MAD stands for Make A Difference – a simple yet powerful idea.
It’s not just a word, but a tool for transformation, built through proactive thinking and deliberate action.
What MAD Is
● Taking small, bold actions that improve your life and others.
● Being energetic, fun, and purposeful every day.
Why MAD Matters
● It brings meaning, awareness, joy, and legacy.
● It becomes your IKIGAI – your reason to wake up motivated.
Where MAD Applies
● Health, Time, Business, Sports, Emotions, Spirituality, Charity.
The juice is already inside you – just dare to squeeze it out and let life flow.
In Death There Is Inspiration
When God maketh Adam and Eve, he threw some dust and the first body and flesh were formed.
My beloved sister, Kwan, was cremated last Friday and her remains were collected in an urn with her body ashes. Is it the same for the beginning and the end?
Upon death, nothing really matters anymore except for the family and hopefully leaving behind good memories and a legacy to share.
My sister died from cancer. She survived almost 3.5 years without chemotherapy, fighting her battle with herbal medicine, stem cells and qi gong.
The last two weeks were terrible as her body systems shut down one by one, immobilizing her limbs, movement and her eating functions.
After seeing all her family members and friends, with a last breath and sigh, her sufferings ended.
Not once in her journey did she utter or moan about pain.
Her fighting spirit in the face of immense discomfort, being on a wheelchair for nearly a year, not able to turn her body during sleep and swollen legs, demonstrated her character, strength, and courageous resolve.
She was always “fine” till the final moments. For those who think they are facing worse, you would not want to be in her situation, with every day facing Death.
For those who are discouraged and disillusioned with living, try to put yourself in her shoes – just for a day.
There are several things to learn from going through the phases of a dying person:
– We will die someday.
– Short of being hit by a car unexpectedly, aim to die in a healthy state of mind and body.
– We only live once, so choose to live and enjoy it.
– It is about how happy we are daily, not ‘fine’ as we always proclaim.
So we know what to do then… or do we?
Time is the greatest asset that God gives to us because everyone owns it for themselves.
My sister inspired me not to regret anything done in the past.
As the saying goes, if you can forgive and forget, it benefits both parties.
Regret only blocks us from venturing into more meaningful purposes.
I love both my sisters, Kwan and Pauline (she departed 2011).
I am realistic – reaching 70 is just 14 years away. It’s daunting, as there’s no guarantee how much longer we have.
Besides, we still need to keep healthy and fit during the journey. I have decided to do several things immediately.
1. Keep on being MAD, make a difference to others in my actions.
2. Keep on cross fitting, the best exercise program I have discovered
3. Keep on contributing to the needy.
4. Keep on being positive, merry and laughing, as it is the best medicine.
5. Keep on loving my family members.
6. Keep on treasuring and enjoying my friends, cultivate good, sincere buddies to enjoy doing things together.
7. Minimize stress to a bare minimum... unless there is a gun pointing in your head, it cannot be worse.
8. Keep on believing in God for miracles, have faith and trust God to deliver. Besides, I am assured a place in heaven.
9. Keep on creating activities for the body, mind, soul and spirit to be active as long as I live.
My sister, Kwan, you have truly inspired me. Madjack, year 2012.
In memory of Pauline (first left) and Kwan (first right).
About Me
Ir. Jack Tan a.k.a. Madjack is a professional civil engineer. He graduated from the University of Liverpool in 1979, (and hence his passion for Liverpool Football Club). In January 1980, he commenced his career with Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas), continued his career with Mudajaya Construction, followed by six years with Sime Crest, a joint venture partnership between Sime Darby and Crest Engineering from the United States.
By the end of 1988, with substantial experience in engineering, construction and management, Jack ventured into his own engineering contractor business. Across the next 30 years, the business faced many challenges and successes.
Aerial survey of the first gas pipeline in Terengganu, Malaysia (1980).
Construction of the first gas processing plant in Terengganu, Malaysia (1983).
In between these glorious years, Jack enjoyed sports such as golf, football, badminton, swimming, mountain climbing, qi gong and even mad thrilling activities such as whitewater rafting, sky-diving and bungee jumping. He is a qualified scuba diver, cross fitter and an avid dancer.
His leisure pursuits also saw Jack travelling around the world twice, taking on several MAD tours by road, and on sea in the US and Europe. He also took in live matches of his favourite sports team and athletes, attended live concerts, danced at the biggest global festivals, completed several long-distance cyclothons across distances in excess of 400 kilometres, participated in triathlons and also the Cape Town Cycle Tours.
Most of all, Jack has invested in charity drives, raising funds for need children centres especially Persatuan Kebajikan Sri Eden, House of Joy and Sayap Kasih, and the Alzheimer Disease Foundation in Malaysia, raising contributions of over RM1 million for these causes.
The thing that has kept Jack going is his MadLifestyle, one which he has been preaching and practising since 2000. This lifestyle is apparent across the board such as MadHealth, MadSports, MadTime, MadBusiness, and the list goes on…
The objective of writing this MAD BOOK is to encourage and inspire the younger generation to start doing things that Make A Difference early in their careers, business, relationships and all of the lot. In other words, to adopt an all-encompassing life rich in meaning and optimised for the limited time we have on earth.
