After more than 23 years in the healthcare industry and several years delivering professional training and Excel-based solutions, I’m proud to share that I’ve officially received my HRD Corp Trainer Accreditation.

This accreditation, awarded by Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) in Malaysia, enables me to conduct HRD Corp claimable trainings for employers registered under the PSMB Act 2001.

In simple terms, it means companies can now claim back the training fees for eligible programs I conduct — making it more accessible for organizations to invest in continuous learning and employee development without budget constraints.

Why This Matters for You and Your Organization

If you’re a business owner, manager, HR, or L&D professional looking to upskill your team, this accreditation allows you to access results-driven, claimable training programs designed to improve operational efficiency, sales performance, and personal financial wellness.

My Core Training Programs

I currently offer the following programs for both corporate and public sessions:

1️⃣ Microsoft Excel for Beginners: Let’s Conquer the Basics!
2️⃣ Microsoft Excel Essentials for Administrators and Executives
3️⃣ Microsoft Excel Essentials for Team Leads, Supervisors & Managers
4️⃣ Funnel & Sales Performance Mastery: Hit Your Sales Target, Every Time!
5️⃣ F.I.R.E. Up Your Life: The Young Professional's Guide to Financial Independence & Retire Early (Employee Well-Being Program)

Each program is practical, hands-on, and built to equip participants with actionable skills they can immediately apply in their roles.

Let’s Connect

If you’re interested in exploring these trainings for your team or would like to collaborate, feel free to reach out. I’m always open to new opportunities to help individuals and businesses grow smarter, faster, and financially stronger.

Here’s to continuous learning and empowering lives through knowledge. 

#HRDCorp #AccreditedTrainer #ClaimableTraining #ExcelTraining #SalesFunnel #SalesPerformance #FIREMovement #EmployeeWellBeing #ProfessionalDevelopment #CorporateTrainingMalaysia

Published on: June 29, 2025

If you've ever felt constrained by Excel's standard PivotTables, it's time to explore Power Pivot. It's a game-changing feature that elevates your data analysis capabilities. Whether you're dealing with massive datasets or seeking more dynamic reporting, Power Pivot is your gateway to advanced analytics within Excel.

1. What Is Power Pivot?

Power Pivot is an Excel add-in that allows you to perform powerful data analysis and create sophisticated data models. It enables you to:

• Import large volumes of data from various sources

• Create relationships between heterogeneous data

• Build complex calculations using Data Analysis Expressions (DAX)

• Analyze data efficiently without slowing down your workbook
  
  

In essence, Power Pivot transforms Excel into a robust business intelligence tool, allowing you to work with millions of rows of data seamlessly.

2. Why Should You Use Power Pivot?

Here are compelling reasons to integrate Power Pivot into your Excel toolkit:

1. Handle Large Datasets: Unlike standard Excel, which can struggle with large data volumes, Power Pivot efficiently processes millions of rows without performance issues.

2. Create Complex Data Models: Establish relationships between different data tables, enabling more comprehensive analysis without the need for VLOOKUP or INDEX-MATCH functions.

3. Advanced Calculations with DAX: Utilize DAX to create measures and calculated columns, allowing for more sophisticated data analysis.

4. Enhanced Data Analysis: Combine data from multiple sources and perform in-depth analysis, leading to more informed decision-making.

3. Getting Started with Power Pivot

Enable the Add-In:

• Go to File > Options > Add-Ins.

• In the Manage box, select COM Add-ins and click Go.

• Check Microsoft Power Pivot for Excel and click OK.

Import Data:

• Use Power Pivot to import data from various sources like Excel files, SQL Server, or Access (similar as PowerQuery).

Create Relationships:

• Define relationships between different tables to build a cohesive data model.

Build Calculations:

• Use DAX to create calculated columns and measures for advanced analysis.

Analyze with PivotTables:

• Insert PivotTables from the Power Pivot data model to analyze your data dynamically.

4. Final Thoughts

Power Pivot is a powerful addition to Excel that unlocks advanced data analysis capabilities. By learning and integrating Power Pivot into your workflow, you can handle larger datasets, create complex models, and perform more insightful analyses and it's all within Excel.

Ready to elevate your data analysis skills? Start exploring Power Pivot today and transform the way you work with data.

Published on: May 27, 2025

Earlier this month, I completed the HRD Corp Train-The-Trainer (TTT) Certification Program, a comprehensive 5-day course designed to enhance trainers' competencies in Malaysia.

Despite having several years of training experience, this program provided me with fresh insights and methodologies that have significantly enriched my approach to training. Here's a breakdown of the key areas I explored:

1. Adult Learning Principles

I gained a deeper understanding of how adults learn, emphasizing the importance of relevance, experience-based learning, and self-direction. This knowledge is crucial for designing sessions that resonate with adult learners.

2. Training Needs Analysis (TNA)

The course highlighted the significance of conducting a thorough TNA to identify skill gaps and align training objectives with organizational goals. This ensures that training interventions are both effective and targeted.

