Dr Renee R.

What is the common thread of these inspiring individuals?

They are grounded in their daily work and are passionate in their cause to do better every day in their chosen field and lives – be it parenthood, single-hood, medicine, music, arts, entertainment, personal branding, diversity and inclusion, business, science, sports, social impact or academia. The main aim is human connectedness for a better, kinder and respectful world.

During her high school years, Madeleine received a music scholarship from Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) and the highlight of her education there was the two week music tour in Europe. To her, it was an experience that was etched in her memory and led her to orchestra music.


In 2011, she went to the Prague Conservatory, at least 50 MLC students travelled there to play music. She was taught by a Professor there for a couple of months.


Madeleine achieved a 98% TEE Score… Show more

During her high school years, Madeleine received a music scholarship from Methodist Ladies’ College (MLC) and the highlight of her education there was the two week music tour in Europe. To her, it was an experience that was etched in her memory and led her to orchestra music.


In 2011, she went to the Prague Conservatory, at least 50 MLC students travelled there to play music. She was taught by a Professor there for a couple of months.


Madeleine achieved a 98% TEE Score in Music Performance - the highest in the State for Music. In 2012, she was on the Dean’s Honour Roll for achieving a high distinction (95%) for her graduation recital. Show less

The butterflies in my heart stuck around during University days in Australia. I suffered through horrible feelings of isolation when I first came to Australia. I was 19 years old. I didn’t know how to integrate with the people here. There were very few Asians in Australia in 1991.

When my daughters were born I started to get a better grasp on things. My daughters are my heart of hearts. I realised somehow that I wanted to break the cycle and give my children a good childhood… Show more

The butterflies in my heart stuck around during University days in Australia. I suffered through horrible feelings of isolation when I first came to Australia. I was 19 years old. I didn’t know how to integrate with the people here. There were very few Asians in Australia in 1991.

When my daughters were born I started to get a better grasp on things. My daughters are my heart of hearts. I realised somehow that I wanted to break the cycle and give my children a good childhood.


It is important for my daughters and future generations of women that I break the mould for female Asian migrants – the need to own the vision of women can be successful in business, contribute to their community and retain their independent spirit. Show less

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WA) – The 76th United Nations Gala Event was celebrated at the Boorla Boordip, WA Museum of Culture, Hackett Hall led by Dr Sandy Chong, President. Approximately, 200 distinguished guests and United Nations members attended the evening. Ten Consul-Generals representing China, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, India, Malaysia, Japan, United States of America, Vietnam were there to give their warm support including Sarah Hooper from Department of Foreign Affairs and… Show more

PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA (WA) – The 76th United Nations Gala Event was celebrated at the Boorla Boordip, WA Museum of Culture, Hackett Hall led by Dr Sandy Chong, President. Approximately, 200 distinguished guests and United Nations members attended the evening. Ten Consul-Generals representing China, Germany, Greece, Indonesia, Italy, India, Malaysia, Japan, United States of America, Vietnam were there to give their warm support including Sarah Hooper from Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). Show less

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing and chatting with Mr. Alan Chen, who graduated with a Masters of Arts in Production Design in Film and Television from the Australian Film Television and Radio School. He is a delightful and cheerful individual who has worn many hats as a filmmaker, an illustrator, art director, graphic designer, director, producer, writer, comic artist, head of department, and a teacher. He says: “A long time ago, people gathered… Show more

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing and chatting with Mr. Alan Chen, who graduated with a Masters of Arts in Production Design in Film and Television from the Australian Film Television and Radio School. He is a delightful and cheerful individual who has worn many hats as a filmmaker, an illustrator, art director, graphic designer, director, producer, writer, comic artist, head of department, and a teacher. He says: “A long time ago, people gathered around fires to listen to and tell stories. I believe that this tradition is what brings us together and can help inspire us to reach our greatest potential.”


Organisations who have called on Alan’s services include Fox Films, Nintendo, Universal Music, YouTube, Screen Australia, NSW Health, Transport for NSW, BPay, Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), and the Australian Maritime Museum. Show less

Dr. Pamela Hendry (Pamela): “I was born in Gnowangerup (a very small town in Rural Western Australia) 65 years ago and was very fortunate to grow up with my brother in a loving supportive family in the country. I attended primary school in the country and came to Perth to boarding school for my secondary schooling. I studied Medicine at University of Western Australia (UWA) and graduated in 1980.


