In 2010, an informal discussion rather than interview with the then Head of School, Professor Dash propelled me into the wonderful world of academia. Like most outsiders whose only experience with academia were as students, it was and still is an eye opening and more significantly, an intellectual awakening experience for me. This awesome experience propelled me to think of the then unthinkable - pursuing the ultimate goal of a doctorate degree. Obviously having come from industry, there are opportunities and challenges to my transition from a business practitioner to a business academic.

On reflection, it was a rewarding, daunting and gratifying experience. It was rewarding because I am now entrusted with cultivating the next generation of the business corporate captains and high-flying executives of industry, first hand. Nothing can beat the rewarding experience of seeing these young, bright, energetic and enthusiastic graduates step up confidently to receive their much deserved scrolls of academic achievement during each convocation which I make a point to attend.

It is also daunting, as I had no experience in teaching. Looking back, I sometimes wonder how I managed to start my teaching career at the tertiary level without any prior formal training in teaching. It is like stepping into the deep end of the pool without knowing how to swim in the first place. Luckily, the collegial backing of my fellow academics and administrative support staff played a pivotal role in my transformation and development as an academic.

I will always be in deep gratitude and appreciation of my friends and colleagues within Swinburne. During my own convocation in October 2016, I had tears of joy and more importantly, immerse gratitude, when I went up to receive my PhD degree from the Vice Chancellor of Swinburne. Adding to the joy of the occasion was that my eldest daughter Shien Ping also received her scroll during the convocation. That would be the icing on the cake in my memories of my call of duty with Swinburne. On this 20th anniversary of Swinburne in Sarawak, I wish to express my most sincere gratitude to Swinburne for such a wonderful career and for the opportunity to serve the community in the noble role as an academic.

Thank you, Swinburne!