Supporting the Future: Reflections on My Time as ICF Malaysia's Treasurer

Stepping down from my role as ICF Malaysia's treasurer is bittersweet. Since joining in July 2023, it has been a challenging yet rewarding journey. Alongside my treasurer duties, I served on the Speakers team for the International Coaching Summit (ICS), ICF Malaysia's key event of the year, where I managed speaker liaisons and payments. Balancing both roles was not easy, especially since the event took place in November 2023, and planning had begun before I joined.

Managing the ICFM accounts was more complex than I anticipated. I had to quickly learn the constitution, approval procedures, online payment processes, manual account updates, reconciliation with built-in formulas, and payment history. Before I got the hang of it, the audit process began in November 2023??. Yuan Leng, the ICS Treasurer, and I worked closely to ensure our numbers matched and everything was in order before sending it to the auditors.

Many late nights were spent catching up on the accounts, as the financial year was from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024. Our Annual General Meeting (AGM) was scheduled for June 2024. Besides managing the numbers, I also prepared notes for the audited financial statements, the new financial year's budget, the treasurer's report, and presentation slides for the AGM.

With many deadlines ahead and considering we are all volunteers, it was never easy to meet every single one. I had to ask for extensions due to my other commitments, which affected others as well. The good thing is that we all understand that this is not our full-time job; we can't expect immediate responses for everything except urgent matters. While flexibility is appreciated, we are also reminded not to take things for granted. We make mistakes along the way, but what’s important is that we learn from them and move on for improvement. After all, we are doing this for our members, not for self-glorification, but to achieve greater things together.

Fast forward, the AGM is over, and a new EXCO team has been formed. I’m glad that Yuan Leng is taking over my role. We worked well during the ICS project and having learned from my experience, I will ensure she gets my full support for a smooth transition. I’m confident she will have a better experience in the next AGM.

I would also like to take this opportunity to encourage the new EXCO, especially those stepping into their roles for the first time:

?? You are gifted with a noble heart to say yes to the new role. Give yourself a pat on the shoulder!

?? You are part of a system. Whenever you feel tired or need fresh energy, reach out to your peers for support. We are all here to cheer you on.

?? Your voice matters. There are 11 of you. Make sure you contribute not only to your role but also to help others as far as the team goal is concerned.

?? You need to strike a balance, no matter how hard you work as a volunteer, an employee, or a coachpreneur. Avoid being involved in too many things at the same time. Set boundaries when necessary.

?? You are part of the team to achieve a collective goal. Align your expectations with the vision and mission. Remind yourself why you are part of it when things don’t go as planned.

?? Teamwork makes the dream work. Collaborate and leverage each other's strengths to achieve the best results.

?? Never stop learning and reflecting. Embrace every opportunity to grow and develop in your role.

?? Celebrate your successes. Acknowledge and celebrate both small and large achievements to stay motivated and positive. Enjoy everything you do.

Having known and worked with many of you individually, I am confident in your dedication and ability to elevate ICFM further. Best wishes to you all and God bless?? And thanks to the members who have supported and encouraged me. Thanks for trusting me, and I will continue to support ICFM in other capacities, as always! ??

Ken Ng Kien Mun Kareen Woo, Thrivers Coach Ijlal Nadzir Karen McClymont, PDCH, PCC Yuan Leng, ICF PCC Paggie Chow, ICF ACC, AIoL Kindaichi Lee Phoebe Chan? Phui Yee Yam Felicia Loh - Artistry Coach Tze Chin Tang Grace Lee Barry Ong Shirley SY Leong Elaine Law Nurazamila Marni Kaven HongWid Lee, ICF ACC Rosalyn Tan Soo Woon Yee (ICF-PCC) Jeff Cheah, PCC Trustee, ICF Foundation