Liana Kwan, DTM

Relevant work experience and how it relates to Toastmasters and your role as a Board Member:

As a Deputy Director of a development and construction company, I oversee key projects and contribute to strategic decision-making, which has honed my leadership and communication skills, essential qualities for a Toastmasters Board Member. As Co-Founder of an education and training company, I focus on program development, marketing strategies, and future planning to drive growth. This experience has reinforced the importance of collaboration and innovation, aligning well with Toastmasters’ mission to empower individuals. Both roles aim to support the Board and advance the organization’s goals.

What experience do you have in strategic planning?

As a Deputy Director, I engage in strategic planning by assessing market trends, identifying growth opportunities, and aligning projects with our long-term goals. As Co-Founder, I lead the planning process to create and implement innovative programs that meet market demands, analyzing performance metrics and feedback to refine our strategies for continued growth in a competitive landscape.

What experience do you have in the area of finance?

As a Deputy Director, I oversee financial aspects of project budgeting, cost analysis, and resource allocation, ensuring financial efficiency and accountability. Additionally, as Co-Founder, I manage funding strategies and monitor financial performance to support growth. My experience in analyzing financial reports and collaborating with stakeholders has deepened my understanding of financial management.

What experience do you have in developing policies?

As a Deputy Director, I have experience in developing policies related to project management and compliance. This includes creating guidelines for tender proposals to government projects, ensuring they meet all regulatory requirements and align with our strategic goals. I also establish policies for contract management, outlining the procedures for negotiations, approvals, and compliance to safeguard our interests during property sales.

What lessons did you learn from previous leadership positions?

As a leader, I learned that effective communication is essential for building trust and collaboration. Actively listening to team members fosters a supportive environment, allowing us to address concerns early. Adapting strategies based on feedback is crucial; just as in Toastmasters, where we refine our approaches through feedback, in leadership, it leads to improved outcomes. Finally, leading by example inspires the team to strive for excellence.

What experience and key strengths would you bring to the Board of Directors?

I bring valuable leadership and communication skills from my professional experience and Toastmasters journey to the Board of Directors. My engagement with multiple generations Gen X, Y, Z, and Alpha, enables me to understand their diverse perspectives and aspirations, which is crucial for planning the future direction of Toastmasters. My proficiency in multiple languages enhances communication and fosters inclusivity within our global community.

Why do you want to serve as an International Officer/Director?

I want to serve as an International Director to blend my personal growth within Toastmasters with a commitment to making a global impact. I have experienced the first-hand transformative power of effective communication, and I am passionate about bridging cultural divides. My goal is to empower the next generation of leaders and foster innovation by adapting our programs to meet evolving member needs. Building strong communities is essential to me, I aim to promote collaboration and connection among members, creating an environment that nurtures personal growth and mutual support.

What volunteer experience do you have outside of Toastmasters?

I have actively volunteered with several organizations, including the Indonesian Chinese Association (INTI), the Indonesian Chinese Clan Social Association (PSMTI), and the Chinese Language Association of Indonesia. Additionally, I contribute to the Young Entrepreneur Community (YEC) and the Indonesian Psychological Association (HIMPSI). My involvement extends to various temple activities, where I engage with the community and promote cultural heritage.

Have you worked with other Boards of Directors outside of Toastmasters? If so, describe your experience.

As a Deputy Director of a development and construction company, I collaborate with our Board of Directors to shape strategic initiatives and ensure effective governance. I participate in the board meetings where we discuss project approvals, financial oversight, and long-term planning. This experience has enhanced my understanding of board dynamics and decision-making processes, equipping me with insights that I can bring to the Toastmasters Board.

In your opinion, what are Toastmasters International’s major objectives and how would you work to achieve them?

Toastmasters International’s objectives are to empower individuals in communication and leadership skills development, foster a global community, and promote continuous learning. To support these goals, we can focus on developing future-oriented programs that engage different generations, promoting inclusivity through engagement with diverse communities and cultures, and encouraging lifelong learning by motivating members to achieve personal and professional goals.

Additional information about candidate:

In addition to my professional background, I have a passion for numerology and experiential learning! Numerology has made me quite comfortable with numbers, which comes in handy when working with data and statistics. It’s a fun way to see patterns in everyday life. On the other hand, my love for experiential learning aligns perfectly with the Toastmasters philosophy of learning by doing. Whether it's exploring personal insights through numbers or hands-on experiences, these interests keep me curious and eager to grow.