MIB April 2015

Publisher EDITOR’S NOTEINDIANTODAY.NET SDN BHD (858997-V) GARBAGE IN GARBAGE OUT (GIGO) is a computer science acronym that implies bad input will result(Wholly-owned by Charu Holding Sdn Bhd) in bad output. Similarly, for a business to succeed it’s a matter of your action, direction and intention to serve customers. The output fromPetaling Jaya Office your business depends on what you put in. In this issue, MIB writers exploreSuite 3A52, Level 3A, Block A2, the power of the mind in achieving desired output and a special message onLeisure Commerce Square, Jalan PJS 8/9, “What You Do Sticks with You.”46150 Petaling Jaya, SelangorTel/Fax: 03 7865 7320 Getting into what you put in is what your get, our cover personality of this month happens to be the CEO of Erican College, Veejayasegeran. We areJohor Bahru Office fortunate to emulate the youngest CEO in the Malaysian higher educationNo. 6-01, Jalan Bestari 4/2,Taman Nusa Bestari, sector on how he turnaround the college as a name to be reckoned within81300 Johor Bahru, Johor a highly competitive industry. Besides the cover story, we have Rajesh Raj,Tel: 07 235 4236 Fax: 07 238 2320 who returned to Malaysia to start his digital marketing business, featured as our entrepreneur of the month. www.indiantoday.net We continue to line up monthly noteworthy articles such as leadership [email protected] lessons from Bhagavad Gita, ancient wisdom from Thirukural, quotes by co-CEO of Deutsche Bank, stunning facts & figures and lots more. https://www.facebook.com/ MalaysianIndianBusinessMagazine The team at MIB take this opportunity to wish our readers celebrating the HinduCHAIRMAN & MANAGING EDITOR New Year’s namely “Puthaandu Vaazthukkal”, HappyRasa Rasik Vaishakhi and belated “Ugaadi Subagaanthalu.”[email protected] Till the next issue, enjoy this instalment. Happy reading.MANAGING DIRECTORR Surangi Your Deed is Your [email protected] Chairman & Managing EditorSALES & MARKETINGJayasree Vijian [email protected] 213 4236 UPCOMING SEMINAR IN IPOH!!! (Topic: Branding)ADMINISTRATION & CIRCULATIONPetaling Jaya Office: Date: 25 April 2015 (Saturday)Pungkodi Time: 7.00 pm - 10.00 pm Venue: YMCA [email protected] Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the articles published are those of the authors and do not necesarilyJohor Bahru Office: reflect the views of MIB. While every reasonable care is taken in compiling this publication, MIB does not accept any liabilityShila whatsoever for possible errors, inaccuracies or omissions or the consequences thereof. The Publisher also accepts [email protected] liability in respect of the content of any advertisement in the magazine. All rights reserved. The reproduction, duplication, or republication of this magazine or any part thereof in any form whatsoever without the expressed written permission of theEDITOR publisher is prohibited.Arikrishnan [email protected] EDITORAnand NaiduSUB EDITORKishor SubramaniamWritersGanesh MuruganJega BaradanMaran Nandan SithambaramPalani MurugappanPrasath KanagarasShanthini SubramaniamThevi SinnaduraiCONCEPT & GRAPHIC DESIGNKugan [email protected] Graphic Printers (M) Sdn BhdLOT 7 & 8, Jalan TIB 3, Taman Industri Bolton,68100 Batu Caves, SelangorSOURCE OF NEWSBernama

CONTENT 34 EVENT COVERAGE04 FACTS AND FIGURES CMCF - What You Do Sticks With You Business News in Figure 36 Singapore Business News 38 MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE06 ANCIENT WISDOM Handling Charts in Excel Resolute of Mind As Guided In Thirukural 41 Business Jokes08 ENTREPRENEUR 41 MIB Forum 42 COVER STORY Digital Marketer: Rajesh Raj - Arus Studio Erican College: 08 Veejayaasegaran12 Today I Learned: 50 Malaysia Business News 54 INVESTMENT 6 Ways To Increase Business Revenues Share Margin Financing14 ENRICHMENT 31 Nature's Law...and How it Works in Our Lives1 6 LEADERSHIP Leadership Lessons from the Bhagavad-Gita: Part 919 Did You Know20 EVENT COVERAGE MIB Seminar at Penang 22 BRAND Measuring Your Brand's Health24 India Business News26 QUOTES 42 Quotes From Anshuman Jain28 LIFESTYLE 56 Press Release: Make in India 57 INSPIRATIONAL The Magic of Positive Thinking The Powerful Law of Intention31 ENTREPRENEUR 60 EMERGING MARKET Sivathi Aathi: Sivathi Herbal Beauty Centre Doing Business in Myanmar

04 FACTS & FIGURESUSD 540billionChina Ecommerce MarketIn 2015, e-commerce transactions in China are projectedto hit USD 540 billion, or approximately 10 percent of totalretail transactions. Roughly 40 percent of all e-commercetransactions are fashion and accessories, purchased byyounger, white-collar, urban female shoppers. USD 105 billion Japan Ecommerce Market Retail e-commerce sales in the Japan forecasted to grow to USD105billion by 2018 from USD71 billion in 2014. 27% Nearly 27 percent of Indonesia’s ecommerce transactions occurred via socialtransactions occur media in 2014. Females reign supreme in via social media the ecommerce space with 61.7 percent of the nation’s online shoppers purchase clothing and apparel. 65% Online Shoppers are Male In India 55% online shopper are between 26 years and 35 years and 65 per cent of online shoppers are male while 35 per cent are female , according to The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India survey.580 millionOnline ConsumerJuniper Research Reported that some 580 Million consumerspurchases Goods And Services online with their mobiles during 2014. | April 2015

FACTS & FIGURES 05USD 15 50%trillion of Online Retail SalesTravel Industry Revenue Singapore and Malaysia generate almost half of total online retailThe Travel & Hospitality Industry will generate over $15 sales in the region of Southeast Asia, even though they count fortrillion in revenues by 2017 createing 260 million jobs 8% of the region’s population.worldwide. The industry that accounts for 9% of global GDPreported to have 30% of global sales conducted via onlineplatforms. 92% 700% Denmark Doctors use Indian eCOMMERCE growth ePrescription A research by eTailing India targeted Indian eCommerce market to Denmark's performance in eHealth is the best in the increase by 700% in 5 years. The market currently pegged at Rs 78,000 European Union . A 92% of of general practitioners crore ($13 billion) is all set to cross Rs 5,40,000 crore ($90 billion) by exchange medical data electronically and use of 2019 with mobile will hold the key to this growth. ePrescription is widespread with nearly 100% of its general practitioners transferring prescriptions to April 2015 | pharmacists electronically. Denmark also has the highest percentage of eGovernment users in the EU with 69% of Internet users sending return filled forms online to the public authorities.USD 4.47trillionDigital EducationA study by Sloan Consortium found that 6 million studentsin the US are taking at least one online course, nearly onethird of all those enrolled in higher education. Which meanseven if only 37% of education moves online in next tenthe estimated size of 2022 global online/digital educationmarket will stand at a $4.47 Trillion.

06 ANCIENT WISDOM • by Maran Nandan Sithambaram Kural: 591 “Udaiyaar enappaduvathu ookkam; acthillar udaiya thuyaro matru?” Explanation: Willpower or energy makes out the man of property; as those who are destitute of energy, do they (really) possess what they possess? RESOLUTE OF MIND as In Chapter 60, Kural defines what a true asset is. A vigorous guided in mind is a true asset, material possessions are fleeting and cannot be depended upon.ThirukuralFamous modern management guru,Stephen Kural: 592 “Ullam udaimai udaiyamai ;porul R.Covey in his book state a character trait udaimai nillathu neengi vidum” that essential for a win-win condition is the abundance mentality, the paradigm that there is Explanation: plenty out there for everybody. Our outlook on the world The possession of (energy of) mind is and all it has to offer us depends on where and how our true property; the possessions of wealth mind is at the given situation. passes’ away and does not abide Thiruvalluvar uses the word “ookkam” to define resoluteness. Ookkam, is the quality of mind which We must always, think of rising higher in life. The desire to shows itself in readiness for action without weakening or achieve our goal should be our only thought. In this process, wavering. even if our objective be not attained, the very thought itself would have raised us. What is real wealth? According to Thiruvalluar, real wealth is a person’s will to action. Without a will to act, all possessions are worthless.| April 2015

ANCIENT WISDOM 07 Kural : 596 According to Thirukural , success finds its own way like a “Ulluvathellaam dependant to go in advance and honour the man of will. uyarvuullal;matru athu Thallinum thallaamai neerthu” Kural: 594 Aakam atharvinaaich Explanation: sellum;asaivuilaa Ookkam In all that a person thinks of, let him think of his greatness; and if it should be udaiyaan uzhai thrust from him(by fate) , it will have the nature of not being thrust from him Explanation: Wealth will ask for a way to come to theThe success of any venture depends on our resoluteness.Thirukural outlines that the limit of man’s achievement is man of unfailing energyhis will. The height of a person’s success depends on thestrongest of his will. The lotus plants grow up to the height In conclusion, what defines humanness? The answer, asof the water, so does such person rise just up to the height we find in Thirukural - an aspiring mind. An aspiring mind toof his will. achieve. Without an aspiring mind, we are merely wooden images of humanity. Kural: 595 Kural: 600 Uramoruvarku ulla “Vellathu anaiya verukkai akkthu illaar malarneetam;maanthar tham Marammakkalaathale vehru Ullathu anaiyathu uyarvu” Explanation: Explanation: Resoluteness is mental wealth; thoseThe length of the lotus flower-stalk will men who are destitute of it are only treesbe in proportion to the depth of the water in which it grows; thus the height of a in the form of men man is in proportion to the greatness of his mind.This article penned by Maran Nandan Sithambaram, LLB (Hons) ,(UK) CLP ,BA (Hons), (Malaya ) Dip.Edu. Dip.Translation , Dip. In law (Sydney). CEO and Principal Lawyer of Marsh Lawyers, Sydney, Australia. Mr. Maran Nandanis also an advocate and solicitor of High Court of Malaya.He can be reached through phone or by email below:+ 61413 990 550 [email protected] April 2015 |

