KTP Lifestyle

Blood Donation Day : I (The Regular) Got Rejected!

It was meant to be just another blood donation day, where I called upon my trusty KTP colleagues to join me for a quick pit stop at Mid Valley Mall after lunch today.

The goal was simple: save lives by donating blood together.

Little did we know, we were in for a few surprises.

As we lined up, confident as ever, the checks began.

One by one, our gang was turned away for various reasons—low hemoglobin, medication, signs of flu, recent illness, period, or simply a lack of blood👹

Out of the group, only a few managed to qualify.

The rest? Left scratching their heads, wondering where they went wrong!

When it was finally my turn, I was as sure as can be. After all, I’m a regular doner to donate at least twice per year.

But just as I was about to breeze through, the doctor threw me an unexpected curveball: “Any cupping or acupuncture in the last six months?”

Suddenly, I remembered my July incident—three broken ribs from a nastyfall in trail running, with cupping and acupuncture as part of my recovery from Chinese physician.

For the first time in my blood donation history, I was rejected!

After an hour of waiting, I was left speechless. Totally devastated and in disbelief—me, the regular donor, turned away!

Still, I’m proud of my colleagues for their enthusiasm, even with all the hiccups.

Sometimes, even the best-laid plans get a little derailed, but the effort counts!

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, our group principal, in his personal LinkedIn post.

I May Be the Oldest Player in the Inter Audit Firm Game (IAFG)

Do you know our small firm KTP has managed to secure 2nd place in badminton three times in IAFG history? Not too bad, right?

After the madness of each peak season, I always encourage my KTP colleagues to jump into IAFG.

It’s the perfect chance to shake off the stress, have fun, and show that we can do more than crunch numbers!

So, there I was last Friday, casually asking the IAFG organizing committee before dodgeball game on Saturday, “Any practice before the dodgeball match?”

He response? “Tengok YouTube.” We laugh together. These modern training methods, right?

I must admit, dodgeball always reminded me of that Dodgeball movie with Ben Stiller—you know, the one where people are throwing balls like they’re in some kind of combat zone!

Still, I wished the OC and team “Insyaallah” and reminded them of my personal motto: “Enter the game in peace, and please don’t come out in pieces!”

Whether we win or lose, it doesn’t matter as long as we have fun.

I was pleasantly surprised on the match day when we ended up taking 3rd place in our group. Sure, we missed the semi-finals, but we managed to beat EY and even held Deloitte—the group’s strongest team—to a draw!

We lost to BDO and PWC by just a hair, but hey, we gave it our all.

I’ve tried basketball and futsal in the past of IAFG, but let’s just say, the scores were more suited to volleyball or badminton—kena whack habis-habis!

At 50+, I might just be the oldest athlete in IAFG history, still out there kicking and throwing balls with the young ones.

This year, I had to sit out of IAFG because I’ve got back-to-back races lined up—an ultra, a half marathon, and then another ultra. Otherwise I will be part of the member in dodgeball game.

But I was really tempted to join snooker or 9-ball billiards. If only I could find a partner! Fun fact: in my 20s, I used to play snooker to help fund my ACCA fees.

And here’s the funny part: it’s getting harder to gather a team these days.

I’ve noticed that millennials aren’t quite as active as we used to be. Back in my day, we played basketball during every school break, or football, anytime, anywhere.

Next up, badminton. Here’s to my KTP warriors—let’s make that 2nd place title ours again (or even better, 1st this time)!

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, our group principal, in his personal LinkedIn post https://bit.ly/4eycRmy

Hungry but Totally Worth It: Our Memorable "Mooncake Trial Walk"!

Encountered three fierce dogs ahead? Struggling with a poor sense of direction?

No worries! Our principal, Mr. Koh Teck Peng, was with us—our atmosphere maker, photographer, and guide throughout the entire walk.

Let’s begin! Is the dirt road a bit rough to walk on? No problem, we helped each other carry the items for the KTP Mooncake celebration.

With teamwork, care, and laughter, we made our way through the trail.

Wow, we made it! The sky and landscape here are even more stunning than what we see from a window. Where's our photographer? Oh right, let’s look for our principal!

