GRADUAN 2014 - Achievements

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ACHIEVEMENTS Welcome to GRADUAN® 2014! Congratulations! You have graduated and are about to embark on an important new journey: making your mark in the working world. For 20 years, GRADUAN® has helped many young graduates (just like you!) take their first steps in their careers. From useful tips and information to insider advice and career insights, this handbook is an invaluable resource in your search for the right job and right organisation. In this landmark 20th issue, you will find all you need to know about Malaysia’s leading employers and the exciting opportunities that await you. GRADUAN®, GRADUAN | 1 your partner in success.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Today Petrofac is a multi-billion dollar oilfield services company with more than 18,000 people. Throughout our 32-year history, we’ve been quick to identify opportunities – and take them. That is why we created Integrated Energy Services (IES), providing our customers around the world with innovative technical and commercial solutions that maximise the value of their oil and gas reserves. Graduates are really important to the capability and success of Integrated Energy Services. We are making a long-term commitment to hire and develop highly talented geoscience, well and petroleum engineers to join our graduate programme in Malaysia. If you believe you have what it takes to succeed at Petrofac, visit www.petrofac.com to apply.

Graduate careers in Geoscience, Well and Petroleum Engineering.

Think Possibilities. Think Petrofac.

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FOREWORD

PRIME MINISTER MALAYSIA

Bismillahirahmanirahim Assalamualaikum and Salam 1Malaysia A civilisation will not last if not imbued with knowledge and wisdom. 6JG /CNC[UKCP IQXGTPOGPV KU Ć‚TON[ EQOOKVVGF VQ GPUWTG VJCV YG have a world-class education system, one that begins from preschool level through to university and higher education. This is TGĆƒGEVGF KP QWT CNNQECVKQP QH 4/ DKNNKQP VQ VJG GFWECVKQP UGEVQT which is 21 per cent of the nation’s overall budget this year. We strive to nurture academic excellence at every level and every CURGEV VQ GPUWTG VJCV GXGT[ /CNC[UKCP DGPGĆ‚VU HTQO QWT GHHQTVU 1WV QH DWFIGV HQT KPUVCPEG VJG IQXGTPOGPV JCU UGV CUKFG 4/ OKNNKQP VQ GPJCPEG VJG VGCEJKPI RTQHGUUKQP 4/ OKNNKQP to expand Internet penetration in schools especially the rural areas, CPF 4/ OKNNKQP VQ DWKNF PGY UEJQQNU CPF WRITCFG GZKUVKPI QPGU Measures are also taken to further improve our already wellregarded higher education sector, strengthening both public and RTKXCVG KPUVKVWVKQPU #OQPI VJGO KPENWFG C 4/ OKNNKQP CNNQECVKQP in research grants for public institutions of higher learning to encourage an increase in research and the number of articles published in international journals.

&CVQo 5TK /QJF 0CLKD 4C\CM At the same time, we have also set up the Malaysian Citation Centre, a world-class scholarly centre that aims to increase the publication of local scholarly works. These initiatives are all part of a wider picture to elevate Malaysia and steer our beloved nation into the future. Through quality education, we will develop a strong human capital talent pipeline that will help Malaysia grow and succeed as a nation. As graduates, you will be embarking on a new chapter in your lives where you will contribute to the national agenda. It is my sincere hope that you will join and help the government in our endeavour to further build this country for the future. This will be an exciting part of your life’s journey, one that no doubt will open your eyes to many possibilities. Congratulations to you for reaching this milestone. Make the best of it. Thank you.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

FOREWORD

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER & EDUCATION MINISTER

The Ministry of Education was established with the vision of making Malaysia a centre of higher educational excellence by the year 2020. In the last decade, we have seen this taking shape through our local institutions achieving global recognition and attracting students from around the world. 4GĆƒGEVKPI VJG IQXGTPOGPVoU EQOOKVOGPV VQ FGXGNQR VJG /CNC[UKCP GFWECVKQP U[UVGO DWFIGV RTKQTKVKGU VJG GFWECVKQP UGEVQT YKVJ C IGPGTQWU CNNQECVKQP QH 4/ DKNNKQP Among the initiatives that directly impact the higher education UGEVQT KU VJG /[$TCKP RTQITCOOG YJKEJ Ć‚PCPEGU RQUV ITCFWCVG VWKVKQP 6JG 4/ OKNNKQP VJCV JCU DGGP UGV CUKFG HQT VJKU RTQITCOOG YKNN FGĆ‚PKVGN[ URWT HWTVJGT TGUGCTEJ CPF innovation, and groom the next generation of intellectuals. Moving forward, the Ministry will continue to focus on strengthening public and private institutions of higher learning to further build the country’s talent pool and address talent needs. We want to be at the forefront in producing quality, market-ready graduates who will be highly sought after across the region and the world. As new graduates, you are now part of this talent pool. Congratulations on this achievement and all the best in your job search.

Tan Sri Dato Hj Muhyiddin Bin Hj Mohd Yassin

+ YQWNF CNUQ NKMG VQ EQPITCVWNCVG $K\ %QPPGZKQP QP CPQVJGT UWEEGUUHWN KUUWG QH )4#&7#0ÂŽ.

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FOREWORD

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES MALAYSIA

4GEQIPKUKPI VJG KORQTVCPEG QH JWOCP ECRKVCN VJG IQXGTPOGPV made the development of human talent a priority, which came QWV CU VJG DKI YKPPGT KP VJG $WFIGV YKVJ CP CNNQECVKQP QH 4/ DKNNKQP 6JG IQXGTPOGPVoU RNCPU TGĆƒGEV C VJQTQWIJ FGXGNQROGPV pipeline that takes into consideration the need to nature the nation’s human capital from various aspects. For instance, measures are being put in place to not only strengthen tertiary education to improve quality of graduates but also to improve training for graduates in order to be more skilful, competent hence marketable. The government is also working closely with the private sector to improve our talent pool. Initiatives such as setting up the *WOCP 4GUQWTEGU &GXGNQROGPV (WPF *4&( GPJCPEKPI female participation in the workforce and drawing up the Flexible Work Arrangement proposal demonstrate our commitment towards creating a more participative and dynamic work culture.

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In addition, Malaysia is also in an advantageous position as we have a fairly robust economy coupled with a low unemployment TCVG QH RGT EGPV /QXKPI HQTYCTF YG JQRG VQ TCKUG VJG workforce’s skill, competency and knowledge in order to CEJKGXG VJG VCTIGV QH RGT EGPV UMKNNGF YQTMGTU KP VJG PCVKQP by the year 2020. As fresh graduates, you are ensured that VJG IQXGTPOGPV CPF VJG /KPKUVT[ QH *WOCP 4GUQWTEGU CTG continuously developing the human capital and workforce. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your graduation and wish you all the best as you take your place in the workforce. #U HQT $K\ %QPPGZKQP + GZVGPF O[ FGGRGUV CRRTGEKCVKQP HQT your continued efforts in equipping fresh graduates with up-todate information pertaining to their career path be it through this publication or career fairs. Congratulations for a job well done, again.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Some careers shine brighter than others. If you’re looking for a career that will help you stand out, join HSBC and fulfil your potential. Whether you want a career that could take you to the top, or simply take you in an exciting new direction, HSBC offers opportunities, support and rewards that will take you further.

Management Development Programme Our 24-month Management Development Programme will uncover your potential and propel you to greater heights. You will develop in-depth management and banking skills, whilst being provided with platforms and countless opportunities to expand your personal and geographical boundaries. You will join one of four career streams: Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and HSBC Amanah. The programme is designed to provide you with international exposure, world class training, access to global networks and best in class expertise. We are seeking young talent with the courage to succeed, ability to navigate complexity and the focus to drive sustainable results.

You’ll achieve more when you join HSBC. www.hsbc.com.my/careers HSBC is committed to building a culture where all employees are valued, respected and opinions count. We take pride in providing a workplace that fosters continuous professional development, flexible working and opportunities to grow within an inclusive and diverse environment. Personal data held by the Bank relating to employment applications will be used in 10Privacy | GRADUAN accordance with our Statement, which is available on our website. Issued by HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad (Company No : 127776-V).

FOREWORD

CEO OF TALENT CORPORATION MALAYSIA BHD

This is an exciting time to be starting out a career in Malaysia. Not only is our country on track in achieving its aspiration of a high income economy, but the Government is also keenly attuned to the needs of the workforce and the Millennial Generation. This is evident in the call for Flexible Work Arrangement (FWA) in Budget 2014, which encourages GORNQ[GTU VQ KPVTQFWEG ITGCVGT ĆƒGZKDKNKV[ KP FWTCVKQP RNCEG and working hours to retain and attract their workforce. Concurrently, leading employers in the country are reaching out to young talents and aggressively taking steps to attract, develop and nurture talent – as can be seen in the featured companies inside these pages. Since our establishment in January 2011, TalentCorp has collaborated closely with the public and private sectors to develop initiatives to attract, retain and nurture talent in support of the country’s Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). Our work focuses on three main talent supply segments, URGEKĆ‚ECNN[ /CNC[UKCPU KP /CNC[UKC /CNC[UKCPU CDTQCF CPF global talent.

Johan Mahmood Merican

A strategic priority for us is to Optimise Malaysian Talent and within that, the key focus is towards the pipeline of young Malaysian graduate talent. The essence of optimising Malaysian talent is to ensure we are able to best match the capabilities CPF KPENKPCVKQPU QH QWT ITCFWCVGU YKVJ TGYCTFKPI CPF HWNĆ‚NNKPI opportunities arising from our economic transformation. Towards this end, we are proud to partner with GRADUANÂŽ, who for the past 20 years has successfully connected companies and young graduates through initiatives such as the GRADUANÂŽ guide books and career fairs. We will continue to strengthen this partnership through various graduate employability programmes. 6JG Ć‚PCN RKGEG KU [QW /CNC[UKC PGGFU ITCFWCVGU NKMG [QW VQ drive the nation’s aspirations forward. Your career aspirations, attitudes about work, and knowledge of new technologies will FGĆ‚PG VJG EWNVWTG QH VJG UV EGPVWT[ YQTMRNCEG CPF KPĆƒWGPEG Malaysia’s future.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

MANAGING DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

)4#&7#0® turns 20 this year! This means we have been helping fresh graduates – like you – for two decades as they VCMG VJCV ƂTUV UVGR KPVQ VJG YQTMKPI YQTNF 9JCV C LQWTPG[ KV JCU been! And what a privilege for us to have been part of the lives of so many incredible young people. To mark this momentous occasion, we are celebrating in style with a host of activities and events lined up for the year. One of VJG OQUV GZEKVKPI JCRRGPKPIU KU VJG KPCWIWTCN #52+4' $QTPGQ career fair, where we headed to East Malaysia with some of the best companies in the nation. From there, we head out to the 7PKVGF -KPIFQO HQT QWT VJ )4#&7#0® 7- (CKT s CPQVJGT OKNGUVQPG 6JGP KV KU DCEM VQ -WCNC .WORWT HQT [GV CPQVJGT KPUVCNOGPV QH #52+4' 5VC[ VWPGF XKC QWT (CEGDQQM RCIG YYY HCEGDQQM EQO )4#&7#0 QT YGDUKVG YYY ITCFWCP EQO HQT OQTG PGYU about our big 2-0 celebrations.

Elia Talib

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our partners who have made the last 20 years a wonderful experience: The companies, universities and colleges, educational bodies, student councils, and of course, the talents. Thank you for your unwavering support for )4#&7#0®’s mission to guide, groom, and grow talent. God willing, we look forward to many more years of this lifechanging and enriching work.

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CONTENTS C CO CON ON ONT NT NTE TE TEN EN ENT NT NTS TS S

TAKING IT FROM THE TOP

MESSAGE

THE PRIME MINISTER

5

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF EDUCATION

7

THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES MALAYSIA

9

THE CEO OF TALENT CORPORATION MALAYSIA BERHAD

11

THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

13

MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE

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WITH HONOURS 22 Twenty years ago, Elia Talib risked it all to start a career guidebook for fresh graduates. The founder of GRADUAN ® talks about how she turned that single publication into Malaysia’s leading annual career and employment resource.

MOVERS & SHAKERS CHANGE MAKER 28 Singled out to take over the reigns of the Economic Planning Unit, Senator Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar talks about accepting the challenge to lead Malaysia to developed nation status. A MALAYSIAN ICON 32 From District Officer to Chief Secretary to the Government, Tun Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid’s journey is one that speaks of commitment and dedication to his call to civil service, the people, and the nation.

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ANSWERING THE CALL OF SUCCESS 40 Dato’ Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, Group CEO of Axiata, attributes his career success to three key factors: a positive attitude, a willingness to work hard and his constant strive for balance in everything he does. SELF-EMPOWERMENT FOR OPPORTUNITIES AND SUCCESS 45 Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly, CEO of Celcom Axiata Berhad, believes the power is in your hands to create opportunities and success for yourself. STAYING THE COURSE 52 A lawyer by training and an accountant by calling, Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman of PwC Malaysia, shares invaluable advice about being an outstanding professional. A NATURAL LEADER 56 From kampung boy to CEO of the largest power company in Malaysia, Zainal Abidin Jalil is a testimony that good leaders are made, not born.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

SUBMERGED IN SOUND 62 8QVGF %QQNGUV 4CFKQ #PPQWPEGT CV VJG Shout Awards, artiste, TV host, and songwriter Hunny Madu talks about the prospects of being in the industry.

ARCHITECTURE

75

AUTOMOTIVE

79

BANKING & FINANCE

85

JUST FOR LAUGHS 64 Telling jokes is no laughing matter, says EQOGFKCP -WCJ ,GPJCP +V VCMGU JCTF YQTM CPF practice along with a humorous outlook on life.

CONGLOMERATE

105

CONSULTANCY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

113

CREATIVITY

127

EDUCATION

133

ENGINEERING

139

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

159

FMCG

169

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

183

OIL & GAS

189

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

197

MEETING MOONSHINE’S MAKER 66 #U VJG HQWPFGT QH -WCNC .WORWToU RQRWNCT independent music circuit, Reza Salleh of Moonshine reveals how singing and songwriting got to his head. HEADED FOR SUCCESS 68 It all started with a wardrobe crisis. From there, DGUV RCNU 5GTGPK .KPIIK CPF 5JGPVGN .GG DGICP VJGKT WNVTC UWEEGUUHWN LQWTPG[ KPVQ VJG YQTNF QH fashion with their handcrafted headbands.

