In the vibrant heartland of Malaysia, I, Wong Chee How, found my calling in orchestrating joy. As an event planner, my success wasn’t measured in the extravagance of the occasions I managed, but in the strong bonds I built and the earthiness I maintained.
The event planning industry was a battleground of price wars, a field where many faltered, but I found my footing. My strength wasn’t mere stubbornness—it was a knack for innovation, a flair for crafting unique solutions for my clients, and an insatiable hunger to learn and stay ahead of the curve in industry trends.
Then, the world was thrust into the throes of COVID-19. But as many doors closed in the face of this global challenge, I saw a surprising one open—the gateway to the world. My association with Business Network International (BNI) had primed me for this moment. It taught me the power of a supportive community and the resilience that came with shared wisdom. But now, it was time for me to step beyond.
As the pandemic cast a gloomy shadow, I rediscovered my strength: connecting people. But this time, while I did foster connections with event planners from around the world, it wasn’t just for events. I saw a chance to unite businessmen from all corners of the world, from diverse industries, facing the same plight. On my initiative, a new online community was born. Together we crafted innovative online events like Law of Attractions sessions, Virtual Treasure Hunts, and Import-Export Exhibitions, sparking connection, learning and empathy.
On the business side, we have managed to build a WhatsApp network of 43 professionals from 16 countries. Our WhatsApp group became a hub of shared ideas and mutual growth, transforming rivalry into collaboration. This global business community became a beacon of hope, transforming shared challenges into shared opportunities and radiating the power of collaboration and adaptability.
Even now that the Pandemic has eased and there are local opportunities, my focus remains predominantly global – 70% global and 30% local. I see this as the dawn of global opportunities in a world constantly changing, and I am eager to explore the evolving landscape.
Takeaway:
As my narrative unfolds, I urge you, the readers of my story, to embrace the rapidly shifting world and view it as an expanse of unexplored opportunities. Cultivate collaboration over competition, harness the strength of unity, and keep an open mind. Like a pebble creating ripples in a lake, our actions can create waves of positive change. Let’s navigate into the endless ocean of possibilities together.
Side Note:
Although this wasn’t an extension of my work with BNI, but it was certainly shaped by the ethos I had learned there—especially the ‘Givers Gain’ philosophy. Besides BNI my journey is also guided by Robert Skrob, an eminent author, marketer, and expert in building membership organisations. His wisdom serves as a reminder, one that I pass on to the broader business community, that the impossible can become possible when we approach each other with open minds and the willingness to extend our hands in collaboration.
