After a couple of days of Chinese New Year break and eating lots of goodies, I was surprised to see that DBS had requested for a trading halt of their shares this morning.
About two hours later, DBS issued a statement announcing that their CEO, Richard Stanley, had been diagnosed with Leukemia and would be taking leave of 3-6 months immediately for treatment. In his absence, Chairman Koh Boon Hwee will take on a more active role.
It came very suddenly as the CEO Richard Stanley was still busy at work last Friday. Normal flu-like symptoms (fever and cough) lead him to seek treatment on Monday (26th Jan 09). He was warded on Tuesday and the diagnosis was confirmed today.
Apparently, there were no warning signs prior to this.
Health (and life) can sometimes be so unpredictable. We all know that leading a stressful life is not very healthy. A stressed-out person gets sick more easily. The financial tsunami that has struck us all in the past year would probably have caused additional stress to many of us.
There’s a saying that goes: “When we are young, we spend all our health chasing wealth and when we are old, we spend all our wealth to stay healthy“.
In this new year, perhaps it is a good time to have a closer look at our work-life balance. Work hard – but do remember to play hard, eat well, exercise moderately and listen to your body as well.
We wish Richard a speedy recovery.