I am a doctor (GP), a director of a small charity (The Ladybird Foundation), and a… Show more

Dr. Pamela Hendry (Pamela): “I was born in Gnowangerup (a very small town in Rural Western Australia) 65 years ago and was very fortunate to grow up with my brother in a loving supportive family in the country. I attended primary school in the country and came to Perth to boarding school for my secondary schooling. I studied Medicine at University of Western Australia (UWA) and graduated in 1980.


I am a doctor (GP), a director of a small charity (The Ladybird Foundation), and a breast cancer survivor (8 years and counting). I am also blessed to have made some lovely enduring friendships over the years.

I am a mother and stepmother of 3 adult children, wife of a doctor, sister, sister-in-law aunt, great-aunt and member of a large extended family. No grandchildren so far!" Show less

Knowledge is power but it will be more powerful if women will take charge and proactive with regards to their breast health by showing up yearly or every 2 years for their breast screening from 40 years old onwards and younger if they have a significant family history.

A woman diagnosed with breast cancer has a better chance of surviving the disease if detected early by imaging: a Mammogram, or breast ultrasound, or both. Women should regularly book an appointment for their breast tests… Show more

Knowledge is power but it will be more powerful if women will take charge and proactive with regards to their breast health by showing up yearly or every 2 years for their breast screening from 40 years old onwards and younger if they have a significant family history.

A woman diagnosed with breast cancer has a better chance of surviving the disease if detected early by imaging: a Mammogram, or breast ultrasound, or both. Women should regularly book an appointment for their breast tests before she can feel a lump and before her doctor can feel it. She should not need to wait until they are 50 years old to get a mammogram.

Women should not wait for a change, a lump or symptoms in your breast. While more people are being diagnosed with breast cancer each year, thanks to improved screening techniques and treatments, less people are dying from the disease. Show less

AUSTRALIA - It has been an exciting journey to have Elizabeth Richards (Liz), a successful oil painting artist to create the brand and logo for The Brilliant Foundation that we have today. Liz, Founding Member of The Brilliant Foundation shares her her life as a mum of three kids and how she manages to find time to be an oil painting artist. Dr Renée Ralph (Renée): “You are an alumnae of University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University? Why did you decide to complete two degrees?… Show more

AUSTRALIA - It has been an exciting journey to have Elizabeth Richards (Liz), a successful oil painting artist to create the brand and logo for The Brilliant Foundation that we have today. Liz, Founding Member of The Brilliant Foundation shares her her life as a mum of three kids and how she manages to find time to be an oil painting artist. Dr Renée Ralph (Renée): “You are an alumnae of University of Western Australia (UWA) and Curtin University? Why did you decide to complete two degrees? What did you study?”
Liz : “I wanted to study Art history at UWA, because I love Art and wanted to know all about it throughout history. I finished my honours degree in 1991, and went traveling for 3 years looking at all the Art I had studied. I didn’t really enjoy gallery work or writing about art as much as I liked being creative myself. So I finished a second degree at Curtin University in 1995 (I only had to complete 3rd year) majoring in Graphic design, which had good job prospects. It was good as I learnt to use computers just as they were taking over the graphics industry. And now I use computer software for my art practice.” Show less

AUSTRALIA - ASEAN Business Alliance (ABA) was officially launched on Friday, 6th August with a turnout of 200 distinguished guests celebrating the initiative, led by Dr Sandy Chong, Inaugural Chair. The Honourable Deputy Premier Roger Cook welcomed this momentous occasion.

AUSTRALIA -People often think they don't have a personal brand or it doesn't matter if they don't have one. But the truth is that we all have a personal brand. Whether you are in business for yourself, work in the corporate world or for any business. I like to define personal brand as what people think of when they hear your name. It means identifying and communicating what makes you unique, relevant, and compelling so that you can reach your goals. Personal branding means using who you are to… Show more

AUSTRALIA -People often think they don't have a personal brand or it doesn't matter if they don't have one. But the truth is that we all have a personal brand. Whether you are in business for yourself, work in the corporate world or for any business. I like to define personal brand as what people think of when they hear your name. It means identifying and communicating what makes you unique, relevant, and compelling so that you can reach your goals. Personal branding means using who you are to get what you want from life. Show less

AUSTRALIA - Since I was a little girl I have always been obsessed with jewellery. I would admire my Nan with a ring on every finger, rummaging through her jewellery box as she told me stories about where she got each ring from, or whether it was one passed down from her Grandma.