This book is your invitation to live life to the fullest.
To live without regret, freely, and a little madly.
Let’s begin.
Ir. Jack Tan a.k.a. Madjack
B.Eng (Hons),M.I.E.M.,P.Eng.,M.I.C.E.,C.Eng.UK
MAD practitioner for 25 years
CHAPTER 1.0
The MAD Lifestyle (MadLifestyle)
So, what does it mean to be MAD? It means being intentional about making a positive difference to self, family and friends.It means being present in the moment and making an impact to others. It means being willing to take risks, to challenge yourself, and to grow as an individual.
When we live the MAD way, our lifestyle becomes exciting, with PASSION and PURPOSE. Too often, we are obsessed with anxious thoughts, what others think, and a lack of time to enjoy the many aspects of a good life. To be MAD simply requires being natural with a good attitude, and daring to act differently. It entails being uninhibited and free to do what you like – to enjoy and share the moments with family and friends alike.
To enjoy a MadLlifestyle, an important ingredient is ENERGY – bundles of fuel from the right food, exercise regime, rest and recharge. Add to this a good spiritual element to enhance the MAD ways.
Be overwhelmingly energetic and enthusiastic, people will surely be drawn to you. Have a passion for a good life with family and friends – after all you can only enjoy LIFE when you are alive and kicking. Do the things you desire to do freely, especially the one you enjoy most, drive it with passion.
If you don’t have a passion for anything, CREATE one lah!! Never settle for the average, take efforts to go beyond to be MAD. Making A Difference to our lifestyle encompasses several areas in our daily activities.
Can you keep on being MAD everyday? Why not? It is a habit. Keep on doing the activities in a MAD way; it will become a regular habit. It will make you different from others, makes you creative and resourceful. MAD is a great EQ tool to propel to
a better career and more likely to be successful in business or other endeavours.
Only by being in good HEALTH, you can be Happy.
Only by being Healthy and Happy, can you enjoy gourmet meals, travels, contributing to good works, and even business opportunities.
“ ALL WORK AND NO PLAY MAKES JACK A DULL BOY”
Sometime in 2000, it dawned on me that I was missing a lot of life’s enjoyment. I had worked hard on my engineering and construction business. But the fun aspect of my Chinese horoscope – the Monkey – was getting caged in.
So I decided to record a different activity that I did daily – and at its peak – it would amount to over 400 different activities in a month from sports activities, local trips, cycling tours, supercar drives, mountain climbs, nature hikes to enjoying live concerts, theatres and sports matches.
I would encourage my children daily by asking them what they did differently that day, and this deliberate question over dinner would lead to many interesting conversations.
In time, this application to be efficient with time led me to 10-hour weeks at the office, anything more and I would be hustled out by my secretary, who would proceed to lock the door.
Freeing up all that time enabled me to organise dinners, dances, karaoke sessions, golfing trips, and even the infamous MadTravels overseas tours. My friends would always look for me by asking where I was in the world. They would say, “Jack! You are always travelling and enjoying life!”
To which my reply was: “Yes! Life is meant to be enjoyed.”
CHAPTER 2.0
MAD In Health (MadHealth)
Our physical and mental health are essential to living a MadLifestyle. When we take care of our bodies and minds, we have the energy, the resilience and the motivation to make a difference in the world.
Of course, it is well known that the key strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle include regular exercise, a balanced diet and adequate sleep. We also need to prioritise selfcare, practise stress management and nurture a positive mindset.
Body Health
MadHealth is for YOU to EAT BETTER and ENJOY the benefits that come with MadHealth-enhanced strength and energy –minimising disease or illness.
Right Food Program (RFP)
The RIGHT food is essential for good body health. Avoid sugar, processed and fried food, preservatives, excessive carbohydrates and dairy products. These foods are liked by cancer cells and minimum intakes are preferred.
Cultivate good carbohydrates from fruits, vegetables and lowglycemic multi grains. Good proteins can be obtained from vegetables like soy, legumes, nuts and unpolished grains.
A fair intake of meat and fish are essential proteins for muscle mass and repair.
Form your own Right Food Program (RFP).
Health Exercise Program (HEP)
Good health from the right food, a positive mentality and emotions are amplified with exercise. The MadHealth style is to exercise every day with activities that you enjoy.
From running, walking, and cycling to yoga, dancing, swimming – there are so many exercises to choose from.
Create and cultivate your own HEP – schedule time for your HEP and change it if it is no more enjoyable. Other important elements of HEP are strength, endurance and mobility training. Training increases muscle mass, burns fat, boosts stamina and endurance to cope with sudden changes of circumstances. Regular exercise also keeps the brain in tip-top condition.
Mental Health
The mind consists of the conscious and subconscious – the latter is hardly used but yet very powerful. Daily consciousness takes up 10 per cent of the mind, can be cultivated to be free-flowing, positive, humorous, lively and stimulating.
