A Nurse's Turn At Event Planning

Noor Diana Hashim, 35, lives with her husband Zek Ayry Khan Zarak Khan, 35, and their three children age five to 13 in Taman Perling, Johor Baru.

I WAS a nurse at a private hospital for five years. I became a nurse in the year 1999. At that time, I was a reserved and quiet person. I mostly just have conversations with the patients.

In 2005, I suddenly felt like I needed a change. And just like that, I handed in my letter of resignation in March.

Barely two months later, I was organising a property fair. Before that, I had no experience at all.

I did my research over the Internet. I found ways to network with others. And the property fair earned me a profit of RM45,000.

For the first time in my life, I was holding RM45,000 in cheques and cash. My monthly salary as a nurse was RM3,000.

From the maiden project, I soon started organising my second event, which was a beauty fair. That, too, was something new for me.

There were times when I do break down and cry. Being an event organiser, we need to multitask and be able to deal with people.

When two parties quarrel, an organiser cannot be seen to be taking sides. So, we have to be diplomatic.

From a quiet and reserved person, my present vocation has transformed me into someone who is able to talk to anyone that I meet.

I now have my own company called World Event and Marketing Services.

I am now organising an event at the Kulai Centrepoint (Super Cowboy) outlet in Kulaijaya.

The event is being organised in conjunction with the Ramadan month and the Aidilfitri celebrations.

I am targeting traders in the Felda settlements in Pontian and Simpang Renggam, among others, as well as online traders.

The rental here is really attractive, and will be a good opportunity for those who are just starting their business or are running a small enterprise.

The rental for a booth here is between RM750 and RM3,000 per month.

I want to deliver a message to women, especially single mothers, to have a positive attitude.

Even though I do cry at times because of the trials and tribulations in life, I never once thought of giving up and that is the message I wish to deliver.

My future plan is to introduce my own line of skincare products and health supplements.

Being a former nurse, I know the importance of staying healthy.

And when I have my mind set on something, I will definitely strive until the dream becomes a reality.