3. Competency-Based Training Design

I learned to develop training programs that focus on specific competencies, ensuring that the content is aligned with desired performance outcomes. This approach enhances the applicability of training in real-world scenarios.

4. Effective Training Delivery

The program emphasized various delivery methods, including interactive activities, case studies, and group discussions, to engage participants and facilitate better learning retention.

5. Assessment of Learning

Understanding how to assess participants' learning effectively was a key takeaway. This includes designing assessments that accurately measure the attainment of learning objectives and provide constructive feedback.

6. Managing Group Dynamics

The course addressed strategies for managing diverse groups, handling challenging behaviors, and fostering an inclusive learning environment, all of which are essential for successful training sessions.

7. Continuous Professional Development

Finally, the importance of ongoing learning and self-improvement as a trainer was underscored, encouraging a commitment to staying current with best practices and evolving training methodologies.

This certification journey has been transformative, equipping me with enhanced skills and a renewed perspective on training. I'm excited to integrate these learnings into my future sessions, aiming to deliver more impactful and engaging training experiences.

Published on: Apr 14, 2025

Introduction

When working with data in Excel, efficiency is key. Whether you’re managing financial reports, consolidating sales data, or preparing dashboards, repetitive tasks can consume valuable time. That’s where Power Query comes in—a game-changing tool that automates data cleaning, transformation, and consolidation. If you’ve ever found yourself manually copying and pasting data from multiple sources or struggling with complex formulas, Power Query is the solution you’ve been looking for.

The Struggles of Manual Data Processing

Before Power Query, data preparation often involved tedious and error-prone steps. Here are some common challenges users face:

1. Messy and Inconsistent Data

Data from different sources—such as CSV files, databases, and online reports—often come in inconsistent formats. Cleaning up missing values, duplicate records, and incorrect formatting takes up unnecessary time.

2. Repetitive Data Cleaning Tasks

If you frequently download and clean data, you may find yourself performing the same steps over and over again. Manually applying filters, removing unwanted columns, or reformatting dates can be exhausting.

3. Combining Data from Multiple Sources

Working with multiple Excel files or worksheets? Manually merging them requires careful copying and pasting, increasing the risk of errors.

4. Formula Dependency

Many users rely on complex formulas like VLOOKUP, INDEX-MATCH, or TEXT functions to transform and analyze data. While these formulas are powerful, they can slow down Excel and become difficult to manage at scale.

How Power Query Solves These Issues

Power Query is designed to simplify and automate data preparation, making it an essential tool for any Excel user. Here’s why you should master it:

1. Automated Data Cleaning

Power Query provides easy-to-use functions for:

• Removing duplicates and blank rows

• Fixing inconsistent formatting (e.g., date formats, text cases)

• Splitting and merging columns without formulas

Once set up, Power Query allows you to refresh the data with a single click, automatically applying all the cleaning steps.

2. Effortless Data Consolidation

No more manual copying and pasting! With Power Query, you can merge multiple files, consolidate data from different sheets, and even connect to external data sources like SQL databases —all without writing code.

3. Eliminates Repetitive Tasks

Power Query records every transformation step and lets you reuse the process anytime. This means you only need to clean your data once, and future updates will follow the same steps automatically.

4. Performance Boost

Unlike formulas that recalculate every time you update data, Power Query processes transformations efficiently in the background. This leads to faster file performance and reduced risk of formula errors.

Conclusion

If you deal with data regularly, learning Power Query is a must. It saves time, reduces errors, and enhances productivity, allowing you to focus on analysis rather than manual data processing.

Published on: March 02, 2025

Introduction

When it comes to mastering Excel, learning functions like XLOOKUP or VLOOKUP is a must. These functions are indispensable for anyone working with data, whether you're managing inventory, analyzing sales, or streamlining your workflow. In my previous post, I mentioned that VLOOKUP was one of the first functions I learned, and it truly opened the door to Excel’s vast potential. However, like any tool, it came with its own set of limitations. That’s where XLOOKUP steps in as the modern, versatile alternative.

VLOOKUP and Its Pain Points

VLOOKUP has long been a favorite for looking up data in Excel, but it’s far from perfect. Here are some of its notable pain points:

1. Lookup Direction:

   • VLOOKUP only works when your lookup value is in the first column of the table array. If the value you’re referencing is on the right, you’re out of luck unless you rearrange your data or create a helper column.

2. Helper Columns:

   • To overcome the limitation mentioned above, you often need to create a helper column. This is time-consuming and can clutter your worksheet.

3. Inflexibility:

   • VLOOKUP lacks the flexibility to handle certain errors gracefully. For instance, if the lookup value isn’t found, you’ll get an ugly #N/A error.

4. Performance Issues:

   • With large datasets, VLOOKUP can be slower compared to newer functions.

Advantages of XLOOKUP

Enter XLOOKUP, a modern solution that addresses all the shortcomings of VLOOKUP and brings several powerful features to the table. Introduced in 2019, XLOOKUP is now the go-to lookup function for Excel users.