Associating with people that generate positive vibes is great. Learning new things takes effort but are very rewarding for the mind. In MadHealth, a positive, zero-expectation mindset is preferred- whatever outcome will still be taken as a mad consequence.
As the conscious mind plays and builds into our subconscious, managing our emotions becomes essential. A negative mind and negative emotions are real causes of diseases like cancer, hypertension, heart attacks and mental disorders.
A good understanding of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is a superb tool to manage emotions and reinforces great mental health.
MadHealth is a part of a MadLifestyle that need to be practised NOW –to Make A Difference in your general well-being. Make MadHealth a regular habit, it will surely be a damn good habit that serves you well throughout your journey.
MadHealth Tips
● Responsible – You are responsible for YOUR choice of health.
● Massage – Tip your body regularly with good aromatherapy, foot reflexology, deep tissue massages and lymphatic drainage.
● Mainteinance – Regular chiropractic check-ups are timely service.
● Atmosphere – Select the RIGHT water and air filters.
● Experts – Always check with the experts like a nutritionist, personal trainers, crossfit coaches, stemcell doctors and others.
● Doubles – A second opinion can prove to be useful.
● Alternatives – WHY NOT? If conventional methods have shown poor results, don’t go down the same path.
● Mind – Mahjong, sudoku, counting backwards, dancing are great mind exercises to name some.
“ Your Good Health is the Best Wealth. ”
One evening in May 2017, I was agitated because I could not eat well. Instinctively, I called a friend in Singapore (my first-ever call to him) who is a gastrointestinal doctor, and lamented to him on my loss of appetite. He advised and insisted that I have a check up with his good buddy, a cardiologist in Kuala Lumpur. Earlier that day, I had seen a cardiologist about my fast and irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath and dizzinees for the past two weeks. I was prescribed some medications and told to see him again in two weeks.
After a very thorough check and tests the next day, the cardiologist literally screamed at me to “go in” – the next nine days in the intensive care unit! I was afflicted with severe Atrial Fibrillation (AF) and would have passed on without realising it was because of a very weak heart function!! Fortunately, I recovered well with no damage to the heart and even passed the angiogram with no significant blockages.
How could it be? I have always been active in exercises and eat moderately well. This near miss episode made me very aware of three factors:
– The heart is your engine of life – take and maintain good care of it at all times.
– NEVER assume you are in good health all the time – do appropriate tests regularly.
– Seek the RIGHT doctor.
Given a second lease of Life by God, I have invested in Good Health at all times till today.
Health Exercise Program (HEP)
Swimming: a great post-workout recovery and rejuvenating exercise.
Dancing the best sport with your partner.
Cycling is good for your legs and heart.
Golfing for socialising and travels.
Hiking to enjoy nature.
Crossfitting for strength and stamina.
MAD With Time (MadTime)
Start by being MAD with your TIME – our greatest asset which is available equally to everyone. Cultivate and make time always for yourself, family and friends.
Many MadTime recommendations are free of charge – make good use of God-given gifts to laugh, smile, cry at any moment.
There are times when we appreciate, be grateful, share our humility, spread love during good and bad moments.
The best moments are joyful – with hearty guffawing, smiling warmly, crying to release our emotional baggage and even the simple act of holding hands.
A MadLifestyle is not about how long you live, or how the days have gone but making the days count and special.
The MADDER it is, the more impact it has on you and others –leaving behind great moments to cherish for a long time.
TIME is equal for everyone – 24 hours a day, 60 minutes an hour, 60 seconds a minute. Nearly 70 million seconds if you live to a ripe age of 80 years!
There is always time, all you have to do is to find it. Time never runs away, it just passes by. However if you want it, you will be equally suprised how much Time you have on your hands.
To create and have a lot of time is essential and a good criteria to be successful in life.
Make Time work for you because when you do, you Make A Difference. That’s the MAD way.
3.0
MadTime Toolbox
● Cut One Hour A Week from your work and assess your productivity. Small shifts lead to big gains.
● Delegate Wisely – Free up your time by trusting others or paying experts.
● Reduce Unproductive Tasks – Track what wastes your time.
● Use Your Time Outside Work Consciously – Meals with friends, hobbies, reflection.
● Take Time Seriously – You can buy the most expensive watch, but not time itself.
● Live In The Moment – Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth.
● Never say NO TIME – The only time when you have NO time is when you are six feet underground!
I recall about 12 years ago, during a round of golf with a close friend. He had always envied the time I spent travelling freely, and I would cajole him to spend some time travelling with me. He said: “Jack, give me two years to wrap up my business, then I can join you.” Alas, a year later, he died from a horrid car accident.
“ The moral of the story is Time waits for no one and is not guaranteed, even tomorrow. ”
People Who Make A Difference To Me
John Lim of World Dance Academy, pioneer of Dancesport in Malaysia.
With Steven, my golf buddy in Perth.
Diving ‘sifu’, Tan Yiok Hing, a pioneer member of the British Sub Aqua Club in Kuantan. Fondly known as Cik Gu, Tan was instrumental in guiding me to the beautiful world of scuba diving in 1982.