Publisher Faris M Marie

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Managing Director Pn Elia Talib

Graphic Team Fazrul Reza -JCKTWN *CUDWNNCJ Archee Moong 4GC .CO ,CURGT ;QPI

Consultant Editor Alan De Souza Editors Elaine Tan SC Chua Business Development Director Nabil Marie Special Projects Director Nada Marie Business Development Team Noor Atiqa Sufian Shasha Athira Shaharuddin Editorial Coordinator Nik Alaika Sahrin Editorial Team Manna Jalil Nezia Azmi Faizah Mawi Afiq Fauzi Contributors r#NKEG ;QPI r%JQY 'G 6CP r'OKN[ .QJ r'NCKPG &QPI r)TCEG %JGP r.CWTGP -KPI

Production Team Syed Rasyidi Zafirah Zainal Abidin Nurul’Aini Adnan Printer Percetakan Osacar Sdn Bhd .QV ,CNCP # Taman Bukit Maluri Industrial Area -GRQPI -WCNC .WORWT GRADUANŽ is published by BIZ Connexion Sdn Bhd The Corporate Centre $ $NQEM $ (KTUV (NQQT &CVCTCP 2CNOC ,CNCP 5GNCOCP #ORCPI 5GNCPIQT /CNC[UKC 6GN (CZ ' OCKN Website

DK\E"UVTGCO[Z EQO : www.graduan.com

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EDITORIAL POLICY All companies highlighted in GRADUANŽ hire fresh graduates. We select the companies. All articles are written by GRADUANŽ writers and contributors, unless otherwise indicated by the word “Advertorial� to indicate that the company has paid for the pages. We aim to be the most trustworthy source of careers and employment for fresh graduates; and pay attention to both accuracy and independence. We have a high presence of advertisements because this ensures a high percentage of FREE books for final year undergraduates. (On a first come, first serve basis) Copyright is held by the publisher. The views and contents expressed in GRADUANŽ and those of the contributors do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or editor. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system without written permission of the publisher. (Information provided is accurate at time of printing)

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

MAKING DREAMS

COME TRUE

GRADUAN® ASPIRE 2013 brought together top companies and talents in two days of networking and innovative engagement. It’s still months to GRADUAN® ASPIRE 2014 but the work starts now! An incredible amount of planning goes into getting our fantastic talent networking event off the ground. There are career fairs and then there’s GRADUAN® ASPIRE. Every year we push the bar higher and aim to do more fun, 18 | GRADUAN

innovative, creative activities that help companies and talents connect, and engage in a more relevant manner. The theme for 2013 event was WORK HARD, PLAY HARD. We went into overdrive to organise the best ever GRADUAN® ASPIRE event!

D-DAY! READY TO LAUNCH!

#HVGT OQPVJU QH RNCPPKPI KV YCU Æ‚PCNN[ VJG day of the highly anticipated GRADUAN® ASPIRE 2013. We had the great honour of having Dato’ Sri Idris Jala, Minister in the 2TKOG /KPKUVGToU 1HÆ‚EG NCWPEJ VJG GXGPV together with Puan Elia Talib, Managing Director of GRADUAN®.

EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED If you know us at GRADUANŽ, we like to challenge ourselves to do things better. So after two years of organising successful talent networking fairs, we wanted ASPIREŽ 2013 to be different. We wanted to offer talents more. Here are the highlights: ASPIRE 500 CONFERENCE – GRADUANŽ APPRENTICE CHALLENGE

6JKU YCU FGƂPKVGN[ VJG OQUV CPVKEKRCVGF JKIJNKIJV of the event! Besides having inspiring CEOs from Malaysia’s iconic companies share their experiences with 500 of Malaysia’s top performing VCNGPVU YG CNUQ QTICPKUGF VJG ƂTUV GXGT GRADUANŽ APPRENTICE CHALLENGE where graduates and undergraduates were invited to vie HQT CRRTGPVKEGUJKRU YKVJ ƂXG %'1U 6JG ƂPCNKUVU faced a gruelling elimination round that was held live during GRADUANŽ ASPIRE 2013 with each making impassionate to hilarious pitches on why they would make the ideal GRADUANŽ APPRENTICE to each of our CEO judges.

COUCH CORNER

Inspired by and formatted like a TV talk show, Couch Corner was our live chat sessions with notable personalities, Human Resource heads from top companies as well as academicians from leading institutions of higher learning on their life experiences and secrets of success.

GRADUAN EMPLOYERSÂŽ BRAND AWARD

We asked talents what they really think about employers and give out accolades to the best companies. Dato’ Sri Idris Jala handed out the awards to the best companies as voted by talents at the GRADUANŽ ASPIRE 2012 employer survey.

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SUCCESS FACTS

25,300 The number of undergraduates, postgraduates and working professionals from Malaysia and overseas that participated in GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE 2013

70

The number of companies and organisations that were represented at the event.

THE BUZZ

ÂŽ ASPIRE DUAN ON GRA

2013

“The Th success off our E Economic i Transformation T f i Programme (ETP) depends on having the right quantity and quality of talent, to support Malaysia’s priority sectors to move up the value chain and continue growing. Malaysia certainly has a strong pipeline of young talent. Talent Corporation’s (TalentCorp) involvement in GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE provides exposure and attracts our young Malaysian graduates to pursue an exciting career in various sectors highlighted in ETP. We certainly believe our graduates can play their part in contributing to the success of the industry and Malaysia’s transformation.â€? Liza Mohd Sahar, Head, Graduate Employability, Malaysian Talent Development, Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE 2013 has once again created an outstanding summit in connecting the top minds and best employers from the nation. Its inaugural launch of GRADUANÂŽ APPRENTICE CHALLENGE at the Summit was one of the main highlights and indeed a great opportunity to unleash the potential of our graduates. Hishammudin Salleh, Head, Talent Acquisition, Group Human Capital, Maybank GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE is a unique career fair that RTQXKFGU C QPG UVQR UJQR HQT LQD UGGMGTU VQ connect with multiple recruiters under one roof! The event is buzzing with energy and aspirations QH VCNGPVU JQRKPI VQ Ć‚PF VJG TKIJV EQORCP[ to realise their potential. Likewise, recruiters; like myself; who participated in the event are presented with a multitude of high calibre VCNGPV KP VJG ĆƒGUJ XGTUWU OGTGN[ UKHVKPI VJTQWIJ resumes. This increases likelihood of recruiting HQT Ć‚V Nurulasween Ahmad Executive Communication & Brand, Talent Sourcing & Employee Relations, Human Resource Management, PETRONAS

Social media is great but nothing beats human interaction! GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE is a great opportunity for us to connect with talents and talk to them about their career options and aspirations. Mona Abu Bakar Head of Resourcing, Human Capital, PwC GRADUANÂŽ #52+4' YCU VJG Ć‚TUV VKOG + participated as a recruiter instead of a fresh graduate. I know now in more depth on why it attracts many big corporation and companies. It was one of the best platforms that allowed interaction with many bright and intelligent students, and to be able to mingle around YKVJ OCP[ QVJGT NKMG OKPFGF KPFKXKFWCNU +P much anticipation, I am looking forward to GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE 2014. Arvin Danial Bin Hermain Herbert, Executive Corporate Responsibility, Group Talent Management, Axiata Group Berhad “Teach For Malaysia’s experience in GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE 2013 was a memorable one. We were very impressed with how the event was organized, from the impactful opening ceremony to the friendly organisers and the enthusiastic undergraduates/young professionals who were present at the event. It was truly a great experience to connect with all the talented individuals and we are proud to say that one of them whom we met at GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE 2013 is now part of the Teach For Malaysia Fellowship (2014 cohort)! “ Fareeza Ibrahim Talent Acquisition, Teach For Malaysia “GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE 2013 was one of the best job fairs we have participated. We met with good talents and were able to obtain many viable resumes and candidates worth looking into hiring at UEM Group of Companies.â€? UEM GROUP BERHAD “GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE – A career fair unlike any other. Fun & serious career advice combined, plus top employers with exciting opportunities to offer.â€? Johan Mahmood Merican, CEO, Talent Corporation Malaysia

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Twenty years ago, Puan Elia Talib risked it all to start a career guidebook for fresh graduates. The founder of GRADUANÂŽ talks about how she turned that single ÂŤĂ•LÂ?ˆV>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜ ÂˆÂ˜ĂŒÂœ >Â?>ĂžĂƒÂˆ>½Ăƒ Â?i>`ˆ˜} >Â˜Â˜Ă•>Â? V>Ă€iiĂ€ >˜` i“Â?ÂœĂžÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒ Ă€iĂƒÂœĂ•Ă€Vi° Q: Congratulations on the 20th anniversary of GRADUANÂŽ! How does it feel to reach this milestone? A: We are elated and very excited. )4#&7#0ÂŽ started out as a publication s MPQYP DCEM VJGP CU #52+4#5+ )4#&7#0 s CPF VQFC[ YG CTG CP GPVKTG universe of resources and services for fresh and recent graduates, mature hires, and employers. It has been an incredible journey for the team and me.

venture out on my own. At that time, there was an untapped market niche KP ECTGGTU KPHQTOCVKQP URGEKĆ‚ECNN[ targeted to fresh Malaysian graduates. Although there were many international career guidance and employer resource publications in the market, there were none that provided a Malaysian context. I wanted to come up with a handy guide that would help new graduates make VJGKT TKIJV Ć‚TUV OQXGU

Q: What led you to start GRADUANÂŽ? A: I have always had an entrepreneurial FTKXG #HVGT [GCTU KP VJG KPVGTPCVKQPCN publishing industry, I felt it was time to

Q: What challenges did you face? A: $GHQTG VJG Ć‚TUV KUUWG VJG DKIIGUV challenge was to convince Human 4GUQWTEG *4 RTCEVKVKQPGTU QH VJG RQYGT

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and quality of the new publication‌ without having any sample publication to show! The initial years were mainly about trying to convince potential employers to advertise, but with each issue we won over more supporters. 6JGP VJG #UKCP (KPCPEKCN %TKUKU JKV 9G YGTG YQTMKPI QP VJG KUUWG YG YQTM C [GCT KP CFXCPEG CV VJG VKOG + RGTUQPCNN[ XKUKVGF CDQWV EQORCPKGU and only 70 had the opportunities for JKTKPI HTGUJ ITCFWCVGU *4 OCPCIGTU were telling me they weren’t even sure they would have their own jobs the next day! Companies were retrenching, EWVVKPI VJGKT DWFIGVU FQYPUK\KPI 9G almost skipped that issue but on advice from respected people in the industry, we decided to power through and ƂPCPEG KV Q: What kept you going through these tough times? A: I believe strongly in my product. The market needed this and I knew if I persisted, companies would come around and see the value in a publication like this too. Looking at where we are now, the years of struggle have paid off. Q: GRADUANŽ JCU ITQYP UKIPKƂECPVN[ from those early days. Now there is so much more to the brand than just a guidebook! What prompted this evolution? A: Even in the initial years, we didn’t just publish a guidebook. Soon after the book was launched, we followed up with VJG )4#&7#0Ž YGDUKVG YYY ITCFWCP EQO VJCV OCVEJGF GORNQ[GTU YKVJ HTGUJ graduates as well as tackled job search and career problems faced by fresh ITCFWCVGU 9G CNUQ JGNF )4#&7#0Ž Career Talks in many universities and colleges throughout the country. Every new product or service that we

KPVTQFWEGF VQ VJG )4#&7#0Ž universe has come from a spirit of innovation and improvement. The whole team is like that. We always ask ourselves: How can we do better? We try to put ourselves in the shoes of hiring companies and fresh graduates. For example, when we realised some companies were targeting overseas Malaysian talents, we decided to organise an overseas talent recruitment FTKXG KP VJG 7- CPF #WUVTCNKC Q: To what would you attribute GRADUANŽ’s success? A: Passion and a lot of hard work! Apart from that, we have been blessed to have the support of many companies, universities, student bodies, and partners. We also have a strong core team that is driven, enthusiastic, and creative. There have been many people along the way who have shared their advice and expertise; I am truly thankful for each of them. I don’t think I could have done it without them. Q: So what is next for GRADUANŽ? A: I am very passionate about what we FQ JGTG CV )4#&7#0Ž. I suppose, you could say it is my calling. The last few years have seen lot of organic growth for WU 9G NCWPEJGF VJG )4#&7#0Ž #52+4' career and networking fair three years ago and took it to East Malaysia for the ƂTUV VKOG VJKU [GCT 1WT WPKXGTUKV[ ECTGGT roadshows also continue to keep us busy. We are continuously developing new projects to cater to Malaysian talents. For example, last year we were able to run VJG )4#&7#0Ž Apprentice Challenge CU RCTV QH #52+4' YJGTG YG RNCEGF UKZ VCNGPVU YKVJ ƂXG HCPVCUVKE %'1U HQT C priceless mentorship opportunity. Plus, we also have a lot of activities and events going on as part of our 20th anniversary celebration! GRADUAN | 23

At a glance: The GRADUANÂŽ DNA r )4#&7#0ÂŽ: The leading career guidance book for fresh graduates about to enter the working world. r 2156ITCFWCPÂŽ .CVGUV KPHQTOCVKQP QP RQUVITCFWCVG EQWTUGU SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQPU and matters related to continuing education.

www.graduan.com.my was launched

GRADUANÂŽ/ Biz Connexion was officially registered.

The inaugural issue of Aspirasi Graduan makes its debut GRADUANŽ gives back. GRADUAN’s very first charity event.

GRADUANÂŽ brings it success formula in terms of organising career fairs to Malaysia! The first-ever GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE was launched where 12,000 talents and 64 organisations participated in this two-day fair.

GRADUAN organised its first USA Career Fair, representing companies like Bank Negara, Shell and Accenture. ÂŽ

The third GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE More than 25,000 talents participated this year, proving that GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE is more successful year after year.

24 | GRADUAN

r YYY ITCFWCP EQO # EQORNGOGPV VQ both GRADUANÂŽ and POSTgraduanÂŽ. 1WT YGDUKVG EQPVCKPU WR VQ FCVG information, interactive content as well as the latest recruitment information.

Graduan holds its first overseas recruitment drive in the UK

GRADUANŽ’s annual career fair in Australia was held at the Crown Conference and Convention Centre where 25 companies participated. More than 1,000 CVs were collected prior to the fair, making it a record number.

GRADUANÂŽ ASPIRE attracts more than 18,800 talents to its fair this year!

GRADUANÂŽ extended to four books.

The 2013 GRADUANŽ ASPIRE also introduced a new and exciting format known as the GRADUANŽ Apprentice Challenge, a first-of-its-kind “employment game� by GRADUANŽ. That’s not all – talents who attended GRADUANŽ Aspire 2013 were entertained with a music performance of a lifetime by top Malaysian CEOs in the CEO Band, specially organised by GRADUANŽ. CEOs such as Dato’ Sri Shazali Ramli of Celcom, Ahmad Idzham Omar of Media Prima, Sridharan Nair of PwC, Sajith Sivanandan of Google, and Jason Lo of Tune Talk.

r 1XGTUGCU VCNGPV TGETWKVOGPV FTKXG Connecting potential employers with /CNC[UKCP VCNGPVU KP #WUVTCNKC VJG 7- and US. r )4#&7#0ÂŽ ASPIRE: Our annual regional talent networking fair, which brings together leading Malaysian EQORCPKGU CPF QXGT VCNGPVU

r copies of GRADUANÂŽ is circulated annually. r Institutions of higher learning in Malaysia, USA, Canada, Australia, 5KPICRQTG 0GY <GCNCPF CPF VJG 7- receive our guide each year. r We have assisted over fresh ITCFWCVGU UKPEG

The first POSTgraduanÂŽ was also launched as a supplement.

