Tabi basa & greetings everyone. In this post, I’d like to share about my recent talk at Curtin Miri, where I was invited to give a short sharing about the Importance of Learning Mathematics and its application in Industry / Real Life.
Mr Jameson Malang (BSc., MPhil.) started the session by introducing me to the students. The lecture hall was quite full, SK3-103, to my pleasant surprise. Mdm Shubashini was there too.
He explained about my professional career, including the part where I was featured at TV Sarawak in Lensa Kenyalang program which showcases local photographers. One of the famous one that I know off is Edwin Lay, whom can be considered my sifu; as well as Kelvin Chan, another famous fashion photographer based in Kuching.
Back to the topic, for me, it is not an easy topic as it is too wide, and it can be done in few different approaches. However, I decided to make it useful & relatable by doing by asking them what they want to hear from the talks.
Here are some of the questions that caught my interest, as suggested by these students:
- How to make money – Bob
- How to stay motivated – Lee
- To relate to community – Smaran
- How to be employed – Sara
- Work life balance – Lee
Before I start, like any other talks that I do before that, I usually scan the hall to gauge the crowd, from which I will adjust my approach accordingly, depending on the energy level of the crowd. I noticed that the front row students are paying attention, especially the likes of Sara, Lee, Bob, Amber & some others shy ones. Those are the ones who came there to learn.
Since I am talking to Foundation & Diploma students, I tried to make the presentation as simple as possible, light enough for them to follow my talk whilst keeping it related to the point.
One simple truth about mathematics, it is all around us. We can’t run away from it. In terms of studying mathematics at student life, it is important to score a good marks, but when everyone is doing just enough, how are we going to differentiate you & the person sitting next to you? You need to have that edge. Hence, prowess in mathematic is one of it.
However, by itself, it is not going to do you any good. It has to be complemented with other human skills as well. That’s how you’re going to be a good human & becoming a high-value personnel.
No doubt, technical knowledge is important. But when you are dealing with lots of people, you’ll need to learn the language of respect. One has to earn a respect. It is not given. No one is entitled to receive a respect as one has to strive to earn it. Especially when you work in oil and gas.
It is not easy to stay motivated as well. Lee asked this question. That’s why you need to have a strong reason to move forward. Be it your family, loved ones etc, you need to have a strong “WHY” to move forward.
Once you have a strong reason to move forward, the logical step next is to be competent in whatever you that you do. Work-life balance? The best thing you can do is to try to integrate both working & personal life. That’s the secret of high-flyers, based on my observation. They are person of focus, commitment and sheer will.
Your competence is your job security.
Once you achieved what you want in your life, it is time to give back to the community. For me, talks like this is how I give back to the community. I used to be invited to SMK Tebakang, Serian by Cikgu Julia (now retired) to give a talk to her student there, followed by maggi mee morning break. Now that she’s no longer teaching there, there goes my invitations too. But I glad it happens. For Curtin, I have done a few talks too, be it under SPE or as a personal speaker.
I realised my talk just now was generally about life, since that’s what they are more interested in.
By the end of the talk, Associate Professor Dr Fidella Tiew, Director of School of Pre-University and Continuing Education, gave me a token of appreciation. I am truly honoured to know that someone of her rank & caliber took her time to attend my talk. She told me to show more pictures next time on my next talk at Curtin. Yes, I will.
During her closing remarks, she advised her students to take full advantage of the talk done by industry personnel, especially those who is willing to take their time to come and share their experiences, which is not easy to come by, but somehow usually taken for granted. Instead of paying full attention, they attend their own business – be it doing assignment at the back or doing some other stuff. I totally agree with her.
However, within my control, I can only show them the way. Whether they will walk that way or not, it is entirely up to them.
For me, this session was good learning session since public speaking is what I am passionate about. It is always good to be able to interact with people of a different generation, for it will expands my horizon.
Story-telling is something that I really appreciate. It’s just so happen that in order to give a strong story, I also need to have a good picture, hence I explored photography few years back.
Hopefully these students find my sharing useful. If there is any feedback, feel free to approach me via my social media. Facebook / Instagram or even WhatsApp.
Once again, thank you to Curtin University Malaysia for inviting me to give a talk.
That’s all for now. Stay safe & take care.
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