The Final Curtain

It had been a long long road and with many turns. As I look back at my career which started just after college, it had it's fair share of highs and lows, but in the end, it is a satisfying one. Insurance had never been a career of choice for me, I wanted something more although not knowing what that is. Reality first hit me when after college, my HSC  full certificate was not good enough to enter any local universities. At that time, there was just a handful of them, UM, USM and maybe UKM. The governments quota system had also ruled out most of the average students. To further my studies abroad is out of the question as my family could ill afford the high expenses. It was then that my brother in law Felix Symons introduced me to the insurance course, the Associate Charter Insurance Institute ( ACII ). I did it at home for the first year on postal course with London and in the second year, decided to start working in an insurance company. I must have written to at least 20 insurance companies and was finally offered a job as an Account Administrator with Amanah Lowndes Lambert Sdn Bhd, part of The Lowndes Lambert Group in London. The starting salary was RM 230.00 per month !. My immediate superior then was Mr. Foo Tiang Fatt whom until today remain a good friend. The General Manager, Mr. Soong Chok Choy is still active in the industry. He now distributes Specialised JBI product for AXA and we are still in touch.

After three and a half years as a Broker, I decided to join a bigger outfit in Malaysia British Assurance Bhd ( MBA ). I was hired by Mr. Sia Chon Ming and have been working with him ever since. MBA was sold to Lion Group and I left together with Mr. Sia to join Malaysian Assurance Alliance ( MAA ). MBA was subsequently sold to Allianz through it's acquisition of AGF and increasing it's stake to majority control. MAA in turn was sold to Zurich Insurance in 2011.

They always say the only thing that is constant is change. Zurich is currently embarking on The (new) Operating Model ( TOM ) that result in global restructuring and all Business Unit globally is to align their structure according to TOM. Locally, Zurich have acquired MAA Takaful and the TOM model requires it to restructure into a One Zurich approach that offers Life and General products, both Conventional and Takaful. The changes is to take place now and may require 6 months to a year to settle down. At the same time, the market has de-tariffed, the product will have more flexibility and every insurer are free to do their own pricing, but within regulators guidelines.

I have another year before my employment term expires and will not be around to reap any transformation benefit, if any. Neither do I want to be around to grapple with all the difficulties and issues arising from the transformation in my final year. In a de-tariff market, transacting business with customers on digital platform is a real possibility. It's an opportunity for small set up to disrupt the norm and that's where I hope to position myself . A year earlier, I had launched Optimuz for Zurich. Optimuz is B2B automated quote and bind system that immediately becomes a winner with the distributors.

The article that promotes Optimuz in Zurch Intranet and GI Facebook.

In launching Optimuz, I have seen how digital platform can function in the new environment. Optimuz is my Swan Song with Zurich and I'm proud of it, but Optimuz platform too need to be expanded for it to meet new challenges. The pull of the market makes me decide it's time I draw the final curtains to a long career of employment with the insurance establishment. And after some discussion with my boss David Fike, I resigned from Zurich where I served my last day on 30th September, 2016.

I had a department meeting on a Friday evening of 2nd September, wherein I announced my resignation to my team. Obviously I had to explain my decision which caught them by surprise. By 5.30 pm, the above announcement had gone out.

My Last Farewell.
Since this is my final month in the company, I have decided to record my appreciation to all those who wish me well.  These came via phone calls, emails and group chats. Below are those that took the trouble to have lunch, dinner, drinks or simply just catching up over drinks. There are also quite a few that I did not take photographs with as it did not occur to me to do that at the beginning. I also appreciate the many whom I've worked with but do not have the opportunity to be more personal in this big organisation.

2.9.16 - Announcement to my hometown buddies.
The very evening after my announcement to the staff,  I attended a gathering of old school friends. We have been together since primary school days and we all hailed from the small town of Segamat. To this very day, we have always been in touch since leaving school. I announced to them of my leaving the company. One of them asked if I'm keen to be a consultant to his company. Although not the intention, all options can be explored. This has subsequently led me to a Consultancy offer.

The gathering of my hometown friends on 2.9.16 at Brussels Bar, Menara Hup Seng. Most of us are together since kindergarten until today.

Over the weekend, there were many calls wanting to know if it's true ( despite the announcement ), and some wanting to know where I'm headed for. That's when I decided to inform everyone personally of my decision. After that, the many farewell lunches, drinks, dinners and catch up with colleagues and friends starts.

6.9.16 - Dinner and drinks hosted by Sia.
I was an invited guest for a farewell dinner hosted by Sia for Hans and Kennes who are moving along in their career. When I announced my resignation, the dinner turn out to be for me as well as for Swee Sim.  It was a small cozy dinner at Extra Super Tanker Restaurant, PJ.