Tom and Pauline, my beloved brother and sister. Together we traversed 5,000km – camping across Canada.
In memory of a true MAD guy, Hans.
Hashim, best buddy in Petronas pipeline works.
MAD In Sports (MadSports)
Most people enjoy some kind of sports – be it boxing, cycling, badminton, football, swimming or a range of sport activities indoor and outdoor. MadSports is not only for enjoyment of the activity but also a lifestyle that leads to good health.
The first rule of any sport is you need to ENJOY IT so that consistent involvement is developed.
Don’t just only do sports, live them. MadSports is not just movement – it is the momentum for a mad life.
You can get to meet people in team sports, exchange thoughts and knowledge, besides cultivating a healthy social network.
There are plenty of lessons to be learnt in competitive sports like golf, football, tennis, cycling, bowling, swimming and many others.
It will be MAD to watch and experience the Olympics Games once in your life time – to see and understand how hard the most talented athletes aspire to be the very best by pushing themselves to the limits.
In MadSports, the objective is to KEEP FIT, STRONG AND HEALTHY. You may choose to do several activities for options i.e. walks, cycling, swimming, golf, gym, pickleball, etc.
However, it is not recommended to over exercise as the body builds up oxidative stress and that leads to injury.
The goal is consistent, balanced movement – not burnout. Comfortable levels of pumping the heart for 20 minutes each session, toning muscles for arms, legs and back, and strength training are much preferred.
The rewards will be apparent when you travel on tours and trips for sightseeing and leisure.
MadSports is further enhanced by good breathing techniques which goes deep into the organs – this will require guidance.
If you can afford it, engage a personal trainer to achieve good form and right techniques.
When you enjoy MadSports, you enhance your physiology with good posture, detoxing your body, de-stressing yourself and counter overcompression.
An indoor MadSports that I recommend is DANCING. The fast beats of Latin music, the slow waltz, as well as tango tickles the mind and body madly. Dancing exercises the brain and is excellent for the body.
You can enjoy a dance with your partner at any event, rather than be bored sitting down.
An outdoor MadSports would be whitewater rafting which involve thrills and challenges your mind to overcome matter and live fearlessly.
Or go paramotoring where you glide with the aid of a motor and parachute. It makes a difference to try different sports which add spice to life, as long as they are within safe boundaries.
To train for a competition in any sport requires extra effort to prepare both body and mind. For MadSports, some form of competition is always good – it gets the adrenaline flowing and keeps you sharp.
“ Be a Sportsman rather than a Dullman. ”
MadSports Framework
● Purpose: Fitness, strength, mental alertness.
● Social Connection: Meet people, build teams, create community.
● Adrenaline: Go for bungee jumping, skydiving, paramotoring – break fear patterns.
● Indoor Fun: Dancing – great for body and brain.
● Outdoor Fun: Hiking, cycling, driving, scuba diving, snorkeling –tune in with nature.
● Live Event: Concerts, theatres, sports matches like badminton, football, rugby, athletics – memorable moments to cherish.
Berlin, Germany World Cup 2006.
Beijing Olympics 2008.
Qatar World Cup 2022. Paris Olympics 2024. The champions’ parade.
Sports For Enjoyment
for strength and stamina.
Cycling in tune with nature.
Climbing up Mount. Kinabalu, Sabah.
Golfing in New Zealand.
The peak at Gunung Rinjani, Lombok, Indonesia. Weightlifting
Dancing Cha Cha Cha.
Golfing at St Andrews, home of golf.
Tai Chi at the Gobi Desert.
Running on top of the Great Wall of China.
Sports that Conquer FEAR
The supercar lifestyle.
any fear... after.
Skydiving over The Remarkables, New Zealand... exciting and conquering heights.
Scuba diving off Redang Island, a different world under the sea.
Bungee jump at Victoria Falls – sure to overcome
Jet skiing in Langkawi.
Whitewater rafting is indeed thrilling in Hokkaido.
Liverpool FC came back from 0-3 down to AC Milan, beating them on penalties to lift the UEFA Champions League Final in 2005.
From that moment onwards, it spurred me to attend as many live football finals all over the world – to savour the adrenaline, positive stress and great vibes from these experiences. In time I was lucky to attend and watch all these fantastic sporting moments unfolding live before my own eyes.
Not to forget several, and always memorable visits to Anfield, Liverpool to watch and support my beloved club.
● 2006 European Cup Final in Athens, Greece: Liverpool vs AC Milan 1-3
● 2006 World Cup Final in Berlin, Germany: Italy vs France 1-0
● 2008 Beijing Olympics
● 2012 London Olympics
● 2012 Euro Final in Warsaw Poland: Spain vs Italy 4-0
● 2014 World Cup Final in Rio De Janeiro: Germany vs Argentina 3-0
● 2018 Champion League Final in Kiev, Ukraine: Liverpool vs Real Madrid 1-3
● 2019 Champion League Final in Madrid, Spain: Liverpool vs Spurs 2-0
● 2019 Winter Olympics in Pyeonchang, Korea
● 2022 World Cup Finals in Qatar, Argentina vs France 3-3 (Argentina 4-2 in pens)
● 2024 Euro Finals in Munich, Dortmund, Berlin, Germany
● 2024 Paris Olympics
The Mad Charity Century Ride
(23-24 October 2010)
The inaugural MAD (Make A Difference) Ride, was a 360km charity cycling event from Tropicana in the Klang Valley, all the way to Kluang, Johor. This herculean event combined fundraising, community outreach, and tourism promotion in a four-way partnership between a corporate power plant operator, a private oil and gas company, a golf and country club and a mall developer.
