JUMPSTART BULLETIN August 2007, VOL.

5
ACCELERATE

Fuel up:
UPCOMING PRePARE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
99
...CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR (August – October)
...Come explore careers/professions of various industries. You can also clarify your career
interest by taking our online career tests. Look out for filed trips to companies and talks
by industry professionals!
...
.. INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMES (December – February 2008)
...Calling students who are interested to learn and gain exposure on the
working world! Email us (Name, H/P and Programme) or visit us at the
Student Services Department A Quarterly Publication
...9 by PRePARE
Criteria:

W hat Employers Want

1. A degree student at least in the 2nd year of studies
2. Majoring in Business (Accounting, Banking & Finance, Marketing/International
Trade), Information Technology or Engineering
3. Have at least 6 weeks to spare during your term break

He was the first non American to head the Student Body of the University of Bridgeport, USA - because
he wanted to MAKE A DIFFERENCE
He then joined GE Inc as an intern and in the next 13 years, took up various roles and challenges including
turning around a company that was not making profit - because he wanted to LEARN and SUCCEED
He is now fondly known as the ‘Godfather’ of the GE Financial Management Programme - because he was
PASSIONATE
All this because of his philosophy - NEVER STOP LEARNING
He is Roshan Thiran, the former Director, Finance Human Resource (Asia Pacific) of General Electric Inc
and is currently heading the Human Resource Department of Johnson & Johnson. During a recent inter-
view with him, you can never fail to be inspired by his experiences and be amazed of how much you can
do if you believe you can make a difference. Here are his thoughts...

What sort of fresh graduate impresses you?
I look out for someone who exudes CONFIDENCE. I believe
it is with confidence that you built on communication and
other soft skills. No one will be impressed if you do not
show confidence and truly believe in what you say
I think that by filling your life with challenges and
hardships shape the person you are and who you will
become. You will be tougher (when put in challenging
situations), more driven and passionate about what
you do.

Interested to be in our mailing list?
CONTACT US
Adelene Goh / Elisa Dass / Ee Sarn / Vincent Hah
PRePARE - Career Development @ Training Unit
Student Services Department - Student Centre
Call 03-7491 8622 Ext 8021/8069 OR Email prepare@sunway.edu.my
You’ve got to have ability to LEAD and SPEAK-UP
for what you believe in.
And more importantly, someone who is PASSION-
ATE and passion demonstrates itself when you
communicate.
How can a fresh graduate get all these
traits?
You must first fill your life with EXPERIENCES. Expe-
riences on things where people around say you are
incapable of doing but you did it and CHALLENGES
where you did things that people thought were impos-
sible.
I believe one of the best ways is to get involved in
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and TAKE ON ROLES
where you can lead others or make a difference.
Advice to graduating students
Think about what you want to do and how to
achieve it. If you want to be successful, you must
find out what are the skills and competencies you
require to achieve it.
NEVER GIVE UP if can’t get a job in the first few
months. Attend as many job interviews as you can
and get the experience. Learn from the mistakes
you made and improve yourself.
Find a ROLE MODEL whom you look up to and can
inspire you to succeed.
And finally, NEVER STOP LEARNING to keep growing.
Always strive to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the world.

Accelerate Ignite
 W hat Graduates Say W hat Graduates Say

‘Never be afraid to take on additional responsibilities’ - Victor Chin ‘Right mindset, attitude and staying focused will ensure that
your objectives are met’ - Yune-Une
Victor Chin Mou Loong Chia Yune-Une
School of Computer Technology (Computer Science), graduated 2005 Australian University Programme (Marketing & International Trade), graduated 2006
Currently working as Solutions Consultant - Sunway Business Applications. SMART Currently working as Management Associate - ING Insurance Berhad

Initial thoughts of the Working World
Initially, I thought that as long as I have great enthusiasm and passion for my work, and worked as hard as I could, anything is achiev-
able within a short period of time (i.e. promotion, high salary, etc.). But things are different when you’re in the working world, and
although all those attributes mentioned earlier did still matter, there were other factors that come into play such as the organiza-
tional structure, your superior/mentor, the company culture and of course office politics! These can all break or make your career
path.
Initial thoughts of the Working World
Initially, finance was one industry I would never touch with a 10 foot pole, but the Prudential Young Talent Development
Progamme (PYTDP) organized by Prudential Assurance Malaysia & PRePARE gave me my first taste of finance and I was hooked.
It was challenging, at first as finance is a totally different aspect from what I had pursued at university. However, it was an
excellent opportunity to challenge myself out of my comfort zone. It is, therefore, important for you to have the RIGHT MIND-
SET, ATTITUDE and stay FOCUSED to ensure that your objectives are met.

