17th August's horizon for #Malaysiakita is glowing with a promise to unite all races as one Malaysian race. Malaysians, it’s time to join this journey of rediscovery and empowerment as Malaysians. Peak Performance Coach Dato’ Lawrence Chan Kum Peng says the world needs to witness our greatness.
“Let's step into it together. Keep our dreams alive and spirits high. I've always believed that opportunities often come more than once to those with their hearts set on greatness. If we don’t seize the first time, grasp it the next time. I'm always thrilled to bring together #Malaysiakita as this is our country where we all immerse ourselves and fire the passion to unite,” said Lawrence, the award-winning Trainer, Celebrity Professional Speaker and Best-Selling Author.
He has passionately united Malaysians as one race bringing victory, glory and joy by motivating Malaysian sportsmen to soar to great heights.
In 1975, our multi-racial Malaysian Men’s Hockey Team in the 3rd World Cup Final Tournament, against all odds, defeated world champions Holland 2-1 and qualified for the semi-final stage and eventually achieved the 4th position in the world.
“Everyone, including players, officials and spectators, went wild with joy and wept unashamedly. As a sports-loving nation, Malaysia can bring all Malaysians together to support and cheer our sportspeople in competition for a common purpose – to bring honour and glory to themselves and #Malaysiakita,” said Lawrence.
As the Liaison Officer with the Malaysian team for a month, I was 26 years old then, and I was a witness to Lawrence's daily motivating drills and inspiring pep talks to the Malaysian team. He was the prime mover for the team to perform their best in the 1975 Hockey World Cup. Most of us felt united and proud to be Malaysians from that year onwards. The after-effect lasted many years, with many students taking up the game of hockey and emulating their hockey heroes.
As the peak performance coach, Lawrence added another feather to his cap. A memorable event displaying that Badminton can be a powerful unifying force occurred in 1992. “Our historic Malaysian Badminton Men’s team captured the prestigious Thomas Cup – a team symbol of Badminton world supremacy. To overcome arch-rival Indonesia was no easy feat, but our players rose magnificently to the challenge and won!”
That night, thousands of spectators in the stadium and outside in restaurants, “mamak” stalls, pubs, hotels and homes passionately cheered in unison. “When Malaysia won, many of us cried in sheer joy and ecstasy and even hugged one another like brothers and sisters of a #Malaysiakita family. There are many ways to unite Malaysians irrespective of race, religion and culture. Besides implementing educational and training programmes, holding festive, cultural, musical and social activities, open houses and sports are among the best approaches. Coming together to support and inspire our Malaysian athletes to triumph can bring unity, pride and harmony to all of us. We can think, feel and act with one heart, mind, and body in one direction and vision to build a happy, healthy, and prosperous nation,” said Lawrence, the founding President of the Malaysian Association of Professional Speakers (MAPS) in 2001.
Malaysians want to inspire themselves as champions, Lawrence’s email is: dlawrencechan@gmail.com, and he would like to hear from you to boost the #Malaysiakita spirit in you.
Freelance Writer M. Krishnamoorthy (www.imkrishna.net) is a media coach, associate professor and undercover journalist. He has freelanced with Bernama, NST, The Star, and Malaysiakini. He also freelances as a fixer/coordinator for CNN, BBC, German and Australian Television networks and the New York Times. As an undercover journalist, he has highlighted society's concerns going undercover as a beggar, security guard, blind man, disabled salesman and Member of Parliament.
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