Partner’s Perspective: A Journey of Gratitude: Reflecting on the Moving Forward Conference

The Moving Forward into 2025 conference just wrapped up last week, leaving me with a flood of emotions and reflections. I feel compelled to pen down some thoughts on the journey we’ve travelled.

From Closed Doors to an Open Platform

What started as a closed-door gathering for Syarikat Ong’s clients evolved into a platform that opens up our knowledge and experiences to the broader business community. Five years ago, we took a leap, hoping to make a difference beyond our circle, daring to open the doors and make it a public event with proceeds supporting our beloved hospice charity. But taking that first step was daunting. There were moments when it felt like pushing against a wall.

A Pivotal Moment: Dato' Sri Idris Jala’s Support

In those early days, I remember how doors seemed to remain shut. We reached out to agencies and experts, hoping they’d join as speakers, but silence was all we got. I nearly thought it wasn’t meant to be. But then, I thought of Dato’ Sri Idris Jala, a fellow Sarawakian, a man renowned not only for his expertise but for his generous spirit. On a whim, I sent an email, thinking, “What are the chances?” And to my surprise, he responded. His “yes” was a spark that lit the path forward. With his support, other doors opened, and soon we had a line-up of speakers willing to share their insights.

Coming Full Circle

Working with Dato’ Sri Idris on a couple of SME-related projects became a learning journey that left a lasting impact on our team. This year, seeing him stand on the stage once more, now alongside his son, felt like a full circle — a beautiful reminder of why we began. It brought me back to my original purpose (初心), that intention to serve our community, to contribute to something greater than ourselves.

As I look forward, I am both grateful and humbled. We may not know if there will be a sixth Moving Forward conference, and maybe this year marked the closing of a chapter. If so, I couldn’t imagine a better conclusion than having Dato’ Sri Idris Jala at both the start and the close of this journey.

For now, I hold on to this memory, a perfect circle, and the hope that whatever comes next, we continue to move forward with the same spirit of giving.

#SyarikatOng #MovingForward2025 #BusinessForGood