On Employers’ Expectations
Generally, I think employers expect you to LEARN quickly, be willing to TAKE ON ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES and of course, at the
end of the day, contribute to the company.
I was fine with those expectations as I am always willing to learn and am never afraid to ask anyone if I had any doubts. Apart from that,
taking on additional responsibilities (regardless of whether it is job related or not) came naturally to me because I viewed it as an oppor-
tunity to learn more things. I also did a lot of SELF-LEARNING on other subject matters so that I can perform better on my job, therefore
INITIATIVE is an important aspect
On preparing oneself for the Working World
I definitely would involve myself in as much EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES or perhaps enroll myself into any of the professional
associations to expand my circle of friends. This is because it was only after I graduated that I found myself turning back to friends,
lecturers and others in my social network for advice and help. They really made all the difference.
‘Challenge yourself in all that you do. That’s how you learn best’ - Roshan Thiran
On Employers’ Expectations
I believe the key expectations are:
1. PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN - Therefore, you have to be PROACTIVE rather than reactive.
2. ABILITY TO LEAD - A leader is not someone who leads all the time but rather synergizing to create greater success within a
team
3. AMBITION/DESIRE TO SUCCEED - You must be PASSIONATE about the work you do regardless of how simple or challenging
it is.
4. WILLINGNESS TO LEARN - The important thing is to be HUMBLE if you want to learn new things
5. ABILITY TO HANDLE CHALLENGES - You should be able to work under pressure and handle deadlines. Therefore, you
should enjoy your work rather than treating it like a chore

Last but not least, I believe being ETHICAL is vital regardless of the company you work in.
‘You have to be willing to learn and want to succeed’ - Roshan Thiran
On preparing oneself for the Working World
Advice to ‘juniors’ It was great honing my soft skills by participating in EVENTS/ACTIVITIES organized by PRePARE (i.e. PYTDP, Resume Critique,
Never be afraid to TAKE ON ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES, even though at times it may seem trivial or that you are doing other’s work. Interview Preparatory Programme, etc). However, I wish I had a more balanced portfolio on marketing and finance. I could
In the end, you are the one who will benefit and learn from the experience. have spent some time to explore other industries perhaps through exploratory events/activities organized by PRePARE.

Most importantly, have faith in yourself. Never let anything dampen the passion and enthusiasm you have when you first entered the
workforce. If you can maintain this for the years to come, it will definitely set you apart from anyone. That shows PERSEVERANCE and
DETERMINATION.
Finally, improve on your SOFT SKILLS (i.e. presentation skills, teamwork, negotiation etc.). Employers today have a vast variety of
graduates to choose from and the only difference that sets you apart from the rest is not the qualification you possess (most likely
thousands of other graduates have the same qualification as you do) and if you can show these skills, you are well ahead of the competi-
tion.
Advice to ‘juniors’
I believe, ATTITUDE/MINDSET plays a big role, there’s a saying that your attitude determines your altitude. And my motto in
life is “Carpe Diem” which means “Seizing the day” in Latin, on the other hand, it is also important to be HUMBLE for a
person to be willing to learn.
I would also like to encourage you (whether you are in the 1st year or in 3rd year) to be involved in EXTRA-CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES and participate in more EVENTS/PROGRAMMES organized by PRePARE as “The Scroll” is NOT all the employers
look at. I believe a balance of both academic and soft skills are essential.

The panelists
1. Adzhar Ibrahim – Head of Human Resource, Digi Telecom-
Event munications
2. Gerard Yuen – Group Manager of Group IT, Sunway Group
thumbnails 3. CT Chan – Sales Manager, Diamond Key International
4. Mohd Afzan Osman – GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical

Common expectations outlined

1. ATTITUDE – Self Confidence, initiative and being proactive
2. WILLINGNESS TO LEARN
3. Demonstrated LEADERSHIP qualities
Career Fair 2007 Network Tea with Employers Dialogue with Employers 2007 4. COMMUNICATION and ability to converse fluently in English
Leadership Training
2007

Steer Steer
 W hat Graduates Say W hat Graduates Say

‘Never be afraid to take on additional responsibilities’ - Victor Chin ‘Right mindset, attitude and staying focused will ensure that
your objectives are met’ - Yune-Une
Victor Chin Mou Loong Chia Yune-Une
School of Computer Technology (Computer Science), graduated 2005 Australian University Programme (Marketing & International Trade), graduated 2006
Currently working as Solutions Consultant - Sunway Business Applications. SMART Currently working as Management Associate - ING Insurance Berhad

