What exactly is success?
To many, it may imply having a lot of money, a lot of cars, dining at the most luxurious restaurants, and owning a few houses.
To some, it may mean getting married to a wealthy person with a high social standing in the community or being publicly recognised by a well-known celebrity.
And to others, it may mean securing a cool job with a handsome salary that will make friends and family envious.
For a man who has worn many hats, writer/trainer/consultant YS Chan, 72, is humble about his success.
“It is too complicated to write an interesting story,” he told New Sarawak Tribune recently.
“Success is relative, and personal goals should be to do something meaningful rather than achieving something that we believe will bring us happiness but will only last a short time,” he said.
Such was Chan’s advice, who started his career in 1969 till 1971 in all the 3S (sales/service/spares) of the motor trade at Champion Motors and Federal Auto.
Currently, as a freelance writer, Chan’s writings — which he contributes to almost all the country’s newspapers and news websites — cover a wide range of topics, from politics to insurance and sports, particularly golf coverage and tourism.
He has earned a good reputation for his insights into his subject matter.
Chan has not only worked in the motor trade but also as a life insurance agent, limousine driver/tour guide, tour coordinator, and general manager for a few travel agencies as well as chairman of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA).
“I also used to be the trainer/consultant of a human capital development services company in 2006-2008, centre manager/principal of the MATTA School of Tourism in 2008-2009, and consultant, MATTA School of Tourism 2008-2014,” he said.
Chan added that he had also worked in all sectors of the tourism industry. He was an examiner lecturer/examiner, tourist guide training and refresher courses in 1994-1966 and certified trainer for the Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism and ASEAN Master Trainer for travel agencies and certified by the ASEAN Secretariat in 2017.
Chan’s articles were widely read as he described himself as a social campaigner in his letters to The Star, The Sun, New Straits Times, and Malay Mail from 2010-2022.
He is also still being constantly sought for his opinions and views by the local media.
Hence, when he said success was relative, I guess he knew what he was talking about.