Every piece seemed to have a story. My mum was never without her favourite big retro gold hoops, and I remember as a baby I would want to reach out and hang on. I was drawn to anything sparkly and that addiction… Show more

AUSTRALIA - Since I was a little girl I have always been obsessed with jewellery. I would admire my Nan with a ring on every finger, rummaging through her jewellery box as she told me stories about where she got each ring from, or whether it was one passed down from her Grandma.

Every piece seemed to have a story. My mum was never without her favourite big retro gold hoops, and I remember as a baby I would want to reach out and hang on. I was drawn to anything sparkly and that addiction has never died down.

Now at 25 years of age, I appreciate the special memories each piece of jewellery can hold, from a passed down heirloom, to a new memory made from a gift given from a loved one. I wanted to create an affordable luxury brand, made from quality materials that will last the test of time, but still be on trend with the fashion of today. Show less

AUSTRALIA - When I graduated from Law school in 2014, the unimaginative questions came fast and fervently“What area of Law do you want to work in?” “Do you have a graduate position?” “Oh Law, Lawyers make so much money, don’t they?”


My answers fittingly were just as uninspiring: “I don’t know or no…I’m looking… and yes, but the hours are terrible.”


Somewhere within the prestige of studying to join a profession which often piques peoples interest with the idea of court… Show more

AUSTRALIA - When I graduated from Law school in 2014, the unimaginative questions came fast and fervently“What area of Law do you want to work in?” “Do you have a graduate position?” “Oh Law, Lawyers make so much money, don’t they?”


My answers fittingly were just as uninspiring: “I don’t know or no…I’m looking… and yes, but the hours are terrible.”


Somewhere within the prestige of studying to join a profession which often piques peoples interest with the idea of court trials, glistening offices and power suits, I had found myself simply not that interested in being part of any of it. Show less

Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) Day, 25 April, is one of Australia’s most important national occasions. It marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. During World War I, Indigenous Australians were given permission to enlist only if their colour of their skin was considered ‘white enough’.

SINGAPORE - There has been a lot focus on Mental Wellness since the start of COVID-19 up to now.
An estimated 10% of the world population or 790 million people will suffer from Mental Health related illnesses according to the World Bank. World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that the majority of people, almost 30% to 80% do not seek help and treatment, it is estimated that between 10% to 12% are receiving treatment.

AUSTRALIA - Sixteen years ago, Dr Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito came by herself from the Philippines with only 30kg of luggage and 7kg hand carry bag to start a new life in Perth. She had to borrow money from her sister for her air ticket to Western Australia. In 2014, she acquired ownership of Women and Breast Imaging (WBI) business together with her husband Glenn. WBI is a boutique breast imaging centre based in Cottesloe

Seventeen years ago, Alba Gomez made the decision to move to Perth, not speaking a word of English. Alba was an Engineer for fourteen years, before she decided to transform herself to a Presence and Personal Coach, First Expressions Expert, Body Language Specialist, Media Commentator and Keynote Speaker.

Here's a video clip highlighting ordinary individuals, investing in education to better themselves, creating a passionate and inspiring life so that they can continue learn, change, connect and give.
We learn from each other and look up to individuals who create a life of their own through perseverance, discipline, good work ethic based on strong values.

Australia – More than 340,000 higher education students graduate each year in Australia, with international students accounting for more than a third of those enrolled at universities. Australian borders have been closed to all non-citizens and permanent residents since March 2020. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in November 2020 that foreign students will not be allowed to return. Priority is given to the return of locals stranded overseas.

With international… Show more

Australia – More than 340,000 higher education students graduate each year in Australia, with international students accounting for more than a third of those enrolled at universities. Australian borders have been closed to all non-citizens and permanent residents since March 2020. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in November 2020 that foreign students will not be allowed to return. Priority is given to the return of locals stranded overseas.