Initial thoughts of the Working World
Initially, I thought that as long as I have great enthusiasm and passion for my work, and worked as hard as I could, anything is achiev-
able within a short period of time (i.e. promotion, high salary, etc.). But things are different when you’re in the working world, and
although all those attributes mentioned earlier did still matter, there were other factors that come into play such as the organiza-
tional structure, your superior/mentor, the company culture and of course office politics! These can all break or make your career
path.
Initial thoughts of the Working World
Initially, finance was one industry I would never touch with a 10 foot pole, but the Prudential Young Talent Development
Progamme (PYTDP) organized by Prudential Assurance Malaysia & PRePARE gave me my first taste of finance and I was hooked.
It was challenging, at first as finance is a totally different aspect from what I had pursued at university. However, it was an
excellent opportunity to challenge myself out of my comfort zone. It is, therefore, important for you to have the RIGHT MIND-
SET, ATTITUDE and stay FOCUSED to ensure that your objectives are met.

On Employers’ Expectations
Generally, I think employers expect you to LEARN quickly, be willing to TAKE ON ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES and of course, at the
end of the day, contribute to the company.
I was fine with those expectations as I am always willing to learn and am never afraid to ask anyone if I had any doubts. Apart from that,
taking on additional responsibilities (regardless of whether it is job related or not) came naturally to me because I viewed it as an oppor-
tunity to learn more things. I also did a lot of SELF-LEARNING on other subject matters so that I can perform better on my job, therefore
INITIATIVE is an important aspect
On preparing oneself for the Working World
I definitely would involve myself in as much EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES or perhaps enroll myself into any of the professional
associations to expand my circle of friends. This is because it was only after I graduated that I found myself turning back to friends,
lecturers and others in my social network for advice and help. They really made all the difference.
‘Challenge yourself in all that you do. That’s how you learn best’ - Roshan Thiran
On Employers’ Expectations
I believe the key expectations are:
1. PERFORMANCE-DRIVEN - Therefore, you have to be PROACTIVE rather than reactive.
2. ABILITY TO LEAD - A leader is not someone who leads all the time but rather synergizing to create greater success within a
team
3. AMBITION/DESIRE TO SUCCEED - You must be PASSIONATE about the work you do regardless of how simple or challenging
it is.
4. WILLINGNESS TO LEARN - The important thing is to be HUMBLE if you want to learn new things
5. ABILITY TO HANDLE CHALLENGES - You should be able to work under pressure and handle deadlines. Therefore, you
should enjoy your work rather than treating it like a chore

Last but not least, I believe being ETHICAL is vital regardless of the company you work in.
‘You have to be willing to learn and want to succeed’ - Roshan Thiran
On preparing oneself for the Working World
Advice to ‘juniors’ It was great honing my soft skills by participating in EVENTS/ACTIVITIES organized by PRePARE (i.e. PYTDP, Resume Critique,
Never be afraid to TAKE ON ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES, even though at times it may seem trivial or that you are doing other’s work. Interview Preparatory Programme, etc). However, I wish I had a more balanced portfolio on marketing and finance. I could
In the end, you are the one who will benefit and learn from the experience. have spent some time to explore other industries perhaps through exploratory events/activities organized by PRePARE.

Most importantly, have faith in yourself. Never let anything dampen the passion and enthusiasm you have when you first entered the
workforce. If you can maintain this for the years to come, it will definitely set you apart from anyone. That shows PERSEVERANCE and
DETERMINATION.
Finally, improve on your SOFT SKILLS (i.e. presentation skills, teamwork, negotiation etc.). Employers today have a vast variety of
graduates to choose from and the only difference that sets you apart from the rest is not the qualification you possess (most likely
thousands of other graduates have the same qualification as you do) and if you can show these skills, you are well ahead of the competi-
tion.
Advice to ‘juniors’
I believe, ATTITUDE/MINDSET plays a big role, there’s a saying that your attitude determines your altitude. And my motto in
life is “Carpe Diem” which means “Seizing the day” in Latin, on the other hand, it is also important to be HUMBLE for a
person to be willing to learn.
I would also like to encourage you (whether you are in the 1st year or in 3rd year) to be involved in EXTRA-CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES and participate in more EVENTS/PROGRAMMES organized by PRePARE as “The Scroll” is NOT all the employers
look at. I believe a balance of both academic and soft skills are essential.