GRADUANÂŽ holds its first overseas career fair in Australia.

Urged by the success of POSTgraduanÂŽ, the first issue was released as a standalone publication. Talents are encouraged to upload their CVs and profiles on the website while HR managers can advertise openings to the more than 40,000 users on the website. This is a first-of-its-kind Malaysia-based website developed by a company like GRADUANÂŽ.

UKEC-GRADUANÂŽ PRESENTS

GRADUAN was commissioned by TalentCorp to organise its sector-focused career fairs: 2012 – 1 Fair; 2013 – 7 Fairs. Ž

GRADUANÂŽ introduces a revamp of its website, www.graduan.com. The website now functions as a professional networking website for both talents, organisations and institutions to connect.

THE MALAYSIAN CAREER FAIR GRADUANÂŽ, TOGETHER WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM & EIRE COUNCIL (UKEC) FOR MALAYSIAN STUDENTS, JOINTLY ORGANISED THE MALAYSIAN CAREER FAIR AT LANCASTER LONDON HOTEL FROM 6th - 9th APRIL 2013.

PREPARED BY: BIZ CONNEXION SDN BHD, THE CORPORATE CENTRE, B7-1 BLOCK B, DATARAN PALMA, 68000 AMPANG, KUALA LUMPUR TEL: 03-4270 3270 / FAX: 03-4270 3275 events@graduan.com.my

GRADUANŽ UK Career Fair changed its name from UKEC GRADUAN Career Fair to UKEC GRADUANŽ Presents “The Malaysian Career Fair�. Held in Lancaster Hotel, London, the fair attracted not just fresh graduates but also professionals in the UK who are interested in the Malaysian job market. Number of visitors 3,600 Malaysian talents.

GRADUANÂŽ, organised the recently concluded GRADUAN Australia Recruitment Drive 2013 in Melbourne and Sydney. About 70 representatives from 21 Malaysian-based organisations participated in the fairs with more than 1,300 resumes submitted prior to the fairs. The Fair in Melbourne attracted a crowd of 1,200 talents and 300 talents in Sydney. GRADUANÂŽ even had Sazzy Falak travelling all the way from Malaysia to give an inspiring talk to the talents during the fair in Melbourne. GRADUAN | 25

MOVERS & SHAKERS

26 2 6 | GRADUAN GRA A DUA AN

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS AND SHAKERS Change Maker A Malaysian Icon

GRADUAN | 27

MOVERS & SHAKERS

CHANGE MAKER Singled out to take over the reigns of the Economic Planning Unit, Senator Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar talks about accepting the challenge to lead Malaysia to developed nation status.

S

by Steve de Souza

enator Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid Omar is in the spotlight and hot seat all at once. Appointed by the Prime Minister Dato’ Sri Najib Tun 4C\CM VQ NGCF VJG 'EQPQOKE 2NCPPKPI 7PKV '27 JG KU VCUMGF YKVJ VJG JGCX[ responsibility of transforming Malaysia into developed nation status by 2020. That is just six years away, and there are UVKNN C O[TKCF QH -2+U MG[ RGTHQTOCPEG KPFKECVQTU VQ DG CEJKGXGF

banking group and the fourth largest in South East Asia. His resume includes stints at Telekom Malaysia Berhad as VJG )TQWR %'1 7'/ )TQWR $GTJCF as Managing Director and CEO; and 2.75 'ZRTGUUYC[U $GTJCF CU 'ZGEWVKXG Vice Chairman. He is a Fellow of the #UUQEKCVKQP QH %JCTVGTGF %GTVKĆ‚GF #EEQWPVCPVU 7- #%%# CPF C /GODGT of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants

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At the time of his appointment, the wellrespected technocrat was the President and CEO of Maybank, Malaysia’s largest

The Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department says giving up his corporate career was a relatively easy

28 | GRADUAN

THE VIEW FROM THE OTHER SIDE

Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid says the journey in government service thus far has been professionally enriching, socially GPNCTIKPI CPF URKTKVWCNN[ HWNĆ‚NNKPI p/[ role in Maybank entailed taking care of expectations of stakeholders such as shareholders, customers, and staff. It was GUUGPVKCNN[ OCPCIKPI VJG SWCPVKĆ‚CDNG and therefore a less complicated, more homogeneous business task. This new task is very different. There are close VQ OKNNKQP /CNC[UKCPU QH XCTKGF socio-economic backgrounds. Add in the multicultural demographic and RQNKVKECN CHĆ‚NKCVKQPU [QW ECP KOCIKPG the level of intricacy required to meet all expectations. And not all of these GZRGEVCVKQPU CTG SWCPVKĆ‚CDNG GKVJGT So a more intuitive approach has to be adopted.â€? While his scope of work now is much larger and more diverse, he has also had invaluable opportunities to connect with JKIJ RQYGTGF NGCFGTU CPF VQ DGPGĆ‚V JKU fellow Malaysians through his efforts. “Fortunately for me, the government’s 0GY 'EQPQOKE /QFGN 0'/ VQ CEJKGXG developed nation status with high income, inclusiveness and sustainability was already set in motion,â€? he says of

“

Work hard and work smart. There are many smart people in this world. So if you want to get ahead, put in the extra effort and dedication.

�

the mammoth task he has been charged with. “I readily bought into the NEM having understood the large scope and dynamics of the master-plan and the Economic Transformation Programme

'62 9G CTG CNTGCF[ CVVTCEVKPI NCTIG amounts of foreign capital investment through liberalisation of policies, incentives and concessions, key sectorial rationalisation and expansion, human capital development, infrastructural development and so on. These initiatives will have multiplier effects on the whole economy and fast-track us towards a high-income economy.â€? He sees his role as one of ensuring proper detailed planning is done and thereafter proper implementation of these plans, through thorough monitoring, and managing of issues that will arise, over the short and medium term. “In order for the country to achieve developed nation status by 2020, all supporting programmes and initiatives OWUV EQPHQTO VQ VJKU CPF JCXG FGĆ‚PGF targets, goals and realistic timelines; they OWUV HWNĆ‚N URGEKĆ‚E SWCNKVCVKXG ETKVGTKC 1PEG VJGUG ETKVGTKC CTG UCVKUĆ‚GF VJGP KV is the task of planning and incorporating it into the national agenda, monitoring implementation and ensuring the desired outcomes are achieved,â€? he explains. GRADUAN | 29

MOVERS & SHAKERS

decision. “I am eternally grateful for the government’s education policies WPFGT VJG 0GY 'EQPQOKE 2QNKE[ 0'2 YJKEJ DGPGĆ‚VGF OG VTGOGPFQWUN[ + ITGY WR KP ,QJQT $CTW CPF UEJQQNGF there till I was selected to join the /#4# ,WPKQT 5EKGPEG %QNNGIG /45/ in Seremban. I subsequently received C /#4# UEJQNCTUJKR VQ UVWF[ KP VJG 7PKVGF -KPIFQO YJGTG + EQORNGVGF O[ RTQHGUUKQPCN #%%# SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQP 9JGP + was approached by the Prime Minister, I was truly honoured and did not hesitate to accept the appointment. Being in this position gives me the opportunity to give back and contribute meaningfully to the country.â€?

MOVERS & SHAKERS

“

Malaysia is in a fortunate position relative to other emerging countries. And our latest budget and policies have won praise by the INQDCN Ć‚PCPEKCN market.

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The 11th Malaysia Plan, which will be drafted and introduced next year, will DG VJG Ć‚PCN QPG VQ VCMG VJG EQWPVT[ VQ developed nation status. “The measure is to ensure our GDP growth is optimised in real terms so that the wealth of the country grows and the living standards of the rakyat improve,â€? he explains. *G KU CUUWTKPI CDQWV VJG DWTIGQPKPI Ć‚UECN FGĆ‚EKV p/WEJ QH VJG FGĆ‚EKV JCU DGGP due to subsidies for petroleum and other controlled items. This is unsustainable in the long term. As we gradually scale back the subsidies and push through with our growth CIGPFC QWT Ć‚UECN RQUKVKQP YKNN KORTQXG VQ be a balanced situation by 2020.â€?

ON TRACK TO MORE GROWTH

Moving forward, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid is optimistic about Malaysia’s growth prospects and economic sustainability. “Malaysia has enjoyed continued growth over decades, thanks to the 10 iterations QH VJG Ć‚XG [GCT /CNC[UKC 2NCPU UQ HCT administered.â€? 30 | GRADUAN

In the meantime, the country’s natural resources are managed sustainably, he adds. He cites the example of 2GVTQPCUoU UKE OCKPVCPKPI CP QKN TGUQWTEG TGRNGPKUJOGPV TCVKQ 1444 QH OQTG VJCP one time. With this, Malaysia’s oil reserves are expected to last for 27 years based on a sustained production output of

“Malaysia is in a fortunate position relative to other emerging countries. And our latest Budget and policies have won praise D[ VJG INQDCN Ć‚PCPEKCN OCTMGV q UC[U &CVQo Sri Abdul Wahid.

TALENT CRUNCH

#RCTV HTQO VJG '27 VJG Ć‚TUV VGTO 5GPCVQT oversees a number of other government agencies: the Public-Private Partnership 7PKV 7-#5 &GRCTVOGPV QH 5VCVKUVKEU 'MWKVK 0CUKQPCN $GTJCF '-7+0#5 6'4#,7

7PKV 2GPCTCLW #IGPFC $WOKRWVGTC CPF Yayasan Pendidikan Peneraju Bumiputera*. He is also in charge of TalentCorp, which is tasked with formulating and facilitating initiatives to address the availability of talent in Malaysia in line with the ETP. It collaborates with relevant government agencies and employers in priority economic sectors. Acknowledging the mismatch between ITCFWCVG SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQPU CPF LQD UMKNN requirements, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid explains that TalentCorp is addressing VJG KUUWG CPF Ć‚NNKPI VJG ICRU KP TGSWKTGF competencies. “Malaysia’s economy is very dynamic. Trying to predict the demand for particular skills in the medium term is not easy. There was a time when we were critically short of engineers; then we encourage students to pursue engineering until we had an over-supply in VJG NCVG U 6JG UCOG KU VTWG QH OGFKECN

“

Choose a career that interests you and matches your skill sets.

�

students now. Not that we do not need more doctors but we are short of resources in training interns.â€? Speaking to graduates entering the workforce, Dato’ Sri Abdul Wahid calls for passion and pragmatism. “Firstly, choose a career that interests you and matches your skill sets. That way you will avoid the /QPFC[ DNWGU VJCV CHĆƒKEV UQ OCP[ RGQRNG “Secondly, work hard and work smart. There are many smart people in this world. So if you want to get ahead, put in the extra effort and dedication. Thirdly, never stop learning. Be it enhancing your competencies or developing your management skills,â€? he continues. “The fourth might be a surprise – love [QWT RCTGPVU 6JG[ JCXG UCETKĆ‚EGF OWEJ to nurture, educate and provide you with opportunities in life. Your appreciation of them will ground you, help you be a better person and temper how you manage others. “Finally, choose the right partner in your life. He or she will support and sustain you, and share the riches of life with you,â€? he concludes.

* UKAS HQEWUGU QP DWKNFKPI CNNKCPEGU YKVJ RTKXCVG EQORCPKGU QP URGEKĆ‚E CPF UVTCVGIKECNN[ KORQTVCPV RTQLGEVU EQQRGTCVKPI YKVJ VJGO CPF RTQXKFKPI Ć‚PCPEKCN HCEKNKVCVKQP YJGTG TGSWKTGF * EKUINAS KU C IQXGTPOGPV NKPMGF GSWKV[ KPXGUVOGPV HWPF RTQOQVKPI DWOKRWVGTC RCTVKEKRCVKQP KP RTKXCVG GPVGTRTKUGU 6JG HWPF JCU KPXGUVOGPVU QH QXGT 4/ DKNNKQP EWTTGPVN[ * TERAJU and the Yayasan are focused on advancing the Bumiputera livelihood through entrepreneur FGXGNQROGPV CPF GFWECVKQP

GRADUAN | 31

MOVERS & SHAKERS

DCTTGNU RGT FC[ CPF PCVWTCN ICU TGUGTXGU CV [GCTU CV QPG DKNNKQP DCTTGNU a day equivalent – thanks to a conscious investment in exploration in and around our borders.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

A MALAYSIAN ICON À ÃÌÀ VÌ "vwViÀ Ì iv -iVÀiÌ>ÀÞ Ì Ì i } ÛiÀ i Ì] /Õ Ƃ >` ->À ƂL`Õ > `½Ã ÕÀ iÞ Ã i Ì >Ì Ã«i> à v V Ì i Ì > ` `i` V>Ì Ì Ã call to civil service, the people, and the nation. by Steve de Souza

32 | GRADUAN

Well into his 70s, Tun Ahmad Sarji believes he still has much to offer in terms of advice and counsel. “I have served the nation and government over a lifetime. Nothing has given me more satisfaction than being useful and HWNĆ‚NNKPI CNN VJCV YCU GPVTWUVGF KP OG QP building this nation,â€? he shares. Currently, he is chairman of several large public and private organisations, including Permodalan Nasional Berhad

20$ 0QTVJRQTV CPF + 2 )TQWR *G is also joint-chairman of the Malaysian Centre for Commonwealth Studies, %CODTKFIG 7PKXGTUKV[ CPF C OGODGT of the Board of Trustees, Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, and a member of the Board of Governors of the Asian Institute QH /CPCIGOGPV #+/ /CPKNC *G KU EWTTGPVN[ VJG %JCPEGNNQT 7PKXGTUKV[ 6WP #DFWN 4C\CM CPF C 2TQ %JCPEGNNQT QH 7PKXGTUKVK -GDCPIUCCP /CNC[UKC CPF VJG %JCKTOCP QH ;C[CUCP -CT[CYCP /CNC[UKC a foundation responsible for publishing classical Malay texts. He was awarded the Tokoh Buku Negara by the Yayasan Buku Negara and the Oxford Centre of Excellence for his book )KXGP +P 6TWUV in +P VJG Ć‚GNF QH URQTVU JG KU EWTTGPVN[ the Chairman of the Professional Golf of /CNC[UKC 2)/ *G YCU %JGH FG /KUUKQP to the Malaysian contingent in the 2012 Olympics in London. He was conferred

the National Sports Leadership Award in 2007. 4GECNNKPI JKU GCTN[ [GCTU 6WP #JOCF 5CTLK says he was fortunate to have interned KP C $TKVKUJ UEJQQN KP 6CRCJ KP VJG U “I was taught in English and studied Shakespeare. My father, a civil servant, encouraged me to converse in English as much as possible. I could recite from Hamlet and other literary masterpieces. From this, I learned the subtle nuances of the language that provided a basis for self-expression and clarity of thought.

