By Tan Choon Wei

PENANG, 3 FEB – A career readiness talk was held at Han Chiang University College (HCUC) as a programme to encourage future career preparedness for its students. 

The talk was held at Lecture Theater 1 (LT1) and was attended by 120 students, lasting for four hours throughout Friday morning. The talk was a collaboration between the School of Business and Management of HCUC and the Penang Youth Development Corporation (PYDC), a non-profit organisation for youth development in Penang.

Two speakers were invited for the event. Ricky Tan, founder of the House of Trainings and Dr. Gwee Sai Ling, the general manager of PYDC. The talk was separated into two different lectures. YB Mr. Soon Lip Chee, Penang State EXCO for Youth and Sports, was also invited as guest speaker for the closing ceremony. 

Souvenir giving from PYDC, from left: Dr. Gwee, Dr. Beh, YB Mr. Soon, Dato’ Teng and Ms Jenny.

Lectures given on employment and working cultures

The first lecture, held by an enthusiastic Tan, emphasised on employment opportunities and interview techniques. He also shared his experiences whilst working as a human resource manager. Small gifts were also given to whoever responded to his questionnaires. 

The second lecture was held by Dr. Gwee, who discussed employee-employer relations, as well as appropriate working cultures. “I couldn’t hire fresh graduates in my organisations as they were like ‘strawberries’.” she mentioned, referring to the low stress acceptances of modern day workers.

Soon after the conclusion of both lectures, YB Mr. Soon gave a closing speech under the company of Dr. Beh Kok Hooi, the Vice Chancellor of HCUC. “As students we need to equip skills to attract our future employers,” said YB Mr. Soon. 

When referring to education on employment, he said, “We need to adjust ourselves… That’s why local universities and government schools are slightly different from international ones, as they are oriented towards practicality, teaching how employment and communication works.”

Another speech was given by Dr. Beh. In his speech, he expressed his gratitude for the YB’s attendance. He also said he was impressed by the existence of PYDC, and thanked them for supporting HCUC through this talk. He pledged that HCUC would be working closely with the PYDC and State EXCO. 

The event concluded with a souvenir giving ceremony between HCUC, PYDC, and the remaining guests.  

Attendees and guests of Friday’s talk pose for a group photograph. From left to right (front row):
Dr Joceyne Lee, Ms Jenny Khoo Gim Hoon, Prof. Dato’ Teng Tjoon Tow, YB Mr. Soon Lip Chee, Dr. Beh Kok Hooi, Dr. Gwee Sai Ling, Mr. Ricky Tan.