Work and study, this is the advice from Mr Darmendran Kunaretnam, chairman of Safeguards Asia to a group of Saito University College students who attended an online Mentorship Session recently.
He said students will appreciate and value money more compared to those who receive monthly allowance from parents or assistance from various bodies.
“You will appreciate the value of money more. So, go out there and work part-time without depending too much on your parents,” he said.
More ever, if you work while studying, you will be an experienced graduate, giving you an edge over those who don’t.
Mr Darmendran also advised the Saito Business School students to think twice about running a business that is based on grants and contracts.
People tend to be more lax as they do not even have to work hard and end up buying things they do not even need.
“You need to work hard. Do it not to attract attention but to succeed. If you fail the first time, admit your mistakes and move on,” he added.
The session was also attended by the Saito Business School dean, Dr Jenny Wong and lecturers.
Mr Darmendran also reminded partcipants that “leaders are not born.” He said business based on friendship usually fails but friendship built upon business always work.
To a question that students are worried they might not get their dream jobs despite studying rigorously, Mr Dharmendran said he had always wanted to be a lawyer but got business management instead.
“I was later selected to take up accounting which I was not interested in but my lecturer advised me to just accept. However, my background in accounting helps me substantially in my current post,” he said.
“Do not be choosy. It is important to make yourself marketable, always push ahead,” he said adding that you students must start an exercise regime.
“Start to exercise, preferably in the mornings. Start your day positively. If it is not possible to exercise in the morning, do it in the afternoon.
“Do not be a clock watcher. Everyone has the same amount of time in a day, it is not that I have 30 hours and you have 24 hours. We are equal in that sense. Make full use of it,” he said ending the session.
