A Different Class of Leaders

I have always had the luxury of studying overseas (thanks to my parents and the Government).
and if I were to rewind to those earlier days, I have also always had the luxury of going to a normal school and getting the necessary education which has led me to where I am today. However, how many of us would actually look back and be thankful to that and at the same time realize how fortunate they are as compared to many others that do not have the means and has limited access to good education? 
Seriously.


Admit it, most of us work for the money these days. To aspire to become a CEO one day. To hold as many double, triple degree/Phd/professional qualifications. The more the money and the lesser the work, the better. Just recently, I had a meeting with a bunch of young corporates, and I don't deny that all they had to talk about was "How crazy work is" and "I'm not paid enough for the work I do" and "I'm tired of working". It's not extraordinary anymore. and sometimes it's true. But not all.


Now, imagine if THAT particular job is taken away from them and given to the less fortunate, who's really eager to work and aspires to be just the same. It might just have a different impact. Their enthusiasm is just as high if not higher to tell you the truth. These less fortunate, when given something so valuable, they appreciate it. A LOT. 


So, why don't we, who are already where we are, instead of whining and complaining about pay and work load, give back to the community. To put ourselves in their shoes and help them. Maybe then we'll start appreciating things more. Sometimes it's just a case of greed. Greed is good (read: to want to achieve a lot in life) but in a country like ours, we should also never forget the less fortunate. Especially when our aim is to be a high income nation by 2020. See how it works? It's never impossible if everyone is willing to play a part. Every little contribution helps!


TEACH FOR MALAYSIA (TFM)
An initiative so good, their vision is  for all children in Malaysia to have the opportunity to attain an excellent education. Last weekend, I was invited to attend TFM's focus group session that they conducted to refine their recruitment and communication strategies. About 30 odd enthusiastic young corporates were seen to attend and it was a weekend, in the morning! They actually sacrificed sleep for a good cause :) What I'm trying to say is just that, try putting yourself in the less fortunate's shoes and you'd be wishing that they are many successful ones who would help them in any way possible to be just as successful :) There are many out there trust me. Just that they don't have the means to go around it!

Next week they will start on the TFM Classroom Series! I'm excited to see it kick off!! Miriyam Farooq, Managing Director of Teach for All will grace the first series. The details are as follows

Speaker : Miriyam Farooq, Managing Director of Teach for All

Venue : Auditorium, Level 29, Mercu UEM, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, KL Sentral

Topic : The education gap around the world - The Teach For All experience
Date : 28 October 2010
Time : 7pm

I shall leave you with this that I got from last week's event.

So, see you guys at the event? Change has to start somewhere right? So why not now. Better late than never. Plus, you'll get to make so many new friends! :)