With international students worth about A$35 billion (US$25.3 billion) annually to the Australian economy, Canberra hoped to gradually allow overseas students to return in 2021. The education industry faces a crisis level of staff cutbacks and redundancies across the nation with buildings, lecture theatres and classes are left vacant without foreign students. Show less

Saint Valentine is the patron saint of lovers, epileptics, and beekeepers.

The Top 8 Traditions of Chinese New Year - Year of The Ox - COVID!9 disrupts Chinese culture and family guanxi. Friday, 12 February 2021 is the day where millions of Chinese and Asians are looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Ox where families and loved ones reunite in feasting and bonding for 15 days.

🍊 The Top 8 Traditions of the Lunar New Year are highlighted by Dr Amy WEI TIAN and Dr Renee Ralph

🍊 How COVID19 has disrupted the centuries old… Show more

The Top 8 Traditions of Chinese New Year - Year of The Ox - COVID!9 disrupts Chinese culture and family guanxi. Friday, 12 February 2021 is the day where millions of Chinese and Asians are looking forward to celebrating Chinese New Year. It is the Year of the Ox where families and loved ones reunite in feasting and bonding for 15 days.

🍊 The Top 8 Traditions of the Lunar New Year are highlighted by Dr Amy WEI TIAN and Dr Renee Ralph

🍊 How COVID19 has disrupted the centuries old tradition - in terms of familial guanxi and family reunion

🍊 From traditional Hong Bao (red packet) to e-Hong Bao

🍊 Food symbolism

🍊 Respect to parents and the elderly

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Globally when society and governance are able to change and start offering concrete policies that support mothers-at-home or mothers-at work to raise their offspring adequately. Hopefully, these policies will transcend to organisations and workplaces to implement flexible work options that allow financial consistency and stability for families.

Being A Female in A Chinese Culture operating in a Western business setting.Education and Life-Long Learning. Culturally, Sandy has defied the Chinese way of what a woman should be. She worked hard to win scholarships and achieve her First-Class Honours in her first degree in Marketing, a Ph.D. in Information Systems, and was awarded six times on the Vice-Chancellor’s Top 1% List. She also earned alumni status from the prestigious Harvard Business School when she completed its Executive… Show more

Being A Female in A Chinese Culture operating in a Western business setting.Education and Life-Long Learning. Culturally, Sandy has defied the Chinese way of what a woman should be. She worked hard to win scholarships and achieve her First-Class Honours in her first degree in Marketing, a Ph.D. in Information Systems, and was awarded six times on the Vice-Chancellor’s Top 1% List. She also earned alumni status from the prestigious Harvard Business School when she completed its Executive Education program in the United States. A feat that both genders will find hard to reach in their lifetime – as it takes focus, resilience, sacrifice and mettle to do so. Show less

Mask as a symbol of action and change
In this tide of change, a mask is not merely an accessory, it becomes a shield to an individual. Symbolically a mask becomes a caption representing an individual’s armour and valour. We have masks that demonstrate a value proposition linked to a human being or a cause. Masks become the revolutionary flags of democracy that spurs the spirit of human decency and survival. Masks are also part of a creative process titled “Mask Art” initiated by UNESCO… Show more

Mask as a symbol of action and change
In this tide of change, a mask is not merely an accessory, it becomes a shield to an individual. Symbolically a mask becomes a caption representing an individual’s armour and valour. We have masks that demonstrate a value proposition linked to a human being or a cause. Masks become the revolutionary flags of democracy that spurs the spirit of human decency and survival. Masks are also part of a creative process titled “Mask Art” initiated by UNESCO. Individuals who can sew have fashioned home-made masks to be used personally or sold commercially. Show less

In an up close and personal exchange, Mr Cheong Yip Seng reveals his tenacity as the former editor of The Straits Times, out of 43 years, 19 of them as the Editor-In-Chief, a legacy that is revered in Singapore. He attributes his hard-earned success in remaining focussed and the passion that fuelled him to craft stories with his professional team of journalists all those years.

