Believe in yourself, and don’t waver
How has mentorship made a difference in your professional life? I did not have any formal mentors. However, I have had the privilege of learning from many experienced friends and colleagues over the years, whom I regard as mentors. I’ve gained many valuable tips on dealing with problems and managing people through my interactions with them.
What do you want to accomplish in the next five years? I would like to see GE expand its footprint and businesses in Malaysia, and do our part to help develop the local eco-system that would capitalise on the technology revolution.
An example of how we’re working towards this is through the use of data analytics at GE’s Oil & Gas iCenter in Kuala Lumpur. Only one of three such centres in the world, it monitors over 1,000 gas turbines and compressors across 27 countries. By helping customers monitor the health of their assets in real time helps to improve operational efficiency, reduce unplanned downtimes, and deliver savings to our customers.
We are also looking at how we can leverage on Predix – a software platform for the collection and analysis of data from industrial machines. This will create an ecosystem for our partners, ranging from governments to app developers, to develop solutions that cut across traditional and heavy industries.
Best piece of advice you ever received in your career. An effective and cohesive team can deliver more than any individual on their own.
Most-admired business leader? Why? Jeff Bezos for revolutionising the way business is done in so many different industries.
How do you stay abreast of issues affecting your industry? I read widely and partake in discussions with industry peers to keep ahead of current issues in the industry. I also engage in continuing professional development learning programmes to keep myself updated.
If you could have an hour with any thought leader in the world, who would it be and why? Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon. It would be great to get his insights on how he sees the future of many other key industries.
What has been the biggest challenge you faced, and what did you learn from it? During the previous financial crisis, we were faced with what seemed like insurmountable uncertainties such as cash flow crunch, high gearing and meeting of payroll obligations. However, we realised that this was also the time to look at opportunities. Hard decisions have to be made without emotional attachment to any particular business or asset.
What was the most outlandish business proposal you have ever heard of? A claim to be able to generate electricity from plain water through a simple chemical process at a lower cost than an efficient coal power station.
What man-made innovation confounds you? Why? The commercial aircraft and jet engine for its ability to lift and move such a large mass.
A must-read for every business owner/ manager is …
Innovation As Usual: How to Help Your People Bring Great Ideas to Life by Paddy Miller and Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg.
What are the top three factors you would attribute your success to? Keeping calm in a crisis, not procrastinating when difficult decisions need to be made, and having the right team.