Monday, January 30, 2012

Last MBA Journal Entry...

Here it is! My last contribution to Bloomberg BusinessWeek. I must say, they are really easy to work with and the since the IMD timelines are different from traditional business schools, I also enjoy some flexibility in submissions. Thanks again for the opportunity, it has been tough at times to crank out an entry, but fun nevertheless. Enjoy!

Last Entry

Transition period

Between graduation and starting my new gig is a time to relax and spend some time with the family. Alison and I were lucky to ham it up with Grandma Millie, our old neighbor Sonja, Uncle Steve, Aunt Ruth and of course Toby and Dorothy. And on the Asia side, we spent time with my niece and nephew, cousins from Ipoh and Kuantan, and my parents.

Our belongings were finally moved from the Roseville residence and on its way to the Netherlands last Friday. We are next! Wish us luck as we will aim to step foot into our new country sometime in February!

At the MIA with Grandma!

Christmas time with the family

At the BOH tea plantation, Cameron Highlands with Mum, Dad and Ipoh crew

Aunty Alison with Nephew Jo Jo

Some relaxing time at NIKOI island (more to come on this!)

Friday, December 23, 2011

The best spa... ever!

I admit, I am not the guru of spas and I am not one that frequents them either. But this particular bath that is found in the middle of no where in Vals is simply phenomenal. Anyone that visits Switzerland NEEDS to pay a visit to this sanctuary of relaxation and pruney skin. Welcome to the Thermal Baths by Peter Zumthor.

The outdoor bath combines breath taking scenery and warm blue waters.


Smooth as silk

Vals

Breathing in peace

Good bye luxurious relaxing weekend... till next time!

Monday, December 19, 2011

One last graduation!

Art! We dug deep into our sub-conscious and painted...  
Graduation procession 
Awaiting our diplomas

Cha-ching! Howie Chan, MBA

Savoring the spotlight

Doing my best for my class (IMD MBA 2011)

No more IMD responsibilities... for now

With my Japanese advertising guru and main actor - Takashi

Rali, Hannes, yours truly and Alison

The boys having some fun with the props

Singapore connection - Andrew Wong

The "Before" picture... 
There you have it! We are on our way to the next thing. We will be celebrating the holiday season with both our families: Christmas, New Years and Chinese New Year.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Thursday, December 8, 2011

A journey ends and a new one begins

Last Friday was our graduation and we had a blast. I had an absolutely fantastic time delivering our graduation speech on behalf of the class and the party at the Beau Rivage was such a good time. It ended at about 5.30 in the morning. Alison and I ducked out at about 3.45am, thinking it was over as the lights came on.

In the last month, we had our electives and a last week that consisted of learning about the first 90 days in our next job, painting and learning about team work from a string quartet. It was a perfect way to end the year as we reflected and start to process the intense experience of the year. Good byes were said over the next few days during dinners and getting together at the White Horse for some pints. There were lots of hugs and lots of kisses as we part and move to different regions to start a new chapter in our lives.

I will miss the camaraderie with my class. We were really close and the intense experience really brought us closer together as a group, which is evident by the tears after it hit us that the year is over. For me, I look forward to the visits and laughing about the hard and fun times throughout the year. It is the thought of reminiscing that will help us all move on. Alison and I also look forward to building a home together, this time hopefully in a better living space!

As I start to catch up on the pictures, emails and closing out the year, I will post more pictures and videos.

Graduation Ball at the Beau Rivage Hotel, Lausanne, Switzerland


Cheers,
Howie Chan, IMD MBA Graduate

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Graduation Ceremony Speaker

It's official! I will be the graduation speaker for the class of 2011 IMD MBA on December 2nd. May my creative juices start flowing!

Feel free to give me some ideas as well. Cheers!

A hilarious yet thoughtful speech by Conan O'Brien