Family bonding beyond the holiday season

Outside of the Chinese New Year festivities, Michael tries to ensure that family bonding efforts continue.

The frequent flyer reveals that he stays in touch with his 19-year-old son through Skype and e-mail. Parents have to communicate with their children through the latter's preferred mediums, and in this age, that means through the Internet, he says.

He also gives his family his undivided attention when he can: "During our family vacations, I concentrate fully on my family and will not access my e-mails," says the President of Nu Skin Enterprises (Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei).

Despite his long hours at work and frequent business trips, Michael says that life's greatest pleasure is eating a simple dinner at home. "It's one of the best times for my wife because it gives her pleasure to see me enjoy her cooking."

"This is also the best time for me as I have the chance to compliment her for the delicious food she has lovingly prepared for me, and I can give her my complete attention," he adds.

Family bonding efforts cannot be a once-a-year affair, but must extend beyond the Lunar New Year, he says.