Navigating and thriving in a world of endless possibilities

Aug 23, 2024

It is like any other morning for Lim Chai Hock; all set to work, learn and add value to his work place.

The project manager’s task that day is to drive his boss Datuk Dr Low Tuck Kwong to the project site for a visit.

But little did he know  he is about to learn a life lesson from the vehicle they are travelling in.

“The  brand new 4 -wheel – drive is making unusual sounds.

“My boss said to me, Lim, how can I trust you with million dollar project when you cannot take care of the vehicle.

“This taught me the importance of taking care of small things as it reflects how big things are being managed.

“The  problem at hand must be resolved quickly . And not look for excuses ,” recalls Lim, 65,  of the incident, adding that the lesson he learned remained relevant till now.

Dr Low , 76, is  the founder and president of PT Bayan Resources Tbk Indonesia where  Lim now is a director and chief operating officer.

Speaking at the opening of the Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman ( UTAR)  39th convocation ceremony , Lim who is the guest of honour shares how he learns, navigates and thrives in this ever evolving world.

Armed with secondary school education, Lim says he joined the work force and did self study to move up the corporate  ladder.

“I consulted with experts, seniors and colleagues when faced with work related issues.

“And I read books  mostly related to my field of work to enhance my knowledge and skills.  We must always add value to our work place.

“The lesson is keep learning in order for us to continue to innovate  and  adapt to an increasingly challenging  current and future economy,” says Lim, underscoring the fact that life long learning is indispensable.

Lim shares that being diligent, honest, sincere and respectful of  people  has gained him the recognition and respect from his seniors, peers and subordinates alike.

“Be humble, honest, sincere, persistent and thankful ; and people could lend you a helping hand during crucial times that possibly change your life,”  says Lim.

From a  humble background, Lim says he  is fortunate to have people who had supported and guided him, and he is eternally grateful to them.

He says  his form teacher, the late Mr Tan Guan Yoong  had helped him financially when he was in Form One.

Lim says he also learned  the importance of hard work, dedication and perseverance in pursuing one’s career or objectives  when he worked with a Japanese consulting engineer.

And most of all, Lim says his supportive and understanding wife has allowed  him to focus on building his career.

Lim is  grateful that his former boss and mentor had promoted him though he did not have the formal engineering qualification.

And he is grateful to Dr Low whom he has worked  for 40 years ;  for his trust in him and the opportunities for him to progress to where he is today.

While  Lim did not get the opportunity to go to college, he  reaffirms the importance of  having a tertiary education amidst a  prevailing belief among some people that the gig economy and  rapidly changing technology have rendered tertiary education  irrelevant or redundant.

Lim reminds graduates that the knowledge, skills and values they acquired in UTAR  has prepared  them beyond just getting a job or for personal advancement.

” They also empower you to think critically, innovate and  contribute and give back to society. ” and he urges graduates to keep connected to the university.

He also emphasizes the need to have a compelling purpose in life: be it for our family, community or humankind as it serves as an important and powerful form of motivation.

And Lim ‘s advice to the graduates who are raring to start a new chapter in life  : ” March into the future with courage, courtesy, righteousness, integrity, respect for the elders and self improvement as elements of your moral compass.

.” A world of endless possibilities is awaiting you in the future.”