08 ENTREPRENEUR DIGITAL MARKETER RAJESH RAJ : ARUS STUDIO Living in the Information age with extensive technological developments, businesses somehow need to embrace digital marketing. Malaysian Indian Business had a chat with the founder of Arus Studio, Mr. Rajesh Raj, a young and emerging entrepreneur involved in digital marketing production and related services. We share with our readers his entrepreneurial journey. Enjoy reading. MIB : Tell us about your services. Rajesh : Our services are designed and fine-tuned based on customers need and budget . We built a proven system that not only able to produce effective marketing campaigns for SMEs but delivers results within a short period of time. Our main services include digital video marketing, social media marketing and graphic designing. List Of Major Services Provided By Arus StudioVideo Marketing Social Media Marketing Graphic Design Photo & Videography ServicesProduct Video Facebook Marketing Social Media Platform Design Event LaunchTestimonial Video YouTube Promotional item Private FunctionsServices Video Website Development & Merchandising item Product shooting Management Corporate identity Corporate shootingInstructional Video Bloggers Services Web Video Corporate Video | April 2015

ENTREPRENEUR 09MIB : What induced you to enter MIB : When did you start Arus digital marketing campaigns, event management and Commercial Printingthis business? Studio and what are the skills you Services. possess?Rajesh : I have always been interested MIB : What is the most challengingto venture into Internet and Digital Rajesh : I worked as marketingMarketing related business. In fact, we consultant for a kitchen appliance aspect of running your business?were one of the pioneers in promoting company in Texas, USA uponTM Streamyx internet services in completing my degree in business Rajesh : Meeting customers’Klang Valley that set up booths in administration from the University of expectations. As our services are notmalls, roadshows, hypermarket and Oklahoma, in 1998. Two years later physical or tangible, it is a challengingother locations with the sole objective I returned to Malaysia to work as a in getting clients' understanding.to bring internet to every household. Research Analyst with DHL Malaysia. However, with our years of experience,However the Infrastructure back then we built a system that is able to reducewas limited and the cost was expensive My entrepreneurial journey started or even to certain extent eliminate thisfor average Malaysians. It was deemed two years later when I established a issue. Timing is another vital factormore luxury than necessity back then. cash & carry and textile retail outlet mainly due to delays in customersThus, I had to postpone my online in Seremban. Simultaneously, I took sending their product details.initiatives until recently when people’s part time project consultancy worksmindset had changed and with better around the Klang valley from IT and We also found that the awarenessinfrastructure in place. Telco Industries. It later earned me a level among the SME, mainly full time project consultancy job, both the smaller enterprises is still lowThe timing is prefect now for SME to locally and abroad i.e. India (with despite awareness campaign on theventure into Digital Marketing as they MPOB), Cambodia (IT Project) and importance of going online by ourare more aware the importance of Vietnam(Telco). Government. They are still a littleDigital Marketing and Social Media reluctant to spend on setting up digitalBranding. Necessary infrastructures Thereafter, I went into media and campaign for their businesses.are in place and getting better to branding industry focusing on digitalsupport the online platforms. marketing & social Media marketing by joining a local production company for a couple of years prior venturing own. In early 2014 Arus Studio was formed to provide services such as video marketing, social media branding, April 2015 |

10 ENTREPRENEUR MIB : How do you adapt to the evolving digital trends? | April 2015 Rajesh : The trend is moving towards digital these days and we are in line with it. The task is getting or persuading SME to embrace in adapting it as well. Over the years, we have made mistakes in structuring our pricing, over promising clients, dealing with customer expectations, etc. Lessons learned from this, is never over promise client just for the sake of getting business. We constantly introduce and provide value add services to our customers while our marketing campaigns are fine tuned to fit customers current needs and demands. Since, most of our current customers are SME our pricing need to be affordable without sacrificing the quality of services. We always believe in providing quality value added services instead going into pricing wars. MIB : How do you deal with competition? Rajesh : Our business model is a bit different from others. While we constantly provide value added services we opt to provide direct and transparent packages that fit our customer requirements. Our mode of working relationship gradually built a sustainable income over the years with new customers being referred. MIB : How satisfied are you with your business achievements, so far? Rajesh : Since the business is self funded with limited resources, I'm truly happy that progress has made. Our customers are satisfied with the services offered. We hope to build from here and help new customers increase their sales with our proven digital marketing product packages. MIB : Who inspires you and what is your message to our readers? Rajesh : My parents are my inspiration. I take this opportunity to thank all entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and everyone who has supported me including those who criticize for betterment. Based on my experience, good communication skills are essential to do business beside being a good listener in understanding the client’s needs. Most importantly, be transparent with the client and don’t over promise things that you would not able to deliver. Let us work together and help each other instead of downgrading or finding ways to eliminate each other.



12 TODAY I LEARNED 6 WAYS TO INCREASE BUSINESS REVENUES01 LISTEN Effective communication is perhaps the single most important component for CEOs in tackling business revenue. Anne Mulcahy, had over US $17 billion in debt when she took the helm of XEROX Corp. She travelled to various locations and spent time listening to whoever had ideas on what was wrong with the company. Mulcahy put up aggressive turnaround plans by outlining the things to accomplish as though they had already achieved.02 AGAINST THE TIDE “ Whatever you do, don't play it safe. If you do what's expected of you, you'll never accomplish more than others expect.\"- Howard Schultz Starbucks entered into partnership with United Airlines to serve 20 million people a year despite objections from their investors. Howard Schultz took the risk of signing the deal by ensuring a comprehensive quality assurance program in place, along with training for flight attendants. Later United Airlines a company that had a reputation on serving bad coffee reported its decision to partner with Starbucks as one of its best strategic moves. In 2014, Howard Schultz was named to Fortune's list of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders.03 THINK LIFETIME VALUE A business doesn’t end at the point a cheque or payment is collected. It has to go beyond by continuously adding value it. Take a look on how cars are sold? Although sales representatives, focus on up-front sales, the manufacturer always target repeat sales on replacement on aging components or repair services. Always remember to capitalize existing customers. Instead of just selling carpets, offer them quarterly free cleaning services and try to draw customers’ attention to specially formulated cleaning solutions that keeps the carpet looking new.04 TOMORROW’S CUSTOMER Ever wonder why MILO gives free samples to school children, COLGATE toothpaste conduct free dental checkup, McDonalds has children playground? We can increase sales in so many ways, by targeting children i.e. tomorrow’s customer. By attracting tomorrow’s customer they build long term relationship not only with them but with their parents for immediate business. Shifting sales focus to enticing tomorrow’s customers make your sales increase – and best of all, build the customer loyalty that results in repeat sales. | April 2015

TODAY I LEARNED 1305 PACKAGE IT It is very common to notice during festive seasons stores offer prices lower by package them together. Quick service restaurants are other examples that offer packages or bundle up products. The idea behind it is to sell products that naturally go together or used for same time while increase overall profit margin.06 CARE YOUR SALESPERSON Try to flip sales commission structure from top to bottom by making the higher commissions applicable as sales volume increases. Management may consider organizing sales contests where salespersons compete for a cash prize, a luxurious trip, or some other desired perquisite if they reach a targeted level of sales or new accounts. A well-motivated sales force is sure to tip up revenue.

14 ENRICHMENT • by Shanthini SubramaniamNATURE’S LAW…and how it works in our livesWhat is Nature’s Law? Laws of Nature influence the life of a person in every nook and corner; it’s just that many are not aware of these laws.Laws of Nature origin from the almighty Creator, and There are millions of natural laws, but the main seven, and even though these laws have been in existence since most basic, are: the beginning of time, they have either remainedan ignorant part of mankind or grossly manipulated and • Law of Energy Returns Back to Sourcemisused, hence, the answer to the present chaos on our • Law of Choosingbeloved earth. • Law of Cause and Effect • Law of OppositesThese laws work whether you know it or not, and whether • Law of Vibration and Attractionyou are conscious of it or not. So, what do you do with these • Law of Sowing and Reapinglaws? Simply become aware of their existence! Taking the • Law of Balancefirst step by just having knowledge about these laws wouldsuffice to get the rest of your wonderful life living it exactlythe way your heart desires.| April 2015