PS : Authored by Doris, our audit and tax intern

Feeling hungry? No worries! Once we reached our destination, we shared pomelo and mooncakes together, gathered around lanterns and candles.

Oh no, it’s already so dark! Time to light our lanterns and walk back down.

It was a “super easy” walk, but such a wonderfully memorable trip!

PS : Authored by Doris, our audit and tax intern

KTP's Peak Season Victory Lunch 5/9/24

After months of working at full throttle, KTP’s audit and tax teams finally got a breather as we gathered at Secret Recipe

Dear KTP Colleagues,

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming "Mooncake Trail Walking" event!

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a relaxing walk, indulge in some delicious mooncakes, and bond with fellow team members under the beautiful full moon with lantern.

Date : 12/9/2024
Time : 5pm go off
Location : TBC

Bring your good vibes and appetite, and let's make this a memorable evening together!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Best Regards
KTP Sport Event Team

PS: This was our first mooncake trail celebration in 2022.

The Bet That Never Happened In Bowling Alley

To celebrate the end of our peak season for 2024, we decided to have a little fun with a bowling game for the KTP crew.

It was meant to be a light-hearted event—a chance to unwind, share some laughs, and maybe even show off a few hidden talents.

Now, knowing how competitive my fellow young colleagues can get, I thought I'd make things a bit more interesting.

I put out a challenge: “I'll bet anyone 1 to 5 odds. Ten dollars against fifty. All you (any of them) have to do is beat this 56-year-old uncle.”

At first, they laughed it off. "What’s the catch?" someone asked, suspicious. "No catch," I said. "Except I'm nursing three broken ribs from a recent fall 40 days ago. Should be easy, right?"

Silence. Some nervous chuckles. But no takers.

So, I upped the odd. "Alright, let's make it more exciting. Odds now are 1 to 10! Ten dollars to win a hundred if you can beat this uncle!"

Still, they declined. No one seemed eager to put their money where their mouth was.

And I have to admit, I was a little disappointed. I mean, come on, how often do you get a chance to make easy money?

But I decided to show up to support them anyway. As the game got underway, I noticed something funny—strike after strike… into the longkang!

Ball after ball was “masuk longkang,” and it didn't take long to realize that most of them were complete newbies at this game.

I couldn't help but laugh and think to myself, "Lucky for them they didn't take the bet!"

Seeing all the longkang balls brought back memories of my own bowling days in my twenties.

Ah, the good old days 30 years ago! In my prime, I’d aim for three strikes or, at worst, a spare followed by a strike on my last throw.

Not to brag, but let's just say, I knew my way around a bowling alley.

So, no bet this time, but plenty of laughs. Next time, I might just lace up my shoes and give them a little demonstration. Who knows? 😉

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, the Group Principal, in his personal LinkedIn post https://bit.ly/3MmFo2L

Don’t Rely 100% on Google or ChatGPT.

This morning, I decided to throw a little challenge at our juniors and interns with the "Quiz of the Day."

It's a tradition at KTP where either a partner or a manager dishes out a work-related question to newcomers.

They get 30 minutes to research, write, and submit their answers. It's all part of sharpening their research skills and helping them get a good grasp of tax laws.

Today’s quiz was a bit tricky—"Can businesses claim tax deductions on praying expenses during the Hungry Ghost Festival?"

The answers I received were pretty standard, a lot of textbook responses, and a few that looked suspiciously familiar.

So, I gathered everyone and asked, "Who Googled and used ChatGPT for this?"

A few smiles and raised hands told me what I needed to know. I then shared a bit of wisdom with them ...

Yes, businesses can claim tax deductions under Section 33(1) of the Income Tax Act 1967 for expenses related to Hungry Ghost Month prayers.

The expenses, like food and drinks provided during the event, can be classified as staff refreshments or welfare.

Now, here's the interesting part—though the food is first offered to the ghosts, it’s later enjoyed by the staff.

I joked with them, "What about ceremonial items like incense papers and joss sticks? Could these expenses be categorized as security charges, similar to employing Nepalese guards or using guard dogs?

The moral of the story? Don’t rely 100% on Google or ChatGPT.

While these tools are incredibly useful, they can't replace a deep understanding of tax laws and the nuances that come with experience.