After that, we adjourned to a pub next door for some drinks.

There is a karaoke machine and we started singing too.

We were all in a happy mood with all the singing.

There were a lot of singing and laughter, something that we've forgotten to do the last few years. It was a fitting farewell for those leaving as we reminisce over the songs.

 8.9.16 - Farewell lunch from Evelyn.

Evelyn was one of the earlier one to call up and have a chat with me. She had earlier booked me for a farewell lunch which was at GS Club at Kuchai Entrepreneurs Park. We had a nice catch up together with Tysern.








13.9.16 - Lunch with Engenie
Eugenie whom I've know for quite sometime now text to me the minute she heard about my leaving.

We caught up for lunch at Bangsar and she wish me well in my endeavours.

13.9.16 - Farewell dinner from PJ Agents.
In the evening, a group of agents whom I'm very close with, bought me a nice and tasty dinner at Yuen Kee Restaurant, Salak South. I had to say the food there is really good for I bought my family to lunch at that same restaurant the following week.

Having a nice little chat before dinner.

Every dish is to be savoured for it's culinary skill.

The food is simply great.

Thank you Mdm Choong, Munchii, Alvin, Violet, Keng Yong, Jacky, Tammie and Marco for the wonderful thoughts. We have known each other for a long time and that friendship will continue.

14.9.16 - Farewell lunch from Alice.
My long time agent, Alice from Samco Agency rang me up to say I had abandoned her !

She bought me lunch at a restaurant at Sri Petaling. We had known each other for the longest time.

15.9.16 - Farewell lunch from Shiao Fong.
Ms. Yee Shiao Fong our Branding and Communication Head whom I had worked very well with on the Optimuz project and also the recent Global Community Week was one of the early one to "book" me for lunch.

Together with Derrek and Tysern, we had lunch at a restaurant at Taman Connaught. I appreciate Shiao Fong's contribution in the branding of Optimuz and the powerful statement above is strung by her. It encapsulate what Optimuz is in that one phrase.

19.9.16 - Farewell lunch from Rohini
I had started Optimuz without a Project Manager. Rohini who hails from India but have sufficient experience came on board and manage the project for me. She did a good job and had helped to ensure Optimuz is completed in time for the launch. She had also "booked" me for lunch to wish me well.

She bought me lunch at a nice little cafe in Kuchai Lama.She was an integral part of Optimuz project.

20.9.16 - Farewell lunch from Liza and SS Lim.
Even though Liza had diversified into other business, we have been close. Together with SS Lim, both bought me a farewell lunch at Purple Cane Restaurant.

She is into cycling and invited me to join her during their weekly outing. I certainly need to to stay fit and will take up that sport. Thanks Liza, thanks SS Lim for the lunch.

20.9.16 - Dinner with Shareena and Francis.
We have stayed in touch as ex-colleagues and my resignation prompt us to meet up and talk about the future. We meet up at Bubba Gump at The Curve for a long dinner chat.

Thanks Francis for the wonderful dinner.

21.9.16 - Farewell dinner from Zurich Services.

The success of Optimuz was largely due to the exceptional understanding and good working relationship between the IT team lead by Raymond and I with the SME Team. The weekly meetings not only produce a system that surpass expectation, it also created close bond within the cross functional group. 

Jimmy Yeoh, CEO of Zurich Services have always been a close friend, and so is Ricky. Cynthia who manages the Optimuz project is always proactive and most helpful throughout the system development. I can never thank them enough and treasure their endless support. Thanks Raymond and all for the wonderful lunch.

22.9.16 - Lunch from ex staff.

Although they left few years ago to pursue better opportunities, Ai Reen and Ern Chen have always stay in touch with me. It wasn't too long ago they had bought me a birthday lunch. Together with Vivian Lai and Shirley Ong ( who left us recently ), they arrange a farewell lunch with me at Ming Court, Bangsar Shopping Complex.

Thanks Ai Reen, Ern Chen, Vivian and Shirley for the wonderful lunch. It was a good catch up as well.

22.9.16 - Drinks with Sia and Sim.

This is not a farewell drink, but more of catching up with Sim Chiang Han after a long while. It was at  the same Bangsar Shopping Complex but we had drinks at Brozeit.

Together with Sia, we had a good time catching up. Thanks Sim Chiang Han for picking up the tab.

26.9.16 - Farewell Lunch from SME Customer Segment.
The SME team had arranged with me for my farewell lunch with all the staff. They had arranged the venue at Restaurant Asif at Walter Grenier for the tasty Pakistani food.