ENRICHMENT 15LAW OF ENERGY RETURNS BACK TO SOURCEAccording to ‘Law of Energy Returns Back to Source’,t h e ‘ e n e r g y ’ that goes around eventually comesaround as the same ‘energy’. This means that nothing is created nor destroyed; it just changes forms. Simply put, this law means that that we are responsible for whatever that happens to us; every single thought we produce, even though it might not be apparent to us at the particular words that we utter and the actions we moment in time, the causes are our own thoughts (including take would eventually return back to us. feelings), words and action; and the effects would manifest Positive thoughts, words and action come on our happiness, health and wealth. back to us as positive and negative thoughts, words and action come back LAW OF OPPOSITES as negative. Law of Opposites states that anything and everything LAW OF CHOOSING in this existence has two polar opposites inherent in it. In everything, there is something positive and also negative,Human beings have the ability to choose. something happy and also sad, something peaceful and also chaotic, etc. Hence, a successful business will haveLike the old adage that the one thing everyone has is the both fruitful periods as well as downturns. That is nature’ssame amount of hours in a day, the same goes to energy. way of working, as such it’s only wise we just flow along andWe all have access to and are receiving the same energy embrace the lessons in each situation.at the same time and it’s free – what do we do with it, then?We can’t avoid it, and we can’t destroy it. It will always be April 2015 |there, meaning we have to do something with it. Yes, wecan CHOOSE what we want to do with the energy that wehave access to every day of our lives. As a goal-oriented aperson, one would definitely get the grips of it, and shift itinto an energy that would support his/her goal rather thanagainst it.This clearly explains that whatever the condition of our lives,it is all purely due to our own choosing. Hence, it is wisethat we take total responsibility over the condition of our ownlives. There is nobody to blame, nobody to be angry with,and nobody to point the finger at when our business is notdoing well. The success or failure we define ourselves, it’sall our own doing.LAW OF CAUSE AND EFFECTEvery cause has an effect, vice-versa every effect has acause. There is no such thing as something is happening forthe sake of happening. This law states very clearly

16 ENRICHMENTLAW OF VIBRATION AND ATTRACTION the goals that we set for ourselves. As we sow, we reap; positive seeds produce positive results and negative seedsLaw of Vibration and Attraction simply states that anyone or create negative results.anything sending out vibration would attract to him/herself,whatever that is in harmony with that vibration. Meaning, we LAWS OF BALANCEattract what we think, what we say and what we do. Everything in the known universe changes except theThis is where many of us fail to see that not just words process of change itself. No matter in what situation we areand actions are powerful in determining the condition of in, we will eventually come back to balance and harmony.our lives, but even a single thought can decide what we So, worry not; believe that everything will always turn outattract to ourselves. If we are working on a goal to have a well at the end of the day.successful business, but our thoughts are doubtful over ourcapabilities, then we clearly would be attracting doubtful Now that we know about these laws, application should bepeople and business orders that would eventually slow down the next step. Applying these laws in one’s life leads to aour progress. beautiful awakening like never before. Further realization will make us realize that we are the cause to everythingLAW OF SOWING AND REAPING that is happening in our lives! We can always start by being truthful in our daily thoughts, words and action; and that is Law of Sowing guaranteed to be the key to a successful and wholesome and Reaping, in life. human beings, deals with the programming of the seed that helps achieveShanthini Subramaniam, a writer and translator, is humbled to share this experience and knowledge withreaders. She takes responsibility over this article and gives credit to the book, ‘The Seven Basic Laws ofNature – Nature’s Path to Success’ by The Uneducatedone, for the general reference made with regards toNature’s Laws. She is available at [email protected] | April 2015

LEADERSHIP 17 • by Anand NaiduVedantic Management: Welcome to the April edition of the Malaysian Indian Business Magazine. In this edition,Leadership Lessons we further explore the art of cultivation asfrom the Bhagavad-Gita propounded by the ancient Indians. One such place this is clear is in the Bhagavad-Gita.Part 9 - The Art of Cultivation In our previous article we discussed how being the‘What I cannot do now is the sign of what I can do hereafter.’ master of one’s decisions is crucial to the proper~Sri Aurobindo cultivation of one’s self. After all, to succeed as a person, leave alone a leader, one has to be devoted Anchoring to acting and being a master decision-maker is crucial to that end. Cultivation We previously learned about avoiding external Majesty stimuli as a means of practising the art of cultivation. The result of avoiding external stimuli is focus. Most anyone who’s attempted at meditation will agree that the preeminent method of cultivating the meditative technique is by avoiding external distractions, because the environment so easily leads our minds astray. And so the Gita introduces us to an interesting method to cultivate our better selves. It is called ‘communing with the Brahman’. When we commune with the Brahman, we leave the effects and results of what we do to Providence. When this happens, our minds adopt a tranquil disposition, improving work and relieving stress. Everyone will agree serenity improves productivity. When we worry less, we become better April 2015 |

18 LEADERSHIPworkers. Communing with the Brahman enables us to ‘worry So the intelligent among us perform acts as ends inless’, transposing the worry to Providence: themselves, not as a means to achieving some collateral purpose. This knowledge is the key to the art of cultivation. Brahmanyaadhaaya karmaani sangam tyaktwaa karoti yah; If achieved, it allows us to transcend the ordinary problems Lipyate na sa paapena padmapatram ivaambhasaa. associated with our day-to-day living. In business, as in life, knowledge is the key to success. And so the Gita tells us He who devotes his actions to the Brahman, abandoning ‘knowledge is covered by ignorance’. It’s not simply a bare attachment, Is free from trouble, as a lotus leaf is free philosophical statement. It is intended to demonstrate that from water. knowledge and ignorance travel together was companions; they are like the skin of the fruit on the outside, and the flesh Bhagavad Gita 5:10 on the inside.This is a practical solution to the problem of cultivation. Most Drawing your own picturesof our senses of pride, entitlement, worry and fear comesfrom the notion that we are inextricably linked to the results Osho once pointed out that man is the only creature thatof our actions. We are responsible for our actions; this much actually draws his own pictures. Not only does he draw themis true. But we are not attached to them; they do not make us of himself, but also of his environment; his home, his nation,who we are. even his dreams. Because of this ability, Osho says, self- consciousness becomes real! As such, self-knowledge doesSo if results don’t make us who we are, then what does? Our come from the imagination, from dreaming and from ‘drawingactions of course. In the end, the ancient art of cultivation pictures’. In the business world, this roughly translates to thebrings us full circle to where we started. While anchoring so-called business planning. The art of cultivation is assistedis concerned with memories, association and learning, greatly by this ability to plan, to ‘draw’ and to reflect.cultivation is concerned with how we act. Acting in accordancewith tradition, goodness and logic, coupled with a sense that To the ancient Indians, self-reflection was a paramount partthe Brahman is ultimately responsible for us, enables one to of the art of cultivation. Once one established who one wasfocus sharply on the work and not the fruit. through the art of anchoring, self-reflection (or plain old dreaming, to put it crudely) was the other step to greatness or majesty. Taking stock of the situation is not new to the world of business. There is a veritable subject on the subject, as it were. Nevertheless, what does self-reflection achieve? What is it intended to achieve? Well, it is intended to achieve equanimity. With equanimity, problems melt away in the course of the day: Kaayena manasaa buddhyaa kevalair indriyair api; Ihaiva tairjitah sargo yeshaam saamye sthitam manah; Yoginah karma kurvanti sangam Nirdosham hi samam brahma tasmaad brahmani te tyaktwaatmashuddhaye. sthitaah.The accomplished of mind having achieved abandonment; Even in this world everything is overcome by the settled Perform all actions as a purification of the self only. mind; They know the Brahman is spotlessly equal, hey are so established. Bhagavad Gita 5:11 Bhagavad Gita 5:19| April 2015

LEADERSHIP 19Think about it. How much would you pay for a settled mind?Whatever you’re thinking, double it! We know the truth ofthe settled mind. It promotes well-being and success. Thesettled mind need not be filled with knowledge, or pride orstrategies or tactics. It is so powerful on account of beingso perfectly anchored, nothing can shunt it. The ancientswere aware of this.They were already aware of the benefitsof the settled mind on each of the four ancient castes. Thesettled mind was a keystone to majesty. A way out of theimmense pressure of life. The key to overcoming samsara,the seemingly never-ending cycle of birth and death.And so we have moved cleanly from anchoring tocultivation. Anchoring represents what we were (the past),what we could not do (by virtue of just being) to cultivation;the future, what we can aspire to do. Isn’t Sri Aurobindo sowonderfully right?Anand Naidu is a Malaysian-born barrister and law lecturer based in Melbourne. He has had a long association with theteachings of Hinduism and is currently preparing a series of seminars based on drawing leadership and managementprinciples from Eastern [email protected] +61 425 627 116DID YOU KNOW A proper balance of the three traits is extremely important for the organization's self (Purusha) being able to connect withBALANCING 3 GUNAS the stakeholders. An organization which does not cultivate the culture of innovation or at least knowledge-sharing,In modern days, the business ecosystem model doesn't have a proper compensation structure, and has the focuses on three major factors , “Triple Bottom Lines“ least scope for nurturing talents in that organization. People – Profit, People and Planet. These concepts have a lot who lack passion (Rajjas), tend to engage in corrupt andof similarity with the Guna (trait) theory and the Purusha unethical practices (lack of Sattwa) and tend to find reasonsPrakriti characteristics. Purusha and Prakriti are the two for inactivity (Tammas). Such organizations foster failure andmanifestations of the greater self. Purusha is the person's hence go out-of-business.consciousness. Prakriti is mother nature. Companies having efficient innovation network based onThe Guna theory states that three “gunas” : openness followed by proper compensation structure who foster ethical culture through their corporate vision and Sattwa Rajjas Tammas mission as well as organizational processes tend to balance the 'Sattwa' & 'Rajjas' traits. Such organizations nurture potential to become great companies