In the world of tax, it's the details that matter, and sometimes, those details aren't found on the first page of search results.

So, next time you face a quiz, dig a little deeper—your future self will thank you!

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, the Group Principal, in his personal LinkedIn post https://bit.ly/4dLjEcZ

"Eh, before Olympics, badminton hall kosong one, can play hide and seek lah!

But after Olympics, wah, everyone come out to play badminton like pro!

Olympic fever really strong sia, even those never touch racket before also wanna join.

Faster jio your buddies, don’t wait too long! 🏅🔥

🌟 Highlights from Our 5km Charity Walk at Palm Resort! 🌟

Last Saturday, the KTP team gathered for an unforgettable 5km charity walk at the beautiful Palm Resort.

This event marks our second charity run in 2024, following the successful Veg Run in June.

Together, we walked, laughed, and made every step count towards a great cause! 🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️

Swipe through the photos to relive the energetic warm-ups, scenic trails, and triumphant finish line moments.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined and supported us – your enthusiasm and generosity make all the difference.

Celebrating KTP During The Super Peak! 🎉

July is not only the peak of our busy season at KTP but also the time when we pause to celebrate the little joys, like birthdays!

Happy birthday to Angela Fong, Christina Tan, Teo Mei Qi, Nur Raudhatul, Aik Yin Thong and myself

Despite nursing three broken ribs—a souvenir from my last trail running in Tiram, which has me walking like a penguin 🐧—I was thrilled to share this special day with my fantastic team.

The team surprised me with a delicious fruity birthday cake🎂 (that looked almost too good to eat!) and a treat from everyone’s guilty pleasure—KFC! 🍗

Amid reports and audits, we took a moment to put down the calculators and share some laughs and good food.

Sharing my freak accident story, I told the team how I consider myself lucky—no broken head, neck, hip, leg, or ankle! They gave me looks that could only mean they think I am from another planet.

It’s moments like these that truly define our culture at KTP.

Working hard but remembering to celebrate and appreciate each other, no matter how packed our schedules are.

Thanks to everyone for the warm wishes and for not making too much fun of my 'slow-mo' style of walking and talking ! 😂

Here’s to more celebrations, milestones, and yes, even the busy season! 🥳

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, the group principal, in his personal LinkedIn post https://bit.ly/3YFIDK3

The Importance of Your Email Signature

Dear KTP Colleagues,

Did you know that every new colleague writes their first email to me on their first day of orientation?

It's a wonderful tradition that helps us get to know each other better.

However, last week, two new interns made a fundamental mistake in their very first corporate email: they forgot to insert the signature note.

This oversight, though small, has significant implications for our professional image.

At KTP, we pride ourselves on being a professional firm. Every email we send is a representation of our brand, our values, and our commitment to excellence.

A well-crafted email footnote is more than just a formality; it is a crucial component of our communication strategy.

Here's why your email footnote matters:

1. Identity and Contact Information
Your name, profile picture, and contact details ensure that recipients know who you are and how to reach you. It adds a personal touch and builds trust.

2. Privacy and Disclaimer Notes
These notes protect both the sender and the recipient. They clarify the intended use of the information and protect us from potential legal issues.

3. Professionalism
A complete and consistent email signature reflects our attention to detail and our dedication to maintaining high standards.

When you neglect to include these elements, it can send the wrong message about our firm's professionalism and attention to detail.

Let's make sure we pay attention to these details and set the right example, especially for our new colleagues.

I urge everyone to review their email signatures and ensure they include all necessary components: name, profile picture, contact details, email, privacy note, and disclaimer note.

Let's uphold the standards that make KTP a leader in our industry.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Best regards,
KOH TECK PENG

Why We Celebrate Colleague Birthdays at KTP

At KTP, we believe in celebrating our colleagues' birthdays every month for several reasons.

Even though we are incredibly busy, especially during this super peak season, we make it a point to recognize and celebrate these special days.

It’s part of our commitment to valuing each individual.

Taking a moment to celebrate reminds us that amidst the hustle and bustle of our professional lives, the personal milestones of our team members are just as important.

