Career @ Manulife (1994-2000)

­In the beginning …­

1994:

March – I graduated with a full “A” Levels Full Certificate, majoring in Economics and Accounting.

June –   I obtained Certificate of Life Insurance awarded by Singapore College of Insurance (SCI) and started my career with Manulife, without any knowledge and conviction on Life Insurance.

October – My only and younger brother, Mark, ‘had an accident’ and almost lost his life. My family did not own any insurance policy. His total medical cost amounted to SGD$80 000.  By God’s grace, my brother survived the numerous surgeries. Borrowing from friends and relatives was out of question.  We depended on donations to live on.  With the help from government, we managed to pay in installments to the hospital eventually.  My conviction in Life Insurance became strong.

Through this ordeal, I realised the importance of money and real friendship. Providing for loved ones in the event of untimely death, and sudden diagnosis of critical illnesses was ‘A-list needs’.  To earn money and have enough savings became sudden urgency.  Real friends are the ones whom we need to treasure, and I have since become very conscious and selective about friendship.

December – I qualified for the company’s minimum Production Club. My manager brought me to Hong Kong trip as a ‘reward’. It was my first time to fly by a plane on a vacation.

1995:

May, my first convention trip to Perth, Australia, fully paid by the company began.  However, I did not own a single credit card, and did not have much money to spend too.  It was an exciting experience for me as I finally came face-to-face with Koalas!  It was a childhood dream … came true haha~~

Though so, I went on holiday with a heavy heart, as my brother was still recuperating at home, undergoing several physiotherapy, etc.. It was disheartening to see him surviving with a halved-skull, but he fought to live on.  Mark’s struggle to move on gave me courage to face the many challenges ahead …

August, I joined People’s Association (PA) Youth Executive Committee (YEC) as a volunteer.  I was moved by the kind-hearted Singaporeans who came forward to help my family a year ago.  Still vivid in my mind, I promised myself to contribute back to society as soon as I could find time.  Monetary donations in replacement of my time was out of question as far as voluntary contribution is concerned.

Social Education Secretary was the position I held. During the two-year service, I successfully organized few health talks for Clementi’s residents.  It was tough to invite doctors to speak at community centres.  It came to my realization that not many medical practitioners are good at this craft — public speaking.

November, I obtained Certificate in Personal Life Insurance awarded by Life Underwriters’ Training Council (LUTC).

December, I qualified for company’s minimum production club.

1996:

Jan – After much delay and hesitation, we finally enrolled Mark for night classes.  My family was afraid that strangers would be frightened if they found out that my brother was walking around with a broken skull. Nevertheless, Mark wore a cap to school every night, and he kept a low profile.  Meanwhile, the school syllables have changed, hence, my brother had to study seven new subjects.

I did my first claim when a close friend of mine met with a motor accident.  Luckily, she purchased a life plan attached with Personal Accident Rider from me in 1995, and had minor injuries.  I had a sudden spur to insure people with accident coverage right after this case.

June – Mark was scheduled to undergo a skull surgery.  The operation was successful.  He finally looked normal, and need not use caps anymore.  My brother went on to prepare for his “O” Levels examinations.

November –  I obtained Certificate in Personal Growth awarded by LUTC.

December  - I qualified for company’s minimum Production Club.

1997:

Mar – Mark was interviewed by local papers because he scored seven As in the “O” Levels exams!

July – I obtained Certificate on Investment-Linked Policies awarded by SCI, while my brother managed to get a place in Ngee Ann Polytechnic.

August – I was re-elected as a Social Services Secretary. The next two years of service saw me organizing various activities for singles.  It was a pleasure to ‘match-make’ few couples.

November – I obtained Certificate on Ethical Practices awarded by LUTC.

December – I qualified for company’s President Council’s Production Club.

1998:

May -  My first convention trip to Seoul, South Korea, began.  I fell instantly in love with the land of the morning calm.  Everything was so different, yet familiar, at least to me.  The language amazed me, I decided to master it once I set foot home.

June – It was a night like before when dad was breathless suddenly … he was rushed to hospital by an ambulance. After a month’s confinement at National University Hospital, my beloved father was diagnosed of coronary artery blockage.  He had to undergo a bypass surgery.  Back then, it was rare for a 48-year-old to be diagnosed with 6 arteries blocked.

Luckily, my dad was insured by Manulife.  I bought a Living Choice policy for him in 1996.  Although he was covered only $20 000, the money shed some light into my family.  My parents began to believe in insurance, and most importantly, the work I do.  My dad survived the operation, however, he lost his job and good health … forever.

November – I obtained Certificate in Business Insurance awarded by LUTC.

December – I qualified for company’s President’s Division Production Club.  In the same month, I represented Singapore as a Youth Ambassador to participate in NCYOK’s 4th International Winter Youth Camp in Pyongchang, South Korea.  The experience was overwhelming!  Besides learning how to ski, I managed to host the finale, Cultural Exchange Night.  I was delighted to meet youths from Russia and Mongolia, and enjoyed their performances.

1999:

May - I was awarded a convention trip to Cape Town, South Africa.

July – I represented Singapore as a Youth Ambassador to participate in UNESCO’s 34th International Youth Camp in Ichon, South Korea. During the week-long camp, I was a member of the Human Rights’ Congregate. We visited an orphanage, Comfort Women Domicile and took part in a ‘demonstration’ with some comfort women.  It was a heart-warming experience when we talked (with help from translators), ate, or simply lived with the women overnight.

October – I was invited by Manulife Shanghai to speak at Top Achievers’ Conference in Guilin, China. It was my first attempt, sharing my work experiences with 5000 audience, as an overseas platform speaker. I was given super VIP hospitality, an unforgettable once-a-lifetime achievement.

December – I qualified for company’s President’s Council Production Club.

2000:

November – I attained Life Underwriters’ Training Council FELLOW Designation conferred by The American College and the Insurance and the Financial Practitioners Association of Singapore.

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