20 EVENT COVERAGEMEET INVOLVEBUSINESS (MIB)SEMINAR SERIESBusinesses need to think long term. As such, they need an identity who they are? When someone mentions Enrico's automatically mind imagines ghee packed in a green can with yellow top. Similarly,when someone asks “get me Sunquick,” we know he wanted a glass oforange juice. That’s the power of branding.Malaysian Indian Business brought together three industry expertsto talk about brand at Penang recently. Some 100 businesspersonshad the opportunity to hear the real experiences from the CEOof Raviraj Sdn Bhd, Mr S K Sundaram who discussed onCreating an Identity. While, brand strategist, Mr PrasathKanagars discussed on branding applications.Prior to the panel discussion, Mr K Asokan the GroupGeneral Manager (Marketing) of Kumpulan BarkathSdn Bhd shared their experience of branding throughmedia. The panel session was very participativeas members of the floor keen to explore howsmall and medium entreprises able create asustainable brand for themselves.Keep an eye on our social media postingfor another MIB Seminar series in yourtown. Meanwhile, do log on to ouronline portal www.mibtimes.com toget a glimpse of the Penang MIBevent. | April 2015



22 BRAND • by Prasath KanagarasbrMEASURING and'YOUR health sAstrong brand is not a luxury to be enjoyed So how do you know if you’re painting a Picasso or a poor only by companies like Nike or Coca-Cola. It self-portrait? There are many methods marketers use is a key factor to the success and prosperity to evaluate how their brand is performing. Here are justof all businesses and non-profits, regardless of their some of the few suggested measures you can use to getrevenues. Now, have you spend enough time to an insight into how your brand is perceived and what youmeasure how healthy your brand is? Let me define could improve.what a brand’s health is. 1 Organize a focus groupA brand health is the perception of your brand thatbuilt across many different touch points, as in when Well, don’t be afraid to get old-fashioned. Focus groupspeople walk into your office or your shop floor, when have long been the go to method used to collect data andthey see an advertisement online, when they see a information on how people respond to a brand. They typicallypost you have shared on Twitter, when they have dealt involve small groups of people, usually between five and ten,with a member of your team or when they have landed who are asked questions and discuss their thoughts towardson your website. a product, service, concept, advertisement, idea or just about anything. Actually sitting down and talking to peopleAll of these individual moments define and paint a is an excellent way to gauge feelings and develop a genuinepicture of your business to the consumer. That’s all understanding.well and good, but why should you care if your bottomline is healthy? Because a strong, recognizable brandwill draw you closer to your audience and is one of themost powerful business attributes you can possess. | April 2015

BRAND 23 2 Conduct more surveys 4 Go for some Brand Display CampaignsHow do you find out the what behind the data? Surveys area great way of understanding your audience and what they Brand display campaigns are an extremely effective way tothink about your brand. Take surveys as an opportunity to ask increase brand awareness, engagement and considerationthe participating people about what they like, what they dislike from a consumer point of view. Measurements vary fromand what do they find makes their life easier? Check out sites campaign to campaign and client objective, and the morelike Survey Monkey, are excellent for hosting, fast, simple time people spend engaging with your ads, the moresurveys, but try to treat it like a large, remote focus group and positively they have reacted to your brand. If your numbersencourage open, truthful responses to get maximum value. are low, you’re turning potential customers away. This canTaking the results of this on board can help you improve your be a valuable insight into whether your brand or a specificbrand for the better, if you use them. campaign is underperforming or hitting the right notes.If you need a hand, turn to consumer insight specialists. If you’re concerned with how your business is perceived, yourWhether you hire internally or form partnerships with other first priority should be identifying the people who make thecompanies, the people in these positions look at the behavior judgment.Your second priority should be not only determiningof your consumers and conduct surveys that provide valuable current performance, but improving on it. The best methods toinsight into the latest buying trends and media habits. Their use will vary on your marketplace and marketing, as well asrole can include the tracking of all brand communications, the details you want to uncover, but finding a measurementenabling the measurement of campaigns, as well as fine- that fits is crucial. It can move your brand to the next level.tuning to maximize their performance, but even having themhold and analyze surveys can provide actionable results. A healthy brand builds over time. What does not pull hard enough the first time can be carried forward to the next 3 Use social media screening tools encounter, adding to the pull of each subsequent offer. Without the brand, this cumulative power is completely lost.There are websites, apps and software that allow you to trackactivity across social media platforms. They can measureperformance and analyze engagement across socialplatforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn andInstagram. With lots of these tools you can also measure whatyour competitors are doing in the wider market. The variety oftools, both paid and free, is massive but even harnessing thefunctions of the social networks themselves can be useful. Prasath Kanagaras Brand Strategist Point Blank Mediaworks Veep Social Communications [email protected] April 2015 |

24 INDIA BUSINESS NEWS RELIANCE IS INDIA'S LARGEST COMPANY Reliance Industries Ltd is India’s largest corporate with assets worth Rs 3.68 lakh crore, followed by state-owned Indian Oil Corp and mortgage lender HDFC. In the list of top 10 corporates in terms of assets, RIL and HDFC (Housing Development Finance Corp) were the only two firms from the private sector, data compiled by the Corporate Affairs Ministry showed. At the end of March 2014, RIL's assets stood at Rs 3.68 lakh crore, while that of Indian Oil Corp and HDFC was at Rs 2.52 lakh crore and Rs 2.25 lakh crore, respectively Corporate Affairs Minister Arun Jaitley said in a written reply to the Rajya Sabha. Other entities in the top ten are Power Finance Corp (4th), NTPC (5), Rural Electrification Corp (6), Power Grid Corp (7), LIC Housing Finance (8), Steel Authority of India (9) and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (10).RANBAXY AND SUN PHARMAMERGERGGETESTSNNOODDHigh Court of Punjab and Haryana gave its nod to the merger of two Indian pharmaceutical companies -RanbaxyLaboratories Limited with Sun PharmaceuticalIndustries Limited. The High Court also dismissedcertain objections to the merger by the workers, theofficial liquidator, the Regional Director, Ministry ofCorporate Affairs, and two unsecured creditors.The order by Justice Rajesh Bindal is significantas it has paved way for closure of $4 billion orRs 24,511 crore amalgamation within the currentfiscal year. Ranbaxy advocate had submitted thatthe gross sales of the combined entity after themerger would be around Rs 27,000 crore andit would have a diverse, highly complementaryportfolio of specialty and generic products targetinga spectrum of chronic and acute treatments. Thedeal had earlier received approval from the USFederal Trade Commission. The CompetitionCommission of India too had approved the mergerof Sun and Ranbaxy, provided the two sold someoverlapping brands. | April 2015

25INDIA BUSINESS NEWS Insurance penetration in India at 3.9 percent, below world average Insurance penetration in India at 3.9 percent was below the world average of 6.3 percent in 2013, Parliament was informed. \"The penetration for the insurance sector as a whole in the year 2013 was 3.9 percent in India, as against world average of 6.3 percent,\" Minister of state for finance Jayant Sinha said in a written reply to Rajya Sabha. The level of insurance penetration depends on a large number of factors like level of economic development of the country, the extent of the savings in financial instruments and the size and reach of the insurance sector, he said.Gujarat, Himachal, Delhi most Banking on Mudra for SMEsentrepreneur-friendly: Survey The government announced that it would set up MUDRA,Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi are the most a bank to finance the setting up of small and micro-units entrepreneur-friendly states, according to a recent and thereby encourage entrepreneurship among SC/STs survey. The survey on entrepreneurship conducted by and OBCs. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Saturday announceddirect-selling FMCG company Amway and market researcher that the government would set up the Micro Units DevelopmentIndicus Analytics has found that Gujarat, Delhi and Karnataka Refinance Agency (MUDRA) Bank with a corpus ofRs 20,000provide good infrastructural support for entrepreneurs to grow crore and a credit guarantee corpus of Rs 3,000 crore. The Mudratheir business. Furthermore, the nature of governance in all these Bank will refinance institutions through the newly-announcedstates supports entrepreneurial activities. However, Karnataka Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana.The proposed bank is part of theranked far below when it came to the question of attitude to government’s Skill India programme and is in line with its focus onopt for a business venture while Himachal Pradesh topped the job-creation, a big priority as 54 per cent of the Indian populationchart on this parameter followed by Bihar and Jharkhand. The is less than 25 years of age and about 12 million workers join thedata used for index computation of the survey was collected workforce annually. Jaitley, who launched a slew of initiatives forthrough a primary survey of over 5,000 respondents in 20 states job creation and skill development, used the word “skill” 12 timesencompassing 50 cities across India. The sample respondents in his Budget speech. “While large corporate and business entitiescomprised new entrepreneurs who started their ventures within have a role to play, this has to be complemented by informal sectora year of the survey as well as the general populace. The survey enterprises which generate maximum employment,” he saidsaid the northern region dominates future of entrepreneurship while presenting the Budget, stressing that members of SC, STin India as Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and Gujarat have the most and OBC community will be given priority in lending. The moveforward-looking pattern of governance which will fall in line with would help provide easy capital and funding to such businesses.the needs of the business community. The southern states of Tamil There are over 5.77 crore small business units, mostly individualNadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh ranked lower on proprietorship, which run small manufacturing, trading or servicethe same parameter. \"One of the biggest challenges that confront businesses of which 62 per cent are owned by SC/ST.the country today is to offer appropriate job opportunities for thisgrowing work force. We believe that skill development and self- April 2015 |employment will play an important role,\" Amway general managerAnshu Budhraja said in a statement. The survey said that whileGujarat, Himachal Pradesh and Delhi were leading the pack ofentrepreneurs in the present situation, Punjab will emerge as anew hub for entrepreneurs and Delhi and Gujarat will continue todominate this field.