The panelists
1. Adzhar Ibrahim – Head of Human Resource, Digi Telecom-
Event munications
2. Gerard Yuen – Group Manager of Group IT, Sunway Group
thumbnails 3. CT Chan – Sales Manager, Diamond Key International
4. Mohd Afzan Osman – GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceutical

Common expectations outlined

1. ATTITUDE – Self Confidence, initiative and being proactive
2. WILLINGNESS TO LEARN
3. Demonstrated LEADERSHIP qualities
Career Fair 2007 Network Tea with Employers Dialogue with Employers 2007 4. COMMUNICATION and ability to converse fluently in English
Leadership Training
2007

Steer Steer
 JUMPSTART BULLETIN August 2007, VOL. 5
ACCELERATE

Fuel up:
UPCOMING PRePARE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
99
...CAREER EXPLORATION FAIR (August – October)
...Come explore careers/professions of various industries. You can also clarify your career
interest by taking our online career tests. Look out for filed trips to companies and talks
by industry professionals!
...
.. INTERNSHIP PROGRAMMES (December – February 2008)
...Calling students who are interested to learn and gain exposure on the
working world! Email us (Name, H/P and Programme) or visit us at the
Student Services Department A Quarterly Publication
...9 by PRePARE
Criteria:

W hat Employers Want

1. A degree student at least in the 2nd year of studies
2. Majoring in Business (Accounting, Banking & Finance, Marketing/International
Trade), Information Technology or Engineering
3. Have at least 6 weeks to spare during your term break

He was the first non American to head the Student Body of the University of Bridgeport, USA - because
he wanted to MAKE A DIFFERENCE
He then joined GE Inc as an intern and in the next 13 years, took up various roles and challenges including
turning around a company that was not making profit - because he wanted to LEARN and SUCCEED
He is now fondly known as the ‘Godfather’ of the GE Financial Management Programme - because he was
PASSIONATE
All this because of his philosophy - NEVER STOP LEARNING
He is Roshan Thiran, the former Director, Finance Human Resource (Asia Pacific) of General Electric Inc
and is currently heading the Human Resource Department of Johnson & Johnson. During a recent inter-
view with him, you can never fail to be inspired by his experiences and be amazed of how much you can
do if you believe you can make a difference. Here are his thoughts...

What sort of fresh graduate impresses you?
I look out for someone who exudes CONFIDENCE. I believe
it is with confidence that you built on communication and
other soft skills. No one will be impressed if you do not
show confidence and truly believe in what you say
I think that by filling your life with challenges and
hardships shape the person you are and who you will
become. You will be tougher (when put in challenging
situations), more driven and passionate about what
you do.

Interested to be in our mailing list?
CONTACT US
Adelene Goh / Elisa Dass / Ee Sarn / Vincent Hah
PRePARE - Career Development @ Training Unit
Student Services Department - Student Centre
Call 03-7491 8622 Ext 8021/8069 OR Email prepare@sunway.edu.my
You’ve got to have ability to LEAD and SPEAK-UP
for what you believe in.
And more importantly, someone who is PASSION-
ATE and passion demonstrates itself when you
communicate.
How can a fresh graduate get all these
traits?
You must first fill your life with EXPERIENCES. Expe-
riences on things where people around say you are
incapable of doing but you did it and CHALLENGES
where you did things that people thought were impos-
sible.
I believe one of the best ways is to get involved in
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES and TAKE ON ROLES
where you can lead others or make a difference.
Advice to graduating students
Think about what you want to do and how to
achieve it. If you want to be successful, you must
find out what are the skills and competencies you
require to achieve it.
NEVER GIVE UP if can’t get a job in the first few
months. Attend as many job interviews as you can
and get the experience. Learn from the mistakes
you made and improve yourself.
Find a ROLE MODEL whom you look up to and can
inspire you to succeed.
And finally, NEVER STOP LEARNING to keep growing.
Always strive to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in the world.

Accelerate Ignite
 EXPLORATORY VISITS
AN EXPLORATION OF VARIOUS INDUSTRIES

AUGUST...
8TV (Bandar Utama)
21 August, Tuesday
1.30pm - 5.00pm

SEPTEMBER...
Digi Telecommunications (Shah Alam)
14 September, Friday
9.00am - 1.00pm

OCTOBER...
CryoCord - Stem Cell Bank (Cyberjaya) PROTON (Shah Alam)
8 October, Monday 25 October, Thursday
9.00am - 1.00pm 9.00am - 1.00pm

NOVEMBER...
North Port (Port Klang)
2 November, Friday
9.00am - 1.00pm

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE ON FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS!!

To register, please complete the Registration Form and Letter of Consent and submit to
Adelene Goh or Soo Ee Sarn - Student Services Department
Contact Info:
email: prepare@sunway.edu.my