1. Bidirectional Lookup:

   • Unlike VLOOKUP, XLOOKUP allows you to search both to the left and the right. This eliminates the need for rearranging your data or creating helper columns.

2. Error Handling:

   • XLOOKUP includes an optional argument, if_not_found, which lets you specify what to display if the lookup value isn’t found. Say goodbye to the dreaded #N/A error!

3. Improved Performance:

   • XLOOKUP is optimized for speed and works faster than VLOOKUP, especially with large datasets.

4. Flexible Matching Options:

   • It supports exact matches, approximate matches, and even wildcard matches, making it far more versatile than its predecessor.

5. Dynamic Range Reference:

   • With XLOOKUP, you’re not constrained by a fixed column index number. It dynamically adjusts based on your data.

Conclusion

If you’re a beginner in Excel, mastering XLOOKUP should be your priority. It’s powerful, flexible, and future-proof, making it a must-learn function for anyone looking to elevate their Excel skills.

For a quick tutorial, check out this YouTube video. Start using XLOOKUP today, and you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it!

Published on: February 01, 2025

Introduction
Every journey starts with a single step, and mine began with an engineering degree in 2001. Fast forward to 2002, I joined an organization in the project department that designs and builds laboratories. My story is not just about professional growth but also about the pivotal role Microsoft Excel played in shaping my career.

From AutoCAD Draught Person to Project Engineer
I started as an AutoCAD draught person, creating lab designs. Within a year, I was promoted to Project Engineer, responsible for end-to-end project cycles. This included:

• Designing labs and meeting clients to finalize designs.

• Costing and quoting.

• Procurement, delivery, installation, testing, commissioning, and payment collection.

It was during these initial roles that I first encountered Excel. My boss introduced me to the VLOOKUP function, and I was hooked.

Excel Becomes My Superpower
As the department grew, so did the complexity of our tasks. We restructured into specialized teams, and I was entrusted to lead the costing and quotation team, supervising 3–5 members for Malaysia and Singapore regions. This phase marked my deep dive into Excel:

• I developed Excel tools to estimate renovation costs, gas piping, exhaust systems, fume hood controls, electrical wiring, and more.

• These tools automated processes from drawing interpretation to costing and quotation creation, saving significant time.

• Learning VBA macros elevated my skills, enabling one-click solutions for comprehensive tasks.

Our department’s efficiency skyrocketed, earning accolades from management. As a result, I was promoted to Senior Project Engineer and later became the Head of the Department by 2010. That was within 8 years. 

Excel’s Role in Leadership
As the department head, I relied on Excel to:

• Monitor every aspect of the project lifecycle: funnel management, costing, procurement, implementation, and collection.

• Build dashboards and trackers that provided real-time insights into departmental operations.

Excel became the backbone of my professional toolkit. By leveraging it effectively, I impressed management and secured promotions not just in this organization but in subsequent roles as well.

The Takeaway
My Excel journey is a testament to how mastering a tool can transform a career. From an AutoCAD draught person in 2002 to a department head by 2010, Excel was my constant companion, enabling me to:

• Impress management with efficient processes.

• Build confidence in my ability to manage and monitor complex operations.

Conclusion
I hope my journey inspires you to invest in enhancing your Excel skills. Whether you’re starting your career or aiming for your next promotion, Excel can be the game-changer you need. Let’s excel together!

Published on: January 01, 2025

Introducing the GK's Let’s Excel Blog: 

Your Gateway to Excel Mastery

As we prepare to welcome 2025, I am thrilled to announce the launch of the GK's Let’s Excel Blog – a dedicated page where I’ll share my passion for Excel and its endless possibilities. This blog is not just a resource for tips and tricks; it’s a space where I’ll document my journey, provide updates on Excel’s latest features, and inspire others to harness the power of this incredible tool.

Why Start a Blog?

Over the years, Excel has been more than just a spreadsheet software for me. It has been a game-changer in my career, helping me:

• Analyze data efficiently.

• Make informed decisions.

• Streamline workflows.

• Tracking my finances.

Through this blog, I aim to:

1. Share Knowledge: Break down complex Excel concepts into simple, actionable insights.

2. Inspire Growth: Demonstrate how Excel can boost productivity and open career opportunities.

What to Expect

Here’s a sneak peek into what this blog will offer:

1. Excel Tips & Tricks: Discover shortcuts, formulas, and features to enhance your skills.

2. Success Stories: Learn how mastering Excel transformed my career and the lives of others.

3. Latest News: Stay updated with new features and updates from Microsoft Excel.

The First Post of Many

This blog marks the beginning of an exciting journey, and I’m committed to making it a valuable resource for you. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build foundational skills or an advanced user seeking to explore niche functionalities, there’s something here for everyone.

Join Me!

Your support and feedback are invaluable as I embark on this new chapter. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, learning, and Excel-lence! 

Stay tuned for the first post coming soon. Until then, keep exploring, keep learning, and remember – with Excel, the possibilities are endless!

Published on: December 22, 2024