26 QUOTESPeople are not If all the measures before For universal banks today,going to trust us were implemented the debate is about muchbanks if they feel as proposed, they would more than challengesthat we continue practically spell the and opportunities. It’sto socialize our end of over 100 years more fundamental thanlosses and walk of universal banking in that. We stand at aaway when things Europe the vision of the crossroadsblow up company became very clearA globally diversified balance Too big to fail has tosheet means less risk be addressed, andconcentration. that cannot be done byThis means we can provide banks alone. We needmore credit for business. regulators. We needThat's crucial in Europe where countries to sit down70 percent of credit creation is and work out the veryprovided by banks complex legal frameworkThere is a clear consolidation of the There is a tremendousindustry and there is a simplification of opportunity to take marketthe business model share organically but, frankly, inorganically as well | April 2015

No German bank is as QUOTES 27global as we are, and noglobal bank is as German ANSHUMAN JAINas we are Co-Chief Executive Officer The entire sector has to at Deutsche Bank AG get to the point, that no matter what takes place Jaipur born Anshuman Jain, is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of the odds that we will Germany’s biggest bank and continental Europe’s largest bank come back to the taxpayer by total assets, Deutsche Bank. In 2013 he was reported to receive will be reduced to nothing compensation up to US$12.4 million, making him as one of highest paid CEO among 30 Europe’s biggest bank. The Wall Street Journal credited 45 years old Jain as one of the masterminds behind the transformation in the past decade of Deutsche Bank from a German commercial bank into one of the global powerhouses in investment banking.IF YOU’RE TOOCONFORTABLE YOU’REPROBABLY DOINGSOMETHING WRONGThere is a minimum scalefor efficiency. It is a littlemisleading to think youcan be small and globallycompetitive April 2015 |

28 LIFESTYLE • by Thevi SinnaduraiThe Magic of Posi+ive ThinkingThe great planes that sweep What magic occurs the skies, the cheese when YOU believe? slicer, the dishwasher, theautomobiles, denim jeans, touch The magic of believing isscreen mobile phones, water proof real. Adopting behavioursdiapers, WD40, energy saving like positive and constructivelight bulbs, vaccines, lollipops, self-talk and daily positivethe tiny office pin, a thousand and affirmations can change theone things - where did they come brain structure and ultimatelyfrom originally? Only one source – influence the subconscious‘Thought’. The magic of positive mindthinking and believing requires thatwe pay attention to and follow our So how does the power ofthoughts. positive thinking work its magic in your mind? | April 2015 Information is received by the subconscious mind from the conscious mind. Your conscious mind perceives the world through your senses. It then attaches a judgment to these thoughts that creates a feeling. The feeling is then lodged into your unconscious mind as a belief. Since all of your unconscious beliefs were first conscious thoughts, it stands to reason that you can change or reprogram your subconscious mind by actively adopting new thinking. This is where the magic of positive thinking comes into play!

LIFESTYLE 29Using The Magic Of Positive Thinking To Impact No matter what it is you desire to be, do or have, there isYour Life someone else out there who has achieved what you want. And if you can model their approach, you will duplicate theirCan positive thinking exercises really change your mind? If success for yourself.you asked Dr. Norman Doidge, author of ‘The Brain ThatChanges Itself’, he would surely give you a ‘YES’. Find a mentor, whether it's someone you know or someone you don’t’ know, doesn't really matter. For example, let's sayFollow these steps to help with unleashing your mind's you want to be a successful entrepreneur. The first step topower using the power of your thoughts: achieving this would be to study someone like our very own successful businessman, Tan Sri T. Ananda Krishnan or Tan1. Become aware of your negative programming and Sri Tony Fernandez or anyone who inspires you.beliefs. For example, perhaps while growing up you wereteased (as so many kids are) about a facial feature or your What matters is that there's plenty of accessible informationsports ability. And now, no matter what you do, you cannot about how they achieved success. Find out their mind setsee yourself as anything but ugly or anything but a weakling and how they faced challenges and opportunities. Whatand failure. In each of these cases, the negative beliefs you critical decisions did they make along their path? What waswant to reprogram are \"I am ugly\" and \"I am a weakling, a their positive self-talk that helped them through the hardfailure\". times?2. Activate the power of positive thinking: start feeding Positive Thinkingyour conscious mind with new beliefs. At this stage, it's Activity #2:not important that you agree with your new belief, what's Surround Yourselfimportant is that it's motivating to you and you'd like to with Positivebelieve it to be true. So in each case, the new beliefs you Pictureswould want to instil in yourself are \"I am truly beautiful, insideand out\" and \"I am good at sports/I am comfortable in my Placing inspiringbody. I am confident\". positive pictures around your home and office3. Continue feeding your mind stimulus that aligns can ensure you receivewith these statements. Meditation and self-hypnosis are daily doses of positivitylike super vitamins at this. They help you achieve a relaxed without consciousstate where it’s much easier to accept and integrate positive effort. And there's noself-talk. You can also incorporate positive daily affirmations better way to overcomeand visualization exercises to help make change more the power of negativerapid. Overtime, as you keep feeding yourself new positive thinking. Essentiallystimulus, the negative thoughts you've become so used to we are a product of ourhearing will become quieter. Through repeated exposure to environments. So if you ensure your environment is uplifting,your new beliefs, you will start to change your perception of you will internalize this and become it.yourself in these areas. At first you'll notice the change insmall things. Perhaps you'll decide to take up a sport or if Positive Thinking Activity #3: Acting As Ifyou're belief was that you are ugly, perhaps you'll notice thatyou suddenly feel smart and confident and you might start to Acting As If is a learned skill that will help you manifest anydress and do things differently to reflect this. of your desires. Rather than just longing for and endlessly imagining what you desire, Acting As If is about embodyingPositive Thinking Activity #1: Modelling the state that you wish to be in. For example, say you wish you were more successful. Start imagining right now howModelling is an approach by NLP. It involves developing you'd be if you had more success. Now behave this wayways of thinking and behaving that mirror the successful in your life right now. Adopt the mindset of that person youapproach of another. want to become. April 2015 |

30 LIFESTYLE \"Every person is the creation of himself, the image of his own thinking and believing. As individuals think and believe, so they are\" ~ Claude Bristol \"A man is but the product of his thoughts. What he thinks he becomes\" ~ Mahatma Gandhi \"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results\" ~ Willie NelsonThe Acting As If method works because the body follows Thevi Sinnadurai is a Practitioner inwhere the mind leads. So when you live inside your body as if Clinical Hypnosis, Practitioner in Cognitiveyou've achieved what you want, the mind adjusts accordingly. Behaviour Hypnotherapy, NS-NLP MasterIf you struggle at first with this technique, just keep trying.You Practitioner, Certified Law Of Attractionwill know when you are making headways because positive Trainer and Emotional Freedom Techniqueself-talk will become more natural and spontaneous. In the Practitioner (EFT). She can be reached at:meantime, use positive daily affirmations and visualizationto help with managing your resistance to change. [email protected] Thinking Quotes \"We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world\" ~ Buddha | April 2015

ENTREPRENEUR 31SIVATHI Aathi BSeiavuattyhiCHenertbrealBridal and beauty industry began when she was just 11 years are an expanding and very old; hence, the importance of her well flourished industry in education was completely neglectedMalaysia, as one can find abundant at that young age. She eventuallyof beauty and bridal centre in the stopped schooling to help hercapital state but when it comes to parents at their sundry shop.Johor, only a few make it to the toplist of sought-after beauty centre. “There’s no one to look after theMeet Sivathi Herbal Beauty Centre, shop, so I helped my dad, I woulda beauty centre and training centre grind the chillies and tie the packets.well situated in Taman Johor Jaya, So my father showed no worriesand is one of the names that have and neglected my education sincemade into the top list of beauty and we had the shop, I didn’t know thebridal centre in Johor. consequences as I have been just a kid, but I learned the business wellThe MIB team had a good time while helping him”.interviewing the founder of theSivathi Herbal Beauty Centre, Mrs. At 22 years old, she got married toSivathi Aathi Her beauty centre her husband, Mr. Siva, who is fromfound its fame through word of mouth Kuantan, Pahang, and blessed withmarketing, among customers, a sign a daughter, but soon after theirof excellence and top class services marriage, they came to a situationbeing offered there. where they had to let go their sundry shop. Not knowing where the futureJohor As The Promised heads, they decided to leave BahauLand and move to Johor, a drastic decision that changed their life forever.She was the eldest daughter of Mr.Jeevanathan and Mrs. Patma and “Most of my relatives said we havespent the most of her childhood no futures in Johor and will returngrowing up in Bahau, Negeri in two months. I was not able toSembilan, and her business career tell my husband anything but other than we should go. I tell him that weApril 2015 |

32 ENTREPRENEURdon’t know anyone but we’ll manage returning. I had a good experiencesomehow, there will be a way for us”. working in a textile shop but textile never interested me, I worked for aAt first, the state of Johor was not so year there and I did a good businessmuch of a promised land for them, as for the shop”.the man who promised them a place tostay and a job, but they lost contact with It was at an expo where she discoveredhim. However, luck was on their side as the prospect of beauty and bridalhelp came through a Chinese friend, industry, when she saw a very famouswho gave them a place to stay, before Mehndi designer’s booth doing veryboth of them get a job in Singapore. well in the expo. However, realizing that she had a very little knowledge inThe Challenges in Our Land Mehndi art and drawing, she decided to take continue beauty course seriously.She took a one year beauty course atAsia University as a first step towards She started in Bazaar Karat, andestablishing her business. She was then she opened a second in Pasaronly able to complete the basics in Borong in Pandan upon completingbeauty study. Once the study was a full beauty course in India. \"I tookover, her husband was offered a job the second shop as a back-up plan.in New Zealand, a situation where she I was the only Indian in both placeshad to follow him there. They returned at the time therefore had a hard timeto Malaysia six months later as they registering the shops. Anyway, I didhad a problem due to complications in my best by applying and I got the shoprenewing their visas and work permits. in the end. A Malay friend help me toOnce returned, she went to work secure the place in this location\".in a textile shop in Tekka Market inSingapore. \"I opened the first beauty centre in Bazaar Karat. A second branch was“I had no hearts to leave New Zealand opened in Pandan Uptown Market,but I worked hard there, because of that followed by beauty center in TamanI decided to work in Singapore upon Johor Jaya, all by tackling challenges\"| April 2015

