"Fresh out of Form Six, I decided to earn my own living. I applied for a job as a
'field assistant' thinking it was something related to plantation. But actually it was a euphemism for selling
insurance!"
As the eldest son in the family of 5, George decided to accept the job as a means of fending for himself, but his outlook towards a career within the industry changed when his father retired from the civil service` in the late 1970's. "As the eldest son, my familial responsibilities became heavier. I was entrusted with the task of taking care of my family. The only way I knew how to do that was to work really hard," he says.
Devan is arguably not only one of Malaysia's most profilic insurance practitioners, but also amongst the most successful and wealthiest. His lifelong relationship with the industry started when he joined the fledging Malaysian Cooperative Insurance Society (MCIS) in 1964 before moving to American
International Assurance (AIA)
- the company he remains with- a year later and continued to learn the basics of the trade.
"The best people in this business will tell you that the best teachers are always your
clients. I went out everyday to see people, knocked on doors and made friends. I
did that for years and years."
"If you see me,
don't think of life insurance. If you think of life insurance, see
me." - George Devan
The first Malaysian to gain admission to the Million Dollar Round Table
(MDRT) an honor achieved through excellence in financial services.
Much has been documented about this millionaire's humble beginnings as a
insurance agent, and whose fame and fortune has provided him the luxury of working only 6 months a year. He spends most of the remaining time in the United States, where he has a home in sunny
Costa Mesa, California. Devan is also a sought after speaker within the industry circles and is socially visible through his association with clients and friends who are among the country's movers and shakers.
"Of course I cannot be grateful for what I have achieved if it were not for so many people. For instance, in 1977, when a friend asked me how was
business I said it was okay but could be better. He told me to see him the following day and it was that year that I closed my first RM5 million sales record. I will never forget
that."
One of 3 siblings, Devan avers that he was brought up in a compassionate environment, and helped shape his outlook towards life. " I grew up in a modest but positive environment. Although we were
poor, I realized early in my life that excelling in whatever you do has its rewards. I my case my father believed in rewarding me for scholastic achievements. He got me a motorcycle after my Form 5 and presented me a car after my studies."
Wealth certainly seems secondary to Devan, especially where his is concerned. .
Reflective of his philanthropic nature,
this youthful 55 year old set up a special fund a few years ago that set aside 70 percent of his wealth - estimated to be in the region of RM20 million - for the future clients
children's education"
The remaining amount will go to my family and people who work for me. I have arranged for my secretaries to continue servicing my clients even after I am gone." The fund will be activated when he is no longer around.
During his sabbatical in Costa Mesa, Devan leads a relaxed life, spending his time listening to jazz music and meeting up with friends, amongst other
"rituals".
"This is my time and I enjoy every minute of it. I do call back to check on things but it otherwise doesn't involve work at all. It is a privilege I feel I have truly earned for myself. I go to bed late, wake up late and I love watching The Price is Right!",
and documentaries on TV.
Devan who is a confirmed bachelor, still dedicates a fair amount of his time to business according to a schedule that has hardly changed over the years.
"My day starts only after about 11am, which normally involves attending meetings, going into the office and meeting clients. After that, it is back home to freshen up and have dinner before I get back to work mode again late at night until 2 or 3 in the morning."
Many individuals have influenced his life. Amongst them the Prime Minister himself.
"He is among the most influential to me for what he has achieved more for country than self. He is a remarkable high
achiever."
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