Sponsored by Malakoff, Algotech (my company), Tropicana, and Kluang Mall, the event featured a range of MAD activities including charity meals, public engagement, and cycling safety clinics.
The event kicked off with excitement and strong support, 200 cyclists, including novices and women, who tackled challenging terrain, heat, and rain over two days.
Highlights included the gruelling Bukit Pelandok climb, warm community pit stops with many supportive friends pitching in, and a grand finale in Kluang – my hometown. The Kluang Mall welcomed us with fireworks, a crowd-lined street, and a festive atmosphere. The ride successfully raised RM100,000 – double the initial target – and showcased Kluang as a destination while uniting cyclists and supporters in a meaningful cause.
The benefits went to the aged, the disabled and also orphans. Other corporate entities such as Tropicana’s team of chefs and helpers also cooked meals for the beneficiaries.
The event ended with a rooftop BBQ, awards, and memories to last a last time. While others would have come to Kluang by road or rail, we decided to do it the MAD way and CYCLED there.
MAD Century 360km Ride from Kuala Lumpur to Kluang,
Johor
On
(L-R) Madjack with first-time riders, Kah Soon, Jonson, Jason and Leonard.
Day 2: Roll off from A Famosa, Melaka.
Brothers Jason and Jonson Tan share a moment before their maiden ride.
the road to Kluang.
Jonson Tan also rolling out from Tropicana Golf Club.
Jason Tan rolling out from Tropicana Golf Club.
Pit stop in Yong Peng, Johor.
MAD In Travels (MadTravels)
“Travel is an essential part of enjoying life. Whether near or far, it breaks the monotony of work, place and routine.”
Traveling does wonders for both body and mind. It expands the mind – allowing you to see a different way of living, and its rich possibilities. MadTravels revives your palate, excites the body in discovering new tastes and richness.
Just as importantly, travelling will help you cultivate flexibility. No matter how fail-safe your plans may be, travelling will inherently possess an edge of unpredictability. Allowing for a greater buffer in your schedule will also ensure you reduce your stress or frustration.
In MadTravels, one learns to adapt, adjust and appreciate the foreign cultures, peoples, the unique scenery, living conditions – and compare with your own place of origin! Are we blessed?
MadTravels Benefits
● Expand the Mind ➞ Escape routine, embrace new ways of thinking.
● Revive the Palate ➞ Discover new cuisines and enrich your body’s nutrition.
● Embrace Flexibility ➞ Expect the unexpected – MadTravels thrives on detours.
● Rejuvenate the Body ➞ Move while you travel: hike, walk, explore, sweat.
● Cultivate Humour ➞ Laugh at the mishaps – those become the best memories and takes the edge off travel stress. Laughter really is the best medicine.
● Build Patience ➞ Language barriers, delays, and new norms grow your maturity.
● Strengthen Team Synergy ➞ Travel with four to eight people; shared adventures will build lifelong bonds.
● Learn New Languages ➞ Speak like the locals – connect like never before.
● Shift Perspective ➞ See your problems shrink when you witness other people and their resilience living in far worse conditions than you do.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy.
In 2004, I embarked on an 18-day tour of Latin South America (Argentina, Peru and Brazil). I had organised the tour inviting friends and some doctors from KL Pantai Specialist Hospital whom I met a year before on a Spain and Portugal trip.
Doctors, being doctors are generally serious, polite people. As it was a long tour, with many flight changes, I was soon bored. By day two I began to be “mad”, by creating sing-a-longs, jokes and to energise the entire group of 32.
Even singing “Happy Birthday” in every restaurant we went even though it was no one’s birthday.
The jolly fun created such a happy, light-hearted ambience throughout with uninhibited emotions and language.
Till today, this South America group still gathers to reminisce the MAD times we had then – moments that would be cherished for a long time. Looking back, this would be my first episode of MadTravels... with many more such MadTravels undertaken since.
At Machu Picchu, Peru, 2004. Iguazu Falls, Brazil.
World Tours
World Golf Tour at Pebble Beach, 2010.
Somewhere in South Island, New Zealand, 2019.
Cruising in Gold Coast, 2008.
Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan.
At the pyramids of Egypt, 2016.
The Red Desert, Outer Mongolia, 2022. Supercars drive across Europe, 2015.
Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina, 2015.
4WD route in Outer Mongolia. Hiking in the Japanese Alps.
Taxi driver at Havana, Cuba.
North Cape, Norway @ Lat 71. Cruising to Mexico.