ENTREPRENEUR 33Even though the rent was high and She also has a few products imported and confidence in the center; we willthe shop registration was highly from India. Her most special product provide a good opportunity that meetsopposed, she decided to go on with is the unique mehndi that are made their expectations”.the procedures, as she received huge in Pakistan and brought in throughsupports from her family as well as her Singapore. Most customers are happy She is happy to see her first batch ofin-laws. Her courageous efforts have with the results, as they have been students do very well, whereas herresulted with multiple successes in her supporting her for the past 4 years. current second batch, consisting ofbusiness. 15 students have just started in March Imparting Knowledge 2015. Overall she had trained more“Service is very important to me. than 50 students. She hopes to seeI don’t see much money from my Teaching has always been one of more students under her as the careercustomers. Service is the main her passions at heart; therefore, she prospects are bright, especially inreasons I have loyal customers and decided to open a beauty center Johor.promotes through words. Once they as well. Her center commenced bylike the service, then they wouldn’t care offering certificate programmes with “Some people say that there’s no pointspending money”. plans to offer a full Advanced Diploma in teaching beauty courses, as the programmes. Her professional students will be our competition, but toHer beauty centre offers the high-end certificate programmes are one of the me it does not matter, even if we don’tquality services and latest beauty most complete, as they come with step- teach them, someone else will so Iproducts. She utilize high quality Indian by-step post graduation programs such think it rather be me”.beauty products especially Nature's to as, skills course, shop lot registration,beautify her clients. setting up of center and follow up She ended the interview by guides with government university. emphasizing the center and the“The business is going pretty well by students as the vision of Sivathi HerbalGod’s grace. Many customers that “I have students without doing any Beauty Centre with teaching as herhave seen the services here have advertising, for the programme. I hope main goal to expand the center withintroduced new customers”. to do it on bigger levels. Of course we more students in the future. will give the best to those who put trust April 2015 |

34 ANNOUNCEMENT We are aware that media plays important vital role in disbursing information, knowledge and entertainment. However as technology evolves and develops with self-publishing, the risk of abuse tends to grow higher. In the world of media convergence, almost everyone in the world is connected to an electronic device – computer, mobile phone, radio, and television. Any material communicated via an electronic medium has the capacity to go viral and reach millions of people globally. The Communications and Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) recently launched a campaign warning Malaysians with a stern message: Creating, posting, sharing, transmitting, and distributing a potentially offensive message, video, or photograph can affect you for life. “It’s time for people, especially the youth, to learn some hard lessons about what they create, post and distribute,” says Ahmad Izham Omar, CMCF Chairman. “Even a text message or email that provokes the sensitivities of an individual or community can rebound and scar the sender for life.” The nationwide campaign themed, ‘What you do sticks with you’, aims to promote good behaviour and values while encouraging self-regulation. “Our objective is not to curb creativity or freedom of expression, but rather for the public to exercise good judgment in adhering to the values of our country,” asserts Izham. “Ask yourself if the message, video, or photograph being distributed is authentic, factually accurate, and does not hurt anyone. The public must be vigilant or risk the consequence of their actions.”| April 2015

ANNOUNCEMENT 35Before your publish or post ask yourself if the message, video, or photograph being distributed is authentic, factually accurate, and does not hurt anyone. ~ IzhamIzham notes that in the past year, the public used the “The youth are particularly vulnerable to offensiveelectronic media irresponsibly to share their thoughts about material, and we need to continuously work to educatethe general election, the disappearance of MH370, sexual them on the merits of acting sensibly. In creating anyescapades on a beach front and religious differences. form of content, we must be assured that it does not offend, disparage, ridicule, or hurt an individual or ourIzham advises the public to refer to the CMCF Content Code communities.”as a guide to understand the parameters of admissiblecontent. Anyone hurt by offensive material can lodge a The Complaints Bureaucomplaint to CMCF’s Complaints Bureau for advice andfurther action. Complaints can be submitted online at The CMCF houses a Complaints Bureau is empowered to: www.cmcf.my. • Consider and deal with complaints relating to content as provided for in the Content CodeFor the duration of the campaign, CMCF plans to organizeand participate in seminars, road shows, and forums with • Investigate any content which is considered to be inprivate and public associations to disseminate information breach of the Content Code without there necessarilyabout media etiquette and self-responsibility. CMCF recently having been a complaintworked jointly with MCMC on the “Click smartly” campaigntargeting students who spend time on social media platforms, • Rule on any dispute arising between members of thethe Internet, and mobile phones. CMCF or between a member and a non-member“With technological advances, the opportunities to create • Interpret provisions of the Content Code when the needand share material will become more prevalent in the near arises or when a request is madefuture. We can expect the law governing electronic media tobe tightened if the situation gets uncontrollable.” • The CMCF's Complaints Bureau shall receive, consider, mediate and if necessary, adjudicate and make a rulingIzham remarks that Malaysians currently enjoy a great deal on matters, such as complaints and grievances, relatingof latitude in the electronic media environment. “We have a to alleged breachesfavourable open sky policy currently, and we are hopeful thatpeople do not abuse the privilege for their own gains.” • The Complaints Bureau comprises an appointed Chairman and six members of the Forum, one eachIzham confirms that the ‘What you do sticks with you’ representing the six affiliationscampaign is only the starting point of a long-haul journey. April 2015 |

36 SINGAPORE BUSINESS NEWSRaffles Med’s lucrative medicaltourism cash cow under threatForeign patients are the lifeblood of Raffles Medical, but this all-important revenue source is at risk of drying up after the Singapore TourismBoard (STB) earlier cut its visitor arrival forecast for2015. The STB estimates that Singapore will welcome15.1m-15.5m tourists and expects S$24bn in tourismreceipts in 2015, compared to their earlier target of17m visitor arrivals and S$30bn in tourism receipts.Data from CIMB show that foreign patients traditionallyaccount for 30-35% of total number of patients, withIndonesians forming the largest group at around 5-7%of all patients. Foreign patients account for 45-50%of total hospital revenues because they typically havelarger bills, as they seek treatment for more complexmedical issues. They also have a longer average lengthof stay as they prefer to recover in the hospital asopposed to a hotel.Singapore's transport costs almost three times costlier than New York's: EIUThe cost of commuting or driving in the Big Apple are nothing compared to Lion City's exorbitant transport costs. The complex Certificate of Entitlement system is the main culprit behind Singapore’s high cost of living, the Economist Intelligence Unit revealed today. The city- state has again been named as the world’s costliest city by the Economist Intelligence Unit's Worldwide Cost of Living Survey. The reportshows that the COE system makes car prices “excessive”, with local transport costs almost three times higher than in New York. The city-stateheads an unchanged top five, with Paris (2nd), Oslo (3rd), Zurich (4th) and Sydney (5th) all remaining structurally expensive. Despite toppingthe ranking, EIU states that Singapore still offers relative value in some categories, such as in terms of basic groceries, where the city-state isonly 11% more expensive than New York. | April 2015

37SINGAPORE BUSINESS NEWSAlmost 4 out of 5 SMEs no longer SINGAPORE TO SEE LARGEST INFLUX OF SUPERkeen on hiring foreigners: survey RICHSMEs aren't too keen on hiring foreigners despite Make room Eduardo Saverin, Nathan Tinkler and Jim Rogers, the deferral of foreign worker levy hikes, a survey Singapore’s super-rich club is about to get a little crowded. by JobsDB revealed. Results showed that 48% of The Republic is expected to see the world’s largest influx ofrespondents expressed uncertainty towards hiring foreigners super-rich individuals over the next 10 years, with 1,752 people joiningand only 24% said they were still open to it, despite the the ranks of the so-called ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) byrecent budget announcement delaying the slated increase 2024, a report by property consultancy Knight Frank says.The projectedto foreign worker levies. The implementation of government addition to Singapore’s wealth brigade is higher than that of cities suchinitiatives such as the Fair Consideration Framework, has as Hong Kong, New York and London, and will see the number ofalso given SMEs additional pressure to compete to attract people with net assets of US$30 million (S$41 million) or more herelocal talent in an already tight labour market. In particular, the soar by 54.3 per cent to 4,979 in 2024, said the Wealth Report. Knightsurvey revealed that SMEs are looking to fill positions in sales Frank Singapore’s head of consultancy and research Alice Tan said(40%), administration / office support (31%), accounting, the nation’s attractiveness lies in its standing as a regional hub andengineering (19%) and IT (18%). pro-business environment. “Singapore’s strengthening position as a regional financial and transport hub, coupled with a stable and pro-ONLINE PORTAL TO PROVIDE STREAMLINED business government, has attracted MNCs to relocate their regionalHELP FOR SMES operations here. These strong attributes have also attracted many ultra-high-net-worth individuals to relocate to and invest in Singapore,Anew online portal will be set up to make it easier especially in real estate,” Ms Tan said for companies to search and apply for government grants. The Government will roll out the first phaseof this Business Grants Portal over the next year, Minister ofState for Trade and Industry Teo Ser Luck said in Parliament.The project involves 10 government agencies, and aimsto streamline about 20 existing business grants into threekey areas within one portal. The three areas are capabilitydevelopment, internationalisation and training. Agenciesinvolved include Spring Singapore, IE Singapore and theWorkforce Development Agency. \"Companies will be guidedthrough the process and given advice on the grants whichthey are eligible for,\" Mr Teo said. This is because SMEs arefinding it much tougher to cope with ongoing restructuring,Mr Singh said, noting that there might be a risk of Singaporebecoming a \"dual economy\" where \"SMEs face onecost structure and larger multinational corporations andgovernment-linked corporations have another because ofbetter support from the government\". April 2015 |