Work can be demanding, but celebrating birthdays adds a bit of fun and balance to our professional lives, showing that work is not just about deadlines and tasks.

Sometimes, I even throw out a session called "Ask Boss Anything?" where I discuss work, personal life, hobbies, and more.

I sometimes invite newcomers to introduce themselves, and I encourage colleagues to share their recent adventures or activities.

Birthdays are an opportunity to appreciate our team and acknowledge their contributions.

It’s also a moment to learn more about them, including their age, which adds a personal touch !!!

Happy Birthday Annis.

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, the groip principal, in his personal LinkedIn post https://bit.ly/3L8WJvg

Why I Dislike Lateness

As the managing director of KTP, I have always valued punctuality. It is not just about being on time—it’s about respect, efficiency, and the domino effect of productivity.

Let me share a story that explains why being late is something I can not stand.

A few years ago, we had a critical client meeting scheduled at xx AM. This meeting was the culmination of weeks of hard work and preparation.

Everyone knew the stakes; everyone was ready—except for one of partner, who arrived late.

Those late minutes were filled with unnecessary anxiety, lost focus, and a visible dent in our client’s confidence in us.

While the meeting eventually proceeded smoothly, the damage was done. The client’s first impression was that we were disorganized and unprofessional.

Being late is not just about the individual. It affects the entire team.

It undermines trust, breeds resentment, and disrupts the flow of work.

When one person is late, everyone suffers.

Punctuality, on the other hand, demonstrates reliability and respect for others’ time. It sets the tone for a professional environment and shows our clients that we are dependable and dedicated.

At KTP, we value our clients and colleagues’ time as much as our own. By being punctual, we demonstrate our commitment to excellence and respect for each other.

Let’s all strive to be on time—it’s a small effort with a massive impact.

Your punctuality is not just a personal matter; it is a professional standard that we all must uphold.

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, our group principal in his personal LinkedIn post
https://bit.ly/3W0NrHX

Behind Every Cup, There is A Story

Leadership isn’t just about steering the ship; it’s about noticing when your crew needs a little extra fuel to keep sailing.

Today, I embraced the interesting role of KTP’s “Tea Lady,” witnessing first-hand the strain of deadline season.

A senior colleague handed me a file for review, his exhaustion evident in his weary eyes.

I greeted him with a heartfelt, “辛苦你了” (You’ve worked hard).

Spotting his need for a pick-me-up, I offered, “Would you like an ice coffee?”

His grateful nod was all I needed.

Curious about how many were tackling deadlines today, I asked him for a headcount, then promptly called our favorite spot, Kopilicious Taman Molek.

Half an hour later, after a quick drive by myself, I was back, distributing fresh brews to each of our dedicated team members.

The warmth didn’t stop with the team!

A nervous job applicant last month also received a comforting coffee brewed by me personally, helping soothe her nerves.

When I revealed to the candidate that I was the “Tea Lady” at KTP, even our HR and Audit manager couldn’t help but share a nervous chuckle before everyone in the room burst into laughter.

In leadership, as in coffee, it’s all about the perfect blend of warmth and strength.

Here’s to more such brewing moments! ☕

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, our Group Principal, in his personal LinkedIn post https://bit.ly/3RHp6EF

亲爱的 # ktp 同事们，

今天是端午节,一个充满传统和情感的日子, 也是我一年中最喜欢的节日.

不为别的, 就为了那美味的粽子——Zong或Bak Chang！真是让人口水直流呀！

我们平时都在忙于工作, 努力赶着各种截止日期.

但今天, 咱们稍微放松一下, 吃个粽子, 享受节日的美好吧！

人生如粽,
像糯米学习融合,
像粽叶学习包容.

这不就是我们每天在工作的写照吗?

大家齐心协力, 包容理解, 最终完成任务, 迎来胜利的那一刻.

记得：粽子不仅仅是食物, 更是一种传承与文化的象征, 它提醒我们在忙碌的生活中也要懂得感恩和包容.

在品尝美味的粽子时,
也别忘了感恩身边的每一个人.
感恩我们的团队,
感恩我们的努力,
感恩我们一起度过的每一个挑战和每一个胜利.

今天, 让我们用一个轻松愉快的心情, 享受端午节带来的欢乐.

