Be passionate, enjoy what you do

What traits do you look for in your talent or how do you decide who is right for a job? I believe Richard Branson had said something about searching for someone with a personality that can fit the company’s culture. I personally subscribe to the “Servant Leadership” principle by Robert K. Greenleaf. Therefore personality is important – people who are fun, friendly, caring and love to help others or the community.

How do you think the industry you are in will evolve in the future? The accounting profession will face major and significant changes and is evolving rapidly. Accountants today have skills and resources that a Gen X accountant like me could only dream of. Some of the changes will be evolving digital technology, global reporting standards and new forms of regulation.

Technology will be a major factor, cloud accounting and the growth of business advisory will be far more appreciated rather than just keeping a set of good accounts.

With globalisation and the free flow of money from one capital market to another and the trend of outsourcing, you will see a convergence towards standard reporting, with most countries adopting the International Financial Reporting Standards.

What advice can you offer those looking to start their career/own business? It is not easy to start your own business, especially in today’s very competitive market, with free flow of information through the internet. But I believe that you have to be passionate about what you do.

You will be devoting a lots of time and energy to make your business a success. So it’s really important that you truly enjoy what you do.

We all know about the industrial revolution, are we in for a technological revolution? Your thoughts. We are already facing a new range of technologies that combine the physical, digital and biological worlds.

Automation, computers and machines will replace workers across a vast spectrum of industries, from drivers to insurance agents to accountants. It is not coming, it is already here in stages.

What do you want to accomplish in the next five years? I resolve to arm Baker Tilly Malaysia with the capacity to provide the best working culture for every staff, and to propel the firm to be one of the largest in Malaysia. Best piece of advice you ever got on your career. When I was offered a partner position with a big four accounting firm in Hong Kong/ China in my late 20s, my friend, who was the same age as me, arrogantly asked: “Why waste your time chasing someone else’s brand, why don’t you create your own brand”?

And at that time, it occurred to me that I could do even better. While I have not built the brand to the size of the big four firm, I am quite happy with the progress I have made in Malaysia.

Most-admired business leader? Why? Jack Ma. Not because of his multi-billiondollar global e-commerce business but his resolve to become a success in his field. Ma has learned from his failures than through the traditional channels of education. He has failed many times and yet he persevered. When one listens to Ma’s speeches about his early, formative years, one can see that Ma learned most by experimenting, observing and questioning the status quo. More importantly, he learned to question (not necessarily disbelieve) everything he was thought or was told, a practice he applies to this day.

How do you stay abreast of issues affecting your industry? Joining the various professional association is important, and joining various service line working committee is important. For example, I am in the Insolvency and Valuation Committee of Malaysia Institute of Accountants. I was previously a committee member and president of CPA Australia – Malaysia Division. Internationally, I am involved in Insol International and CVA of Singapore. Networking among peers and business leaders is also very important as it is a good way to increase your knowledge of issues affecting the industry and the general economy.

If you could have an hour with any thought leader in the world, who would it be and why? I would like to meet Robert K. Greenleaf, the founder of the modern “Servant Leadership” movement. Basically, it can be summed up as: Is what I am doing, helping others or community to become better? I would like to hear him talk about his personal experiences when applying the theory that he formulated.

What has been the biggest challenge you have faced? and what did you learn from it? The greatest challenge in my career to date was when I took over the insolvency and advisory department of the firm. My boss then left for greener pastures and there was no successor. Financial reserves were weak and jobs pipeline was low and I, being the next most senior person, was left to pick up the pieces.

It was an uphill struggle to keep new assignments coming in while cutting costs everywhere. I learned a great deal from the experience. The successful turnaround led me being made the managing partner of the department.

What was the most outlandish business proposal you have ever heard of? I don’t think there are any outlandish business proposal out there. I hold the view that just because one doesn’t think it (proposal) will work, it does not mean that no one else will support it.

What man-made innovation confounds you? Why? I will have to say email, internet, social media and smartphone. It is like you are holding the whole Encyclopaedia Britannica in your hands. I still remember when I started working, it was just the office phone and sticky notes to inform who called and who faxed.

Malaysia’s greatest brand? I must say Genting. When I was studying in Perth as a boy, the only late-night entertainment were the casinos that belonged to the Genting group. Perth was a small place back in those days, and not many knew about Malaysia but they sure knew about Genting Highlands.

A must-read for every business owner/ manager is ... The Servant as Leader by Robert K. Greenleaf

How do you expect policies on climate change to impact businesses in the future? Well some businesses will go but new businesses will arise.

What are the top three factors you would attribute your success to? Personal integrity, respect and pursuit of excellence.

Tell us a joke. An accountant is having a hard time sleeping and goes to see his doctor. “Doctor, I just can’t get to sleep at night.” “Have you tried counting sheep?” “That’s the problem – I made a mistake and then spent three hours trying to find it.”