Edited by Rivermore Academy
“At the age of 20, I thought working at a bank was relatively easy. Now in my thirties, I understand the challenges and difficulties that come with pursuing both a degree and a master's, but I feel the need to pursue it.”
With this mindset, the young Ch’ng Chun Hooi entered the banking industry with determination. Today, in his thirties, he has equally wholeheartedly chosen to simultaneously pursue a bachelor's and a master's degree.
Ease and challenge, two completely opposite choices, are the same determination for Ch’ng Chun Hooi from the very beginning.
A Spring Chicken Glimpse the Future
Just after completing the SPM exams, Ch’ng wasted no time in diving into the working world. Back then, he was labouring at his cousin's hardware store, earning a meager monthly wage of only RM 600.
Each time, he diligently stashed away any leftover money in his bank account, which incidentally was his very first account. This marked the beginning of Ch’ng’s connection with the bank.
"There were over a thousand items in the store at the time, and I had to remember each one of them. Sometimes, if I made even a small mistake, my dad would complain at home, asking why I wasn't putting my heart into my work."
The demanding nature of the job and the feedback he received made it a struggle for Ch’ng. Moreover, his attempts to secure a home loan from the bank were thwarted due to his cash-based income. Consequently, he began to contemplate breaking free from the confines of his current job under family, envisioning a future where he could acquire additional properties or vehicles.
Ch’ng aspired for a brighter future.
Frequent visits to the bank, where he would deposit his savings, provided him with regular glimpses of the bank's employees and their work. This motivated him to set a goal for himself – to transition into the banking industry, with a particular interest in securing a position at the bank if the opportunity arose.
Over a Decade in Banking: Achievements and Fatigue
The idea of switching to banking quickly becomes reality. When Ch’ng was 20 years old, he saw a recruitment notice at the bank while depositing cash. Excitedly, he applied and went for an interview among more than 20 other candidates.
"Banking jobs heavily consider your education and achievements," said Ch’ng during the interview, and indeed, his higher SPM scores compared to others played a role in his successful recruitment. This experience, along with witnessing numerous similar instances during his time in the banking industry, made him acutely aware of the importance of education.
With a banking career spanning 15 years, Ch’ng has remained with the same bank, gradually advancing in salary and eventually securing a promotion as an executive in the account management unit. During this period, he found the most fulfilment in organizing related events.
In one such event, Ch’ng decided to hold a painting competition with the aim of opening a sufficient number of savings accounts. Before the event, he created an account and promoted it in local Facebook groups and other platforms. The results were remarkable – on the day of the event, local parents brought their children to participate in the painting competition, and the bank opened over 50 savings accounts in a single day, far surpassing the initial target.
The banking job truly brought Ch’ng satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment, but good times didn't last. The increasing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) set by the bank eventually left him feeling overwhelmed. Moreover, despite the promotion, his salary only increased by 10%, which didn't match the 50% increase in workload. Despite his over ten years in banking, he witnessed a common occurrence – limited high-ranking positions in the bank, but a surplus of competitors. Coupled with the growing pressure of KPIs, he saw many old hands stepping down as new ones took their place.
Once again, the thought of leaving the bank arose in Ch’ng's mind, as he aimed to pursue a brighter future.
Dual Bachelor's and Master's Degree Pursuit
"Setting a goal for myself – switching industries!"
Uttering these words, Ch’ng decided to pursue a bachelor's degree. True to his determined nature, his journey toward obtaining a bachelor's degree was not without obstacles. His initial application to University Sains Malaysia (USM) was unsuccessful, but he persevered and succeeded on his second attempt.
Before even completing his bachelor's degree, he applied for a master's program. This time, he applied to Rivermore Academy, an institution affiliated with UTMSPACE under University Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Naturally, his application was accepted on the first try.
And so, Ch’ng embarked on the challenging path of pursuing dual bachelor's and master's degrees.
When asked why he chose this dual pursuit, Ch’ng candidly replied, "In the past, I didn't dare to pursue further education, but seeing how many people are now equipped with SPM certificates, I realized my current educational background was insufficient. That's why I decided to pursue both a degree and a master's, to obtain higher qualifications more quickly." "Everyone has dreams, and achieving the highest level of education can lead to career advancement and opportunities for a change." Of course, he wasn't without trepidation: "I'm most afraid of assignments and exams from both courses coinciding."
Though the journey of dual studies was demanding, Ch’ng now doesn't let fear hinder his progress. Just as he was willing to live modestly in the past to save for a house and a car, he is now willing to endure the rigors of dual studies for the sake of his future.
"The Buddhist teachings encompass six desires, which is why, for me, I don't need extravagant meals. As long as I have three square meals to sustain me, I am content. I eat to keep my body alive." As a Buddhist practitioner, he adheres to a vegetarian diet. As someone living in the secular world, he's willing to endure the challenges of pursuing dual degrees for the sake of his future.
Navigating a Future with Purpose
"I enjoy interacting with people, sharing insights, and assisting in coaching activities. So, the kind of job I envision is one where I help solve management issues and crises that others might face."
When discussing his desired industry shift, Ch’ng spoke enthusiastically for quite a while. To achieve this goal, he pursued both a bachelor's and master's degree in management-related fields – a Bachelor Degree's in Management of Marketing and a Professional Master of Business Administration (MBA).
"I need a solid education to chase my dreams and venture into another field and industry."
With aspirations for the future and careful consideration of his career path, the 20-year-old Ch’ng and the present-day Ch’ng in his thirties continue to tread the path they have steadfastly pursued.
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