From a disadvantaged youth to being employed as a Commis Chef with Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, Thiem Shan’s 3 years journey with Grand Hyatt has transformed his life completely. Recently, he was nominated by the board of directors and received recognition by the General Manager for his Improvement in Confidence.
Since Thiem Shan’s mother brought him to attend our education programs at the age of 8 years old, he was very timid to even have eye contact with our volunteer teachers. Fast forward to the year 2017, when we reunited with Thiem Shan, his mother was asking us to help him in his academics, in preparation for his SPM Exam while he was on the verge of giving up his studies. At that moment, we can only see sadness and discouragement in Thiem Shan’s eyes. But Thiem Shan grabbed hold of that opportunity as we offered to tutor him after his class. Since then, rain or shine, Thiem Shan could hardly miss any of his tuition classes with us. We noticed Thiem Shan gradually becoming more cheerful when he discovered his strength and interest in Mathematics, as his scores in Mathematics is getting better and better. Finally, he scored a B for his Maths in SPM.
After we helped Thiem Shan complete his secondary education, his future remained uncertain. That was when Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur contacted us for a CSR collaboration, to provide training and job opportunities for our youths from low-income families. Thiem Shan was keen to grab the job but he wasn’t fluent in either English or Malay, and he was afraid that Grand Hyatt would not give him the job. We were thankful to Grand Hyatt, as they see beyond the shortcoming, and were willing to give the opportunity to Thiem Shan. He was eventually hired as an apprentice in the Food & Beverages Department.
Thiem Shan’s journey with Grand Hyatt has just begun. Just like any rookie, Thiem Shan struggled to adapt to the working environment, learning new things and skills, sometimes he is required to work long hours during peak season. Yet, he has never given up to learn, even though it was hard. He knew in his heart that this is not only a job but a career in which he can pursue growth and self-development. His hard work paid off eventually, as not only he was confirmed as permanent staff, but two years later, he was also promoted to be a Commis Chef. His consistent working performance and great attitude were recognized by the management.
Yesterday, during the staff award presentation, Thiem Shan received a pleasant surprise, as he received the recognition of Improvement in Confidence from Mr Olivier Lenoir, the General Manager of Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur. From a boy who used to be too timid to make eye contact, now, he is being recognized for his improvement in confidence, it is such a milestone for Thiem Shan’s life.
We want to thank Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, for its mission and vision of providing job opportunities for disadvantaged youths, giving them a platform to nurture their strengths and skills, and showing them the path to building a life-changing career in the hospitality industry. Here we look forward to creating more life-changing journeys with Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur.
Besides giving job opportunities to disadvantaged youths, through the Hyatt Community Grants, Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur sponsored and supported the Youth Empowerment Program which provides online self-development and job application skills workshops through Zoom during the pandemic, to help low-income youths to identify their strengths and passions, and apply for relevant jobs that will eventually become their career path.
Bringing HOPE, Changing LIVES
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