golden opportunity to reinvent yourself.”   Edwin’s career journey began in the 1980s, a time of rapid growth for Singapore. He started his career in a small SME, eager to climb the corporate ladder. But ambition can sometimes lead to impulsive decisions. He thereafter accepted a high-profile management role in another company without fully understanding the challenges that lay ahead.   “The department was drowning in work,” he recalls. “There was a huge backlog of equipment waiting to be fixed, and I was the one at the helm. It was a baptism of fire, and unfortunately, one that I did not survive. The retrenchment was not just a financial blow; it was a personal one. I was the sole breadwinner, had young kids and lots of bills to pay. I felt like I failed my family.” This experience taught him a crucial lesson: Don’t rush into a new job without thoroughly evaluating if it’s the right fit for you.   With the support of his loved ones, he picked himself up and dusted himself off. Over the next few decades, Edwin navigated a series of career changes, from engineering to human resource consulting and even entrepreneurship. He learnt to adapt and embrace new opportunities. And through it all, he developed a deep understanding of the challenges people face in the job market.   “I’ve felt the fear, the frustration and the hopelessness. But I’ve also learned that resilience is key. There is always a way forward, no matter how difficult it may seem.”   Today, Edwin uses his own experiences to help others navigate the complexities of the job market. Watch the video to hear his advice!   #careerhealth #careerplanning

Challenges are stepping stones for growth 📈 I recently faced a tough situation while working on a Healthcare brand in Singapore. At first, it felt really overwhelming. But I soon realized that these challenges are where we learn the most. With teamwork, persistence, and a positive mindset, we turned things around and achieved success. This experience taught me how important it is to stay adaptable and keep pushing forward. It's not the challenges that define us, but how we respond to them. How have you turned your challenges into opportunities? #Resilience #ProblemSolving #GrowthMindset

Reflecting on the first half of January 2024, it's evident that experience has been our guide. However, amid the unfolding days, opportunities abound like a cascade of folded and unfolded pages. As the saying goes, "Pluck the low hanging fruit," and in this new year, let's be discerning in choosing which opportunities to pursue. Opportunities are the stimulants for continuous improvement. They propel us forward, fostering creativity and driving innovation. Each chance we seize becomes a stepping stone, paving the way for growth and development. Yet, the key lies not only in recognizing these opportunities but in committing ourselves wholeheartedly to their pursuit. Navigate the year with discerning choices, seizing valuable opportunities, embracing experience, and the continuous commitment that fuels our journey of growth. #Opportunities #ContinuousImprovement #Commitment #Innovation

A-level results day is always a whirlwind of emotions. Huge congratulations to everyone celebrating their successes and securing university places! 🎉 For those feeling disappointed, remember, this is just one chapter. Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Your journey is unique. Maybe this isn’t the end goal, but it's a valuable step. It's an opportunity to explore different avenues, develop resilience, and discover your true passion ❤️ Many of us have taken unexpected turns in our careers. I reflect on my education and career journey so far and have had my fair share of failures/learnings and successes, through the corporate world, building businesses and living in Singapore. Every step, both successful and challenging, has shaped who I am today 🚀 #ALevelResults #Resilience #CareerPath #Growth

This time last year, I wasn't working with international firms. . . This time last year, I didn't have the skills I do now. This time last year, I didn't have much of the network I have now. This time last year, I wasn't speaking on a global stage as an undergraduate student. However, this year came with lots of exciting news and also news I didn't like, but kept moving regardless. In all, I'm greatful for the growth and lessons learnt so far. Remember that opportunities seldom come knocking on our doors; we must actively seek them out. Embrace challenges as growth opportunities, stay adaptable in the face of change, and never settle for mediocrity. Success is not just about reaching the destination; it's about embracing the journey, navigating uncharted waters, and pushing the boundaries. Be proactive in seeking opportunities, view challenges as stepping stones to growth, and stay adaptable. Never settle for mediocrity; strive for excellence. Embrace the journey, celebrate small victories, and inspire others along the way. Embrace the challenge, unleash your potential, and redefine success. Together, let's leave an indelible mark on the world. You may not have achieved all you wanted to achieve yet and it's the last month of the year already. However, celebrate your little wins and get ready for next year, it's not too early. Happy new month champ. What are your plans for Christmas? Richard Chukwu #successmindset #opportunities #growth

