Milestone CCM Achievement for Thielke, Murray and Raj

Thielke, Chief Executive Officer at Malaysia’s TPC Kuala Lumpur, Murray, Managing Director of Singapore’s Champions Golf, and Raj, former Assistant General Manager of the American Club, Singapore, are among the first Asian-based individuals to achieve this notable milestone.

“The AGIF has brought more than 35 club professionals into the programme. In achieving CCM status, I’m sure that Steven, Matthew and Vijay have set the benchmark for their peers around the region. In the coming years, we look forward to seeing many more club managers from Asia following in their footsteps,” said Lynge.

The BMI is a professional development programme developed and launched by the CMAA in the early 1980s. Noting managers at all phases of their careers need instruction, education or inspiration, the concept of the ‘lifetime professional development programme’ was born.

The vision was realised as a multi campus-based programme that provides tangible career benchmarks by which managers can track their progress and strive for various levels of competency, including a respected certification.

The curriculum is based on 10 competency areas covering every aspect of a club manager’s job.

Thielke said: “Achieving the Club Management Association of America’s CCM gives me a sense of achievement and validation for the work that we do in the club business.

“Many managers do such wonderful work within the club business, but often they do so in isolation without the support, camaraderie and encouragement of like-minded industry professionals.

Murray said: “The introduction of the BMI in Southeast Asia by the AGIF has been a tremendous initiative and provided an opportunity for all club general managers and future club general managers throughout the region.

“Initially, I didn’t know what to expect. However, on my journey, I learned that the BMI covered many areas of management with which I was unfamiliar. I now have a much better understanding of the total club management business.

“I will introduce many of the systems and concepts into my every day management and assist some of my senior management with their future BMI journeys.

“Over time, I believe being a Certified Club Manager will become a condition of employment for clubs in Southeast Asia. Therefore, the managers who achieve their CCM early will be at the forefront of future club management in the region.” 

Raj said: “This has been an amazing journey to get here and achieve CCM status. The knowledge gained and friendships made are priceless.

“Every BMI programme I have been through has helped me in becoming a better leader, effective, efficient and stronger in all areas of club operations.

“My thanks to the CMAA and the AGIF for enabling us to attain our CCM certification and for making the BMI programmes available in Southeast Asia. To those with ambitions of becoming future leaders in club management, I’d encourage them to sign up for future courses.”

In the CMAA 2015 Compensation and Benefits Report, it was reported that the head of club’s compensation with CCM designation was 31% higher than a head of club’s compensation without CCM designation. 

“Since we partnered with the CMAA in 2015, we have run nine BMI courses in the Asian region as well as provided various Chapter and Association credit opportunities via our Club Management Mini Summit and co-operative programmes with various national associations.