Together, we can transform lives by fostering stronger communication and inspiring leadership.
AI will replace most of the calculations, writing and correcting and even help doctors do better diagnosis. However, AI cannot replace the need for someone to communicate the findings, the answers, the solutions to all stakeholders.
We need people to COMMUNICATE findings, calculations and LEAD the team to achieve all the plans which was made possible faster via AI.
AI cannot replace a goodwill gesture, a pat on the shoulder or even a smile to show confidence.
This is why I believe we can make the world a better place for everyone with Toastmasters. (everything within this site was written by me and not by AI)
Charles Tan Chia Lih, DTM
Toastmasters since: 2008
Region 13 - Nominated Candidate for International Director
Education:
Master of Business Administration (Malaysia)
BA (Hons) Business Administration (UK)
Certificate of Proficiency in English (UCLES)
ACSTH by International Coaching Federation (ICF)
Professional: Regional L&D Manager, APAC Enablement
Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and my role as a Board Member:
Charles has helmed roles ranging from sales, business development, B2B marketing, B2C marketing, customer experience, customer success, C-Level and he is currently leading an APAC Enablement team across 6 countries. (Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia)
Toastmasters Journey
Toastmasters offices held and terms of service (international and regional level):
2024-2025 Immediate Past District Director
2023-2024 District Director
2022-2023 Program Quality Director
2021-2022 Club Growth Director
2019-2020 District Club Extension Chair
2012-2013 District Conference Chair (Over 600 attendance)
2008-2009 Division Governor (President's Distinguished Division)
2006-2007 Area Governor (President's Distinguished Area)
2005-2006 Charter President (President's Distinguished Club)
Toastmasters honors and recognition (international level):
2021-2022 Excellence in Club Growth
2022-2023 Excellence in Program Quality
Contest Awards
Division Champion (Evaluation Contest)
Division Champion (Table Topics Contest)
Division 1st Runner Up (International Speech)
Division 1st Runner Up (Humorous Speech)
Relevant Experience for the International Director Role
In his current role, Charles strategizes the development and deployment of unique training programs for employees in 6 countries. This experience will enable him to provide a real-life and current perspective to the Board focused on Toastmaster International’s envisioned future as the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development organization. All these diverse experience would enable Charles to add value to the Board as a member.
Experience in strategic planning
Charles was involved in the decision to close or remain for a branch office. He provided his strategic inputs and operational know-how to the final decision. In another organization, he led the transformation of the team as its COO. He supported the CEO in strategically planning for the organization’s expansion to another region in Malaysia. This led to new business deals in a new region. 3 years ago, the current organization started a transformation program to unify the team and processes across 8 countries. Charles played a critical role in enabling all the programs for over 800 employees.
Experience in developing policies
When Charles was the chief operating officer for a local start-up in Malaysia, he drafted policies and procedures for the organization because there were none at that time. When he was running the offices for PropertyGuru, he also drafted sales incentives policies.
Experience and key strengths Charles could bring to the Board of Directors?
With experience in roles from strategic planning to marketing to operations and currently in enablement, I bring another perspective to add to the diverse background of the board. With my Go-To-Market experience, I would also be able to provide inputs on enabling our programs to be more effective too. Another key strength would be Situational-Awareness. Working with people of different countries, cultures, age groups and position levels has enabled me to see the diverse set of perspectives towards the same outcome as strength. We just need to learn how to harness it, together. I also bring into the Board the Collaboration Skills I have gained while working with people from over 10 countries and this provide me with the sensitivities as we are an international organization. We could maintain the outcome but we will need to adapt the approach.
Why Charles would like to serve as an International Officer/Director?
I have been a member for over 19 years. Since graduating with my first degree in 1998, I have spent over 26 years in the corporate world. If I could serve as an International Director, it will be a great opportunity to combine both Toastmasters and corporate experience to help Toastmasters program towards our vision to become the best provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development organization. I believe I am ready to play my small part for another 100 years of this amazing program.
Personal
My Family
I have been married for over 22 years with a lovely wife who was once upon a time my coursemate for both first degree and also MBA. For the past 12 years, she has assume role as a Home Minister and is also the Teacher, Driver, Mentor, Coach, Chef and more for my children and me. My daughter is 12 years old and my son is 10 years old. They love badminton and is part of the school team, they love reading and is proficient in English, Mandarin and Bahasa (Melayu). Some photos as below.
My Keen Interest
Beyond my professional role and also my role in Toastmasters, I have great interest in the real estate industry. I am invited to speak in many property related events and have spoken in over 150 events within the past 10 years. My wish is for everyone to be better equipped financially through investing for their future. Inflation is likely to rise faster than just salary growth alone. This is why I want to help everyone to be as financially savvy as possible. I started kopiandproperty.com over 11 years ago. I do not sell any property and is not part of any property developer or banks to ensure my views remain unbiased.