From HAZEL with love

Click to view album "From HAZEL to Kim Chow"

FSTEP Batch 5 participants in Team Hazel secretly organized a show to surprise me. I did not suspect anything at all until the HAZELians "evicted" me from the lecture room at noon. That was when I sensed they were up to something.

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It was the Muslim fasting month so the HAZELians used the lunch break to get their act together. They busied themselves with cutting and pasting art papers and writing their messages of appreciation on images of their hands. I guess they also practised the song "You Raise Me Up" and planned their routine on the stage.

I wonder how they managed to sneak in the long stem roses!!!

When the class started in the morning, I caught the CEO (Chief Entertainment Officer) dozing off in his chair. Later, I found out that he stayed awake the whole night producing a movie for the show. Such incredible sacrifices!

I'm deeply touched by Team Hazel's moving show of appreciation. But, what I find most rewarding is the fact that they apply their soft skills expertly and produce a show with a touch of class!

Their leadership, teamwork, collaboration, creativity and generosity is awesome.

Thank you, Team Hazel. May God bless you with outstanding success in the financial industry. Love you all!

The video footage of the HAZELian show. 
Please wait for page to download YouTube video.

TO SIR WITH LOVE

Click to enlarge image

FSTEP Batch 5 participants are about to embark on their internship in financial institutions.

Team Hazel discussed plans to express their appreciation to the gentleman whom they adore - Mr Lee Khee Joo, Head of FSTEP.

They decided to present a plaque to Mr Lee on the occasion of his birthday to say TO SIR WITH LOVE.

I will always remember how excited they were when the plaque arrived and how proud they felt to present it to Mr Lee.

Mr Lee Khee Joo with Team Hazel

Thank you, my fellow Toastmasters

Click to enlarge image

I facilitated a Toastmasters meeting on 27 July 2010 and was presented with a thank-you card. It was signed by the attendees of the meeting.

It was only when I reached home that I had time to look at the card. And, I was stunned! The messages of thanks and appreciation overwhelmed me. I feel so blessed to be among friends who are so kind and generous with their compliments.

Thank you so much, my dear fellow Toastmasters!

To Sir With Love

Chin VS, Leader of Team Bristol, presenting the gift to Mr Lee Khee Joo

It's the final day of the English Communication course. The FSTEP Batch 4 participants in Team Bristol did not spend the day on games or amusement.

Instead, they worked together to complete a meaningful task - writing messages of appreciation and gratitude to Mr Lee Khee Joo, the Head of FSTEP. In their messages they also expressed their appreciation to the specialists and staff, the facilitators and trainers in their own special ways.

Team Bristol's book of appreciation for Mr Lee Khee Joo

Team Bristol with Mr Lee Khee Joo



Team Bristol with Mr Lee Khee Joo

I'm honoured to be your teacher

The FSTEP Batch 4 participants in Team Bristol give me the sweetest gift I could imagine. A special cake decorated in my favourite colour for 2010 - Purple.

The sugar icing is shaped into purple ribbons with flower patterns. A neat row of purple flowers decorate the rim. A beautiful bunch of flowers adorn the crown.

To me, the cake represents the sweet memories of Team Bristol. The ribbons represent the lifelong bonds of friendship. The flowers represent the future that is bright and promising.

I'm touched by this Thank You card. My dearest Bristolians, I treasure your messages of kindness and appreciation. 

I'm honoured to be your teacher.

Thanks so much, SONY Malaysia!

Mr Allan Law, videocam trainer from Sony Malaysia

I thank Sony Malaysia and their videocam trainer, Mr Allan Law, for their invaluable help.

When Sony Malaysia invited me to their headquarters in Mid Valley City, I thought it was for a brief Q&A session on video recording. Little did I realize that they had arranged for me to meet their videocam trainer, Mr Allan Law.

I take my hat off to Allan. He’s knowledgeable and articulate. You ask him any questions on video recording and he answers with flair and clarity. He knows the videocam like the back of his hand. He demonstrates the art of video recording with admirable ease.

Allan answers all my questions to my great satisfaction. He readily shares his knowledge drawn from his personal experience. In particular, I appreciate his tricks of the trade.

Thanks again, Allan! Thanks, Sony Malaysia!

Allan Law surrounded by Sony equipment in the training room

Red Franc

Frankly speaking, I love the Red Franc surprise package! Who wouldn't? The surprise package comes with lunch, plaque, roses and card.

The meaningful plaque that has a touching message (click to enlarge)

Red roses from Red Franc (click to enlarge)

Franc in Red Attire (click to enlarge)

The FSTEP Batch 3 participants in Team Franc wore red on this special day to signify the successful completion of their English communication course. They dipped into their pockets generously to pay for a well-organized farewell celebration which ended with a special ceremony in the auditorium.

The celebration started with lunch in the cafeteria. An emcee started the proceedings and invited me to speak. Then, we savoured the various dishes and devoured the red hot chilli pepper chicken!

Mr Lee Khee Joo (right) , Head of FSTEP

During the tea break, we had a birthday party. We were honoured to have Mr Lee Khee Joo, the head of FSTEP, joining us in the merriment. Mr Lee spoke to the participants and advised them on their forthcoming internship in local financial institutions.

The emcee surprised the birthday boys and girls by asking them to speak. Although they were taken by surprise, they rose to the occasion and spoke articulately. They thanked Mr Lee and FSTEP for giving them the opportunity to enhance themselves.

After the tea break, we adjourned to the auditorium for the farewell ceremony. The emcee started the proceedings and invited me to present mementos to each and every participant. Then, the lights were switched off and I was asked to close my eyes. The moment the lights came on, the flowers and plaque popped out. I gasped in sheer surprise and then screamed with delight. Some of the participants broke into tears. Oh ... it was emotional!

I thank Team Franc for their kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, hugs and tears. I love you all!

View Red Franc photo album (click here)

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Thanks, Fara. You've made my day!

With some tricks of the trade, Fara got both of us on this billboard.

Can somebody tell me the location?

One of my FSTEP Batch 2 graduates, Ms Fara Izwa, sent me an email with some glamorous attachments.

Dear Miss Kim

How are you doing, Miss Kim? I drop you an email because I miss you so much. You are my best English teacher ever.

Attached here are our pics taken during our last day at INTEC. I've edited these pics especially for you. Hope you like them.

Regards,
Fara

(Fara Izwa)

Fara and Kim Chow showing off their traditional wear.