“Nothing has given me more satisfaction than being useful and HWNĆ‚NNKPI CNN VJCV was entrusted in me on building this nation.â€? “I also inherited the culture of politeness and etiquette and ‘knowing one’s place in the world’, so to speak. At home, I was taught not to refer to myself as saya or aku when addressing my parents. I used my name, never a pronoun. Sadly today, that sense of courtesy, politeness, and ‘place’ seem to be disappearing,â€? he says. Lamenting this loss of social etiquette and courtesies, Tun Ahmad says, “The Malay language and Malaysian culture are rich in self-expression, idioms, and character; if we would only open our hearts and minds to these. We have our pantuns, seloka, puisi, and hikayat. We have our close-knit family way of life, respect for elders and authority, which is the way we were brought up. GRADUAN | 33

MOVERS & SHAKERS

T

un Ahmad Sarji Abdul Hamid is quite literally a Malaysian hero, having been conferred the nation’s loftiest title, as well as a multitude of other prestigious awards CPF CEEQNCFGU QXGT ƂXG FGECFGU QH UGTXKEG +P TGEQIPKVKQP QH JKU UKIPKƂECPV contributions he was awarded, among others, the Tokoh Maal Hijrah by the Government of Malaysia, the 1WVUVCPFKPI /CNC[ #YCTF D[ 7/01 CPF the Seri Setia Mahkota Malaysia by Seri Paduka Baginda Yang di-Pertuan Agong, which carries the title of Tun.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

“I would advise young Malaysians to read and study our history and culture, pantun and peribahasa to add depth and appreciation of our rich heritage. Through reading, you can add dimension to your character, personality, grounded in the heritage of your nation,â€? he stresses. Quoting from his book called Given in 6TWUV, he adds, “During my school days, I learned by watching teachers and fellow students, both in the classroom as well as in the playground. I also observed the various ways in which my teachers and fellow students reacted to certain experiences. All these observations had a considerable effect on my own behaviour and beliefs. “The value of the education I received was not so much the learning that had been injected into me. What really counted was the implanting of a universal ideal and the search for truth, the intellectual development that taught us to think clearly, act rightly, and cherish truth. Truth is something that must be recognised by the mind, accepted by the heart, and respected by one’s acts in life.â€? Tun Ahmad Sarji began his career as a &KUVTKEV 1HĆ‚EGT s C RQUKVKQP VJCV OCFG C big impact on his life and gave him the right grounding for his vocation as a civil servant. +P 4GODCW 0GIGTK 5GODKNCP JG DQTG witness to the sufferings of the times. “Life was tough then. We were an independent nation, but carried the scars from colonialism, communism, and other social dysfunctions. Many people in the rural areas were destitute with no means VQ C NKXGNKJQQF #U C &KUVTKEV 1HĆ‚EGT &1 I was touched by their abject poverty and OQVKXCVGF O[UGNH VQ Ć‚PF UQNWVKQPU HQT their plight. I worked hard alienating land for farming and developed supportive welfare programmes to enable them to carry on,â€? he recalls. His duties covered 34 | GRADUAN

other social and economic initiatives, such as infrastructural development, tenant registration, organising farming communities, and campaigns to promote racial harmony. “There was much to do, but the success we achieved then gave me a huge sense of satisfaction. From this, I understood what the word ‘patriotism’ truly meant. I was there at the grassroots of society, UCETKĆ‚EKPI O[ VKOG CPF GHHQTV UVTKXKPI YKVJ the people for a better life for those in dire need,â€? he shares. His loyalty, hard work, and dedication to the people as DO were duly recognised by second Prime Minister 6WP #DFWN 4C\CM YJQ CRRQKPVGF him Director-General of the Farmers’ Organisation Authority. He was later appointed Secretary-General in the Ministry of Trade and Industry and concurrently Chairman of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority

/+&# p+P /+&# O[ RGTURGEVKXG expanded beyond our shores to include our neighbours and the world’s largest economies. It gave me an opportunity and insight into packaging and selling Malaysia as an investment destination on a global scale.â€? Tun Ahmad Sarji eventually rose to become Chief Secretary to the government. “I was touched by the EQPĆ‚FGPEG VJG IQXGTPOGPV JCF KP OG I regarded the appointment as ‘given in trust’. I could not let the nation down. #V VJG VKOG YG JCF QXGT EKXKN servants to manage. It was a mammoth task to reorganise and put in the processes to improve our services to the rakyat,â€? he shares. He applies that same commitment to his position at Permodalan National Berhad

20$ C JWIG EQTRQTCVKQP YKVJ DKNNKQPU of ringgit in investments and millions of

investors. “The people have entrusted their life-long savings with us. We are duty-bound to honour our commitment to them to protect their ‘nest eggs’. We take our responsibilities seriously and with humility,â€? he says. Having spent decades in the service of the government and society, Tun Ahmad Sarji believes the idea of patriotism is fading from the lives of young Malaysians. “Today, people are more self-centred CPF VQ C FGITGG UGNĆ‚UJ 6JG[ JCXG OQTG than their fathers ever had in terms of education, opportunity, and wealth. They have so much more to be grateful for. And yet they demand more to satiate their wants and needs, being apathetic or oblivious to the needs of the less fortunate. I would advise the youth to search their conscience and adjust their values to better themselves morally and spiritually.â€? He also tells young people to not be QXGTN[ RTGQEEWRKGF YKVJ SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQPU “The degree or diploma is just a prerequisite in a job application. The interviewer is more interested in how that RGTUQP YQWNF Ć‚V KPVQ VJG QTICPKUCVKQP and be an active participant in a team. His character and behaviour are under scrutiny the moment he walks into the

room. Does he ask permission to sit down? Does he appear too eager to impress? Does he have clear and rational mind to think through a delicate situation? Does he have the strength of character to weather a storm? Does he have integrity and loyalty? Is he a nice, well-brought up, cultured person?â€? he says. Another concern is the general inability of graduates to articulate their thoughts in English, the lingua franca of the business world. He feels the declining standard of English among graduates today can be arrested if the youth take it upon themselves to embrace life-long learning. “They should break out of their comfort \QPG CPF VCMG VJG KPKVKCVKXG HQT VJGKT own growth and development. Learning doesn’t stop after graduation.â€? When asked about his legacy to the nation, Tun Ahmad Sarji had this to say: “I want to be regarded as a trusted person, worthy of the trust of his fellow man and the nation. In trust or amanah, I mean the whole sense of the word: Never ever betraying that trust, always looking after the best interests of the people placing their trust in me. The word ‘trust’ implies KPVGITKV[ CEEQWPVCDKNKV[ TGNKCDKNKV[ GHĆ‚ECE[ morality, and discretion. Principles and ideals I have always lived by and cherished.â€? In 2012, he was conferred the Queen Victoria Commemorative Medal for “maintaining traditional values of virtue, bravery and integrityâ€? by the Europe Business Assembly. I hope to see a prosperous and developed Malaysia where [its] people are religious, morally upright, skilful, compassionate, corruption-free, and intensely patriotic. The younger generation needs to know this country’s history, icons, and national heroes. There needs to be serious rethinking of the critical values that Malaysians should adhere and subscribe to for the country’s future,â€? he concludes. GRADUAN | 35

MOVERS & SHAKERS

“Truth is something that must be recognised by the mind, accepted by the heart, and respected by one’s acts in life.�

36 | GRADUAN

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

TAKING IT FROM THE TOP Answering The Call Of Success Self-Empowerment For Opportunities And Success Staying The Course A Natural Leader

GRADUAN | 37

MOVERS & SHAKERS

What Will you

DIsCoVer? BP is changing the way the world lives. We’re one of the world’s largest energy companies with a business that spans exploration, production, refining, trading and distribution of energy. Our Asia Business Service Centre (Asia BSC) in Kuala Lumpur is part of our integrated global network of Business Service Centres supporting our regional and global businesses and functions operations. Its main goals are to deliver value-added services and process transformation, as well as optimise costs and standardise processes through global delivery capabilities and enabling technologies. At BP, we believe that people are integral to our success and we’re committed to helping them achieve their unique potential. We value people who are exceptionally passionate and driven to succeed. Power up your career with BP. To find out and to apply online, go to www.bp.com/careers/malaysia. 38 |more GRADUAN

FINANCE SERVICES MOVERS & SHAKERS

The Finance Services provides a wide range of accounting and advisory services both regionally and globally. This includes Financial Accounting and Reporting, Performance Reporting (financial analysis, cost/capital/cash forecasting and management), and Credit and Advisory services amongst others. The Finance Services also provides a talent pool to support Finance resourcing and related project activities in the region. We have developed a strong reputation and are recognised for providing quality and cost efficient services to the businesses and functions.

INDIRECT PROCUREMENT (IP)

BP’s Indirect Procurement organisation is accountable for the strategy and commitment to the marketplace for BP’s spend, global off shoring, and Six Sigma quality to deliver financial value to the company, satisfaction to customers and challenging opportunities for IP employees.

TAX COMPLIANCE CENTRE The Kuala Lumpur Tax Compliance Centre (KLTCC) currently supports the corporate tax compliance and reporting of numerous countries including Australia, New Zealand, China, Singapore, Malaysia, UK & US as well as Group Transfer Pricing and Indirect Tax.

ENTERPRISE SYSTEMS (ES) Enterprise Systems is responsible for supporting project delivery and production support for SAP systems across all BP’s global business footprint. Within the Kuala Lumpur centre, Enterprise Systems will provide common services and key interfaces to internal stakeholders and external suppliers globally to deliver SAP designs and functional specifications ensuring solutions are aligned to global processes.

GLOBAL OPERATIONS AND INFRASTRUCTURE (GOI) The IT&S Global Operations and Infrastructure (GOI) organisation is accountable for the design, implementation and operation of BP’s core IT services and infrastructure, including data centres, common BP desktop, many IT-for-IT tools and other cross-business unit or centralised IT responsibilities. GOI routinely operates in close co-operation with business unit IT organisations, Indirect Procurement and other BP entities. It also contracts with multiple managed services organisations to deliver parts of BP’s central day to day operational capability.

ENABLING BP’s Enabling team provides support to businesses and functions primarily in Commercial, Human Resource, Business Optimisation and Account Management.

beyond petroleum GRADUAN | 39

TA K I N G I T F R O M T H E T O P

SUCCESS

ANSWERING THE CALL OF Dato’ Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim, President & Group CEO of Axiata, attributes his career success to three key factors: A positive attitude, a willingness to work hard, and his constant strive for balance in everything he does. by Alice Yong

40 | GRADUAN

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resident & Group CEO of Axiata Dato’ Sri Jamaludin Ibrahim is a ƂTO DGNKGXGT KP PQV QPN[ YQTMKPI JCTF DWV CNUQ YQTMKPI UOCTV p/CP[ UGNH JGNR IWTWU VGPF VQ GORJCUKUG QP VJG UGEQPF RCTV DWV + DGI VQ FKHHGT q UC[U &CVQo 5TK ,COCNWFKP p7PNGUU QPG JCRRGPU VQ DG GZVTGOGN[ IKHVGF + DGNKGXG GXGT[QPG JCU VQ FQ DQVJ (QT C %'1 QPG UJQWNF GZRGEV VQ YQTM WR VQ QT JQWTU C FC[ +H [QW CTGPoV RTGRCTGF VQ FQ VJCV VJGP FQPoV EQORNCKP CDQWV PQV UWEEGGFKPI q

TA K I N G I T F R O M T H E T O P

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TA K I N G I T F R O M T H E T O P

“Be prepared to work smart and work hard. While it is good to be ambitious, do not be overly ambitious. Remember to enjoy what you do and play hard because it is essential to have work-life balance.â€? VJGTG PQPG KU URGEKĆ‚ECNN[ HQEWUGF QP RTQFWEKPI %'1U 1WT CKO KU VQ OQWNF VJGO YJGP VJG[ CTG UVKNN [QWPI q p#ZKCVC KU URGPFKPI 4/ OKNNKQP QXGT VJG EQWTUG QH [GCTU YJGTG CV C UVGCF[ UVCVG YG CTG CDNG VQ QHHGT QWT RTQITCOOG VQ UVWFGPVU CPPWCNN[ CPF OCMG OQTG QH CP KORCEV q The students are trained in different CTGCU UWEJ CU ETKVKECN CPF ETGCVKXG VJKPMKPI EQOOWPKEVKQP CPF NGCFGTUJKR 9G VTCKP VJGO VQ DGNKGXG VJG[ ECP EJCPIG VJG YQTNF KPUVGCF QH DNCOKPI QVJGTU QT VJGKT QYP EKTEWOUVCPEGU Dato’ Sri Jamaludin points out that #ZKCVC KU QPG QH VJG HGY EQORCPKGU KP

VJG YQTNF VJCV JCU C )TQWR 6CNGPV WPKV UGRCTCVGF HTQO *WOCP 4GUQWTEGU p+V KU KORQUUKDNG HQT *4 VQ OCPCIG VCNGPV CU VCNGPV OCPCIGOGPV GPVCKNU C NQV QH YQTM CPF KU XGT[ VKOG EQPUWOKPI + RGTUQPCNN[ QXGTUGG VJG FGXGNQROGPV QH VJG VQR VCNGPV KP VJG EQORCP[ +V KU XGT[ UCVKUH[KPI HQT OG VQ UGG VJGO ITQY RTQHGUUKQPCNN[ 5QOG QH VJGO JCXG RTQITGUUGF TGCNN[ YGNN YKVJ VYQ DGKPI CRRQKPVGF TGEGPVN[ KPVQ %'1 RQUKVKQPU CPF HQWT JCXG DGEQOG %11U + CNUQ Ć‚PF KV TGCNN[ ITCVKH[KPI VQ UGG JQY VJG UVWFGPVU FGXGNQR + PQVKEGF VJG[ DGEQOG OQTG CTVKEWNCVG CV RTGUGPVKPI VQ CP CWFKGPEG 9G JCXG OWEJ OQTG VQ FQ CPF VJG DGUV KU [GV VQ EQOG q UC[U &CVQo 5TK ,COCNWFKP YKVJ QDXKQWU RTKFG GRADUAN | 43

MOVERS & SHAKERS

CELCOM AD

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TA K I N G I T F R O M T H E T O P

Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly, CEO of Celcom Axiata Berhad, believes the power is in your hands to create opportunities and success for yourself. by Alice Yong

SELF-EMPOWERMENT FOR

OPPORTUNITIES AND SUCCESS

“D

on’t let others interview you until you have interviewed yourself� is the most pertinent advice that Dato’ Sri Shazalli Ramly wants to impart to fresh graduates. The CEO of Celcom Axiata Berhad says that every graduate should have the in-depth ability VQ ICWIG VJGOUGNXGU ƂTUV p;QW JCXG VQ DG brutally honest with yourself during that self-interview process or else you will go

astray. If you can’t be honest with yourself CPF ƂPF [QWT QYP YGCMPGUUGU KV YQPoV DG effective. Don’t lie to yourself or you’d be tempted to lie to others.� Dato’ Sri Shazalli recalls that the selfinterview was exactly what he did after he graduated from university during the TGEGUUKQP RGTKQF p/[ ƂTUV LQD YCU VQ KPVGTXKGY O[UGNH q JG TGOKPKUEGU GRADUAN | 45