The photos reminded me: NEVER GIVE UP to pursue your dreams that are worth pursuing. Have you ever felt lost in the pursuit of your dream in your career? Or asked yourself why you chose this path when facing roadblocks? It's very common in our journey to pursue our dreams, but never give up if you believe it is the right path! In 2009, at the age of 38, I embarked on a new chapter by moving from Malaysia to Singapore, shaping my career trajectory in Independent Financial Advisory. Transitioning to Singapore was a daunting challenge. Navigating uncharted waters in a highly competitive environment, adapting to a new cultural landscape, and working under a British boss posed significant hurdles. The aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis only heightened the uncertainties. The financial advisory landscape in Singapore presented stark contrasts to the industry in Malaysia, requiring a steep learning curve and adaptability. Despite these obstacles, the opportunity honed my skills and broadened my perspective, pushing me to expand my horizons. Grateful for the unwavering support of Pat Cunningham, Grahame Evans, and Ken Butler, the directors of my ex-firm PIAS. Their guidance was invaluable in my initial months in Singapore, serving as pillars of strength amidst the challenges. Embracing change and seizing opportunities have been instrumental in shaping me into the resilient professional I am today. To anyone facing challenges in pursuing their dreams, remember that obstacles are merely stepping stones to success. Embrace them, learn from them, and let them fuel your determination. Your dreams are worth pursuing, and with courage and resilience, you can overcome any obstacle on your path. Let's inspire each other! Share your own journey of overcoming obstacles and pursuing dreams in the comments below. Don't forget to use hashtags #DreamPursuit #EmbraceChange #CountYourBlessings #Gratitude to join the conversation and connect with like-minded professionals. Here's to counting blessings, embracing challenges, and always moving forward with gratitude and resilience. #Tangnology #gratitude #resilience #ChooseIndependent #LargestIFA

Thanks to Singapore Leaders Network (SGLN), I had the opportunity to learn from a Singaporean global leader, Vinod V. Mahboobani 馬偉樂, which really went a lot better than expected. If I compare the lives of a mere mortal and a global leader, the difference is that, within one lifetime, we live one life while they are like cats, living nine lives. Their perspectives span different business contexts, cultural environments and a wide range of issues of interest to the diverse workers they lead. The topic of sacrifice came up. It was not easy to shift entire families and livelihoods in pursuit of a global career. As I listened to his story, I was also contemplating whether my family and I could sacrifice. Not at this point - relationships with our grandparents are dear to us. If we miss this decade, we might miss the opportunity to bond for good. It's too big a sacrifice. I also wondered, if it would be too late, to then embark on a global career, starting only in my 40s. I didn't ask this question, but I am thinking what Vinod and the rest will say is - it depends. It depends on how fast you adapt, how quickly you learn, how healthy you are, and whether you still have the hunger to succeed, especially when at that time, you might have become comfortable. Vinod told us to be visible and memorable, not for the sake of visibility or memorability alone, but to use our intelligence to strike connections and form synergies. I think I did that well, because I went to introduce myself to Joel Shen, and we had a good conversation about the role that technology and legislation can have in contributing to a safer online space. I now have the opportunity to learn from another global leader in a separate coffee chat. Most importantly, Vinod says, own your career. It is not the HR's job. It is our job. Why stay in Singapore, when it is the best city and everything works? Challenge yourself. Invest in yourself and your team. These words stuck in my head. And in many touchpoints, like the feedback form, and the informal conversations with Khoo Rujun, I wanted to share the impact the session had on me. Most importantly, is sharing the impact on me with Vinod himself. What was my biggest takeaway? It relates to my situation. I am in the middle of preparing a scholarship application to pursue part-time postgrad studies alongside my work, so that I can deliver more value to my industry and Singapore. I came into the session, having considered the risks and many other factors, and pivoted from my original goal of studying in China, to looking at options in Singapore. I thought I had it settled. The conversation made me think again. What's the point of studying in Singapore, when I am already working and living in Singapore? If I want a global career in my 40s, I need to take my baby steps now. So I pivoted back to China. Again. I'm glad I showed up, when the easier option was not to, especially because I wasn't in my best mental state or condition that day.

