"The true measure of success is not in what we accumulate, but in the impact we have on others."

Introduction

The journey of Dr. Chia Wai Sam is not just one of professional growth but of profound personal transformation and a deep commitment to shaping the lives of others. From his early years spent learning the values of hard work, discipline, and respect for others through his grandparents’ humble grocery business to becoming a celebrated leadership coach, Dr. Chia’s life story is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering belief in the importance of human connections.

Raised in Malaysia by his grandparents, Dr. Chia grew up immersed in a world of entrepreneurship. His grandparents, who had emigrated from China, started with little more than a pushcart to sell groceries, eventually building a successful business. Despite not having formal education, his grandmother was a figure of immense discipline and wisdom. She taught Dr. Chia that hard work and respect for others were the pillars of success, and those lessons would go on to shape his leadership philosophy for the rest of his life. Every afternoon after school, he would rush to the family shop, not out of obligation, but because he found joy in interacting with customers and learning the intricacies of business. From a young age, he learned that a business’s real value was in the relationships built, not just the products sold. This experience, instilled by his grandparents, would serve as the foundation of his career in leadership and coaching.

Dr. Chia’s upbringing was unique. His grandparents, deeply rooted in Chinese traditions, ensured that Dr. Chia received a dual education. He attended two schools simultaneously, one that taught in English and one in Mandarin. This unusual setup was designed to keep him connected to his Chinese roots while ensuring that he was proficient in English, which would be crucial for his future. Although this routine was grueling and at times exhausting, it was an experience that taught him discipline, adaptability, and the importance of balancing cultural heritage with the demands of the modern world. It was here that Dr. Chia developed an appreciation for diverse perspectives, a trait that would later become invaluable when leading multicultural teams across Asia.

While his academic journey was shaped by dual languages, Dr. Chia faced personal challenges during his schooling. Physically smaller than his peers, he often felt inferior when comparing himself to the taller, stronger students. However, rather than allowing this to define him, Dr. Chia found strength in adversity. He pushed himself to do well in sports by joining the rugby team and taking martial arts classes like Taekwondo and Judo. His determination to overcome his physical limitations taught him the value of resilience and self-confidence. He realized that true leadership wasn’t about strength or size; it was about mental fortitude, adaptability, and the courage to step out of one’s comfort zone. These experiences during his childhood were integral in shaping the person he would become a leader who didn’t just rely on authority but led by example, through authenticity and integrity.

In his early career, Dr. Chia chose accountancy, a field he excelled in, given his natural aptitude for numbers. However, even though he was successful in the field, he began to realize that something was missing. The work, while intellectually satisfying, felt like it lacked the excitement and engagement he sought. There came a moment during an audit when he asked himself, “What will my life look like in this profession?” That question was the turning point that led him to shift from accounting to business operations. He realized that he wasn’t just interested in analyzing numbers; he wanted to be a part of shaping the decisions that would influence a company’s future. This episode marked the beginning of his career transformation, where he transitioned from a financial background to becoming a key player in corporate leadership.

"The roots of greatness are nurtured by the values we inherit, the lessons we learn, and the relationships we build."

Phase 1: Foundations of Discipline and Values

The story of Dr. Chia Wai Sam begins in the heart of Malaysia, where his early years were shaped by the remarkable resilience and discipline of his grandparents, who had immigrated from China in search of a better life. While many children grow up learning from their parents, Dr. Chia had the privilege of being raised by his grandparents, who became the guiding force in his life. They were entrepreneurs who, with little more than determination and hard work, started a humble grocery business that would form the foundation of Dr. Chia’s future values and his understanding of leadership.

The business began with a small pushcart, a symbol of the modest beginnings many immigrants face when they arrive in a new land with nothing but hope and ambition. Dr. Chia’s grandmother, despite not having formal education, ran the business with precision and care, becoming an embodiment of the values of hard work, discipline, and respect. She could not read or write fluently, but her knowledge of people and her ability to communicate effectively were unparalleled. She used an abacus to calculate faster than any modern calculator, displaying an extraordinary aptitude for business management. She learned from other immigrants and adopted innovative methods, always keen on improving her business.

For Dr. Chia, the daily routine of visiting the shop after school was not a chore; it was a chance to observe and learn from the finest example of leadership he could imagine. Every day, he watched his grandmother interact with customers from all walks of life, treating each one with the same respect and warmth. Whether it was a hurried mother purchasing groceries for her family or the school’s headmaster picking up a bag of rice, his grandmother made no distinction. She knew that the true value of business was in relationships, not products, and that how you treated people left a lasting impression.

"The more you embrace your roots, the further you can reach."

Phase 2 : A Dual Education – Bridging Cultures, Shaping Identity

In the small, bustling streets of Malaysia, Dr. Chia Wai Sam was raised in an environment that blended the warmth of family and community with the rigorous discipline instilled by his grandparents. The values of hard work, respect, and perseverance were deeply embedded in his daily life, yet there was another equally important aspect of his upbringing: his education.

