ECF eagles ceo forum
Cost-Cutting, Lay-Offs & Practicing Grace - Preserving Human Dignity in Times of Pain
Mr Lim Hua Min & Mr Seck Wai Kwong
February 21, 2009 @ The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore
"Value people the way God would value them."
"The Forum provided valuable insights into the thinking of Christian leaders in business. Good to know we have such leaders in the community."
"I have learnt tremendously how leaders can bring their Christian values to the workplace."
A cozy group of about 40 persons gathered at the latest Eagles CEO Forum to discuss challenging issues related to cost-cutting and lay-offs. Addressing these issues from their personal experiences were Mr Lim Hua Min, Executive Chairman of PhillipCapital Group of Companies and Mr Seck Wai Kwong, Senior Executive Vice President, Singapore Exchange Ltd. Mrs Shirley Chen, Senior Consultant for Organization and Leadership Development, EDB, played the role of moderator and facilitator.
In the context of the current financial crisis, the panel was asked to share their wisdom in practicing grace while confronting the need to cut business costs, which could inevitably involve laying off staff. Mr Lim’s approach was premised on his principle of shared suffering, with top management always taking the lead in pay reductions. His recommended solution lay in initiating strong macro policies that incorporated humane and effective staffing strategies and solutions.
For Mr Seck, developing the whole person was critical to the preservation of human dignity when lay-offs were unavoidable. He injected a more holistic view of work, success and achievement. Mr Seck shared that those affected must “have other life medals” that they can be equally proud of for them to recognize their worth beyond their jobs. Much effort and thought needed to be invested in ensuring the emotional and psychological health of individuals who got laid off.
"Leaders must practice genuine care and respect all the time and not just in good times," said forum facilitator Mrs Chen. This is necessary to build up trust crucial for difficult times.
A dominant theme throughout the forum was the need to practice His Grace as we manage our organizations and businesses.
Wipe Out, Bail Out...Where's the way out? - Exercising Faith in a Climate of Fear
Mr Ngiam Tong Dow & Dr Stephen Riady
November 8, 2008 @ The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore
More than 110 Christian leaders came together to hear Mr Ngiam Tong Dow, Former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Singapore and Dr Stephen Riady, President of The Lippo Group share at the Eagles CEO Forum.
"Stay on the "straight and narrow" path and God will see you through", was Mr Ngiam's resounding advice. "Learn from this global crisis, walk by faith and not in fear" was a clear message from Dr Riady.
The following feedback were received from the appreciative audience:
"Live solely for God's purposes in my life in a far more wholesome way - all for Jesus."
"The forum provides practical examples of how to live a Christian life in the workplace."
"Real experience - sharing by real CEOs."
"An inspiring and God-breathed forum."
We would like to encourage all people of God to be strong in the Lord for He is good, and His love and faithfulness shall be our shield and rampart.
Riding the Highs & Lows in the Financial Markets: Tension between Greed & Opportunity
Mr Hsieh Fu Hua & Mr Lim Hua Min
August 23, 2008 @ The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore
Stewardship versus ownership. Risk taking versus gambling. Led by Mr Hsieh Fu Hua, Chief Executive Officer of Singapore Exchange Limited and Mr Lim Hua Min, Executive Chairman of PhillipCapital Group of Companies, these were some thoughts discussed at the second CEO Forum which saw close to 60 participants, of which five hailed from Jakarta.
"Enriching wisdom from the panel" and "Excellent candid sharing from two financial leaders and learning how they stand and live on solid Christian ethos" were feedback received from two participants.
Another said, "I am blessed by this Forum. Balanced view between biblical teaching and market practices."
Fu Hua challenged the audience with a thought provoking question, "Is the financial market a creation of God?" while Hua Min cautioned us to "check our motivations behind our investments and if we are obsessed by them."
Driven by fear and greed, is it Fright or Fight? Be encouraged, God is everywhere -- seek Him and He will be found!
Inaugural ECF
Bridging Sunday & Monday…Integrating Business With Faith
Mr Philip Ng & Mr Thio Gim Hock
May 24, 2008 @ The Fullerton Hotel, Singapore
Fifty CEOs from various industry sectors - financial, property, design and electronics, came together at the Fullerton Hotel on a Saturday morning (May 24), with one coming from as far as Bangkok.
"It's great to spend my Saturday morning at this Forum and to be part of this Christian fellowship. Well worth the time spent!"
"Excellent, down to earth and gets us thinking about ourselves in God's perspective."
These were some of the feedback received at our first Eagles CEO Forum.
It was wonderful to hear two leaders from two different generations opening their hearts to us and sharing so candidly. They were genuine and personal in their communication. Certainly, God was there.
Their responses were inspiring. Thio Gim Hock puts the perspective of living out his faith in the business world most succinctly, "How I live on Sunday should be how I live on Monday. There is no dichotomy." Philip Ng's concluding remark was, "Finally, it is about stewardship. We are responsible for who we are and what God has given to us." The message could not be clearer.