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“When you are passionate about UQOGVJKPI [QW YKNN Ć‚PF CPF Ć‚IWTG out ways and means on how to go about achieving that intent.â€? “I did a quick but thorough analysis of my own situation and began to think of ways to earn money.â€? After that self-evaluation, he narrowed down his own capabilities and soon decided that he would run his own business while waiting for job opportunities to turn up. “I opened a stall to sell dadih [QIJWTV KP ,CNCP 4CLC #NCPI -CORWPI $CTW +V YCU FWTKPI VJG 4COCFCP OQPVJ UQ DWUKPGUU YCU good. I kept the stall running until I got my Ć‚TUV LQD q JG UC[U Opportunity soon came knocking at his door. One of his customers who was the OCTMGVKPI FKTGEVQT QH .GXGT $TQVJGTU invited him to go for an interview, to be part of the company’s management trainee programme. “Out of the hundreds who showed up, I was one of the seven candidates who were eventually chosen. It YCU C JWIG EQPĆ‚FGPEG DQQUVGT HQT OG VQ be among the cream of the crop,â€? recalls &CVQo 5TK 5JC\CNNK YKVJ C UOKNG p%CNNKPI QWTUGNXGU VJG /CIPKĆ‚EGPV 5GXGP YG found that there was a certain cachet to DG YQTMKPI HQT .GXGT $TQVJGTU .KMG OG the other candidates and my counterparts have done equally well in their careers, attaining top management positions KP NCTIG EQTRQTCVKQPU UWEJ CU 5CTC .GG 7PKNGXGT CPF $GTPCOC q

KEY SUCCESSFUL FACTORS

#EEQTFKPI VQ &CVQo 5TK 5JC\CNNK GXGT[ DGJCXKQWT OWUV JCXG C URGEKĆ‚E KPVGPV CPF purpose. Citing passion, conviction, and humility as the three key factors of success, the CEO elaborates that one must have the passion to do something because it 46 | GRADUAN

is the intent that will drive the individual to translate that intent into action. “When you are passionate about something, you YKNN Ć‚PF CPF Ć‚IWTG QWV YC[U CPF OGCPU QP how to go about achieving that intent.â€? He continues, “Once you have convinced yourself, you will then use all the wisdom, intelligence, skills, and knowledge you have acquired to pursue what you have set out to do and intend to achieve. What you have studied in university is the foundation; the core that holds everything together. Your own logic, intuition, and skills will also come into play and help you along the way. “It is also very important to remain humble. With humility comes integrity, honesty, and sincerity. You must have the desire to learn from everyone and be willing to teach those after you. There should be no UGNĆ‚UJPGUU KH [QW YCPV VQ NGCTP HTQO QVJGTU to improve yourself, go further, and climb higher. “Don’t be arrogant. Always remember that you are only successful when you are seen by others as a success,â€? says Dato’ 5TK 5JC\CNNK p+P UQOG QH VJG VCNMU + JCXG been invited to as guest speaker, my most memorable quote is bring down your ego system and create an ecosystem.â€? He points out that for an individual to move ahead, he or she needs a good support system; an integrated network comprising family members, friends, and even competitors. “They are your collaborative success factors. Don’t be stubborn or refuse to listen to others. Also, learn how to manage people using

&CVQo 5TK 5JC\CNNK TGOCTMU VJCV EJCNNGPIGU will arise when someone doesn’t have vision or passion. “The youths of today have to see that there are lots of opportunities out there. Scope your own parameters – these would stem from your own foundation. Give yourself three to Ć‚XG [GCTU VQ OCMG KV q JG CFXKUGU p#U you progress in your career, remember to assess what you are doing every three to Ć‚XG [GCTU &Q VJKPIU QPG UVGR CV C VKOG VQ ensure you’re doing the right thing.â€?

LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Putting money where his mouth is, Dato’ 5TK 5JC\CNNK CHĆ‚TOU VJCV JG KU EQPEGPVTCVKPI on building up the emotional structure within Celcom and its subsidiary companies. “The passion to develop people is the hallmark of all great leaders. /[ QYP -2+ KU VQ KPUVKN C UGV QH XCNWGU CPF beliefs for Celcom through leadership by example,â€? he says. “As chief, it’s imperative that I don’t condone apple polishing but give constructive criticisms to my team. I want to strengthen the company’s social foundation and train my people to remain in the business for the long run.â€? The CEO’s valiant efforts have bore fruition. A survey conducted internally reveals that C YJQRRKPI RGT EGPV QH %GNEQO UVCHH enjoys working with the company and wants to stay on. “That’s above the worldwide average, YJKEJ KU VQ RGT EGPV 9G PGGF VQ continue to develop our people as much CU RQUUKDNG +oO EQPĆ‚FGPV YG YKNN JCXG C talent pool that will be strong enough to take on all the CEO roles in future,â€? he states emphatically.

“Don’t be arrogant. Always remember that you are only successful when you are seen by others as a success.â€? When it comes to talent development, &CVQo 5TK 5JC\CNNK JKIJNKIJVU VJCV %GNEQO has a technical support system that offers two development programme – one is Celcom Accelerated Development Programme and the other is Celcom Axiata Management Trainee Programme. “We support interns through a structured funding and placement programme, working in collaboration with universities. There is also a sales and marketing academy and a network of development programmes for our staff.â€? As an ardent fan of The Beatles, Eric Clapton, Amy Winehouse, and Nina 5KOQPG &CVQo 5TK 5JC\CNNK GPVJWUGU CDQWV how their songs manage to transcend culture and bind people together. “Music unites everyone,â€? says the music-loving CEO. “It’s the rhythm that gets everyone’s hearts to beat in sync as one. Once you bring a certain tempo to the organisation, you can speed things up to the beat you have set it for.â€? &CVQo 5TK 5JC\CNNK ECNNU QP ITCFWCVGU VQ DG honest with themselves from the onset. “Conduct that self-interview but don’t ever turn it into a rehearsal. Have a set of SWGUVKQPU TGCF[ VQ Ć‚IWTG QWV YJCV [QW YCPV to do. Never induce yourself into believing something that you are not. Self-honesty is always the best policy,â€? he says. GRADUAN | 47

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your own personality and strengths. If you know who you are, know your own strengths and weaknesses, you can turn them into advantageous tools to make yourself stronger.�

48 | GRADUAN

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

starts here

GRADUAN | 49

MOVERS & SHAKERS

STRIVE FOR THE BEST As the top man of UEM Group Berhad, Dato’ Izzaddin Idris sets the example with integrity and excellence By Elaine Tan

T

he Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of UEM Group Berhad is a firm believer in determination, persistence, resilience and tenacity – qualities that have served him well in his climb up to the top. With 20 over years of experience in the fields of investment banking, financial and general management, the corporate leader has this to say to today’s young job-seeker, “You may be the most capable, creative, knowledgeable and multitasking generation yet. But unrefined raw materials, no matter how valuable, are simply wasted potential. 50 | GRADUAN

“There is a saying that ‘a diamond doesn’t start out polished and shining. It once was nothing special, but with enough pressure and time, it becomes spectacular.’ There’s no prize for talent, just results. Even the most seemingly gifted people have methodically and painfully worked their way to success.” A fellow of CPA Australia and a member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, Dato’ Izzaddin graduated from the University of New South Wales in Australia with a first class honours degree in finance. His career began at Malaysian International Merchant Bankers Berhad, where he

served for almost 11 years, including a three-year secondment to Barclays de Zoete Wedd Limited, a London-based investment bank and a subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC then. Dato’ Izzaddin has held senior positions in Southern Bank Berhad, Ranhill Berhad and Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad, and was the chief financial officer/senior vice president (group finance) at Tenaga Nasional Berhad before assuming the helm of UEM Group in 2009. Today, UEM Group is a company that has RM19.6 billion in assets and RM7.9 billion in shareholders’ fund, and a workforce of 15,000 of which 3,200 are technical professionals. He tells young people it is important to “have the right attitude; open your mind to new possibilities; find your true professional calling based on your strengths and abilities; and don’t be afraid to acknowledge your limitations.” On the type of talent that makes the cut at UEM Group of Companies, Dato’ Izzaddin says the Group looks beyond academic achievements to include a host of soft skills such as teamwork, communications and presentation skills, social and cognitive skills, creativity, intellectual curiosity, problem-solving abilities, adaptability to new environments and changing workplace, on-going dedication to learning new technologies or solutions, professionalism, high energy, and confidence. “Our aspiration is clear, We want to nurture the full potential of our employees, develop our human capital and prepare them to meet future challenges of UEM Group of Companies and Malaysia. They are the ones who will propel our company and nation to greater heights and it is thus our responsibility to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge,” he says. “As we move towards a developed nation status, the government of Malaysia is actively undertaking several programmes aimed at transforming our economy and society so that we are more competitive globally. Now more than ever, we need to develop a world-class talent pool that are skilled, adaptable, creative, and equipped for success in the global marketplace,” he continues. Dato’ Izzaddin firmly believes in the need to institutionalise and perpetuate a great culture and

excellent leaders. This includes training, retention and attraction of talent and creation of a company that is continually learning. UEM Group has been playing an active role in realising this national agenda through various internal and external education-based initiatives. These include graduate programmes such as the Young Engineers Programme and Young Graduates Programme where the aim is to develop fresh graduates for the Group’s talent pipeline; the Emerging Leadership Programme that exposes high potentials across the Group; the Leadership Acceleration Programme to develop managers and above; and the Continuing Education Programme, which provides financial assistance to employees pursuing professional qualifications and further education. For Dato’ Izzaddin – a Manchester United fan, a movie enthusiast who often draws wisdom from classics such as The Godfather and Star Wars and one that cites Warren Buffet, Jack Welch and Steve Jobs as his leadership inspiration – integrity and trustworthiness are the foundations of leadership. “We must always uphold our integrity and to always be ethical. This applies to all profession. Lost money can be regained, you can catch-up on lost time but lost integrity can never be recovered. Once you lose your integrity, you will lose the respect and trust of your employees, partners and customers,” he explains. “Leadership is an honour, a privilege and a deep obligation. When leaders make mistakes, a lot of people can get hurt,” he adds. Other traits of a good leader according to Dato’ Izzaddin include social intelligence; the emotional quotient to express empathy, clarity of thought, compassion and strength of character; the fortitude to act to drive change; take ownership and responsibility; and humility to acknowledge the contributions of others. According to Welch, “Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision, and relentlessly drive it to completion.” Dato’ Izzaddin has clearly taken this to heart and live it to the tee in his leadership of UEM Group.

GRADUAN | 51

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COURSE 56#;+0) 6*'

A lawyer by training and an accountant by calling, Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman of PwC Malaysia, shares invaluable advice about being an outstanding professional. by Elaine Tan

T

he engineering industry’s loss became the accounting world’s gain in the case of Dato’ Mohammad Faiz Azmi. The Executive Chairman of PwC Malaysia initially nursed ambitions to be an engineer because of his love for all things technical. But exposure VQ RQNKVKEKCPU DCPMGTU CPF QVJGT 52 | GRADUAN

professionals during his schooling days in the United Kingdom steered him away from the sciences to the arts at university. *G TGCF NCY KP &WTJCO DWV QRVGF VQ practise as an accountant instead after a chance encounter with one of his father’s friends opened his eyes to the vast opportunities in the business world.

p.KMG OQUV [GCT QNFU + YCU EQPHWUGF I started in the legal profession but ventured into accounting as I was convinced by a mentor that it was a much more vibrant profession than I JCF RTGXKQWUN[ WPFGTUVQQF + ƂIWTGF that if you wanted to be in business, this was a stepping-stone into that world. In hindsight, having a legal background also gave me an advantage as I had more training in communicating and analysing situations than my peers and VJG EQPƂFGPEG VQ CTVKEWNCVG O[ XKGYU /[ technical background also made me very comfortable with problem solving, which has been invaluable in my career. The acid test is would I do it all again in the same way, and the answer would be yes,� UJCTGU &CVQo (CK\ After being called to the English Bar, JG EWV JKU VGGVJ KP 6QWEJG 4QUU %Q KP .QPFQP KP C OCPWHCEVWTKPI CWFKV ITQWR CPF VJGP OQXGF QP VQ ƂPCPEKCN UGTXKEGU +P JG LQKPGF 2TKEGYCVGTJQWUG KP Malaysia as a senior manager in the ƂPCPEKCN UGTXKEGU ITQWR CPF YCU OCFG C RCTVPGT CV VJG CIG QH &CVQo (CK\oU [GCT ECTGGT KP CWFKV CPF business advisory included positions such as being the lead partner of EQPINQOGTCVGU CPF ƂPCPEKCN KPUVKVWVKQPU audits, being the joint leader of the

Malaysian assurance practice, leading URGEKCNKUV WPKVU KP Ć‚PCPEKCN TKUM CTGCU CPF +UNCOKE (KPCPEG (KPCPEKCN 5GTXKEGU .GCFGT HQT /CNC[UKC 2Y% )NQDCN .GCFGT KP +UNCOKE Finance as well as leading a number of consulting projects. Professionally, he is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

+%#'9 OGODGT QH VJG #UUQEKCVKQP QH Chartered Islamic Finance Professionals

#%+(2 CPF C OGODGT QH DQVJ VJG /CNC[UKCP +PUVKVWVG QH #EEQWPVCPVU /+# CPF VJG /CNC[UKCP +PUVKVWVG QH %GTVKƂGF 2WDNKE #EEQWPVCPVU /+%2# *G JCU UGTXGF in various capacities in these bodies. He has been the Chairman of the Malaysian #EEQWPVKPI 5VCPFCTFU $QCTF HQT ƂXG [GCTU and is very active in the international Standard Setting arena. He became Executive Chairman of PwC in 2012. p.KMG CNN RGQRNG + JCXG JCF OCP[ EJCNNGPIGU KP O[ ECTGGT q UC[U &CVQo (CK\ QH JKU ECTGGT RCVJ p+ JCXG C ƂGT[ VGORGTCOGPV and am sometimes a bit too quick in reaching judgment. I realised overtime that it was counterproductive being tough on my juniors as it just made them frightened to speak up when they needed help. Also, it was important to spend time listening to people and not always being the one with all the answers. Both traits I have managed to control over the years and I am a much better leader for it.� GRADUAN | 53

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“I realised overtime that it was counterproductive being tough on my juniors as it just made them frightened to speak up when they needed help. Also, It was important to spend time listening to people and not always being the one with all the answers.�

TA K I N G I T F R O M T H E T O P

His biggest career lesson came about when he was made assistant manager. “I had worked very hard for the post but felt that I should have made the grade a lot sooner. I learnt the hard way that it was not always about hard work or attitude, but about being a player at work. It was about being noticed by the seniors, to have built networks and relationships, and to be seen as someone with the right attributes to make the next grade and be part of the ‘club’.” From this, he realised the need for having a strategy for his career by taking chances, being assertive, and continuously challenging himself to do something new. Unsurprisingly, his mantras are to set three-year goals and to take on new roles or develop new skill sets. “I love the challenge of learning something new and enjoy dabbling a lot in new 54 | GRADUAN

technology, be it photography, computing or cars. I was an early adopter of digital photography and enjoy travelling the world in search of sights to capture,” says the self-professed geek. Dato’ Faiz credits his success to hard work, a supportive wife, some luck, and mentors. “I truly believe that to succeed we all need to have mentors to guide and advise us, and I am lucky to have had both Dato’ Seri Johan Raslan and Raja Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Arshad Raja Tun Uda, both of whom were previous Executive Chairmen of PwC Malaysia, as my mentors. What I have also admired about the people I have worked for and tried to emulate was the way they carried themselves and proved themselves by being good at what they do, being strong in ethical values and not putting people down on their way to the top. It is important to be true

TA K I N G I T F R O M T H E T O P

“I learnt the hard way that it was not always about hard work or attitude, but about being a player at work.â€? to your values and not take shortcuts or VJG GCU[ YC[ QWV +V KU FKHĆ‚EWNV VQ ICKP C reputation and so easy to lose it. You have to stand for something.â€? On his advice to young graduates, Dato’ (CK\ WTIGU VJGO VQ Ć‚PF OGPVQTU KP VJGKT career paths. “Mentors bring the best out in you and help you navigate hurdles throughout your career.â€? “Give everything a try!â€? he adds. “Everything you do gives you an experience that you learn from. Too often I notice the younger ones are choosy

about what they are asked to do but in my GZRGTKGPEG [QW NGCTP OQTG HTQO FKHĆ‚EWNV assignments than from easier ones.â€? (KPCNN[ JG CUUGTVU VJG PGGF VQ Ć‚PKUJ strong. Drawing on his own career path, he points out that although he had decided to be an accountant, he PGXGTVJGNGUU Ć‚PKUJGF JKU NGICN GFWECVKQP as a barrister to get closure. In addition, “A career will always have its ups and downs but it is important to keep battling through. As they say, a career is more like a marathon rather than a 100-metre sprint,â€? he concludes. GRADUAN | 55

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LEADER A NATURAL

From kampung boy to CEO of the largest power company in Malaysia, Zainal Abidin Jalil is a testimony that good leaders are made, not born. by Chow Ee-Tan 56 | GRADUAN

$QTP KP C UOCNN XKNNCIG KP -GUCPI /WCT <CKPCN KU VJG GNFGUV QH Ć‚XG UKDNKPIU 6JG family has gone through days without GNGEVTKEKV[ CPF YCVGT CPF GCVKPI OGCV was limited to festive days. But it was a happy childhood. p6JG LQDU CXCKNCDNG HQT OGP VJGP YGTG RQNKEGOCP UQNFKGT VGCEJGT ENGTM QT Felda settler. My father was a policeman DWV + FKFPoV MPQY YJCV + YCPVGF VQ FQ CU + FKFPoV JCXG C TQNG OQFGN q JG UC[U Zainal got into the elite MARA Junior Science College in Seremban and was later awarded a MARA scholarship to study Civil Engineering in the University QH 3WGGPUNCPF #WUVTCNKC 7RQP TGVWTPKPI VQ /CNC[UKC JKU Ć‚TUV LQD YCU CU C UKVG GPIKPGGT YKVJ 2GTPCU %QPUVTWEVKQP YQTMKPI QP C JKIJYC[ EQPUVTWEVKQP CV )WC /WUCPI -GNCPVCP “I realised what I had studied in university was only tip of the iceberg. The toughest LQD YCU PQV VJG VGEJPKECNKV[ QH DWKNFKPI JKIJYC[U DWV OCPCIKPI RGQRNG q UC[U Zainal. “I was put in charge of a group of VGEJPKEKCPU CPF EQPUVTWEVKQP YQTMGTU YJQ were older and more experienced than + YCU 6JGKT YC[U QH YQTMKPI CPF OCMKPI decisions were very different. “I learned that you have to be humble and recognise that you’re not the most MPQYNGFIGCDNG RGTUQP 6JQUG HQTGOGP with their pragmatic ways and common UGPUG MPGY VJGKT LQDU C NQV DGVVGT q Zainal subsequently moved to Esso Productions Malaysia Inc. (EPMI) as a subsurface engineer at an offshore FKXKUKQP YJGTG JG YCU VTCKPGF KP VJG QKN

“Be versatile and be ready to operateout of your comfort zone as that would push your envelop of ability.â€? CPF ICU Ć‚GNF p+ YCU RTQXKFGF KPVGPUKXG VTCKPKPI CPF CNUQ CUUKIPGF C OGPVQT CP #OGTKECP KP JKU U YJQ VCWIJV WU everything we needed to learn. I believe NGCTPKPI QP VJG LQD KU YJCV DWKNFU WR [QWT EQORGVGPE[ CPF VGEJPKECN MPQYNGFIG q *G GPFGF WR URGPFKPI [GCTU YKVJ 'ZZQP/QDKN FWTKPI YJKEJ JG JGNF FKHHGTGPV RQTVHQNKQU URCPPKPI /CNC[UKC West Africa as well as the company’s *QWUVQP 75# JGCFSWCTVGTU *KU experience and expertise cover strategic RNCPPKPI PGY DWUKPGUU FGXGNQROGPV QRGTCVKQPU RTQLGEV OCPCIGOGPV RGVTQNGWO GPIKPGGTKPI CPF VCNGPV management. Zainal also became VJG Ć‚TUV /CNC[UKCP VQ UGTXG CU VJG OWNVKPCVKQPCNoU JGCF QH GPIKPGGTKPI CPF later general manager of operations for ExxonMobil Malaysia. p;QW NGCTP D[ VTKCN CPF GTTQT CPF VJTQWIJ experience. It has to be situational as you can’t have one standard approach and VJKPM KV Ć‚VU CNN ;QW PGGF VQ JCXG VJG TKIJV OKPFUGV DG XGTUCVKNG DG CVVGPVKXG CPF respond accordingly. All these develop QXGT VKOG q JG UC[U $WV YJKNG QXGTUGCU GZRQUWTG YCU ITGCV <CKPCN MPGY FGGR FQYP QPG FC[ JG YQWNF return home and the right time came in ,WPG p+ VQQM VJG QHHGT HTQO /CNCMQHH as I was glad to have an opportunity to GRADUAN | 57

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Z

CKPCN #DKFKP ,CNKN VJG %JKGH 'ZGEWVKXG 1HĆ‚EGT QH /CNCMQHH %QTRQTCVKQP $GTJCF KU C EQORQUKVG QH JWOKNKV[ YKUFQO CPF VGPCEKV[ 6JKU KU ENGCTN[ TGĆƒGEVGF KP VJG OCP[ KPVGTGUVKPI insights and stories he has to share.

TA K I N G I T F R O M T H E T O P

do something different and work for a Malaysian agenda,” he says. It was, however, not an easy transition for his family, especially his four children who have lived majority of their lives overseas. For Zainal, the transition from a multinational to a Malaysian company was also a big one. He is working on bringing together the best of both worlds by merging Malakoff’s local touch with ExxonMobil’s international processes and structures. “Whatever you do should be purposeful and deliberate, and also consistent. Companies should be strong in training and focused in managing process of leadership such that it anchors to the company’s visions and values,” he says. When recruiting fresh graduates, Zainal says he looks for those who possess “three As”: Ability, attitude and ambition. “Many of our graduates have abilities, having performed well in 58 | GRADUAN

“Be brutal in achieving results, but always be gracious to people.” college and have good analytical skills. But only half of them have the right attitude and mindset, which include motivation, focus and discipline.” Even fewer have ambition. “Many of them are clueless about where they are heading, and they are keeping their ambitions too low,” he adds. “Fresh graduates entering the workforce should keep an open mind, be versatile, and be curious. Having an inquisitive mind is important. Be versatile and be ready to operate out of your comfort \QPG CU VJCV YQWNF RWUJ [QWT GPXGNQR QH ability,” he advises.

TA K I N G I T F R O M T H E T O P

“Be versatile and be ready to operateout of your comfort zone as that would push youe envelop of ability.â€? Zainal is one who advocates the values of structured training by companies, JCXKPI DGPGĆ‚VVGF HTQO [GCTU QH VJG UCOG in ExxonMobil. Thus, he advises fresh graduates to choose a company less for monetary reason but more for training opportunity. “If you join a company that trains you in global competitive skills and gives you the right exposure, over time you will realise your potential and be competent by global standard,â€? he says. He adds Malakoff is emulating multinational companies and providing VJGKT PGY TGETWKVU CP VQ OQPVJU rotation structured training. 4GNCVKQPUJKRU YKVJ OGPVQTU CPF colleagues are to be treasured, says this

CEO. “Whatever job that you’re in, it is important that you are surrounded by people who are better than you, who possess the character and motivation to NGCF CPF VJG CURKTCVKQPU VQ KPĆƒWGPEG CPF create the future for others,â€? he explains. His own journey has been moulded by lessons from mentors and role models, emulating how they lead, relate to people and motivate others. “A senior mentor from ExxonMobil told me: ‘Be brutal in achieving results, but always be gracious to people’. This is something I live by. And when you become a leader, it is true that you can accomplish jobs through others, but at the same time learn from others as well,â€? he concludes. GRADUAN | 59

60 | GRADUAN

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

IN THE SPOTLIGHT Submerged In Sound Just For Laughs Meeting Moonshine’s Maker Headed For Success

GRADUAN | 61

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SOUND 57$/'4)'& +0

Voted Coolest Radio Announcer at the 2012 Shout Awards, artiste, TV host, and songwriter Hunny Madu talks about the prospects of being in the industry. by Grace Chen KP CHVGT ITCFWCVKPI HTQO /WTFQEJ 7PKXGTUKV[ YKVJ C FGITGG KP RWDNKE TGNCVKQPU CPF LQWTPCNKUO 5JG NCPFGF JGT Ć‚TUV LQD CU C TCFKQ CPPQWPEGT HQT *KV\ HO VJTQWIJ C successful voice test, where she stayed for half a year before moving to XFresh Fm for two months and later Fly Fm. Young, ambitious, and restless, she was also doing double time as a TV host for *KV\ 68 YJKEJ EWNOKPCVGF VQ UNQVU YKVJ 68oU Quickie and 0KVG .KXG. Somewhere in between, Hunny acted in ,KPIIC, a OWUKECN FTCOC FKTGEVGF D[ .QY 0ICK ;WGP

Hani Farhana binti Mohd Hatim was only 12 when she began dabbling in theatre. Her life story, as she puts it on Facebook, is one that has always resonated with sound. She plays the guitar. She sings. She talks on TV and radio. “I listen and make audio intently,â€? says this mother of one. -PQYP HQT JGT PGEVCTKPG IKTN PGZV FQQT NQQMU *WPP[oU ECTGGT QHĆ‚EKCNN[ DGICP 62 | GRADUAN

However, she is quick to assert the making of Hunny Madu had not been a singular effort. Opening credits go to Media Prima, her current employer. “When looking for C RNCEG VQ YQTM Ć‚PF QPG VJKPI VJCV GZKUVU in the workplace – fun. This paves and makes for a great way to interact with your colleagues,â€? says Hunny on her employer of choice. Then, there is her father, whom she affectionately calls Babo. “During my school days, Babo perfected our linguistics. Through him, I mastered the art of expression,â€? says Hunny who represented her school in poetry recitals, debates, nasyid singing, and choral speaking.

“Having taken action to pursue the exposure and knowledge very early on in life certainly helped to open my eyes to what a great industry this can be despite its ups and downs,� says Hunny.

sustaining a hairline fracture and muscle tear on her left arm.“The doctor said I was to avoid any physical activities for at least a month. But I can’t sit still so I ignored sick leave and went back to work,� writes Hunny in her blog.

Now she is helming her own entertainment company, Mtertain Sdn Bhd that creates content for TV stations, a publishing house and a music label. In the future, they are looking towards being a talent house. Hunny naturally has to play the role of a talent scout. In her search for potential, her ƂTUV OCPVTC KU RGTHGEVKQP FQGU PQV GZKUV KP humans, so let’s not judge.

“Once you are given that platform, it is up to you to raise the bar. What you do on a particular platform can increase your chances for another job. Bottomline is, give it your all when you are given the opportunity. Even though it may seem FKHĆ‚EWNV KP VJG DGIKPPKPI UGG KV CU C YC[ to broaden your perception and better yourself,â€? advises Hunny.

Passion, however, is a very crucial prerequisite for this lady boss. “I want someone who is always hungry and wants to be better than yesterday. She should never be afraid to ask or suggest, and must work well with the team,� says Hunny.

.CUVN[ YJKNG VCNGPV KU CP KPFWUVT[ prerequisite, Hunny reminds it is also important to be tech savvy. “Back in the U GXGT[QPG WUGF VJG TCFKQ DQWIJV %&U CPF YGTG KPVTQFWEGF VQ OR +P LWUV VYQ decades, people are listening to Spotify, &GG\GT CPF DW[KPI VQPPGU QH OWUKE HTQO iTunes, marking a tremendous change on the way the Internet has impacted the industry,� says Hunny.