At the 150th Open, St. Andrews, Scotland.
Silk Road, China. Anfield, Liverpool.
MAD In Business (MadBusiness)
A MAD approach can give you the edge in business.
Working long hours and “doing your best” isn’t enough in today’s fast-moving, competitive market.
MadBusiness is about making a reasonable profit, employing the RIGHT management, manpower and equipment to achieve timely completion, thereby success in the projects and $$$. All this ultimately leads to the idea of good management, and the upside is having the trust of your staff members and related parties who continue to serve and support your business in the long term.
“When you Make A Difference in your business,you will enjoy the financial benefits and the worthiness for the efforts expended. In a successful business,you do not just compete, you need to stand out and you Make A Difference to the industry.”
“ Most people are more concerned with doing THINGS right than with doing the RIGHT things. ”
MadBusiness Success Principles
● Choose the Right Tools & People ➞ Invest in skilled manpower and reliable resources – even if it costs more upfront.
● Be Lean & Mean ➞ Maximize output with fewer resources. Cut waste. Optimize workflows.
● Pay On Time ➞ Be a timely paymaster. Build trust with staff and suppliers. Win-win.
● Don’t Wait – Create ➞ Don’t wait for luck. ASK, SEEK, and CREATE opportunities.
● Let Your Clients Come Back ➞ Repeat clients = best marketing. Don’t chase – make them chase you.
● Never Compromise On Safety & Quality ➞ Be known as RESPONSIBLE, RELIABLE and RESPONSIVE.
● Select the Right Clients ➞ Focus on those who pay on time and value your service. Be assertive.
● Embrace Innovation ➞ Inject MADness with AI, tech, and new media. Stay ahead.
In 1994. I was awarded a piping subcontract by an international company, Toyo Engineering Corporation of Japan.
It was my first breakthrough in the oil and gas industry. The piping works were carried out for the Petronas Ethylene Plant. I recalled back then the computer was introduced but alas I was still with my typewriters.
ISO 9000, a quality assurance program was mandatory for the works compliance. This programme required an immense amount of documentation traceability and actually caused severe delay to our works.
Despite the overwhelming documentation demands, very strict compliance and inspections, I managed to complete the project two weeks ahead of schedule. But at a hefty price loss of RM1 million from the original contract – that loss would bust my company then.
What followed was unbelievable…
Upon getting my completion certificate approved and certified, I barged into the Toyo Project Manager office – and demanded a compensation of RM1 million plus a five per cent overall profit
To my amazement, the amount was approved!!!
I concluded that the additional payment was made to me in good faith due to my resilience, responsibility, reliability, responsiveness and total commitment to the client’s need. This was the modus operandi of my company projects from then on –always BE AHEAD.
7.0
MAD In Emotional Intelligence (MadEQ)
A high IQ individual is not necessarily guaranteed to be successful in life.
Think of the professors or doctors who are highly educated… there are still cases of suicides, and they feel that life is bleak with no solution or healing.
Here comes MadEQ, used as a tool to alleviate some of life’s issues.
MadEQ is the inner compass of the MadLifestyle.
EQ teaches you to be aware of your emotions and to be in control.
EQ helps you to understand the source and solve the problem at the source.
Time and again, we are shown that children or adults who display high EQ, approaching conflicts with a stable mind, are capable of great success.
Here are seven ways I have found to add substance to MadEQ which can apply anytime your emotions get the better of you.
MadEQ Dimensions
● Moral EQ – Knowing what is right or wrong; living with conscience.
● Thinking EQ – Lateral thinking, out-of-the-box problem solving.
● Problem-Solving EQ – Going to the root cause, not just patching symptoms.
● Motivation EQ – Self-driven energy to seek, try, and inspire others.
● Social EQ – Building human connections, managing team and relationships.
● Emotional EQ – Managing your own feelings, staying calm under pressure.
● DIGITAL EQ – Using AI and technology intelligently to aid decisionmaking and learning.
“ Think with your emotions in control, do not allow emotions to control you. ”
We are Family
2002: A family portrait when we first moved into our new home.
2012: My children as young adults.
2015: A family reunion in Japan.
2021: The family grows bigger with an additional son- and daughter-in-law in the same year!
Back in the year 2000, my three children were admitted to an international school, Garden International School (GIS). This was a breakthrough to their education, whereby English was spoken and written as the main medium.
Sports was also emphasised as an important extracurricular activity. This was also the age of Internet, video games, Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering cards, all of which would be totally alien to the adults.
I have observed, they were less conversant, communicative with mom and dad, indulging in their own world. They were slowly becoming non intrapersonal.
This spurred me to study their emotions and the peers around them. I read several books on Emotional Intelligence, which had very purposeful and practical points.
To get them involved, I have designed my own EQ programs for them to follow and using delayed gratification as a strategy. I volunteered for the school PHSE program, teaching the subject of EQ (around the time of the violence of the 1999 Columbine High School shooting incident). In this way, I was well placed and connected with the children – by the time they were at age twelve, I would recognise them as young adults.
