Harnessing the Power of Humor in Public Speaking

One of the key highlights of Power Hour was a thought-provoking talk by Saim Yeong Harng, a seasoned public speaker, who explored the nuances of humor in presentations. In his session, Saim addressed an intriguing question: “Should you laugh at your own joke while speaking?” He emphasized that while humor is an excellent tool for engagement, speakers must gauge their audience’s reactions carefully.

A well-timed joke can make a presentation more relatable, but overuse or forced laughter may come across as insincere. His insights sparked discussions among attendees about the delicate balance between humor and professionalism in public speaking.

The Role of Mentorship in Career Growth

Another powerful segment featured Ivy Wong, a leader in the cybersecurity industry, who shared her personal journey and the profound impact mentorship had on her career. Ivy highlighted that mentorship is not just about receiving guidance but also about mutual growth. “A good mentor challenges you to think differently and pushes you beyond your comfort zone,” she explained. She encouraged attendees to actively seek mentors who offer diverse perspectives and to embrace mentorship as a continuous, evolving relationship.

Ivy’s discussion resonated with many participants, particularly those in male-dominated industries, where strong mentorship can be a game-changer. Attendees reflected on their own experiences with mentorship and exchanged insights on how to build meaningful professional relationships.

Building a Supportive Professional Network

Beyond individual presentations, Power Hour also featured interactive discussions where participants shared strategies for personal and professional development. These conversations fostered a sense of community, reinforcing the idea that success is often built on the foundation of collaboration and support. Attendees exchanged practical advice on networking, skill-building, and leadership strategies tailored for diverse industries.

The event also aligned with PlayPan’s mission to harness the power of play to reimagine giving. Through its dynamic approach, Power Hour exemplified the importance of an inclusive and engaging space where women and allies could learn from one another and collectively uplift their professional journeys.

Mentors' Reflections

Mentors who participated in Power Hour shared their reflections on the event:​

Anna Ong described Power Hour as "​60 minutes. High impact. No fluff." She highlighted the event's format, which combined speed mentoring with authentic discussions, providing focused guidance from experienced individuals.

Kai Chan acknowledged the efforts behind the event, commenting, "​Without Gary Hong’s generosity and dedication and Francis Lo’s visionary spirit, we wouldn't be able to attend such amazing events to pay forward and give back!"

Eldred Wee expressed his support, stating, "​Pleasure to always support Media Clubroom~ Extra special when PlayPan is involved, especially seeing so much fun going around with Yvonne Siow, Gary Hong & Grace Chew!"

Chrissie Choo highlighted the event's impact, saying, "​The Power Hour mentoring session truly stood out... a time when giving, learning, and genuine connection took centre stage."

A Lasting Impact

As the session wrapped up, attendees expressed their appreciation for the insights gained and the meaningful connections established. Many left feeling inspired, equipped with actionable takeaways to implement in their careers.

Power Hour was more than just an event; it was a testament to the strength of collective wisdom and the importance of fostering mentorship, leadership, and self-growth. It was a reminder that when professionals come together to share experiences and learn from one another, the impact extends far beyond the room—it shapes future leaders and strengthens industries.

The International Women's Festival at PlayPan continues to be a beacon for conversations that matter, and Power Hour was a shining example of that mission in action.