Participants took a group photo with Dr.Teh and the Global Peace Foundation (Malaysia) family at the end of the session.
16 January, Petaling Jaya-Talent Corporation Malaysia since its conception has been pouring countless efforts in engaging Malaysian students residing abroad, keeping them abreast of the latest development in the nation- particularly the key economic areas (NKEA). The Breakfast with CEO series is an initiative parked under the TalentCorp’s summer break programmes.
This time around, a handful of enthusiastic Australian based undergraduates spent a good three hours with the CEO of Global Peace Foundation (Malaysia) Dr.Teh, learning about social transformation in Malaysia.
Global Peace Foundation (Malaysia) recognises no boundaries and creeds. As awkward as most top-level engagement can be, our session started off with an energising ice-breaking session followed by a short introduction to the organisation’s efforts in bringing people together with a vision of humans as one family.
It was never easy to be the odd one out. Dr. Teh faced countless struggles and obstacles in his journey from a highly sought after career in medicine to the not-so-prominent social sector (which was not a “thing” during his days). Years have passed, with much persistent and conviction, he now leads his team in peace-building worldwide.
During the session, he emphasised that being patient is important as good things do not come in hand easily, marking a clear purpose and learning to be relentless when discouraged are some of the keys to success. Dr.Teh also shared sense of fulfillment has been one of his biggest drives to see through what he believes in.
More transcribes below.
Q&A
During Q&A session: From left- Hairul, Azwa and Mooza
Azwa, a law student and National Liaison Director of MASCA raised concern in the lack of general awareness and support in social movement.
“If you are not being criticized you may not be doing much.” Dr.Teh quoted from Donald Rumsfeld, the author of Rumsfeld’s Rules: Leadership Lessons in Business, Politics, War, and Life.
“If we do what people tell us to do without a fight, or making a stand in what we believe, we have not lived.”
Austin, a computer science student cum entrepreneur shared his concern about youth unemployment in Malaysia and asked if Global Peace has a hand in solving the issue.
“Youth unemployment is part of our concern, globally. We have a different angle, we believe the education system is both the problem and solution.” Dr. Teh said. “We live in the twenty-first century and yet we learn like how our ancestors did in the nineteenth century; we must innovate the way we teach our future generation. There are two clusters of skills sought after by our society- which are character (grit, accountability, ability to communicate and work in teams) and creativity (innovative and resourceful thinking). Global Peace Foundation (Malaysia) aims to transform education worldwide through the Character and Creativity Initiative founded, piloted and molded in Kenya a few years ago.”
Austin followed up with another question on the balance between profit and social benefit (sums up as integrity) of social entrepreneurs today.
“By building a solid character at heart and having a noble interest in mind – you will be reinforced in the pursuit of greater good; temptations like greed and fame may lift you off your feet but brace yourself and stand firm.” Dr. Teh urges fellow social entrepreneurs to brew a strong conviction in what they do. “Too many social entrepreneurs these days are in the business for the rewards and forget about really making a difference.”