Till today, the consequences of their learning, and understanding EQ habits, has seen them respond admirably to life challenges –especially when they are placed in daily and business situations that demand emotional control and self-management.
MAD to Universal Principles (MadUP)
“Universal Principles are fundamental truths or propositions for a state of reasoning and actions, that are proven time and time again to be correct.”
MadUP is about the deep life truths – trust, clarity, efficiency, humility – that guide decision-making and attitude.
MadUP helps you to think differently, feel deeply, and act wisely.
“Universal Principles can guide anyone, anywhere.
They are the silent engines behind MAD action – you are only one paradigm shift away from a better outcome.”
Applying MadUp enables you to be spontaneous and natural.
MadUP for Life
● TRUST & FLOW ➞ When uncertain, trust your instincts. If hesitation or doubt is strong, it’s often a “No”. For instance, when buying a new house – a big decision – if you start questioning your finances, the location, the needs of a new place, or even the sustainability of living there, just walk away. Apply the principle. Let nature take its course.
● Ask, Ask, Ask ➞ Clarity is power. Stop guessing – start asking. Answers are often one question away. Why waste time with trial and error, someone somewhere would have the answer. JUST ASK. Stuck at a business negotiation? Ask for the details. The point here is to not waste time.
● Do More With Less ➞ Efficiency beats effort. Triple your output by working smarter, not just harder. Look for ways to boost morale with rewards.
● Words Hurt, Thoughts Kill ➞ Negative thinking and hurtful words destroy more than you know. Guard your mind, and speak with care. Having a negative attitude will sink your ship even before it sails out of port.
● Shift Your Paradigm To Grow ➞ When stuck, don’t dig deeper –move. New thinking creates new paths. Seek out experts. The key point is not to dig the same hole again and again – there’s more to gain by shifting your lens.
● Not First, Not Winning – But a Champion ➞ You don’t need to win every time. Champion causes that matter and you will build your tribe. Impact > ego.
● Admire and Respect ➞ Humility outshines luxury. A kind soul is more respected than arrogance with a fancy car or watch.
● No Right, No Wrong ➞ Avoid being judgemental, it closes up the mind and hijacks emotions.
Universal principles are deeper thoughts, trust and innate intelligence to put into practice. In 1998, at the peak of my business, my two knees literally buckled and I was in so much pain when I had to squat.
I was due for a knee replacement soon... until I met a psychic healer from Australia. He convinced me that my buckling knees were due to the emotional baggage I have carried in my business – anxiety, responsibilities, fear of failure, loss in business – all of which combined into an extra heavy burden on my shoulder.
This would be the turning point in my career, business and lifestyle. After attending an “awakening” workshop and understanding the effects of releasing negative emotions, to my surprise, my knees were healed two weeks later. The psychic in us and innate intelligence in self-healing was evidently proven.
From then on, I have constantly used these universal principles to enjoy great success.
“ What MadUP speaks to you daily? ”
Madjack In Action
A Mad Night and impromptu pool party on my 25th wedding anniversary celebrations.
On top of the Dolomites,
With the fans in Kiev, Champion League Final 2018.
With my golf coach, Tiger.
With the snow monsters in Aomori, Japan.
Walking along the Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia, Argentina.
Don’t take golf too seriously.
Italy.
9.0
Enjoy Life The MAD Way
The ultimate expression of a good life is not a paycheck, a Ferrari supercar, a million dollar watch or a big mansion. You can always do things in small ways but with great impact.
The seven areas in this MAD book encompasses the purpose of living and enjoying life. There are other essential ingredients to add on...
Friends who share similar values and interests. Friendship is the greatest support system in the world around us. Real friends are the ones who come and get you when you are down.
Music tells a story, cultures and traditions signify identities.
A mad element is always NOT TO MISS out on invitations, live performances – simply SHOW UP.
MAD is a great way to develop positive attitudes and vibes. It propels you to be lively and fun, with memorable moments.
Charity and contribution to the your community especially to the needy can be rewarding and fulfilling.
Be MAD to each other.
Living the MAD Life Fully
● What Is a Good Life?
– Not money or luxury – but health, relationships, purpose, and joy.
– Success = quality of time, attitude, contribution, and emotional balance.
● Your Happiness Checklist:
– Good health & fitness
– True friendships
– Spiritual connection
– Cultural expression
– Meaningful family bonds
– Time for yourself
● The Power of Small Joys:
– Laugh, cry, hug, share, and give.
– Sing “Happy Birthday” even when it’s no one’s birthday.
– Play “Stoney” and replace the name to celebrate someone new.
● The Fear Trap:
– Most people stop living because they fear.
– Overcome fear with action (e.g., bungee jump, travel solo, say “yes”).
● Create Time, Create Life:
– If you say “no time”, you’re also saying “no life”.
– Do the things you enjoy. Make them daily, not occasional.
So, Live Boldly. Laugh Daily. Hug Freely.
Make A Difference – not just in what you do, but in who you are.
That’s not madness…
That’s the MAD way.
With Best Wishes, Madjack, 2025.