She reminds those who have set their eyes on pursuing a career in the entertainment industry will have to be equally ready to receive brickbats as well as bouquets. “This career can eat you alive if you’re not strong willed, passionate, and humble at the same time. In the end, how you fare will depend on the hours you put into strengthening your presenting and publicrelations skills. It’s about being professional at all times,� she says. -GGRKPI JGT ITQQXG QP KU UQOGVJKPI VJKU mother of one is known for. In 2012, while pregnant with daughter Eva Medina, audiences continued to see her bubbly side on their television screens. A year before, she had waived off a two-week medical leave after falling backstage,

$KI CTVKUVGU NKMG $G[QPEĂ… CPF -CP[G 9GUV CTG CNN TGNGCUKPI VJGKT CNDWOU QPNKPG Ć‚TUV The Tonton website has over two million subscribers. There are exciting new positions now like app-developers creating cool apps for the smart phone. “It goes to show people love catching up online. Our Internet is the sky, and we’re all just catching up in the sky. Next, I think the industry will need coders so that our websites are constantly updated with cool RCIGU .KXG UVTGCO YKNN DG OQTG UGCONGUU and everything you want will be right at [QWT Ć‚PIGTVKRU q UJG EQPENWFGU GRADUAN | 63

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

To a certain degree, knowing her calling JGNRGF VQQ 'XGP DGHQTG Ćƒ[KPI QHH VQ 2GTVJ for her degree, Hunny had already started JGT QYP JKR JQR ITQWR KP EQNNGIG +P Admonition, her group, was second runner up in Blast Off, a battle of the band contest QP *KV\ 68

“Bottomline is, give it your all when you are given the opportunity.�

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

LAUGHS ,756 (14

Telling jokes is no laughing matter, says comedian Kuah Jenhan. It takes hard work and practice along with a humorous outlook on life. $[ 6CP .GG -WGP

#V QWT KPVGTXKGY VJG GCTPGUV NQQMKPI -WCJ ,GPJCP [QWPI OCP YGCTU C RCVEJYQTM shirt with a felt kitty peeking out of his shirt pocket. Tall, Dark and Comedian, JKU Ć‚TUV UQNQ UJQY KU CP KPXKVCVKQP VQ JKU slightly quirky world from which he mines his comedic material. One time for a Cadbury campaign, he dressed up as a fairy godmother, complete with tiara, dispensing chocolates. Clearly, he is not one to shy away from self-deprecation or opening up his world for laughs. “I don’t tell you jokes. I invite you into my world and you can see how funny it is,â€? says the comedian. “My material is very personal. It is about my life and I see things from a different, more humorous perspective.â€? # PCVWTCN RGTHQTOGT ,GPJCPoU NQXG HQT entertaining stems back to his childhood. He was that kid who would voluntarily put up sketches at school concerts. In primary school, he was nicknamed fei mao HCV ECV KP %CPVQPGUG CHVGT C VGNGXKUKQP EJCTCEVGT of the same name, which he used to his advantage to tickle funny bones. “I did not recognise the value of the laugh then but I enjoyed making people laugh,â€? he says. 64 | GRADUAN

Despite his joy of entertaining, the selfconfessed awkward child had problems with people. “I can perform to hundreds but normal interactions can be less natural for me,â€? he admits. Needless to say, he didn’t talk a lot either. “I grew up pretty much keeping to myself and being and observer. By entertaining myself, I could form a lot of dialogues in my head so it helped me hone in on my observational skills,â€? he says. His start in comedy was accidental. “I don’t think anyone wakes up one morning and has an Aha! moment that they want to be C EQOGFKCP q JG OWUGU *G Ć‚TUV CVVGORVGF stand-up comedy at The Actors Studio’s (TGG (NQY GXGPV KP p+ FKFPoV GXGP

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

know what stand-up comedy was about DWV + YCPVGF VQ VT[ KV QWV q JG UC[U 4/ – his then weekly allowance – got him 10 minutes in the spotlight. Months later, he hoisted the top trophy at a comedy competition in Bond Bar. The emcee of the night immediately commissioned him for two jobs. “I couldn’t believe it. People get paid to do this? It’s like a loophole in life!â€? ,GPJCP GZENCKOU It was then that he hit a hitch, performing to an unappreciative audience in a nightclub. Young and inexperienced, the rejection stung deeply and he quit the business. It would be three years NCVGT YJGP ,GPJCP XGPVWTGF QPVQ UVCIG again as a last-minute replacement for a comedy sketch at The Actors Studio Bangsar’s closing party. Fellow comedian and actor Indi Nadarajah was in the audience. Fortuitously, it was Indi’s sage CFXKEG VQ ,GPJCP VJCV JG KU TGICNKPI WU YKVJ JWOQWTQWU CPGEFQVGU VQFC[ VJCV CPF VJG end of a relationship. But that’s another UVQT[ p/[ FGCT DQ[ [QW UJQWNF DG JCRR[ you could doubt yourself. Because with doubt you know you are real and the audience can see that. The worst thing for C EQOGFKCP KU QXGT EQPĆ‚FGPEG q +PFK JCF said. “And that was the best advice I ever IQV KP VJKU DWUKPGUU q UC[U ,GPJCP 5KPEG VJGP ,GPJCPoU VJTQYP JKU NQV YKVJ comedy. He is particularly well known for his solo shows, as well as yearly stints with the Malaysian Association of %JKPGUG %QOGFKCPU /#%% VQIGVJGT YKVJ &QWINCU .KO CPF 2JQQP %JK *Q *G has toured Australia as part of The Best of Malaysian Comedy alongside Harith Iskander and Douglas, and his last big show was .KMG 6JKU .KMG &CF CV 2, .KXG #TVU 6JGCVTG $GUKFGU RWDNKE UJQYU ,GPJCP KU much sought after for corporate gigs and by brands. He supplements the comedy with voice-over work and scriptwriting for television shows and theatre; he was a co-writer for the highly successful .CV -CORWPI $Q[ 5GDWCJ /W\KMCN

“The worst thing for a comedian is QXGT EQPĆ‚FGPEG q As any freelance creative knows, being IQQF CPF RQUUKDN[ ITGCV CV YJCV [QW do is only half the battle; the other is marketing yourself and getting hired. 6JCV YCU ,GPJCPoU KPKVKCN UVWODNKPI DNQEM in the business. “Clients would meet me and wonder why I’m not like I am on stage,â€? he says. So he hired a manager to deal with clients on his behalf, freeing him to get down to his funny business. $WV VJG QVJGT QEEWRCVKQPCN JC\CTF s VJG occasional comedian’s block, as he calls it – is all his own to handle. “Sometimes you are just not in the mood to be funny,â€? he says. “Being funny is MY job, not A job. To OCMG #7&+'0%' NCWIJ PQV ;17 NCWIJ The time I’m on the stage, I’m hard at work, crafting and practising constantly on the piece to make you laugh. “Doing comedy is very scary and will always be. So keep practising by going for open mics shows. Don’t expect instant UWEEGUU + TGOGODGT O[ Ć‚TUV UJQY YKVJ Harith Iskander. Naturally I was nervous and I asked Harith if he felt the same. He replied, ‘Yes, at every show.’ The difference is he has learnt to embrace the PGTXQWUPGUU q UC[U ,GPJCP .WEM[ HQT WU ,GPJCP JCU GODTCEGF JKU YJQNGJGCTVGFN[ in order to help us see the funny side of life. Now that deserves our applause. GRADUAN | 65

As the founder of Kuala Lumpur’s popular independent music circuit, Reza Salleh of Moonshine reveals how singing and songwriting got to his head. by Grace Chen

So popular is the Moonshine music circuit, fans have vouched it is guaranteed to draw in a crowd – even on Monday nights. (QWPFGF KP D[ 4G\C 5CNNGJ CPF crediting its existence to the frustrations of not being able to land himself a gig as a musician, the event – which started off as an acoustic night at No Black Tie – has been instrumental in giving rise to names NKMG .K[CPC (K\K ;WPC CPF 0CLYC 5GTGPFKRKV[ CFOKVU 4G\C RNC[GF C OCLQT role. “We started attracting bands by 66 | GRADUAN

CEEKFGPV YJGP YG OQXGF VQ .CWPFT[ $CT at The Curve. Some thought it was an amped-up show and brought their own gear!� he says. A business systems graduate from /QPCUJ 7PKXGTUKV[ 4G\C UVCTVGF performing live during his college days in Melbourne, Australia. Inspired by grunge and alternative rock bands like Nirvana CPF 4CIG #ICKPUV VJG /CEJKPG 4G\C admits to being bombarded with copious COQWPVU QH 6QR ICOOC TC[U CU C

P hoto : Wo rds Ma nifes t

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MAKER

MEETING MOONSHINE’S

child. “I owe much of my singing career VQ ITQYKPI WR KP VJG U CPF C YJQNG TCPIG QH OWUKECN KPĆƒWGPEGU VQQ TCPFQO to mention. My music is a mish-mash of elements drawn from a combination of things going on in my head,â€? he writes in his blog. 6TWVJ DG VQNF 4G\C PGXGT JCTDQWTGF dreams of being a musician. “I don’t think that’s allowed in the programming of OQUV #UKCP HCOKNKGU q FGCFRCPU 4G\C YJQ has a degree in Business IT. But the interest was certainly there. He was the President of Music Society during his secondary years in Bukit Bintang Boys’ School, performing at UEJQQN EQPEGTVU UKPEG CIG #PF YJGP JG Ć‚PCNN[ ITGY QNF GPQWIJ VQ IGV C FC[ LQD 4G\C CNUQ UVCTVGF QTICPKUKPI UJQYU Finally, it came to a point when he had to choose between a secure desk job and VJG Ć‚EMNG YQTNF QH GPVGTVCKPOGPV p + YCU working 10 to 7 and certain nights and weekends for my day job. At the same VKOG + YCU CNUQ QTICPKUKPI WR VQ Ć‚XG shows in a month. On top of that, I was also playing in no less than three shows. Things got pretty ridiculous, and both my music and work started to suffer. That was when I decided if I wanted a regular desk job, I can always do that when I was older. The whole music thing though, had a bit of a shelf life so I had to do it now. I started doing music full time. It was a pretty easy FGEKUKQP VQ OCMG CEVWCNN[ q UC[U 4G\C .KMG CNN GXGPVU /QQPUJKPG JCF VQ DG constantly lubricated with the grease of RWDNKEKV[ VQ UVC[ TGNGXCPV 4G\C JKOUGNH

did much of the heavy lifting when it ECOG VQ FKUVTKDWVKPI Ćƒ[GTU CPF RQUVGTU The much-needed job of securing venues and artistes also fell back to his negotiation skills. 4G\C MPQYU JG UVKNN JCU C NQPI YC[ to go. He is especially skeptical of being labelled a “successâ€? in spite of Moonshine’s popularity. The only thing he will readily vouch for is teamwork, the binding glue that has kept his events intact for the past nine years. “Having good people around you for support not just in a ‘cheering you on’ kind of way but playing a role as member of a team really helps. I have always believed you can’t do it all by yourself if you expect to do things bigger and better,â€? he advises. +P VJG PGZV Ć‚XG [GCTU VJG VJGOG HQT VJG Moonshine blueprint is to expand and KORTQXG CU C DWUKPGUU +V KU CNUQ 4G\CoU personal desire to grow as a singer and songwriter. His album 4GCNK\G, a compilation of original music, is a tribute to independent artistes like himself. And having spent a decade in the music industry, his advice to aspiring hopefuls is to strike a balance between chasing one’s dream and facing reality. “You have to be smart in the sense of being CDNG VQ JCXG C ENGCT XKGY QH VJG Ć‚GNF [QW want to step into. This is because doing what you love rarely includes a health DGPGĆ‚VU RTQITCOOG QT C EQTRQTCVG ladder to climb. The journey will be hard so you must be prepared. But in having the courage to pursue your dream, you will discover a satisfying career and ultimately, end up a happier person,â€? EQPENWFGU 4G\C GRADUAN | 67

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

“I have always y believed you y can’t do it all by yourself if you expect to do things bigger and better.�

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

HEADED (14 57%%'55 It all started with a wardrobe crisis. From there, best pals Sereni Linggi and Shentel Lee began their ultra-successful journey into the world of fashion with their handcrafted headbands. D[ /GN 5KO 6JG [GCT YCU .CF[ )CIC YCU VQ perform in a concert in Singapore. At the same time, two best friends were having a wardrobe crisis: What to wear to the EQPEGTV! #HVGT CNN KV YCU QPN[ Ć‚VVKPI VQ make an effort to dress up a little out of the ordinary, homage to the outlandish performer herself. What the two decided to do was go online in search of a headgear, which they found in the form of a Gaga-esque moulded hair bow headband. When the purchase arrived, they were disappointed that the headbands were so poorly constructed that they literally fell apart within minutes! Devastated and with the clock ticking, the besties decided to salvage what they had and created their own version of a headband using ribbons and rhinestones. Who knew that the plucky move would generate so much attention, from being the centre of attention among other concertgoers to a photo in the Singapore newspapers! And more importantly, who would have thought that it would be the Ć‚TUV UVGR HQT VJG FWQ VQ UVCTV CP GZVTGOGN[ 68 | GRADUAN

successful brand, one created out of having fun and embracing the quirks of life? The two best friends are none other than 5GTGPK .KPIIK CPF 5JGPVGN .GG HQWPFGTU of the headband brand aptly named 5GTGPK 5JGPVGN +H [QWoTG KPVQ VJG HCUJKQP UEGPG [QW YQWNF MPQY VJCV 5GTGPK Shentel headbands have a massive following, from local fashionistas right down to celebrities both in Malaysia and overseas. Here’s another proof of how UWEEGUUHWN VJG DTCPF KU s 5GTGPK 5JGPVGN JGCFDCPFU JCXG CRRGCTGF QP RQRWNCT 75 hit TV shows Gossip Girl and Desperate Housewives. Talk about major mileage! 5GTGPK 5JGPVGN HGCVWTGU C YKFG TCPIG QH hand-stitched headbands using jewels, pearls, bows and more in a variety of design. Each one eye-catching, the headbands are suitable for adults, children, and even babies to wear on a regular basis or for a special occasion like parties, hen nights, and weddings. The brand also offers custom headbands and has collaborated with big corporations NKMG .CPE�OG &WFG &WEJGUU /KUU 7PKXGTUG /CNC[UKC CPF OCP[ OQTG

“We are both workaholics who live and breathe our brand 24-7. If you are doing the right thing, it will not feel like work!�

6JG QVJGT MG[ VQ VJGKT UWEEGUU! &GĆ‚PKVGN[ passion, as the two have demonstrated with their brand, creating a unique RGTUQPCNKV[ HQT KV VJCV KU GCUKN[ KFGPVKĆ‚CDNG by its customers. Both Sereni and Shentel are still keeping their day jobs

5GTGPK KU C OCNN OCPCIGT YKVJ C RTQRGTV[ management company while Shentel is C ITCRJKE FGUKIPGT 5Q VJG SWGUVKQP QP everyone’s mind: How do they manage that while running their business? “We are both workaholics who live and breathe QWT DTCPF +H [QW CTG FQKPI VJG TKIJV thing, it will not feel like work! We love what we do and believe that it shows in our products and branding. Of course, it’s important to have a product or a service that is unique and stands out from the rest. Do what you love and the hard work will pay off,â€? say the designers in an email KPVGTXKGY YKVJ )4#&7#0ÂŽ. And even with a fun brand like theirs, Sereni and Shentel still believe in maintaining professionalism in everything they do. This serves as good advice for all of us, whether we are starting out with a new job or moving on to other companies, regardless of industry, regardless of position. “Always be professional in your approach,â€? they say. And if you’re planning to start something on your own with your name in it, their advice is to ensure that you have set up all your groundwork on the CFOKPKUVTCVKXG Ć‚PCPEKCN CPF NGICN GPF Despite the immense success they have achieved in such a short period of time, Sereni and Shentel are not about to put up their feet to enjoy what they’ve created. Instead, it’s more hard work for them to ensure the brand sustains itself and creates even more excitement for loyal customers. What’s in store, we ask the two? “We are still striving to secure more stockists internationally as we would love to be in every country in the world. We both have the same ambitious nature so there will always be new projects for us so stay tuned!â€? GRADUAN | 69

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Sure, the establishment of this brand may be purely accidental, but achieving what it has so far is no by-the-way situation. .KMG CP[ QVJGT DWUKPGUUGU CPF PGY entrepeuners, the headbands designers shared that it was no easy feat starting the business. “We had some issues throughout the business in terms of logistics and packaging. We are an online business and it took us a while to design shipping boxes that can protect the products, withstand the shipping, and look good at the same time. It has been a learning experience and now we have durable lightweight boxes with our branding on them shipped all around the world to our customers,� explain Sereni and Shentel.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Spark transformations beyond your team. Averis Sdn Bhd is a young and vibrant company formed in July 2006 to provide services to the RGE Group of Companies. Visioned to provide high quality and scalable functional services to platform the Group’s growth agenda with managed risks, Averis offers back RIÀce solutions ranging from Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, Project Services and Management Decision Support services. Customer centric, service oriented, accurate and reliable, Averis provides scalable, cost effective back ofÀFe solutions in real time. Having a well trained and dedicated team of business analysts and technical professionals, Averis is set to meet the demands of our customers to ensure the best-in-class services delivery and envisage to become the Centre of Excellence for the RGE Group of Companies through simplifying, standardizing and continuously improving processes, to deliver competitive and consistent services with a customer-oriented multi-talented team. If you share our passion for the unique challenges in delivering best-in-class services to meet the ever-growing demands of today’s global marketplace and are seeking professional and personal growth while forging enduring team spirit; come and make a difference far beyond the people you work with; touch even the lives of families and communities where we and our business group operate. SPARK TRANSFORMATIONS BEYOND YOUR TEAM AT AVERIS.

