Stories of God’s faithfulness at work were the foundation of Alpha’s Work Inspired: by Purpose (WIP) Conference, held on August 23-24, 2024.
Marketplace leaders, politicians, influencers, and ministers shared their testimonies and lessons learned over the years.
Participants enjoyed a range of experiences, from engaging keynote sessions (read all about it here) to dynamic panel discussions and intimate breakout sessions.
Six breakout sessions covered a variety of topics, including business ethics, stress management, finding balance, and integrating impact.
Integrity and accountability will be tested
In a discussion on business ethics, engineer and business owner Dr Nehemiah Lee and academic Prof Dr Ong Kian Ming, moderated by Leon Jala, explored what it means to be distinct in the workplace.
“It’s been challenging,” admitted Dr Nehemiah, known for his stance against bribery in a notoriously corrupt industry.
“The temptation to give up or give in is great, but I remember that God has called me to conduct my business with integrity. Better is a poor man whose walk is blameless than a rich man whose walk is perverse,” he shared.
Prof Ong, a former minister now with Taylor’s University, emphasised that excellence with integrity, especially when no one is watching, sets workers apart.
“Have a circle of trusted people to be accountable to, including loved ones like your spouse or family. Self-awareness is also crucial,” he added.
He also noted that for those who have achieved workplace success, a true test of character is how one treats the lowest-ranking person in the organisation.
Choose growth over money, know what you can’t outsource
In a breakout session on life priorities and finding that mythical balance, Mr Money TV founder Peter Yong said that at times, we have to choose between growth and money.
“Growth is fulfilling, while money will always leave you wanting more. Think of the pursuit of resources instead; money is essentially just a resource,” he said when probed by moderator Sarath Kumar.
On the same panel was Prof Dr Shireen Anne Nah, Universiti Malaya head of paediatric surgery, who echoed Yong’s advice to focus on what truly matters.
Asked how she balanced work and family, Prof Shireen offered practical advice.
“There will be seasons and years where you may want to take a step back [and slow down] in your career. There are things you cannot outsource. As a surgeon, they can just hire someone else, but you cannot outsource being a parent,” she said.
Both Peter and Prof Shireen also emphasised the importance of finding the right spouse, one who supports your growth in both the workplace and life.
Other breakout sessions dove into having influence in the workplace (panellists: Adele Chow, Sevenvault and Bryan Chin, SneakerLAH), soul health (Joe Thor, Good School and Esther Loo, Collective), sustained growth (Nerine Tan, Berjaya Group and Loi Tuan Ee, Farm Fresh) and creating impact (Melissa Tan, Resource Global and Jason Ding, FGBM).
Workplaces may change, but our Boss does not
The second day also saw an expo organised with more than 30 vendors showcasing their services, sharing their company vision and selling products.
From malt drinks to streetwear, handmade clay earrings and business consulting services, it was inspiring to see Christians living out their faith at work.
Hui Ming, 35, signed up for the conference in hopes of hearing testimonies on living out one’s faith in the workplace purposefully.
“I resonated with YB Yeo Bee Yin’s talk about grit, perseverance and excellence over passion. It was a good reminder. I came looking for a model to follow, and it has been great,” she said.
Her friend, Suet Ling, said it was refreshing to hear how Christians handle day-to-day work.
The HR professional was encouraged to know she’s not alone in her journey of learning to exemplify Christ at work.
“The one challenge is to love everyone, to show grace in difficult situations. We don’t have to like them, but we have to love them. God is ultimately my boss; my workplace can change but as my boss, He does not,” she said.
To find your purpose, take the first step
On the final day, YTL Corporation Group Legal Counsel Dato’ Kathleen Chew shared her personal journey of discovering God’s purpose for her life.
“I still remember being in the American church in Paris on my knees praying, “Lord, just show me what You want me to do for You.”
A year later, I was asked to help organise an Alpha course in my company and 20 years later, I’m standing here talking about Alpha,” she said with a laugh.
The point, she said, is once we have prayed, just take action.
“Whoever watches the wind will not plant; whoever looks at the clouds will not reap (Ecclesiastes 11:4). You have to take the first step,” she said.
“Whatever the season of your life, if you are willing, God will prompt you.”
Photos provided by Alpha Malaysia.
