Just came back from a department's away day at Allson Klana, Seremban. A 5-year strategic business blueprint was the agenda. I have always felt honoured whenever I am invited to represent my unit for such occasions because someone up there (most probably my boss) seems to think that I can contribute some brain power to the discussions.

We had a SWOT analysis session. There were three discussion groups and many points were identified. Not wanting to be seen as a passive group member, I naturally contributed some of my observations. A presentation session ensued for us to elaborate and deliberate on the issues raised. A presenter from each group was naturally required here.

Now, this is the interesting part. Somehow or rather, I am always picked to present whenever there's a group assignment. ALWAYS. The fact that I am the only Chinese among the many Malays in the group is definitely a factor. True enough, all three presenters from each group were Chinese. But is racism really the deciding factor here? I was thinking if that old Mr Tan from the supplies and distribution division had been in one of the discussion groups, he would definitely not be the one presenting due to his seniority.

Yes, it's definitely due to my seniority (or the lack of it) in the group. Among my colleagues, I am the youngest and apparently the least experienced. Being so, I am always given 'opportunities' to showcase myself under everyone's scrutiny. While I appreciate the gesture, don't lar take advantage of it all the time. We also want to see how seniors perform right?

I was not very well-versed with the nature of the particular business area that I was presenting. Being the 'firm' believer of team-work, I stressed on the point that any hard questions will be channelled over to my teammates. I peppered my presentation with some non-chalant joking remarks and stories too. Good thing about a metaphorical example that stresses on a certain point is that it need not be 100 percent accurate. As long as I am able to generate some arguments or questions from the audience, I know I have won.

Emcee commented that my presentation session was quite lively. I was rather confident in my portrayal, I think. Got a SMS compliment from one my female colleagues too. Hah, not bad... :-)