 The staff enjoying the tasty Pakistani food.

 The entire staff force that makes up The SME Customer Segment.

A farewell gift from the staff.

 A lovely Sheaffer pen with my name engraved.

Thank you all for the gift and nice farewell lunch. Will forever remember each and everyone of you.

26.9.16 - Drinks with Ben and Chew Kuan.

This is not really a farewell drink, but this is the last time I am having drinks with them as Zuricher. 

As colleagues, it is always good to have a drink together every now and then to release the pressure cooker stress of the office. As much as they will miss a drinking buddy, I will miss them. 

28.9.16 - Farewell lunch from Property and Investment.

Benny Chin have always gave me leads for insurance from his resources. Chen Kim Loong too will refer cases for me to look into where GI is concerned. Together with Jeremy Mark Skelchy, we had lunch at one of our favourite food stall under the big tree in Taman Connaught.

Thanks guys for the nice lunch. We'll stay in touch.

29.9.16 - Farewell lunch with Admin Staff.

Penny and Jocelyn have always been exemplary staff. Being the staff at the back office, they are attuned to sticking to exactly the lunch hour and clearing all their work diligently. So when Penny came up to me and wanted to buy me a farewell lunch, I was touched. Together with Faizal, we had lunch at Al Rawsha Restaurant at Pandan. 

At the Al Rawsha Restaurant.

A nice and thoughtful gesture from Penny and Jocelyn.

I couldn't let them pick up the tab. To me, they have good intentions to give me a farewell lunch, but. I am happy to pick up the tab as they have been the unsung heroes of the office. Thanks Penny, Jocelyn and Faizal. It's been a pleasure working with the three of you.

29.9.16 - Drinks with Sandy and Tysern.

During the entire time when I was having lunches and drinks, Sandy and Tysern have been busy travelling to the Branches to boost up the SME sales. I wanted to have some moment with just the two of them before my departure. So I arranged for an evening out with them at Marini's 57.

A drink just the three of us.

Tysern feels good being up here.

So is Sandy, this being her first time at this bar.

The twin tower backdrop is simply magnificent.

What a wonderful evening.

30.9.16 - Farewell lunch from KL Branch and Commercial Segment

This being the very last day for me, some KL Branch Marketers and Corporate Client Unit came together and gave me a farewell lunch at Pik Wah Restaurant, MABA House, KL. 

It was a pleasant surprise to see our ex colleague Chiang Hon Loon together for this do.

Standing from L to R : Yeut Ting, SK Liew, Angie, Joanne, Jacus, Ivan and Chiew Ping.

Seated from  L to  : Nancy, Eng Choo, TKH and Chiang.

It was like a mini gathering of sorts and everyone is happy to be together. Thank you all for the good times.

30.9.16 - My last day in office.
This being the official last day, some of the staff came over to bid me farewell with their best wishes.

 Iris came by my office in the morning to have a chat with. Despite being always loaded with a lot of work, she always have a nice way of handling and following up on things. Thanks Iris for always being patient when dealing with me. Also appreciate your coming over to say goodbye.

A nice touch from her, " Enjoy a cup of coffee on her ".

Pauline Yap too came by my office and have a lighthearted chat in the morning. We have not dealt with each other very much but she nevertheless came and wish me all the best.

 Happy to have the bubbly and cheerful Pauline Yap coming over.

She too came with a thoughtful farewell gift.

My weekly "lunch kaki" that I will miss. Joo, Joanne and I have have always lunched together once a week.  

Both of them came by in the morning to have a chat and wish me well.

They bought me a nice farewell lunch at a nice outlet at Bangsar after I left. Thanks Joo and Jo for the wonderful lunch.

In the afternoon, I did the customary rounds of visiting all the departments to say goodbye to all of them. One unit that I worked very well with is the System Development Team from Zurich Services. It was a pleasure to work with Avinash and team during the development of Optimuz.
From L to R : Mamatha, Lee Koon, TKH, Durga, Prasad, Senthil and Avinash.

 Audrey came on board to do the independent UAT for Optimuz. The zeal and enthusiasm and her strive for perfection has ensured that Optimuz is well tested. We launched Optimuz with success and was given the thumbs up by all users. I have high regards for Audrey and am glad to have known her.

I interviewed and recruited Kalarany as Head of SME Underwriting. She has the necessary underwriting skill set that I looked for. The idea was to use her skill to grow the SME business. That is something new to her but she see's the whole end game. A Market Facing Underwriter is much more interesting than just an Underwriter. She wish me all the best on my last day and I wish her courage to be sales oriented.