Raised in a family deeply connected to Chinese traditions, Dr. Chia’s grandparents were committed to ensuring that he remained firmly grounded in his heritage while also being prepared for the opportunities and challenges of a global world. This commitment to duality would shape his life in profound ways.

Dr. Chia attended two schools at the same time; one was taught in English, the other in Mandarin. This wasn’t just a logistical challenge; it was a lifestyle. His grandparents, who had immigrated from China, wanted him to learn the Chinese language and culture to stay connected to their roots. At the same time, they recognized that to thrive in Malaysia and the wider world, Dr. Chia needed to be proficient in English, the global language of business. The structure of this dual education was demanding. Every day, Dr. Chia would attend one school in the morning and another in the afternoon. The transition from the Chinese school to the English school, each with its own system and expectations, required a level of adaptability and discipline beyond his years.

But beyond the logistical demands, this unique educational setup became the bedrock of Dr. Chia’s understanding of the world. His dual schooling introduced him to two different worldviews, two different sets of values, and two different ways of thinking. The Chinese school, focused on history, geography, and traditional Chinese teachings, emphasized collectivism, respect for elders, and an understanding of the past. In contrast, his English school nurtured individualism, self-expression, and critical thinking.

"Strength does not come from what you can do; it comes from overcoming the things you once thought you couldn’t."

Phase 3 : Embracing Resilience and Leadership Through Adversity

Growing up, Dr. Chia Wai Sam was no stranger to challenges. Despite his innate intellectual ability, his physical stature was something that often made him feel out of place among his taller, stronger peers. In many ways, his childhood served as an early lesson in resilience a trait that would define his journey and shape his approach to leadership in the years to come.

Though he excelled in his studies and demonstrated a natural aptitude for learning, particularly in mathematics and logic, Dr. Chia faced the challenge of being physically smaller than many of his classmates. While some might have seen this as a disadvantage, Dr. Chia transformed this feeling of inferiority into a powerful source of motivation. He realized that physical stature didn’t define a person’s worth or abilities. Rather, it was the strength of character, the ability to face adversity, and the drive to push past perceived limitations that truly mattered.

This realization was the catalyst for his deepened interest in sports, particularly in activities that would require not just physical strength but mental agility, perseverance, and strategy. Dr. Chia took part in sports like rugby and martial arts, including Taekwondo and Judo. These activities, while demanding, became a vital part of his personal growth. The rugby field, where size and strength were typically paramount, became an arena for him to prove that leadership and determination came from within, not from physical appearance. He joined the rugby team and, although initially outpaced by larger athletes, found his place in the role of ‘hooker’, a position where agility and speed mattered more than brute force.

His participation in these sports helped him develop critical leadership skills that would serve him well later in his career. The grit required to face opponents larger than himself translated directly into the resilience he would need as a leader in the business world. But more importantly, it taught him that leadership was not about dominating from the front; it was about being agile, adaptable, and able to inspire others to follow. Dr. Chia soon realized that leadership was not a matter of stature; it was about having the courage to stand firm, the ability to adapt, and the determination to press forward in the face of adversity.

Another key area in which Dr. Chia honed his leadership qualities during his school years was through his involvement in the Scout Movement. As a Scout leader, he learned not only the importance of leadership but also the value of community service and teamwork. The Scouts instilled in him a sense of responsibility, as well as an appreciation for teamwork, empathy, and helping others. It was through this experience that Dr. Chia truly began to understand what it meant to lead with authenticity, leading by example, not through authority.

Note of Thanks

The journey of Dr. Chia Wai Sam has been nothing short of extraordinary, filled with personal and professional milestones that have shaped him into the influential leader, mentor, and coach he is today. As he reflects on the path he has walked, Dr. Chia would like to take a moment to express his deepest gratitude to the many people who have supported and inspired him along the way.

First and foremost, he extends his heartfelt thanks to his family, especially his grandparents, whose resilience, discipline, and unwavering belief in him laid the foundation for everything that followed. Their sacrifices and lessons have been his guiding light throughout his life, teaching him the true value of integrity, respect, and hard work. Without their early influence, Dr. Chia’s path would have been immeasurably different.

To his wife, Christine Chow, and his daughter, Jia-En, Dr. Chia offers his sincerest gratitude. Their constant support, love, and understanding have been a source of strength throughout his career. Christine, in particular, made countless sacrifices, putting her own career aspirations on hold as she supported him in his professional endeavors. Together, they have created a family filled with love, stability, and mutual respect.

To his many mentors, coaches, and colleagues, Dr. Chia expresses his profound appreciation. Their wisdom, guidance, and belief in his potential have been instrumental in shaping his journey. Special thanks go to En. Anwar Mohd Ali,  his mentor and superior, whose influence continues to inspire Dr. Chia in both his personal and professional life.

Lastly, Dr. Chia thanks the many leaders, executives, and organizations he has had the privilege to coach and mentor. Their trust in him and commitment to growth have made his work incredibly rewarding. It is their success, progress, and empowerment that continue to motivate him to give his best.

As he reflects on the legacy he has built, Dr. Chia remains deeply grateful to all who have walked this path with him.

Thank You
– Dr. Chia Wai Sam