award$

Wow…Congratulations! The first sentence anyone is expected to utter when someone we know receives an award. To me, there is sometimes a second sentence….”So how much does this cost?”. LOL. Yeah, thot about it many times but never really asked. Will be stepping into dangerous grounds if I do.

If you are familiar enough with the marketplace, you will be well aware that there are dozens of awards of all sorts from countless number of organizations being offered to individuals/companies/brands….at a price 😀

I myself have been offered….errr…..sorry I lost count but have rejected them all. My belief is that if I do not qualify on merit then no awards for me. Anyway awards are not a necessity. It is good as encouragement but to many it is an ego-booster.

There are 3 types of awards in the market…

1. Qualify on merit
2. PR awards
3. Awards for sale (shhhhhh!)

In my opinion, option 1 is best. Option 2 can be considered (upon careful consideration of the terms). Option 3 is a strict NO-NO.

The weird thing is that so many people in the market opt for option 3 then they proceed to broadcast it over social media. Well….congratz to them. Good thing not too many know about this….or do they. Cannot help but feel it’s becoming a norm. Want an award? Buy one. Yes, it’s that simple.

Am not trying to judge who’s right and wrong. Merely felt the need to voice my opinion.

But a word of thought to those who has or is intending to buy awards….know that some of us know. It does not really do your reputation any good to be known as one who buys, not earns the award.

Above thoughts are shared strictly without prejudice

The Invisibles

Look around you. Do you have industries that you consider glamorous and those lesser? Some folks even use the word “underground” for industries that are unglamorous, as quoted by a fellow entrepreneur friend (from a glamorous industry). Even as employee, your tendency is to select to work in a glamorous industry ya? Nothing wrong with it….we humans are wired this way.

For me, I call the unglamorous industries “The Invisibles”. Do not ever underestimate them because many of them are vibrant industries consisting of amazing companies that are led by unbelievably talented individuals. Only difference is these companies do not attract attention from anywhere including the media.

In the world of entrepreneurship now loads of accolades and awards are given out to individuals and companies. If you analyze it carefully, you will see that most of them are from the “glamorous” industries, i.e. F&B, fashion, technology, social media, etc. Well, coming from The Invisibles industry myself, I wish to give a shoutout to my peers from The Invisibles. I have been fortunate to know many of them amazing talents. Everyday they do amazing stuff, contributing to the industry and economy while remaining under the radar….or should I say “not given an eye” by anyone else. These folks are international players, they have multiples companies, their company revenue is many digits, etc.

I salute The Invisibles because they go about their work quietly and in an unassuming manner. They have no media attention, no titles, etc. Yet they continue to progress and breaking boundaries.

Perhaps one day, I pray that they will receive some attention and recognition too. It will be great encouragement to them and validation of their efforts/contribution.

My Humbling Experience

Last weekend was one of the highlights of my life without doubt. On September 27th, I received 2 awards, namely the Prestige Top40Under40 Young Achievers Award and People’s Choice Award.

The event was organised by Prestige Malaysia, in recognition of entrepreneurs below age 40 and their entrepreneurial achievements.

The entire process is as such…. The public is invited to nominate individuals who meet the qualifying criteria, after which an esteemed panel of judges will shortlist 40 deserving winners. Each of these 40 individuals will receive a Young Achievers Award trophy. From the 40, the judges will then shortlist 10 individuals to compete for 6 special awards. The 6 winners only be made known during the Gala Nite itself.

In my entrepreneurial journey thus far, never would I thought I would have been nominated, more so receiving 2 awards. Awards aside, to be successfully shortlisted amongst 39 others is a humbling experience. These folks come from various industries and are true stars in their respective field. It is also an great encouragement to me because it sends a clear signal to me that I am on the right track. My efforts and dreams though laughed at by some, is supported and applauded by even more.

These 2 awards also reminded me that I was called into the business by God. He has held my hands my good times and bad times. From every difficult circumstances, He has made me stronger and wiser. Indeed if God is with me who can be against me. Everything that is done is for His glory. It is about Him.

So in signing-off, I wish to humbly express my biggest appreciation to my Lord Jesus followed by my dearest lifetime partner aka wife. She has been my constant companion and supporter. She has walked this journey with me and I can find no better person to share it with.