 As I made my way to the top floor, Rohini was with Veronica having a discussion. I interrupted them to say goodbye to both of them. As mentioned earlier, Rohini handled my project very well.

And saying goodbye to Veronica as well.

I had dropped by to Junior Cho's office to say goodbye to him. He had only join us a week earlier as Head of Market Management. He asked me to introduce him to the SME team.

 Without knowing, I walked him to the SME floor to a surprise farewell party. 

 Junior had arrange a simple farewell ceremony in appreciation to me. That's a very kind gesture.

With Keat and Junior on my last day. 

Even after my last day, the farewell lunches and dinners continue due to tight calender from well wishers. Moreover, my actual working day after announcement of my departure is short. 

4.10.16 - Lunch from Bruce.

Bruce had earlier fixed up a lunch date with Rama, Hee Tat and I and this was supposed to be a catch up lunch. However, Bruce insisted on picking up the tab as a farewell lunch for me and Rama who had also left MAAT earlier. 

 Hee Tat, Bruce, Rama and I at Chuai Heng Restaurant, Jalan Imbi, KL.

5.10.16 - Farewell lunch from buddies.

Leong, Sukdev and Chee Yong, we have been buddies even though they are not in the GI Division. We do have lunch together once a while. The three of them could only get me for a farewell lunch after I leave.

With Chong, Sukdev and Leong at the Sek Yuen Restaurant, Jalan Pudu, KL.

7.10.16 - Farewell lunch from the Underwriting Team.

This was supposed to be one week earlier, but due to some meetings that encroached into the lunch hour, it was postponed to a week later. Even though we have tough issues to grapple with due to differing outlook, I have always felt close to the team.

A nice picture with the underwriting team at Siu Siu Restaurant.

Seated from L to R : Shirley, TKH, Teresa, Emelia and Fong Leng.

Stading from L to R : Patrick, Yuen Fang, Geoffrey, Terence and Pooi Lan.

6.10.16 - Farewell Dinner from The SME Marketing Team and Branches.

Tysern and Sandy together with some Central Branches, had planned a farewell dinner at GS Club, Kuchai Lama, KL.Due to geographical difficulties, most of the Branch Marketers are from Central but the Branch Head from Ipoh, Penang and Langkawi came down as well. It was also a farewell do for Hans Kwek as he will be leaving the company too. Junior Cho had gracefully join the party at the later part of the night.

 A group picture with the Central Marketers and HQ personnel before dinner starts.

The second picture with the enlarge team with Hans Kwek joining in. 

 Keat, Junior, Hans and I midway through the dinner after many pegs of whiskey.

 With Junior and Hans. 

 With David Ho who will be working in Singapore soon.

 With Sandy, Head of SME Marketing and Michelle, Head of KL Franchise.

 With Amber and Rohana from the Consumer and Pos Department.

 With Alicia Yang from Consumer Dept.

 With Brian Lee, Branch Head for Penang and Butterworth.

 With Grace Chan from Foreign Workers Department. 

 With Keat Wong, Head of Commercial Department.

 With Desmond Teh, Branch Head of Ipoh and Wayne Lim, Branch head of Langkawi.

All having a karaoke session after dinner.

 One for the road. Great picture together with everyone in a happy mood.

 The farewell card from the SME Marketing Team and some Marketers.

Thank you all for the nice thoughts.

It is a watch that I will treasure the most for it comes from the heart.

 Tysern always an entertainer.

 One for the album. With Keat, Pradip and Eddie.

 Wayne Lim on stage.

 He is ever the good singer and enjoys it.

 The farewell party continues into the wee hours of the night.

These are the last impressions I have when leaving. It's the fond memories with such colleagues that makes working tireless.

Through out my journey, the one thing I liked most was the people I met and worked with. Many have become long lasting friends, including my agents. Until this very day, I stay very much in touch with my childhood friends from my hometown. We catch up very regularly. I am still in touch with my colleagues and bosses from the very first company  that I worked for more than 30 years ago. It is the same with my ex colleagues from MBA some of whom I still golf with regularly. I stay actively in touch with the staffs who have left MAA and catch up with most of them on personal basis. Most of them initiate the meet up most of the time and I will make it a point to meet up with them arranged. I do this because I feel blessed to have them as my friends. As much as they wish me well, I too wish them the very best life have to offer. I know in my next chapter, I will continue to stay in touch with all of them and continue having new friends along the way.

"True are those friends who walked in when the rest of the world walks out."

Thank You all for being my friend.