Name: Douglas Cho
Graduation Year: 1971
Major: Business Management & Accounting
Current Position: Volunteer Work
City and State: Singapore
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
After obtaining my BBA degree from Evangel and postgraduate (MBA) at University of Missouri, Columbia, I returned to Singapore and started work at American International Assurance (AIA), a wholly-owned subsidiary of AIG of New York. I began my career as an Investment Accountant; later as Regional Financial Comptroller; progressed to be Assistant Vice President (Administration); finally as Vice President & Principal Officer of Singapore and Brunei operations.
During my employment with AIA, I was privileged to travel to the States for a number of management courses and seminar — twice to Princeton New Jersey; once to Kansas City; Orlando Florida for IT conference. I also traveled to different parts of the world for AIA sales conventions — Hawaii in the USA, Vienna in Austria, Beijing in China, and Bangkok in Thailand.
I am currently involved in community work as Vice Chairman of a Neighborhood Committee. For about forty years, I was involved as a Board member at Elim Church, the first and oldest Assemblies of God. I served in various capacities from Treasurer, Church Secretary to Chairman of the Board. It is a privilege to serve but yet a humbling experience as we are called to serve!
What is your favorite memory from EU?
I have many, but to name just a few: Living in the barrack dormitory was a unique and memorable experience. My professors and lecturers were friendly and always helpful. Dr. Joel Chaney, Head of Business Education Department was an exceptional individual as a mentor and friend. He visited me twice in Singapore. Dr. J. Robert Ashcroft was an outstanding college president – a man of a humble spirit but a man of passion and purpose to propel Evangel as an educational institution with Godly values and principles. Mr. William Gunn, director of Evangel’s food services, a gentleman with a gentle and hospitality disposition. He was generous and friendly with all students. And I knew him well as I worked part-time in the cafeteria. My Asian college mates (Joseph Fong, Shirley Lee, Robert & Albert Wong), all from Hong Kong, who are now American citizens except Robert. We used to gather on weekends for Asian cuisine with our then junior chef Joseph (now the owner of Chinese Chef in Springfield).
How did EU help you identify/develop your calling?
The combination of a liberal arts education in business administration and an environment of Christian ethos and values helped to develop a balanced view when embarking on my working career.
How did your experience at EU prepare you for life after graduation?
The daily contacts and relationships with lecturers and college mates gave me a broader perspective of life. The different environment and culture of America prepared me for a leadership role in an American organization in Singapore.
The exposure of being the President of Evangel International Students Organization and Business manager of the Excalibur yearbook helped to develop my leadership skills.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
I would look for someone who knows their vision, is passionate, and can take action in pursuit of their destiny. Someone who never forgets Christ should always be at the center of their life.