38 MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE • by Palani MurugappanHandling Based on the above, Excel can be used to createCharts in Excel a simple 2 dimensional column chart as follows.Understanding Column ChartsCharts are used primarily for creating a visual explanation of rawdata. A chart can be displayed in a simple manner or “spruced” upto give a visually stunning effect. However, the final format shouldbe easy for anyone looking at it to gather the information meant tobe portrayed.Let us look at the following three columns of data. For mostcompanies and departments, there is a high tendency to compareactual (column C) against projected (column B) values. Thefollowing is a simple set of data based on quantities sold by acompany for the first six months.| April 2015

39MANAGEMENT SOFTWAREExcel usually selects the above standard colors Displaying High Against Low Valuesfor the columns. The user has the option ofchanging the colors and give it a 3-D effect as Sometimes we will comefollows with the values for each month displayed across values in twoon the top of each column. columns where one is high and the other veryFor someone who is not too familiar with charts, low. For example, let ushe or she may assume the “gap” between each assume the following datamonth may consist of values that are “missing”. is provided.The gap between each month can be reducedusing the Gap Width feature. The above is a situation in a company where extraTo create a story, a background image can be manpower is required toadded as illustrated below. accomplish a task based on monthly projects. The figures in column C depict the number of employees who resign from the company on a monthly basis. If the standard column chart is plotted, this is what you will observe. The above may be correct in terms of presentation of data, but it is not the right way of showing it. Why? It is difficult to read the lower Employee Turnover figures as both the figures are using the main Y-axis to map its values. When you come across a situation like this, convert the lower values to another type of chart, preferably a line chart as follows. The line chart is still displayed somewhere at the bottom of the column chart as its figures are mapped against the left Y-axis. A better approach is to activate another axis called the secondary axis where the lower figures are mapped against it and the higher (Manpower required) figures are mapped against the main left Y-axis as represented in the next column chart. April 2015 |

40 MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE As can be seen on the To add the average values, it needs to right, the chart now be added separately as illustrated below. becomes more readable with the secondary axis Finally, you have the option of changing (on the right) activated. the average column figures as a different type of chart. In the illustration below, Let us look at another the average values are converted and scenario. You are given displayed as a line chart with markers. the following data as below where the employees KPIs are given below in differentcolumns with the column E recording the average values.Based on the data above, a column chart is created by highlighting all of the Further enhancements can be made tocolumns. display the values within each column in different positions to be represented in Though the above chart the following manner. may look proper with the unfamiliar eyes, someone with trained eyes will tell you it is not quite correct. A better way of approaching the above is to only select the first four columns and plot the column chart as follows. Penned by : By Palani Murugappan A HRDF certified trainer and author of 51 books to-date on various software applications, Palani is passionate on what Excel can do, and how best to present data in different formats. More information is covered in his website. He can be reached at: [email protected] www.avimursolutions.com| April 2015

MIB FORUM 41Do modern corporate managementincludes happiness as basic principle?In Arthasasthra,the oldest Management book states that the happiness of subjectslies the happiness of the King and in their welfare lies his welfaren Even if happiness principle does not come top- n Corporate emphasis is more towards makingdown, staff at all levels should practice the happiness habit stakeholder happier in terms of higher dividend payout.to be more productive and work in self-harmony. Happiness of subjects (employees) only happens when he or she performs better than others and contributes greatlyMohan P. Kuppusamy, for the company. Nowadays, the subjects have to take careCertified iCP Lecturer of their superiors’ happiness first before the rest.Happiness at work; R Navaaneetha Krishnan, Executive Director1. 1. Doing something that you are passionate about,2. 2. Great work-life balance n All levels should practice happiness to be more productive and work in self-harmony. until we have both of these, there is no true happiness. This also should apply to the bosses and not just those atPathmanathan Maniyam, lower levels. Loyalty expected from workers but what aboutMarketing Manager loyalty of seniors to the juniors. Whenever there is downturn the lower level is told 'good bye' as a cost cutting measuren Corporate management under capitalist system with the seniors rarely taking any form of cut including perks.is work For Pressure And Not For Pleasure [Happiness] .Management makes the life of juniors UNHAPPY and that Gursharan Singh,may make them HAPPY. Trainer-Knowledge Sharer-AuditorK. Kumaravell,EntrepreneurBUSINESS JOKESA young man went I send email to a A businessman who A photocopier A company directorinto a bank and asked client. Client gets needed millions of technician inform his received an emailcurrent account upset about the dollars to clinch an client, suggested they from his PR Manageropening form.The email. Client admits important deal went might do the cleaning “My mother is veryofficer was surprised, they never read the to church to pray for by reading machine dangerous and I wantwhen he says I will email.!!!! the money. By chance manual since it would to saw her. Please leavebring the form to Kuala he knelt next to a man cost them RM100.00 me three days.”Lumpur and return to What is the 3 Most who was praying for if he did it.When the (My mother is seriouslyopen account in new Powerful Words after $100 to pay an urgent client asks,“does your ill and I would likefew days.When asked I LOVE YOU? debt.The businessman boss know you are to be by her side.why the need to take ….SALARY IS took out his wallet discouraging business?” Therefore, I requestthe form to Kuala CREDIT!!! and pressed $100 into He responded,“actually you grant me leave forLumpur, he retorted the other man’s hand. my boss demands three days)that the application Overjoyed, the man got we explain this to allform said- Got be filled up and left the church. our customers.After Points to Ponder: Canin CAPITAL. The businessman then people try first to you cry under water? closed his eyes and fix things themselves, prayed,“And now, we end-up making Lord, that I have your much more money on undivided attention….” repairs.”

42 COVER STORY ERICAN COLLEGE : VEEJAYAASEGARAN Right in the heart of the federal capital, in the midst of the bustling urban centre and well-crafted commuter networks, is Erican College. It is a member of Erican Education Group, an award-winning organization that has been providing a comprehensive array of education since its establishment in 1990. Having started as a language centre, the Group has now branched out into Preschool, International School, College, and Corporate Training. Erican College itself is expecting an upgrade to University College status in the near future. We had a great opportunity to interview Mr. Veejayaasegaran (or fondly known as Veejay), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Erican College and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Erican Education Group. | April 2015

COVER STORY 43YOUNGEST CEO IN MALAYSIAN TERTIARY g Receiving the former Ambassador of Thailand in Malaysia, His Excellency Krit Kraichitti.EDUCATION INDUSTRY g With students at Erican College’s Deepavali celebration. Under Veejay’s guidance, the institution strives toVeejay has been serving the education industry for more than provide quality student-oriented services and nurture a caring and loving learning environment.18 years. He entered the education industry at a very youngage and when he became the CEO of a private college at just26, he also became the youngest CEO in the country.He hails from Penang and calls himself a simple man. Hiswork in the education industry and his nephews hold a specialplace in his heart. He is a very sociable person who loves tomeet new people and exchange knowledge with them, andthat includes his students whom he occasionally enjoys adrink with to get to know them better.Veejay holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration,majoring in Marketing, from Nottingham Trent University anda Bachelor's degree in Business Studies and Management.Throughout his studies, he supported himself by workingpart-time so he could reduce his father’s financial burden.Veejay always had a passion for education which clearlyreflects in his career choices and trajectory. He has workedat five universities and colleges since his graduation, gainingextensive experience in lecturing, student services, marketingand sales.g Pictured with the founder of Erican Education Group Datuk Eric Chong, Datin Lee Pui Ling, and Group Marketing Head Phillips Koh after Erican College won and was ranked top 10 in the SME 100: Fast Moving Companies Awards 2014 April 2015 |

44 COVER STORYTOUGH BEGINNINGSRight before he joined the Erican, he was the founder of aprivate college in Penang. However, due to disagreementsover the direction of the company with his investors, hedecided to leave his college, a decision he never thought hewould have to make.“I trusted the wrong people and investors,” he said with ashrug, “but that’s bygones now.”There is, however, a bright side to this story. “I didn’t knowwhat to do at that time,” Veejay said. “I lost everything andI was back to square one. I was discouraged and upset,but there was one person who steadfastly supported methroughout it all.” g Celebrating Erican Education Group’s winning of the Leadership Excellence in International Education accolade at the 5th Middle East Business Leaders Awards 2014That person is Phillips Koh, current Head of Marketing of theErican Education Group. “I consider him my younger brother,”added Veejay.Today, he tries his best to avoid negative people and refusesto focus on complaints. “Something’s wrong? Give me thesolution,” he said. “I only want solutions.”MEETING DATUK ERIC CHONGAfter leaving his college, Veejay encountered financially hardtimes where he had to sell his house and car to sustain hisliving expenses. He returned to Ipoh to join his brother-in-law’slegal firm and was on the verge of giving up the educationindustry when he received a call from Datuk Chong. g The Erican College team at the SME 100: Fast Moving Companies Awards ceremony in December of last yearDatuk Chong was initially a potential investor for Veejay’scollege. Although the partnership ultimately did not work outas Datuk Chong preferred to invest in a company based inKuala Lumpur, Veejay continued to keep in touch with him.Datuk Chong told him that he had recently acquired PratiqueAsia College, a boutique college specializing in interiordesign. He had major plans for the college and he wantedVeejay to assist him in executing them.“Datuk is a very focused man and a great visionary. I amhonoured to have been entrusted with this project and to beone of the key decision-makers,” Veejay said. “God willing, Itruly believe Erican will be my last company.” g Visiting the Indian High Commission in Malaysia for a meeting with Dr. Acquino Vimal, Deputy High Commissioner, as part of the delegation sent by the Branding Association of Malaysia | April 2015

