STEE Story & Testimony Part II

Since the start of 2015, I was task to start on new initiatives. I was writing proposals to get EIF & E2I fundings.  I was meeting vendors to prepare for demos for ERP 2. I am shaping to be more than a "software leader".

In May 2015, Kok Foong, R&D director, ask me to take part in the STEE BIC (Best Idea Competition) with SNAPi & NOPO Gallery. I wrote the proposal and presented among the CTOs and get through to the finals. It was difficult competition because I am vying against the likes of other BU (InfoSoft, SatCom, T&S, etc). I still remember vividly, before I go for the finals, San Ken told me that just go there play play because it is very difficult to win anything, given the calibre of my components. Feeling confident, when I checked at the end of the day, I have won first place! Even I went to this competition I confessed Ruth 3:18 every night:

Then Naomi said, "Wait, my daughter, until you find out what happens. For the man will not rest until the matter is settled today."

When Edmund whatsapp me on how I fare in the competition. I gleefully replied to say I won. Then he asked consolidation? When. I told him first place, a long silence preluded. When I went back next week, everyone was congratrulating me. This is the first time Services BU have won anything, let alone first prize. San Ken, being dumbfounded, didn't even know say anything or react. Before he went back that day, he just jokingly ask me for 4 number for 4D. Unknowingly, It was an insult! The only con is that the prize money of $5000 can only be presented in the next STEE President Forum scheduled in October 2015. I am thankful for Jesus's finished work in my life. Truly, God like to take the small thing of the world to profound the big things of the world! It was just a small project, which I did it to my very best and with much passion.

In July 2015, just days after I won the competition, I have my annual increment. Much to my disappointment, I only have a meagre increment of $225, probably a C grading. My monthly pay only manage to inch above $7000. I felt insulted and decided maybe my services will have much rewards elsewhere. I began to emboss my resume in Jobstreet. Nevertheless, I still have to wait till October 2015 for the prize money. I remember I went for interviews with CrimsonLogic, Wilmar and Tyco.
I love the Tyco job scope very much but I didn't make the grade. I felt I never really do well in any on the interviews. Till, I believe God will provide a way out and He knows the best for me.

At the end of September 2015, Seow Fen from Jobline called me and asked me if I still interested in the CrimsonLogic job. I replied her that it was always in my impression that I was rejected for the interview because there was no news for so long. Much to my surprise, she said they still remember I won some competition and prize money, and ask me if I have taken the prize money yet. Wow, that is God's making! Naturally, I replied I will be taking soon and a second interview was scheduled shortly. They offered me $8200 without any negotiation as this is what I have put in my application. Seow Fen fight for me to $8400 citing reasons like longer distance and higher transport costs. They agreed almost immediately. Now comes the most difficult part, to stay in STEE or move on to CrimsonLogic.

At first, I was unsure whether to give up the coming 20k bonuses and what I have established here for the new job. Being emotional, I hesistated to sign the new contract, giving STEE chance to counter-offer. But after a long talk to Mr Kang, my option is clear. He would not dare to put me for another promotion, couple with the thoughts of another C+ grading on the horizon, irked me to finally accept the CrimsonLogic offer.

SNAPi was one of the finalists in the SiTF Best Innovation Project (Enterprise) 2015 competition.
http://www.sitfawards.com/cos/o.x?c=/wbn/pagetree&func=view&rid=1257454

We didn't manage to advance to the InnoChamps 2015 finals. It was quite disappointing but overall it was a good experience.

I only have the URA demo left which was done basically on my last working evening. It was a resounding success. Mr Kang and I were the only one doing the talking and the buying in. In the end result is they are very keen to have a contract with us. Thank you Jesus for the success even till the end!

Let us take a look at my pay progression from 99. The Last 3 years has been a period of Grace, on eagles' wings. I came out of STEE with a 50% increment in there 3 years! We are destined to reign in life indeed.

I have learn, if you can see it, God will do it for you. Here is 2 of my next aim: