“Purpose matters.” Esther Chu’s opening line at SHIFT Conference earlier this year reverberated across the silent hall.
The licensed counsellor and Head of HELP University’s Psychology and Counselling Services Centre was sharing her thoughts on finding purpose in work to more than 200 early career professionals and working adults from 21 churches.
“Purpose is less about solving a rhythm and more of curating a lifestyle with values, aptitude and sustainability in mind,” she said. “Purpose really matters in work.”
However, more than knowing your purpose is also realising two other truths: that pressure is real, and that giving yourself permission will determine if you burn out or last the long haul.
Esther asked, “Do you give yourself permission to not be good enough? What is good enough? What is better than your best?”
Nothing is better than doing your best, she revealed. As Christians, it is very important to be reminded that our worth is not based on our work.
“We will never be able to make everyone happy, so it is essential that we acknowledge our needs and wants. It’s okay to take care of our needs,” she said to a rapt audience.
Purpose takes you beyond profit and loss
The 1.5 day conference was geared for working adults aged 22-35 and was organised by Accomplish Asia in collaboration with SIBKL. Plenaries and panel discussions discussed topics and challenges faced by many today, including ethics, sacrifice, boundaries, and personal budgeting.
Edvance CEO, Edward Ling, shared his journey in fintech and provided a hands-on session in financial planning for the young professionals in the ballroom.
He shared three P&Ls to follow when learning how to engage, use, and steward finances within a whole-life framework:
- Profit and loss (the engine)
- Purpose and life (the mandate)
- Passion and love (the joy)
“When making money decisions, I’ve found that [whilst competence and knowledge are important] managing one’s emotions and what’s going on inside matters more,” he said.
Edward also highlighted three areas of caution: a) credit card debt; b) buying property too early; and c) saving too much, living too little.
“If you’re only working hard for wealth accumulation, you’ll reach a dead end. The engine (profit and loss) is important, but the mandate (purpose and life) and joy (passion and love) are equally necessary,” he advised.
Without purpose, stewardship feels like slavery
Other speakers included Dr. Joseph Koh, the COO of Orange Convenient Store with 60 outlets across Sabah, who said that as believers, we are called to stewardship.
However, stewardship without purpose will feel like slavery. “Your central force is your purpose; it is what drives you. So focus on the centre, which is your character. Who you are despite all that is happening around you,” he said.
Human capital leader, Lily Cheah, then took to the stage to talk about tension in the workplace, and how to handle difficult conversations.
She offered steps to ‘reset’ and turn tension into productive and respectful conversation, starting with recomposing yourself and ending with determining a solution together with the other party.
“When we build rapport intentionally, handle tension constructively, and reflect Christ consistently, we will find purpose in our work,” Lily stated.
How can we redeem our industries?
The conference’s final panel saw Innowake Asia CEO, Goh Thian Aun, Maran Resources CEO, Ng Kay Yip, and Saving Graze founder, Clara Wan sharing their experiences as changemakers.
The trio discussed a wide array of topics as the questions came hard and fast.
Kay Yip, who is the sitting president of the Malaysian Wood Industries Association, shared his journey of integrating sustainability into the timber industry.
“If Jesus is redeeming the world, how can I redeem my industry? Some businesses are redeemable. In the timer industry, we can look at sustainable practices and regeneration efforts. As stewards, we each have different talents to take care of,” he said.
Thian Aun, a seasoned CEO with coaching and consulting experience, opined that capability and competence can be fixed. Attitudes and character, however, are difficult to change.
“One thing I’d do differently is find more mentors and community earlier in my career. Mentors and good community offer fresh perspectives, and point out our blind spots,” he continued.
Clara brought a different lens as the owner of a social enterprise. Saving Graze combats food waste through a food surplus market and line of sauces made using surplus ingredients.
“You need to know first how much you need to enjoy the life you want. For me, I know that God is my Provider and that has anchored me till today,” she said quietly. “My prayer is “Lord, give me a heart of contentment”.”
As the panel closed, Kay Yip reminded the young professionals listening to remember who they’re ultimately working for.
“Our audience is not of the world, but is God,” he finished. “Knowing this gives you a steady purpose to choose not between the good and bad, but between the good and the better.”
To find out more about Accomplish, join one of their Coffee Connects! Learn more at accomplish.asia.
All photos provided by Accomplish Asia.