祝大家端午节快乐, 愿我们的生活和工作都充满欢笑和幸福.

加油, 大家都是最棒的！

#端午节 #感恩 #饮水思源

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, our group principal, on his personal LinkedIn post
https://bit.ly/3VzNPwZ

Veg Run: Let Love Flow

Nearly 4000 including 10 of our colleagues are running together to save the Earth by running for a cause yesterday

They join the Veg Run 11km to support charity and promote plant-based diets, which help reduce global warming and protect the environment.

While having fun and staying active, they can also "spread love and let it flow," and keep supporting this cause!

This is the most touching and meaningful part of the Veg Run organized by Foguangshan Singapore-Malaysia Monastery on June 2 (Sunday).

Plentong Blue Lake Adventure 30/5/24

In the peak season for auditors and tax agents, things can get really stressful.

So, I made a commitment to organize a "Get to Nature" trip every month to help colleagues relax and unwind.

This month, I chose to visit Plentong Blue Lake, and I think we have about 15 people joining this time around.

Objective 1: Visit Blue Lake

I was determined to find the Blue Lake and make this trip memorable. At first, I was a bit lost trying to find the route. The paths were confusing, and we wandered around for a while.

Luckily, I saw an abang along the way back to the main road. I decided to follow him, hoping he was going towards the lake. Sure enough, after a few minutes of trailing him, we found the lake.

The sight of the blue water was breathtaking. The lake was surrounded by lush greenery, and the clear blue water looked almost magical.

Objective 2: Junglehill with Wooden Swing

After spending some time at the lake, we headed to Junglehill. I had heard there was a wooden swing there that offered a view of the whole Seri Alam.

The hike was a bit challenging, with a bit of steep paths and uneven ground, but everyone was excited.

Objective 3 : Dinner and Mosquito Encounter

Our plan was to have dinner with camping food on top of the hill.

However, as evening approached, the mosquitoes became unbearable. There were so many of them that we couldn't sit still without getting bitten.

We decided to stop by a waterfall we had seen on the way up. The sound of the water was calming, and it was a nice spot to take a break.

After short break the waterfall, we made our way back to our starting point to cook our camping food.

We set up our camping food dinner and shared stories and laughter while preparing our meals.

Objective 4 : Celebrate birthday under the moon

I bought a small cake and had a romantic celebration with Akmal with collegues.

In total, we hiked about 7 kilometers, which was a bit short of my target of 10 kilometers.

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, our Group Princiapl, in his personal LinkedIn post https://bit.ly/3yDhf46

Why You Should Join Me for a Half Marathon?

Last year, I convinced and started training six (6) office colleagues, who are not runners, for a 21km run. You may read the full story from "Guiding My Colleagues to Half Marathon 21km Success 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏅" https://bit.ly/46Q8cZn

Getting my office colleagues to sign up for a half marathon and train together is a great idea especially they are not runners :

Here are six simple reasons:

1. Health Benefits
Training for a half marathon is good for your heart, muscles, and overall fitness. Running regularly can also help reduce stress and make you feel better. I hope they can become runners for the rest of their life.

2. Team Bonding
Training together helps us get to know each other better outside of work. I still have fond memories of our training in Daiman 18, doing our Long Slow Distance (L*D) runs for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, sweating and suffering together.

3. Achieving Goals
Completing a half marathon is a big achievement. It can boost your social media presence by showing off your finishing medal.

4. Stress Relief
Running is a great way to relieve stress. It gives you a break from work and helps clear your mind.

5. Building Resilience
Training for a half marathon needs a bit of dedication and hard work. This can help build resilience and a strong character, which is useful both at work and in life.

By signing up and training together, we can improve our health, build resilience, and strengthen our team spirit, making our workplace more lively and supportive.

My fellow hashtag colleagues, let’s lace up and take on this exciting challenge together for the upcoming Medini Half Marathon on 28 September 2024. For more details, check with our hashtag social club.

PS: Don’t ask me as an ultra runner why not 5km or 10km. This is for the real challenge!

PS : Authored by Mr Koh Teck Peng, our group principal of KTP, on his personal LinkedIn post https://bit.ly/3UYDCsw