LEARNING FROM LEADERS

Star Media Group Bhd group chief operating officer Calvin Kan (front row, fifth from left) and special officer in group managing director/chief executive office Loo Phan Kooi (second from left) gather with participants from the Lions Club International District 308 B2 members With them in the front row are (from left) Loy Kwee Keow, Yvonne Cheong, Irene Hoi Yow Yin, Cherul Chow, Yap Wan Ying, Eastern Goh See Sin, Deborah Theo and Sharon Lian. (Back row, from left) Lee Teck Joo, Yong Kheng Loong, Tracy Mak Lee Chen, Michael Mah, Francis Lai, Laticia Chong, Michael Chong, SN Tai, Lee Teck Leong and Charls Woh at the Star Media Group’s Engagement with CEOs - Leadership: Innovate, Integrate, Motivate event held at Connexion Conference and Event Centre, The Vertical, in Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star

THERE’S a lot that one can learn from the experiences of people behind successful companies, and this was what drove the crowd to the Star Media Group’s “Engagement with CEOs – Leadership: Innovate, Integrate, Motivate” event.

About 150 people, made up largely of chief executive officers and senior managers of Malaysian companies, turned up to hear what leaders of different industries had to say about management and their entrepreneurial journey.

Eversendai Corporation Bhd executive chairman and group managing director Tan Sri A.K. Nathan, Brickfields Asia College managing director S. Raja Singham and Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd director Roger Ong fronted the sharing session.

Nathan said it was important to meet commitments and deliver on time if you want your client’s vote of confidence.

(From left) Feruni Ceramiche Sdn Bhd director Roger Ong, Star Media Group Bhd group chief operating officer Calvin Kan, AmBank SME Banking vice-president Brenda Lam and Nathan taking a group photo during the event.

“We don’t win jobs because we are the lowest in price, but because clients believe that if a job is entrusted to us, it will be delivered,”he added.

He said the company adhered to the basic philosophy of honouring its commitments, maintaining good relationships, having innovative construction methodologies and maintaining consistent performance, not to mention nurturing loyal and dedicated employees.

“We also adopt a set of core values that ensured compliance with safety standards, conformance to quality, adherence to schedule and consistent client satisfaction.

“We don’t compromise on these values,” he emphasised.

Nathan said doing business was the same everywhere in the world as long as the basics were followed.

However, when going global, he stressed that one should never depend on a single market or client.

“You have to understand the holistic culture of a country where you want to work. Analyse and understand the market and competitors.

“You must also focus on your competitive edge and establish yourself as a niche player,” he noted, adding that one definitely could do business overseas if one puts one’s heart into it.

Raja Singham talked about the importance of innovative leadership and the move towards a flat hierarchy.

“Most organisations are still stuck in the traditional hierarchy, when there should really be a flat structure that gives employees more access to leaders on top.

He spoke of the importance of being close to the staff to know what is happening on the ground, which is why he does not have an office.

“My room is the whole office, and I will work next to my staff or in a conference room,” Singham said.

Invited guests concentrating on the experience being imparted by the industry leaders on stage.

He also noted that being innovative as a leader all boiled down to one thing, which was to be relevant at all times.

“Every day I’m thinking about how we can do better, what’s new out there, and how we can be more relevant, despite education being one of the most regulated industries,” said Singham, who said Apple, Google, Uber and Netflix were among the companies with innovative leadership.

Ong touched on the significance of having strong employee and company culture in cultivating and maintaining a committed workforce.

The activities required to achieve this, Ong said, need not have any relation to their work.

From left) PKT Logistics Group Sdn Bhd head of corporate culture Sharon Lian May Lin, Malaysia Entrepreneurs; Continental Aces Sdn Bhd managing director Ken Koh, One Auto Group group managing director Datuk Billy Goh, Pulse Group group chief executive officer Jwan Heah, Wynkids founder and chief executive Elwin Goh and CAD Music Sdn Bhd co-founder and managing director Sylvester Fan were among the guests at the forum.

“It has nothing to do with profit either, but rather, a feel-good factor for them,” he explained.

Ong said Feruni conducted interviews as one would with talent auditions, and they had a “Feruniversity” in which each department had to create a curriculum module about its operations. This would be used to teach workers who were still learning in an engaging manner.

Among the activities which the company carried out were competitions that emphasised on health and recreation like sports, games and cooking.

“Our company culture is our brand and that is what represents us,” he said.

The event was held in line with the upcoming Star Outstanding Business Awards (SOBA) 2016, now in its seventh year, aimed at encouraging local companies to grow and excel.

SOBA 2016 is currently open for submissions. For the first time this year, the awards are divided into two tiers: companies with a turnover of up to RM25mil and companies with a turnover of more than RM25mil.

The deadline for entries is Oct 14.

(From left) Asia Live Picture photographer Patrick Low, Apps Sdn Bhd live planner Pauline Teoh, My Design Resources design director JK Chai, KCAT Services Sdn Bhd managing director Ken Chin, Hauslife Furniture Sdn Bhd managing director Ching Kok Cheong, Star Media Group Bhd advertising and business development senior general manager Chin Seow Ping, Global Stars anti-aging consultant Nathan Chiam Tow Jen, and Nilai Harta Consultant registered valuer Lee Li Hwee.

SOBA 2016 is organised by The Star with AmBank as the main sponsor. Event co-sponsors are BMW Malaysia, Credit Guarantee Corp and Matrade, while the official venue sponsor is Connexion Conference and Event Centre.

The award is endorsed by the Secretariat for the Advancement of Malaysian Entrepreneurs, supported by Bursa Malaysia and audited by BDO while 988 and Suria FM are the official radio stations.

For details, call The Star events business unit at 03-7967 1388 ext 1240 (Melissa) or 1657 (Victor) or visit www.soba.com.my.

BY Lim Wing Hooi and Kelly Tey

23rd September 2016, SMEBIZS, The Star

Source http://www.thestar.com.my/metro/smebiz/news/2016/09/23/learning-from-leaders-successful-ceos-share-the-importance-of-core-values-innovative-leadership-and/vative-leadership-and/