![Nearly 200 participants attended the Entrepreneurs’ Exchange and Learning Camp held on March 11 and 12, 2023 at KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. [Photo by Gan Wee Meng]](/images/Articles/RW/2023/KL20230311_ywm01_049.jpg "Nearly 200 participants attended the Entrepreneurs’ Exchange and Learning Camp held on March 11 and 12, 2023 at KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. [Photo by Gan Wee Meng]")
Material wealth alone cannot bring true fulfilment, only a positive mindset creates greater happiness and abundance. The Entrepreneurs’ Exchange and Learning Camp organised by Tzu Chi KL & Selangor enabled the busy entrepreneurs to settle their minds, embrace the present moment, reconnect with themselves and rethink their purpose in life.
At Tzu Chi, there is a volunteer team of entrepreneurs who are dedicated to serving humanity and making a positive impact on society. On March 11 and 12, 2023, Tzu Chi KL & Selangor organised an Entrepreneurs’ Exchange and Learning Camp at the KL Tzu-Chi Jing Si Hall. The event aimed to introduce Tzu Chi’s philosophies to entrepreneurs who are new to the organisation and inspire them to bring about positive changes while rediscovering the keys to a meaningful life. Circa 200 participants attended the event.
The first presentation, “Knowing How to Earn Is a Novice, Knowing How to Spend Is a Master,” was delivered by David Liu, Deputy CEO of Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, who used to be a businessman before becoming a full-time Tzu Chi volunteer. He began his speech by humorously engaging the audience in Cantonese with a strong Hokkien accent. After everyone had a good laugh, he pointed at Tan Sri Lim Wee Chai, who was seated in the front row, and commended his success in growing his wealth during the economic downturn. He stated that Lim is wise with his use of money, giving back to society while earning money, and emphasised the importance of accumulating good karma, as small fortunes can be earned through one's own efforts, but big fortunes can only be bestowed.
He then shared his personal experience of how adopting a socially conscious approach and avoiding profit-making ventures that would have adverse effects on the environment and living beings, had led to greater wealth, which he then used to help those in need.
Tan Sri Vincent Tan also shared his experience with the participants, revealing that he has utilised his wealth to support the construction of a hospital and open vegetarian restaurants. He also plans to open vegetarian restaurants at various locations this year and participate in the government’s “Menu Rahmah” initiative by offering meals at prices as low as RM1 to RM2, to help the people reduce the burden on the cost of living.
◎ Finding the way
Making mistakes is part of life. What truly sets us apart is our ability to gain clarity, recognise our mistakes, and have the courage to admit and correct them. Yang Chang Wah, a volunteer from the Tzu Chi Entrepreneurs’ Group, shared his personal story of past misdeeds. He expressed gratitude for the blessings that led him to Tzu Chi, where he found the right direction in life. Through his efforts, he was able to restore harmony in his family and achieve a more smooth-sailing life.
Chong Ah Ping, who works in the automotive parts retail industry, travelled all the way from Labuan in East Malaysia to attend the camp. He was thoroughly entertained by Chang Wah’s humorous and witty sharing, which made him burst out laughing. He remarked, “It is not an easy feat to share your mistakes on stage. And it is impressive how Chang Wah’s wife, a Tzu Chi volunteer, upholds their family with wisdom, love, and tolerance.”
Ah Ping has always followed Tzu Chi’s work and admires the great work done by the volunteers. When he learned that Tzu Chi is building a Jing Si Hall in Miri, he decided to donate to support the cause. He said with a smile, “Donating money is a way to benefit others and sow blessings for ourselves. If we keep the money in the bank, it will not be ours anymore the moment our time in this world is up, no matter how much money we have.”
◎ The path to happiness
Yao Zhe Hong and Xu Hui Li, a young couple, shared their journey towards discovering the path to happiness. Despite being top students in their university majors, their achievements did not bring them happiness post-graduation. Their lives were thrown into chaos when Hui Li suffered from immune system disorders, causing Zhe Hong to panic about balancing his thriving career, family and health.Fortunately, they found solace in Tzu Chi. They had the opportunity to join the sutra adaptation performance, and through the Dharma teachings, they gained a new perspective on life. Additionally, by contributing together in charitable activities and cultivating themselves in the process, they were able to welcome happiness into their lives.
Tong Siew Bee and Tien Chin Hsiang, both Deputy CEOs of Tzu Chi KL & Selangor, and Lim Haw Sek, the convener of the Tzu Chi Entrepreneurs’ Group, also shared their personal journeys from a wealthy life focused on material pursuit to finding the value of life on the Tzu Chi path. The spiritual fulfilment that they have experienced drives them to spread this joy to every family and create harmony in society. They encouraged everyone to become Tzu Chi volunteers to add more meaning and value to their lives.
Retired educator Tan Lee Kean expressed her joy in participating in the camp. She was particularly moved by the story of Zhe Hong and his wife. She believes that everyone has an initial aspiration, but it can be deluded by greed, anger, ignorance, and the pursuit of material wealth. Hui Li’s enlightenment and the start of a new life inspired her to embrace life’s challenges.
She realised that happiness is simple. “What we see is actually a reflection of our inner selves. As long as we learn to be grateful and accept love, we will experience happiness. I am grateful to those who have honed me by presenting challenges because they, too, are my benefactors. I am delighted to have met them.”
The opportunity to settle her mind during the pandemic period also made her realise the importance of cultivating her inner self. She chose to retire to pursue her interests and learn about the Great Love spirit of Tzu Chi. “I want to start by slowly learning from Tzu Chi to help others, especially in terms of spiritual support. I think that will bring a sense of joy.”
◎ Moments of spiritual renewal
Goh Siok Boon, an experienced international speaker who has delivered hundreds of talks to over a million audience members, attended a Tzu Chi event for the first time. He was struck by the peaceful atmosphere and commended that the participants were all kind-hearted souls.
Reflecting on the theme of “restarting from the heart and mind,” he emphasised the importance of cultivating both wisdom and love while also having the courage to act and create. He shared, “Having wisdom without love can lead to harm; having love without wisdom can cause destruction; having both wisdom and love but lacking the courage to act and create can result in helplessness.”
He was moved and inspired by the volunteers’ insightful expressions of love and kindness, which exemplified the Chinese proverb, “the benevolent is invincible.” He also admired how Master Cheng Yen has been able to spread Tzu Chi’s missions worldwide, even earning recognition from the United Nations, without ever leaving Taiwan.
He said, “Attending this event has refreshed my heart and soul, giving me renewed insight into how to make the right choices and take the correct actions in the future, so as to lead a more valuable and meaningful life. I aspire to join the Tzu Chi platform and share selflessly. I hope that everyone will also aspire to embody the virtues of wisdom, benevolence, and courage, and to come to Tzu Chi to learn and volunteer.”
●
The Entrepreneurs’ Exchange and Learning Camp provided a transformative experience for its participants, inspiring them to reflect on their inner selves and embrace the joy of repaying society. With a pure and innocent heart, we can remain steadfast in the right direction, even in the face of external circumstances that may sway us. By cultivating courage and patience, we can endure and overcome hardships. These qualities collectively will empower us to practise compassion in this chaotic world, and become a benefactor for both others and ourselves.