COVER STORY 45g DWeiethpaEvriaclainceCloeblleragteio’snS.tudent Council. Students surprised Veejay with a birthday cake during last year’s g Veejay works hard to sustain and manage a multicultural team at Ericang Receiving a special visitor in the office during the Chinese New Year. 5th Middle East Business Leaders Awards 2014g Veejay has been in the education industry for 16 years and have witnessed g Visiting Business Academy Southwest in Denmark, one of Erican College’s university partners, where the delegation was the graduation of more than 10,000 students.5th Middle East Business welcomed by the rector Mr. Henrik Larsen Leaders Awards 2014g Receiving a corporate gift from University of Wolverhampton’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Ian Oakes. g SAEMsnsEjooc1yi0ian0tgi:oFanapsotrfeoMsutdaMlmaoyovsmiina,egDnCtaotwmuikpthEarntihcieeCshfaoowunnagdr,desrhoofrtElryicbaenfoErdeurceaptrieosneGntroinugpEarnicdanPrCeoslildeegnetoonf tshtaegBeratondreincegive the UOW is Erican College’s latest partner in the UK. April 2015 |

46 COVER STORYVeejay joined Erican College as its principal in September HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY2012. At the end of 2013, he was promoted to Chief ExecutiveOfficer and recently, in March 2015, he was officially The main goal of the Erican Education Group is to be a one-appointed as Group Chief Operating Officer. He oversees stop education centre by year 2020.700 staff members all over Malaysia and few other ASEANcountries. “Competition is highest in the industry,” said Veejay. “There are around 450 colleges and universities in Malaysia alone,BEING PART OF ERICAN EDUCATION GROUP but I believe in honest and healthy competition. This is what drives us to innovate and improve. It’s good for us, and evenThe Erican Education Group’s very first entity is the Erican better for students. Education isn’t something to be trifledLanguage Centre. It has been a premier brand in language with. Quality comes first.”education and training for two decades now, with centres The secret to their success, Veejay shares, is their relationshipspread throughout Malaysia. Additionally the Group also with their students. “At Erican, we emphasize on a personalsupports Erican Corporate Training, EriKids for pre-schoolers, connection,” he said. “We are always there for them, throughTian Tian Tuition Centre, and of course, EricanCollege. their ups and downs. My door is always open for them and they know they can comeWhen Erican College acquired Pratique \"I believe in and see me any time for whatever issueAsia College at the end of 2012, there that may be troubling them.”were only 60 students. In just a little honestover two years, Erican College now QUALITY EDUCATIONsupports over 1,700 students in five and healthyschools/faculties and has set a target The Erican College difference lies into increase the population by 1000 this competition. This is what their Success Programme, pioneer of itsyear. Their parallel goal is to achieve drives us to innovate and kind in Asia. The Success ProgrammeUniversity Status by the end of 2016. comprises of the Success Forum and improve\" Success Camp, which Veejay hasAll of Erican’s students and clients are helped develop. The Success Forumgiven quality education training of an ~ Veejayaasegaran is a coaching programme whereinternational-standard at an affordable Datuk Chong personally mentors andand competitive rate. motivates students in monthly sessions.The latest project of the Group and by The Success Camp, led by Veejay, isextension, Veejay, is the Erican International School in China. a leadership camp designed to target the“This is definitely going to be a challenge for me because of students’ personal development and to bring out the positivethe language barrier,” said Veejay, “I can speak fluent Hokkien qualities in themselves.and a little bit of Mandarin, but Malaysian Mandarin, I’ve “We don’t only want to give them book knowledge, we alsolearned, is pronounced very differently from the Mandarin want to give them skills that they can use as an edge againstspoken in China. I really had to rely on Phillips for translation!” their peers,” said Veejay. “We want them to be employableRed tape and local regulations are also obstacles, but Veejay and we want them to be industry leaders.”is optimistic that they would ultimately be conquered. “Yes, Erican is also heavily involved in corporate social responsibilitywe can!” He laughs, playing on Erican College’s infamous (CSR) activities. In 2014, Erican College pledged over RM5tagline. The Group is celebrating its 25th anniversary this million worth of subsidies and scholarships to external andyear. internal education funds. This year, they have nearly doubled the amount. “Not only do we reward good results but we also take care of students who are in need of financial assistance or who | April 2015

COVER STORY 47g Veejay frequently travels to international fairs in efforts to promote Erican College. Here, he is pictured with Thailand’s Minister of g With Erican College’s Student Ambassadors at an education fair Education and EMGS’s senior managementare OKU (physically challenged),” said Veejay. “With these Student hostels are located in Ampang, Cheras andscholarships, we want to eliminate any monetary concerns Setiawangsa, places that students can easily travel to thethat might be stopping students from furthering their studies. campus via the LRT network. Erican is strategically locatedEducation changes lives for the better and our children should near KLCC and is 5-minute walk from the nearest LRT station.never be deprived.” The prime location is the hub of activity and is a major draw for international students.Additionally, Erican offers free seminars, courses andworkshops regularly throughout the year. One of the more To offer their students global recognition, Veejay has drivenrecent CSR effort is the RM100 transportation subsidy Erican College to work with a number of internationallyoffered to Erican students who are residing out of Selangor acclaimed universities such as University of Wolverhamptonand Klang Valley so that they are able to return home, worry- so that their students are able to graduate with UK degreesfree, each semester break. at a local and much more affordable price. For students who want to experience a different culture and to study abroad,INTERNATIONAL INVOLVEMENT they may choose to participate in semester exchange programmes with European universities.Under Veejay’s management, Erican maintains a healthystudent population, both local and international in origin. “Quality choices are what our students deserve and that’sTheir international students come from over 41 countries, and what we work hard to provide,” said Veejay.are all supported by a good team of agents spread acrossseven regions. Erican has a strong presence in the Middle AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONSEast, Sri Lanka, Central Asia, China and Indonesia, and theirfuture plans include penetration into even more international Erican has made tremendous achievements in the industrymarkets. since its founding, winning accolades and recognitions from various awarding bodies. Its most recent win is the SME 100: April 2015 |

48 COVER STORYFast Moving Companies Award in December 2014 where lecturers from Australia, Canada, India, Iran, Kazakhstan,Erican College was ranked top 10 and received a nod for Malaysia and Philippines, among others.its impressive progress in just two years. In the same year,Erican won the 5th Middle East Business Leaders’ Leadership THE INDIAN STUDENTSExcellence in International Education award. Malaysian Indians are a minority at Erican College but they“It’s always a good feeling to be recognized by our peers,” excel both in their studies and co-curricular activities. TheyVeejay said. “I had the opportunity to receive the SME award are the President of the Student Council and top leaderslast year and it was unforgettable. It was an acknowledgment in the Success Camp, and always manage to impress theof all the hard work my team and I have put in and I was judges and facilitators with their involvement in competitionsnever prouder of what we had come to achieve together in and events.that moment.” “The children in our community are undoubtedly talented,”Erican is also a three-time winner of the Golden Bull award, Veejay said. “They can achieve anything they put their mindconsecutively in 2009 to 2011, a three-time winner of the SME to and I always encourage them to try everything. Never limitRecognition Award Series, the National Mark of Malaysian themselves.”Brand, and several other SME excellence awards. In his experience, Indian students always go forTHE ERICANITES pharmaceutical, engineering, medicine and law studies. “These are industries that are always aimed for, and they areIt was Datuk Chong, who first coined the term ‘Ericanites’ to great, but I’d like for them to explore others,” said Veejay. “Trydescribe the dedicated team at the Erican Education Group. out business, communication, design or tourism. Don’t letAt Erican College, the majority of Ericanites are graduates convention dictate your future.”under 35 years of age. He further encouraged young Indian graduates to join him.“Most companies would be cautious in hiring fresh graduates “Our doors are always open for young talent,” he said. He alsoas they do not yet have the experience needed, but I don’t advised fresh graduates to lower their monetary expectationshave that reservation,” Veejay said. “I believe they can be when they first enter the workforce at this time should bemore aggressive and in a company like ours, young blood taken as an opportunity to learn rather than earn. It takes avitalizes our creative direction and drives us to achieve few years of dedicated service in an organization to achievegreater milestones.” a career objective, but Veejay assures that it will be worth it. “Work hard and the rest will follow,” he said.Veejay also sustains a multiracial team that works together inperfect harmony. “We have a very well-balanced team in terms WORD OF ADVICE: BE PROACTIVEof race and we are all evenly spread out through the corporatehierarchy,” he said. “There’s no place for discrimination here.” In closing, we asked Veejay for a word of advice to the freshThe Ericanites are also multinational with a mix of staff and Indian school leavers who would be facing one of the most challenging and influential decisions they would make in their lives. “Be proactive,” he said. “Make comparisons of the available choices of study, seek advice from people whom you trust or who are experienced in that line of work. Visit campuses, talk to the right people, and identify which school will give you the best benefits for a brighter future. Never get carried away by advertising.”g At an education fair with (from left) Vice Principal of International Marketing, Shashikumar Nadason, Founder Datuk Eric Chong, and Group Marketing Head Phillips Koh | April 2015