It is Sunday night, March 1st, 2009 and it is raining heavily. I like being at home when it rains. Here, I feel safe listening to the sound of the rain, and the cacophony of thunder and lightning outside. I guess it is the same with my time at Formis.
Formis was my home and I felt very safe amidst the constantly changing business and political environment over the past 19 years. But now it is time for me to go out into the rain. And I take the opportunity to write this farewell note.
I joined Applied Business Systems on June 1st, 1990. I was hired as a Business Analyst but even before I joined, I was re-designated to Manager, Customer Support. And by the time I stepped into the office, I was made responsible for Formis Computer Services’ Customer Support as well. From there on, it was a wild and exciting ride to eventually be the Managing Director and shareholder of Formis (Malaysia) Berhad.
The ride ended when we decided to integrate Formis (Malaysia) Berhad's IT business with My-InfoTech (M) Berhad back in 2004. The clock for me to get off started ticking then and it will stop on March 31st, 2009.
Before I bid farewell, especially to those of you who rode along, I would like to thank the people who shared the opportunity with me. First and foremost, is YBhg Dato’ Mah Siew Kwok whose friendship and partnership I will treasure eternally; Poh Lian, for always being there to share some of the woes of managing; and Chan Ngow for his wisdom in administration. I shall not forget Pooi Lam too, for enlightening me on another perspective on business opportunity.
Over the years, I had the privilege of working with my core direct reports, the Head of Companies. Some are still here while many others have gone out for greener pastures. The latest being Nancy. They may have left but I have not forgotten them: Taha, Ruddy, Nick, Ang, Lum, Murizam, Zai, Darus, Jeff, Calvin, Clement, Vince and Doog. The HOCs are the most unfortunate lot because they usually bear the brunt of my temperament. I hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive my moments of indiscriminate misdemeanors. Richard, Robin and Lawrence are a different breed altogether. Some of them were naughty too but each had their contribution in making what Formis what it is today. For those who are still here; Zaki, Ma'arof, Wong, Michael, Danny, Wahid, Hamdan, Ken, Patrick and Tiew, I wish you all the best in your endeavors.
Last but not least I would like to thank those of you whom I had the opportunity to work with personally. From Aunty Ong and Aunty Hor, who served my daily cuppa and cleaned my room to Hassan, Ravi, Gopi, Maniam, Arnis and Kamarul who ran errands for me sometimes. Vivian, Carmen, and Serena provided some of the best secretarial assistance a boss would ever need. Catherine and Melva coped and showed patience with my idiosyncrasies in managing human resources. Stacey for the half-day offs. Iris, Bethny and Stephanie, for processing the orders. Miss Liew, Siao Hwang, and Pooi Ling for ensuring the cheques are always ready for collection.
To the legendary corporate managers: Tuanku Zara, Simon, Andrew, Rosli, Jonathan, Agnes, Sharifah, Lee Lee, and Sook Furn. And for a short period, Long and Bani too. I appreciate their support and confidence in the realization of FORMIS. Especially so, Jenny, who remain my only direct report today. With them, it was always a gamble on the outcome.
There are certainly more people I wish to mention but I cannot recall all of them now. For those unknown heroes, I thank you too. Maybe we will bump into each other one day and you would tell me that I forgotten about you. I will personally thank you then.
If this sounds more and more like a Grammy award thank-you speech; it is. But I think you all deserved it because without all of you, I would not have managed to get this far in life. I may not have won any Grammies or accolades. Nevertheless, building Formis was a formidable achievement for me.
Thank you all for making that dream came true.
The rain has stopped and to answer the question a lot of you have asked: What would I do now? I guess the answer is: "Jump back onto the fast lane, get a topless perspective in life and build a new home." As Pat McDonald sang back in '89: "The future’s so bright, I gotta to wear shades."
Till our paths cross again: “Wabilahi taufik Walhidayah Wassalamulaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh.” - wrn