AIA TMC as Table Topics Master, 24th October 2019

On the 24^th October 2019, AIA Toastmasters Club held its NFNF meeting.  I was the table topics master.

The sergeant-at-arms was Chng Pia Kim, the Toastmaster of the Day was Gordon Yeo Xin Le, the language evaluator was Margrette Lo Foong Quan, the timer was David Low Chip Hung, the ah counter was April Lin Shu Li, the creative director was Linda Lee, and the photographer was Soh Yi Kai.

Jack Sia Cheong Ghee spoke about the necessity of motivating others, particularly when in a position of leadership.  He cited his experience that culminated in him being the current president of AIA Toastmasters Club.  This included his experience as a father of two, and the learning journey that entails.  He leadership motto is “Never above me, never below me, always beside me.”

Eric Tan Shi Wei gave a workshop covering the investment position of the underlying funds in the Platinum Wealth Elite.  He expounded on the investment strategies of the different fund managers, BlackRock, Wellington Management, and Baillie Gifford.  As one of our premier advisors on this class of financial products in AIA, he is, without doubt, the best person to speak on this from a selling point, and from a technical perspective.

Maria Tricia Abraham spoke about mental stress, and suicide.  Her family moved to Singapore from Indonesia, after her husband was posted here.  Her children did not want to leave their family and friends, and move to Singapore, an alien place with a language they did not speak.  Her daughter was extremely depressed.  However, she learned, from watching her father, a pastor, as he dealt with suicidal congregants.  She spoke on the need to support those dealing with mental health issues, and how it is often overlooked until it is too late.

Chng Pia Kim used kueh lapis, a nonya dessert, to illustrate his retirement strategy.  As a financial advisor, he not only plans for his clients’ retirement, but he is ready for his.  His multi-pronged strategy involved investment plans, insurance, and the CPF schemes, amongst others.

Chermayne Tng spoke about the need to connect.  Paradoxically, social media isolates people, instead of connecting them.  People are retreating to the virtual world, and neglecting their social interactions, which is necessary for a healthy society.

Cindy Gan Chia Ee spoke of her previous career as a nurse, and how she negotiated with her patients, even though it was in their interest to follow instructions.  She has extended that in her journey as a financial advisor.

The evaluators were Eric Tan Shi Wei, June Lee, Linda Lee, Zhuo Shu Zhen, Ivan Lee Kuan Seng, and Gerald Yong Kim Heong.

Best Speaker: Cindy Gan Chia Ee;

Best Evaluator: Eric Tan Shi Wei; and

Best Table Topics Speaker: Soh Yi Kai.