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Dr. Toh practised what he believed . At a time when selection to
Science Stream was determined by the standard position in school, (
the best results would be chosen for Science Stream) he went on to
do "Arts" and thereafter a degree in Law.
A student of Raffles Institution, from 1967 to 1973, he served as a
prefect, was in charge of Rafflesian Times and played significant
roles in both the Raffles Players and the L.D.D.S.
A "rebel" at heart , he wore many different hats along his way up
the ladder of success.
A regular in the army from 1973 to 1978, he rose to become the
commander of an infantry unit . His academic success is highly
commendable, Bachelor of Laws (2nd Upper Hons.), a Master of Laws
from Harvard University and a Doctor of Laws from the University of
London.
He is currently a partner at the law firm Tan Peng Chin & Partners,
as well as an Associate Professor at the Nanyang Technology
University.
Dr Toh's contributions to the community and public service are
manifold.
Apart from being a Member of Parliament, he was also the President
of the Consumer's Association of Singapore (CASE).
He is also a prolific writer and an entrepreneur with interests in
several internet start-up companies.
With these accolades and tremendous experience behind him, the
advice he gave to the Graduating Class of 2000 should be wisely
heeded.
6 areas that he envisaged will propel the New Economy are:-
1. Computers
2. Telecommunications
3. Microelectronics
4. Robotics
5. Material Science
6. Biotechnology (Life Sciences)
He, however urged the students to follow their hearts in their
choices of careers. There are many vistas beyond the 6 areas. He was
an Arts student, loves writing and encourages creativity.Yet he is
an entrepreneur in IT companies , heavily involved in IT law reform
and policy and standards setting in electronic commerce.
Farewell Ceremony 2000
"Go where your heart sends you."Again he emphasised on this. Mention
was also made of a former Rafflesian, Rev. Dr. Robert Solomon who
trained as a medical doctor but is now a Bishop of the 30,000- strong
Methodist Church in Singapore and a Principal of Trinity Theological
College.
Dr. Toh also introduced his own brand of acronym T.A.B. for careers that
he considers will be in the forefront to meet the needs of Singapore.
The first highly recommended profession is T = Teacher
T also refers to Technopreneur .
A word of caution was that behind a 24 year- old is a 42 year- old. A 24
year- old may have the ideas but this has to be complemented by
experience and maturity.
T = Technologist
A = Accountants, auditors (however the incumbent would need to know
about the 6 areas of Sciences to better advise his clients)
A = Attorneys or normally known as lawyers in Singapore. Lawyers will be
needed in the 6 areas of Sciences. Dr Toh, himself heads the
Intellectually Property, Information Technology and Internet Law in his
law firm. He has advised several Government Linked Companies and " Dot
Com" companies on IT and EC (Electronic Commerce) issues.
B = Business Consultants, Bankers, Financial Service Providers.
And finally B = Brokers who add synergy.
In conclusion, he summed up that by inclination, he's a rebel; by
profession, he's a lawyer and by conscription, he's a politician. He
looks at his various careers as a calling from God, careers which he has
no regrets and has enjoyed tremendously.
In the New Economy you can be in one of the classes behind, yet become a
player.
Editor's Note: Someone else chose to follow her heart in her choice of
career. See Interview on Mary Ong, CEO of Lycos Asia. |
