Will Members of ANSARA Prove Their Worth?

Ansara is the association of MARA Junior Science College (MRSM) alumni. It had its 2010 annual dinner last night where more than 300 former students attended.

MRSM is one of the social engineering projects in Malaysia which was designed to provide better education and opportunities, especially to poor Malay students. Started in 1972 with the opening of the first MRSM in Seremban, I have lost count of the exact number of MRSMs around the country today.

28 years later, the outcome of the MRSM project is quite obvious. There were 2 deputy ministers at the dinner last night, Mukhriz Mahathir who is the Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry and Razali Ibrahim, the Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports. Among the corporate players today, names like Wahid Omar, the CEO of Maybank and Kamarudin Meranun of AirAsia represent the products of the MRSM system who are now making the difference to this country of ours.

Different from other alumni, the membership of Ansara is not limited from one school but from one schooling system. Naturally, this would create a huge talent pool which could create real different if properly orchestrated. The diversity of views and experience would certainly be a catalyst for more calibrated ideas and efforts which provide enough energy for us to transform ourselves into a better country.

The downside risk of the alumni is being caught in the comfort zone of the presence and refrain from continue to explore opportunities to make significant different to the society. Given the level of education received, it is not a surprise if most MRSM alumni ended up in the middle class section of the society. This sense of comfort may stifle innovation.

Billions of ringgit had been spent by the government is supporting the MRSM project. The alumni are now holding various positions across all sectors in Malaysia and quite a number of them are in the position of influence, to chart the next stage of development of Malaysia.

It is now time of MRSM alumni to prove their worth.

WCOA 2010 Golf Challenge

While the official opening of the World Congress of Accountants 2010 (WCOA 2010) will only be made tomorrow the excitement has gone into the next gear when the WCOA 2010 Golf Challenge was held at the Glenmarie Golf & Country Club this morning. More than 120 golfers including participants from overseas were involved.

A group photo was taken before the commencement of the game. Later in the afternoon, prize giving ceremony was held after a very filling lunch.

Group photo of the participants

Rahim Hamid, President of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants making his remarks as the prize giving ceremony

Overseas participants are among those who won prizes at the WCOA 2010 Golf Challenge

WCOA 2010 - CAPA Reception at Ascot

As the delegates to the World Congress of Accountants 2010 (WCOA 2010) start to arrive in Kuala Lumpur, a number of events are organised at the side of the congress.

The Confederation of Asian and Pacific Accountants (CAPA) had their Board meeting today and will be organising a members forum tomorrow.

The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) organised a cocktail reception for the members of CAPA Board together with leaders and staff of the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC). This cocktail was held at the 22 Floor of the Ascot, which is located within the proximity of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, the venue of the WCOA 2010.

Welcoming the guests on behalf of MIA was Christina Foo, the Vice-President of MIA.

In Ki Joo, CAPA President, welcoming the guests observed by Christina Foo.