Happy 59th birthday, dear Singapore! Happy #nationalday! You have given me so many new opportunities. The biggest one was my over lasted dream of having a university degree at the age of 35! You have accepted my application and valued my skills over missing degrees. I like to tribute you this post to highlight what you have healed in me regarding my trauma not having an academic degree: While I'm more than thankful to went the path of getting my Executive MBA from the Singapore Management University, I'm also aware that my purpose of doing this was only to satisfy my damaged ego! Why? Because I was already the regional CEO of a fast-growing software company at that time. There where no more level to go up the career ladder. Before that I was Vice President for Sales and data analytics expert at SAP, one of the largest tech-companies in the world. I achieved all of this without even a high school degree, which sounds like a nice, romantic success story. In reality it was a tough fight and rusty journey. Because I was always in an explanation mode how I get that roles without an academic degree. Rude question like whom I know from the management to get this job with such a low-profile educational background. I was always fighting against doubters and trying to overprove my capabilities. I had to go the extra mile while being prejudged from many. It was so humiliating! But I was able to transform this bad feeling to my ambition! I continuously performed more than anyone else and built up my skills through alternative routes (aka STAR method). I saw it as a challenge, rather injustice (which it was for sure). And I did it! So to everyone in a similar situation like, especially those looking for the next certificate, degree or whatsoever - think twice if you are doing to upskill yourself. Or to fulfil someone else expectations or prerequisites. My humble advise: don't be guided from formale requirements which are going to change daily! Focus on yourself and pave your own path - it will lead you to inner success and fulfilment!

The day I changed my vision, my life shifted. It was six years ago. Prior to that turning point, I was driven by status, fancy job projects, and approval from loved ones. And it was working—I was energised each morning, my career was progressing, and I was growing professionally. ⛔ Until I hit a roadblock and stopped moving forward. At work and at home, whenever I neared the next step, it crumbled. I switched jobs and relationships but remained stuck in the same loop. Doubt, worry, and sadness crept in. I felt like a hamster on a wheel. ✈️ Then came a work trip to Sydney. Alone, far away, and jet-lagged, I had to speak for my company at a major PR event in front of elite influencers and fashion journalists. Out of my comfort zone? Check ✅ Full of doubts? Check ✅ Yet, something magical happened. I saw glowing, kind, and inspired faces. Words that touched me deeply. Women saw themselves in my speech. We shared an inner spark. That experience was an epiphany for me. 🚫 I ditched shallow aims—titles, money, and the perfect life. ✨ Instead, I pursued what truly fired me up: human connections, endless discovery, and fun new experiences. Everything shifted: - I met my partner two months after my trip to Australia. - I trained as an executive coach while shifting my career from retail to tech. - I grew to love myself more, and my relationships deepened. - Doors started to open naturally, without forcing. 🦋 The lesson? Let go of the values that weigh you down. Embrace your true driving forces (likely there since childhood). That's when doors will naturally open. --> True success is not just about being yourself, nor about doing your best, but knowing that the two are one and the same. ________ 👋 I'm Marie, I help new graduates and career changers create their career vision and make it happen. I also run really cool visualisation workshops in companies and wellness venues to boost your performance and well-being. 🔔 Follow me for regular career tips and insights into mental training techniques! #careercoaching #careertransition #careertips #graduates