COVID-19 has brought to light that human kindness and giving can go hand-in-hand in business. Companies can still be profitable and yet develop goodwill through values that matter. The capitalistic goal of maximising shareholder value is not the only purpose to run a business. As employees play a major role within any company, decision makers have the opportunity to lead compassionately and strategically with their team. The global community has witnessed the big-heartedness of multinational… Show more

COVID-19 has brought to light that human kindness and giving can go hand-in-hand in business. Companies can still be profitable and yet develop goodwill through values that matter. The capitalistic goal of maximising shareholder value is not the only purpose to run a business. As employees play a major role within any company, decision makers have the opportunity to lead compassionately and strategically with their team. The global community has witnessed the big-heartedness of multinational brands such as food manufacturer Kellogg, iconic toy factory, Lego and musical legend, Sir Andrew Lloyd Weber. Show less

AUSTRALIA – The lockdown decision in Australia meant that the closure of its international and regional borders spelt the end of thriving businesses – cafes, pubs, restaurants, gyms, beauty, hair and massage salons, and retail stores. Only essential services such as hospitals, local butcheries and supermarkets are allowed to open.

Primary and secondary schools became empty buildings without the sound of pitter-patter feet of children running, walking, nor the echoes of laughter in… Show more

AUSTRALIA – The lockdown decision in Australia meant that the closure of its international and regional borders spelt the end of thriving businesses – cafes, pubs, restaurants, gyms, beauty, hair and massage salons, and retail stores. Only essential services such as hospitals, local butcheries and supermarkets are allowed to open.

Primary and secondary schools became empty buildings without the sound of pitter-patter feet of children running, walking, nor the echoes of laughter in corridors, the constant buzz of chatter and play in the school grounds. Teachers had to go behind the walls to develop online material. In the higher education sector, lectures and face-to-face tutorials were cancelled. Within a two-week period, educators had to upskill, redevelop content for webinars, and tutor online. Headsets, screens, internet devices and laptops became popular commodities. Tertiary and international students have to cope with the new ways of communicating with their robotic cyborg educators at home. Show less

AUSTRALIA – Crisis management has been given a starring role in these uncertain times. COVID-19 has been propelled to centrestage and we are awestruck. This global pandemic is like a tsunami that has swept over the world, leaving in its wake an unforeseen force to be reckoned with. Many nations are struggling to keep their heads above water.

While there are many crisis management manuals or textbooks, not many organisations have developed their own crisis manuals to weather such a storm… Show more

AUSTRALIA – Crisis management has been given a starring role in these uncertain times. COVID-19 has been propelled to centrestage and we are awestruck. This global pandemic is like a tsunami that has swept over the world, leaving in its wake an unforeseen force to be reckoned with. Many nations are struggling to keep their heads above water.

While there are many crisis management manuals or textbooks, not many organisations have developed their own crisis manuals to weather such a storm as this. Instead, many rely on the experiences and measures of different nations that are managing COVID-19. As a global community, we are learning together and quickly. This is where crisis management, constant communication, positive action and reinforcement matter the most. The message has to be factual and genuine to move forward in the right direction.

As a collective, we have to communicate coherently and with clarity. Pointing an accusing finger does not solve anything. Blame is not going to stop COVID-19. The solution is to extend a helping hand so that we can survive with a certain dignity, warmth and comfort. Show less

https://www.thebrilliantfoundation.com/post/our-networks-virtual-versus-reality-our-new-normal

Humanity is metamorphosing as individuals around the world cocoon in their habitats. Families huddle together, exploring novel ways to ‘make do’. We are all adventurers in this new frontier, battling through COVID-19 – an unseen entity that has brought the economy almost to a halt and fundamentally changed the way we live, work and interact. Organisations, businesses, schools, cafes… Show more

https://www.thebrilliantfoundation.com/post/our-networks-virtual-versus-reality-our-new-normal

Humanity is metamorphosing as individuals around the world cocoon in their habitats. Families huddle together, exploring novel ways to ‘make do’. We are all adventurers in this new frontier, battling through COVID-19 – an unseen entity that has brought the economy almost to a halt and fundamentally changed the way we live, work and interact. Organisations, businesses, schools, cafes, restaurants, and pubs are closed. International borders have shut and world airports have become ghost towns. The new mantra world-wide is ‘physical distancing, stay at home and keep safe’. Show less