By Khushwant Singh

MR Michael Lum has deep empathy for people who are out of work.

He knows how this low point to a person's life feels He has been there.

This professional trainer has been giving jobless workers free courses to better their chances at landing their next job

Mr Lum, 48, conducted free workshops yesterday in two vital areas vital areas - how to write more effective resumes and how to conduct oneself at a job interview.

And he in doing this the free.

"I've been unemployed before. I empathise with those who can't find a job," he said

Mr Lum, who runs Lumiere Systems, a training organisation, said: "Now it's time for me to give back what I can to society."

35 people were at a three-hour workshop yesterday. Another was held later in the day. Mr Lum paid for the rental of the function room.

Former bank officer Linda Lim, 30, said of the workshop: * It really restored my confidence and the tips on writing a resume are very useful."

Mr Lum started these free workshops last week. Each one has attracted about 100 people.

Explaining why he is running the workshops, he said: "I grew up in old Chinatown. My father was an odd job labourer and mum was a housewife.

"I know what it is to be down and out and I feel good sharing my skills."

At his workshops, Mr Lum stresses the importance of positive thinking, which, he said, has worked wonders for him.

Although be had difficulty in passing his English language examinations in school, he has written 2 books.

Mr Lum has a master’s in accountancy, but turned his back on the profession.

‘My passion was training and I resigned as general manager of a computer company in 1995 to set up my own training consultancy to teach people to be professional trainers," he said.

Yesterday's participants included retrenched workers, a few men over 40 who had received golden handshakes and fresh graduates.

Mr Lum's advice was for them to study the job requirements.

"It it's a sales or marketing position, the interviewer will be looking for an outgoing personality, while a secretarial post would require qualities like attention to detail," he said.

Mr Lum will hold more free workshops early next month which will focus on managing change. Participants should call me at 9791-1128 to register.

He is also hoping that organisations would offer him seminar rooms for free.

[ Also see: Help pours in for trainer ]

Source : STREATS July 25, 2003

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