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Report on Professionals Connect on 15.05.2010

15th May, 2010 (Saturday) – A public forum and exhibition entitled “Professionals Connect” was organized by Balai Ikhtisas Malaysia (BIM), also known as the Malaysian Professional Centre, with the assistance of the Young Professionals Alliance (YPA) of which the Kuala Lumpur Bar Young Lawyers Committee (“KLYLC”) is a part of. Launched by BIM President Dr. Tan Yoke Sing, this event was the first of its kind by BIM aimed at raising awareness on the issues and challenges facing Malaysia in its path to nationhood and maturation as a developing country.

BIM was established in 21 January 1973 with the functioning purpose of encouraging good relationships and understanding between members of the different professional bodies and the public.

Event launched by Dr Tan Yoke Sing and Pn Fatimah (Chairlady of Professionals Connect Committee)

Held at the Dewan Auditorium Tunku Abdul Rahman, of the Malaysian Tourism Centre, the forum saw many professional organizations come together to discuss and gain insight on current issues and challenges we face as Malaysians trying to cope with the uncertainties and the ever changing environment.

YM Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim with Mr Richard Wee

The forum was kick-offed with the first keynote address “Overcoming Corruption: What choice for Malaysia” by YM Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim. Moderated by Mr. Richard Wee from KL Bar, the speaker who is a firm believer in integrity stressed on how there is no accountability without transparency and the importance of public institutions as a check and balance to prevent corruption in the country. He went on further noting that Malaysia is not lacking in laws against corruption but lacking in political will and effective enforcement against corrupt practices.

Ir. Amran from MERCY

The second keynote address was by Ir. Amran Mahzan on the topic “MERCY: Aiding during Crisis & Disasters”. Moderated by Ir. Ivan Tan, the speaker gave examples of MERCY Malaysia’s practices of good governance and accountability, such as the Code of Conduct which is the basis of their Humanitarian Accountability Framework in which all their stakeholders subscribe and adhere to when they are representing MERCY Malaysia in one form or another.

Ir. Gurmit Singh KS , Dato Dr. Ir. Andy Seo Kian Haw and Mr Chan Kit Kheong

The final address was a panel session by Yang Berbahagia Dato Dr. Ir. Andy Seo Kian Haw, an industrialist, and Ir. Gurmit Singh KS, a self-professed social activist and avowed environmentalist, on the topic “Recipe for Greater Efficiency and Prosperity”. Moderated by Mr. Chan Kit Kheong from the KLYLC, the former focused on the ongoing transparency and accountability initiatives by PEMUDAH to resolve issues on government procurement, competition policy, labour legislation, etc. to create a condusive and friendly business environment for all. On the other hand, Ir. Gurmit spoke with gusto from his perspective as a social activist and stressed that efficiency is a measure of how well we utilise resources such as time and money. He gave an example of how he had to wait for hours for a bus to attend a seminar he was giving on sustainable development. In the end, development and social responsibility are not mutually exclusive as the former sustains the latter.

After the forum, the audience were treated to various informational booths set-up by professional bodies such as the Malaysian Medical Association, the Institute of Internal Auditors Malaysia and the Institute of Engineers Malaysia, amongst others, and were even offered free dental check-ups by the Oral Health Division of the Ministry of Health which had a mini dentist corner. Despite the normal hiccups in the beginning, the public forum and exhibition was an enlightening experience to gain insights of the speakers and to learn how our professional counterparts contribute to everyone’s daily lives.


Part of the working committee for “Professionals Connect”

Contributed by Melissa Sasidaran

Photos courtesy of Young Engineers and BIM