“ Life is to be enjoyed –it is God’s greatest gift to you. ”
Life Is A Cycle... H PLA! OO
The start to the 42nd edition of the Cape Town Cycle Tour, with 35,000 participating cyclists, both local and international tackling the 109km route on 10th March, 2019. I was one of them…
Nervous yet excited, I joined the race not expecting such a big number of participants. I had deliberately started from the back to avoid the starting crush. What followed was an unassuming climb for a few kilometres, and with my fresh muscles I managed it.
Next came the chase for the peloton, where I was simply overtaken by the later groups – younger, stronger and I guess, more motivated participants!
The winds were strong that morning – with headwinds and crosswinds howling in at between 30 and 40km/h. In addition to these obstacles, one needed to be alert to riders overtaking from your left, right, front and at times... from nowhere!
At the 10km mark, flashes from my past rides across the East Coast of Malaysia, Perlis and Penang Hill raced through my mind. I knew I had to ‘keep my line’ – to be focused and avoid any mishap. Pace is important and so is patience.
This went on until the 40km point, by which time I had already been on the road for nearly three hours, impeded by the uphill and downhill routes, shaken nearly off balance by strong winds. On the other hand, the majestic sight of the mountains, cliffs white beaches and blue seas were awesome to behold, as we continued ploughing through to the halfway mark of 55km.
It was around then when I had my epiphany. It dawned on me that this ride was really what life was all about: the obstacles and difficulties we face in our twenties and thirties, and then the scenery we enjoy once we get into middle age as we become more accomplished in our lives and careers.
From that halfway point, it was inevitable that some cramps and tiredness would creep in steadily and I had to endure this up till the 70km mark. The hills felt longer and steeper now – and the sights becoming even more awesome.
It required all my reserves of energy and concentration to tackle these hill climbs, and if that was tough, flying downhill at between 35 and 50km/h was even more testing! A tumble could be injurious or worse!
My mind began wavering, entertaining thoughts of stopping and giving up. I reduced my expectations with the idea I could make another 10km before pausing for a pit stop and asking for medical assistance. Even the vibrations of the music and cheering from the crowd was muted by the all-overpowering fatigue, as I rounded the bend to hit the 90km mark.
At this point I was mumbling and grumbling, content to try for 5km more before I stopped to dance with a local band. That helped me a lot to enjoy the last stage of the race!
Just when I thought the finish was in sight, with 10km to go, the winds blew even stronger – this time with rain! The cold and moisture hit my body like a ton of bricks and made each kilometre feel like ten!! Any thoughts of making the finish line within seven hours totally vanished.
“You have to finish it Jack, after all it is your race and yours alone.”
“You have come a long way for this tour and trained to take this challenge.”
“No one said the tour (or life for that matter) was easy.”
“Difficulties, unexpected obstacles may come.”
These thoughts swirled in my mind as I pumped whatever I could muster into the bike.
And thinking about the cyclists who decided to give up entirely, the ones who dismounted to walk, the ones who fell, I pushed ahead towards the final kilometre.
Then it happened. I sprinted across the line, triumphant and memorably with a big smile over my face.
I shouted: “I have done it! I’m a finisher.”
The end was not as rapturous as the start – and it was a blessing I completed the race intact without injuries.
In all, it took me eight hours (you could equate it to 80 years of a life) to get to that finish line.
What I took away was simple: “Don’t give up, don’t chicken out of challenges and, by doing that, you would fulfil God’s expectations of YOU.”
In a t-shirt supporting the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation Malaysia.
With my MAD cycling buddy, Syed.
Cape Town Cycle Tour 2023.
Meeting some colourful particpants.
Any and all proceeds that have been raised with this book – 100 per cent – will go towards my three favourite causes. If you would like to support these worthy causes, I invite you to consider making a donation… any amount that feels right to you today.
There are no small contributions. Every donation counts.
“A Small Kindness Goes A LONG WAY!”
Below are the three charities with their beneficiary account numbers and an e-Wallet link, as well as the contact details of person in charge from these organisations.
Persatuan Kebajikan Sri Eden Selangor Dan Kuala Lumpur
In 2010, our church adopted and catered to the needs of this centre which trains needy children to be independent, and to possess life skills. I was touched by the plea and took on the challenge of raising half a million ringgit through a MAD Dinner & Dance; these funds have been carefully utilised till this day.
www.srieden.org
Sri Eden Selangor
Persatuan Kebajikan Sri Eden Selangor Dan Kuala Lumpur
MBB A/C No: 514785017317
Ms Aimee Chan: 012-235 2000
Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih
Malaysia
The work that this association does for the welfare of mentally challenged children here is very commendable indeed. Their effort transcends all manner of class, race, religion and they actively engage communities to bring joy to the faces of their children.
iq70plus.org
Persatuan Kebajikan Sayap Kasih Malaysia
Ambank A/C: 8881060991545
Ms Iris Tan: 016-313 9010
House Of Joy
I visited this shelter house in 2013 when it was destroyed in a fire. I met the founder Pastor Tang who started this home caring for unwanted children and destitute elders back in 1992. I have been supporting them in my charity drives ever since.
