Mallory Loone

“Just One More” or (J.O.M.) are the most powerful words that my dad taught me - 3 simple words that shaped my life. This essentially means that we should put just one extra bit of effort in everything we do. I used to say my dad was “kiasu” (“afraid to lose” in Hokkien) but I met someone else, in addition to him, who truly inspired me to practice the philosophy of J.O.M.

Some years ago, I attended an interview with General Electric conducted by Mr. Choy. Unfortunately, my job application was rejected. Despite that, Mr. Choy took the extra effort to give me a call to advise me on my career path as a fresh graduate. When I asked him why he did so, he responded that making a short call was the least he could do to groom future talent, especially as a human resource leader. His simple bit of extra effort helped this young talent discover her path and now she also contributes her Talent, Time, and Treasure back to other young talents on a global scale.

All these experiences, together with Tan Sri Sir Jeffrey Cheah's famous quote, “I aspire to inspire before I expire,” have been the cornerstone of my journey in making contributions. I believe that life is a gift, and just as we appreciate the gifts we receive, we also have a responsibility to share our own gifts with others.

Since I was young, I have been volunteering in many areas, starting with teaching children in need, hospitality in church and fundraisers, in my own Residents Association for 5 years through COVID, and being part of social enterprises like Tulips Women, which focuses on women and youth empowerment, as well as mentorships or talks at various places like Sunway University, Futurelab, McKinsey YLA, and Busaosowo Foundation (Africa).

As I share this story, I aim to inspire everyone to give back and to let you know that you don’t need to be “successful enough” to do so.  I started my contributions of Time and Talent back to Sunway University as a mentor years ago and at that time, I was nervous about my limited experiences. But I tried when Ms Judith asked, and I found that many lessons in my life truly benefited my mentee. Something that I thought was too insignificant in my eyes was useful for him. Today, he is serving as a mentor in the Sunway Mentoring Programme too!

As I gained more experience, I returned regularly as a speaker and trainer (which is aligned with my business, Work Inspires), helping students to develop the needed skills for employment. My life was further enriched through memorable moments such as speaking at TEDxSunwayUniversity and teaching children from an orphanage during Sunway Exploratory Day.

Naturally, as my career progressed, eventually I started contributing my Treasure too, to the scholarship fund.

When others ask why I return to Sunway University so often, I always share that this place is “home”- Sunway is a place where I grew up with the kindness of my lecturers, whom I still call teachers today; Prof Dato’ Elizabeth Lee who has been providing me endless support since I was a student and never fails to give me warm hugs; the amazing Career Services team who have been the support of my career. For all these, I am forever grateful.

Last year, as the highlight of this give-back journey, I was recognised with “The Giving Sunwayian” Award during the Alumni Homecoming - it truly felt like graduation all over again!

Thank you, Sunway University!