For more information, visit http://www.averis.biz

Interested individuals who are keen for a career in a vibrant shared services 70may | send GRADUAN environment your resume to: Recruitment@averis.biz or Human Resource Department, Level 5, Wisma Averis, Tower 2, Avenue 5, Bangsar South City, No 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Architechture Automotive Banking & Finance Conglomerate Consultancy & Professional Services Creativity Education Engineering Entrepreneurship FMCG Information Technology Oil & Gas Telecommunications

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY STAFF RECOGNITION

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

CAREER AREER PROGRESSION ROGRESSION COMPETITIVE REMUNERATION

CONTINUOUS NTINUOUS LEARNING ARNING & DEVELOPMENT VELOPMENT

HAPPINESS

Together we grow FOR MORE INFORMATION, KINDLY CONTACT Group Human Resources and Administration Mah Sing Group Berhad Wisma Mah Sing, Penthouse Suite 1, No 163 Jalan Sungai Besi, 57100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 74 8888 | GRADUAN Tel. 603-9221 URL. www.mahsing.com.my E-mail. hr@mahsing.com.my

MOVERS & SHAKERS

ARCHITECTURE

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A %#..+0)

At the heart of the world’s most amazing buildings, is a heart of passion, says Roslan Abdul Razak of RSP Architects. D[ ;GQJ 'G .GPI There are “jobsâ€? and then there are RTQHGUUKQPCN pECNNKPIUq (QT 4QUNCP #DFWN 4C\CM C 5GPKQT #UUQEKCVG CV 452 Architects Sdn Bhd, it would seem that “architectâ€? falls into the latter category. He dispels notions of architecture being a glamorous profession and tells instead of how demanding it is. But he also has this to say, “The good thing about architecture is most architects love to do what they do, and that’s why they do what they do. People question why we CTG UVKNN CV VJG QHĆ‚EG CV PKIJV 2CUUKQP We don’t look at it as work. Something we are trained to do. But we just love doing that.â€? He shares that early on in his career, before he had a family, he would go into

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VJG QHƂEG QP YGGMGPFU p,WUV VQ UQNXG VJKPIU ,WUV VQ NQQM CV FTCYKPIU /C[DG + can improve this.� 4QUNCP LQKPGF 452 #TEJKVGEVU UQQP after returning to Malaysia, following graduation and three years of work GZRGTKGPEG KP VJG 7PKVGF 5VCVGU *G had received offers from several other architectural practices but decided that 452 YCU YJGTG JG EQWNF NGCTP VJG OQUV *KU JWPEJ YCU EQTTGEV DGECWUG 452 JCF just won several competitions so there was much work to be done, and scope to grow professionally. $CEM VJGP VJG QHƂEG YCU C NQV UOCNNGT YKVJ NGUU VJCP UVCHH # PGY RTKPEKRCN director, Ar. Hud Abu Bakar had recently VCMGP VJG JGNO CPF VJG QHƂEG YCU

#U CP QTICPKUCVKQP 452 KP /CNC[UKC KU CNUQ RCTV QH C YQTNFYKFG CHĆ‚NKCVG QH 452 QHĆ‚EGU whereby each country set-up is able to share expertise and resources. One of the keys to becoming a successful CTEJKVGEV CEEQTFKPI VQ 4QUNCP KU VJG CDKNKV[ to “present yourself wellâ€?. He explains that this means being able to communicate RGTUWCUKXGN[ CPF VQ DG EQPĆ‚FGPV YJGP challenged. This quality of being able to “stand on your ownâ€? is something that they look out for in graduate interviews CV 452 #PQVJGT KORQTVCPV HCEVQT VJCV YKNN set a candidate apart from the rest is an impressive portfolio with “wow factorâ€?, in addition to being “organised and systematically compiledâ€?. 6[RKECNN[ C HTGUJ ITCFWCVG TGETWKV CV 452 will be assigned to the “design teamâ€? to assess how design oriented and creative he or she is. We were told that the young architects in this group are exposed to various aspects of architectural practice, such as design, contracts, and managing meetings, clients and contractors. “On a whole, they will not specialise yet, as we want them to be ‘all rounded’. Some will excel in one aspect more than another, but we want at least, key elements. It is important that they know how to design well, and understand YJCV VJG[ FGUKIP q GORJCUKUGU 4QUNCP “At some point, when they are ready, VJG[ YKNN DG CUUKIPGF VQ C URGEKĆ‚E project and report to a senior architect.â€? 6JGTGHQTG CNVJQWIJ VJGTG KU PQ QHĆ‚EKCN talent development blueprint, there is

CP WPQHĆ‚EKCN ECTGGT RTQITGUUKQP VJCV VJG [QWPI ITCFWCVGU WPFGTIQ CV 452 4QUNCPoU QYP DGUV RTQHGUUKQPCN OGOQT[ was when he completed a building by JKOUGNH HQT VJG Ć‚TUV VKOG HTQO FGUKIP to commissioning. He had gotten the opportunity to take on a seven-storey annex building because the senior architect he was assisting was too busy on QVJGT RTQLGEVU 7PVKN VQFC[ JG UVKNN HGGNU really proud of that building whenever he drives by it. When asked for his advice to young CTEJKVGEVWTCN ITCFWCVGU 4QUNCP UC[U “What I will do is, I will go and join a good company, and try to learn as much as possible, as fast as possible, and then try to absorb as much knowledge from the senior architects and directors, and explore design.â€? #EEQTFKPI VQ 4QUNCP VGEJPKECN UVWHH KU PQV really taught at school. “It is more about history and conceptual design because they expect you to go out there and work for two years and learn these things. So that’s the best way to learn, although you may get a small salary. But you have to be bold to say it’s not really about the salary. I need to learn. This is a good QHĆ‚EG VQ NGCTP CPF IGV VJKPIU HTQO 5Q IQ CJGCF CPF LQKP CP QHĆ‚EG CPF NGCTP CU much possible.â€? This attitude of being highly selfmotivated and resilient seems very valuable for those entering what is apparently an extremely challenging QEEWRCVKQP #U 4QUNCP VGNNU KV “Throughout my years here, we always look at problems positively. Architects face problems every day. Things you did not expect will happen. But we try to face it positively and do it. We can’t run away because it is in construction. We have to face it, and solve it, so just face it positively and do the best you can do.â€?

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emerging as a practice to take note of. 6QFC[ 452 #TEJKVGEVU 5FP $JF JCU QXGT GORNQ[GGU CPF JCU QHĆ‚EGU KP 2GPCPI CPF ,QJQT $CJTW DGUKFGU KVU JGCF QHĆ‚EG KP -. CPF CP GPIKPGGTKPI CTO +V JCU won architectural accolades for public buildings, as well as work in the residential and commercial sectors.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

AUTOMOTIVE

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CAREER OPPORTUNITY

POWERING DREAMS

of SUCCESS

General Manager of Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd Azminuddin Mohamad talks about career opportunities at Honda and the automotive industry. by Alice Yong

“Associates are Honda’s most valuable asset,” says Azminuddin Mohamad, General Manager of Honda Malaysia Sdn Bhd. “The company offers numerous benefits to meet the needs of our diverse workforce.”

other fairly, and to establish relationships built on mutual trust. Each Honda associate is motivated to think creatively and show individual initiative and judgment.”

Azminuddin says that Honda actively engages with graduates, driving them onto a proper career track. “Our production plant in Alor Gajah, Melaka, is fast expanding with a two-fold increase in production, from 50,000 units to 100,000 units per year. The race is on for Honda to attract the best talents to join and grow with the company.”

Azminuddin points out that two important attributes central to Honda’s core philosophy are competency and character. “We not only emphasise on skill set, knowledge, and experience but also attitude. The Honda philosophy is inculcated into associates in the first few years – the way things are done, what are expected of them, and types of training courses available.

Azminuddin continues, “Our induction programme begins with the senior management team including myself welcoming all new associates. We share with them the Honda philosophy of ‘Respect for the Individual’, which recognises and respects individual differences, encourages us to treat each

“Academic qualification is merely a stepping stone at Honda. The key to better positions and benefits depends on one’s character and competency. We believe people can grow and progress through hands-on work performance, even for those in the technical field. We look for fully committed talents.

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“Every Honda associate is expected to embrace and support diversity and its advantages. Honda also believes in giving every associate equal chances. Associates are encouraged to think, listen and react accordingly. They can challenge the boss but they must ensure they are right and be able to prove themselves while bosses must be capable of handling challenges thrown at them. Honda wants passionate people who are diligent and can execute the same tasks well daily.�

Âş ĂŒ½Ăƒ >˜ iĂ?VÂˆĂŒÂˆÂ˜} ĂŒÂˆÂ“i ĂŒÂœ Li in automotive because car manufacturers realise hybrid and low emission cars will be the trend going forward.â€?

#\OKPWFFKP UC[U VJCV CECFGOKE SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQPU CTG LWUV CP GPVT[ RQKPV KPVQ the industry. “For lower level associates, SPM leavers with some relevant GZRGTKGPEGU QT 5-/ CPF SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQPU are adequate. For higher levels, graduates with engineering degree would be ideal but we also accept candidates with CGPA TGICTFNGUU QH YJGVJGT VJG[ CTG HTQO a local or foreign university. “We prefer to focus on a person’s character; someone who’s passionate me from and committed. Growth can come o like one’s work performance. We a also hings done, don are candidates who can get things

transparent and ethical in adherence to corporate governance. Other desirable traits include friendliness, openness and honesty. Others should be able to trust you and you have to trust them in return. Teamwork and equality are emphasised in the Honda corporate culture.â€? Career opportunities are aplenty CEEQTFKPI VQ #\OKPWFFKP p+VoU CP GZEKVKPI time to be in automotive because car manufacturers realise hybrid and low emission cars will be the trend going forward. We are already gearing towards GPGTI[ GHĆ‚EKGPV XGJKENGU ''8 CPF *QPFC CKOU VQ FGUKIP OQTG GPGTI[ GHĆ‚EKGPV ECTU that appeal to different market segments. “Mechanical and electrical engineering graduates working with us currently are exposed to different parts of our production. Those who display good competency will have the opportunities to grow and move up at Honda when they perform up to expectations. Most associates are likely to be promoted after two years in the company.â€? Honda also offers a work-exchange programme for talented engineers that enables them to gain greater exposure in 6JCKNCPF QT ,CRCP p6JG EQORCP[ RC[U for all the relocation expenses including VJQUG YJQ OQXGF VQ ,CRCP YKVJ VJGKT HCOKNKGU KP VQY 7RQP VJGKT TGVWTP VJG[ CTG bonded for two years but the experience they gained there is something that money cannot buy.â€? #\OKPWFFKP CFXKUGU ITCFWCVGU VQ VCMG C keen interest at work and things around them. “Young people must be more resilient, have patience, and learn to rationalise. If you want to go far, learn everything you can about cars, Honda and VJG CWVQOQVKXG KPFWUVT[ 4GOGODGT KV CNN boils down to your character if you want to succeed in the long run.â€?

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,CRCPGUG URGCMKPI VCNGPVU YKNN JCXG added advantage although it’s not requisite. Each associate is assessed on character and attitude, quality of work and time management.

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BANKING & FINANCE

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GETTING AHEAD IN BANKING CIMB IS GROOMING AND DEVELOPING THE FUTURE LEADERS OF THE BANKING INDUSTRY THROUGH ITS THE COMPLETE BANKER™ (TCB) PROGRAMME.

“I am learning from the best and the brightest.” Michelle Yeo, 25 Manager, Equity Capital Markets Bachelor of Commerce (Economics & Finance) – University of Melbourne / À Õ} ÕÌ Þ Ìi ÕÀi >Ì ] >Ûi Ü À i` > ` > ` Ü Ì Ì i LiÃÌ > ` LÀ } ÌiÃÌ Ì i `ÕÃÌÀÞ° > >Üi` LÞ Þ V i>}Õiý `i«Ì understanding and knowledge of the universal banking world and am using this opportunity to gain as much exposure and business insights. I have also grown both personally and professionally through the constant challenge v Ü À } Ì Ã v>ÃÌ «>Vi` i Û À i Ì°

“I am building a strong foundation for my career in banking.” Priscilla Lim, 27 Manager, Private Banking Bachelor of Commerce (Finance & Marketing) – University of Melbourne / i ÌÜ Ì v V >ÃÃÀ ÌÀ> } `ÕÀ } The Complete Banker™ (TCB) programme was a steep learning curve. It provided me with }Ài>Ì Ã } ÌÃ Ì Ì i Ü À ` v w > Vi > ` iÝ« ÃÕÀi Ì Ì i > Þ ` Û Ã Ã À Õ«° All this, along with the support networks and exposure to seniors in the business, have been instrumental in providing me with a strong foundation. Working closely with my fellow / > à > à i V ÕÀ>}i` Ì i iÝ«> à v my networks. Some of my most memorable experiences have been with them, and I have also made lifelong friendships through this.

“I have been challenged right from the start.” Leong Yew Leong, 29 Associate Director, Corporate Finance Bachelor of Business and Commerce (Economics & Marketing) – Monash University (Malaysia Campus) / i wÀÃÌ ÌÀ> Ã>VÌ Ü À i` Ü>Ã Ì i ÀiÃÌÀÕVÌÕÀ } v > >À}i V>« } ÛiÀ i Ì i` V «> Þ ÃÌi` Ì i > >ÞÃ > -Ì V Exchange. While guidance was given, it was still > ÃÌii« i>À } VÕÀÛi v À i° } L>V ] my experience so far in Corporate Finance has Lii > vÕ w } i Ü iÀi >Ûi i>À Ì Ì i multiple facets of the company.

“I have been challenged right from the start.â€? Terence Choong, 31 Director, Corporate Banking Bachelor of Engineering (Hons) (Electrical ˜}ˆ˜iiĂ€ÂˆÂ˜}ÂŽ q 1Â˜ÂˆĂ›iĂ€ĂƒÂˆĂŒĂž Âœv -Â…ivwiÂ?`] 1 The Complete Banker/ Programme gave me the opportunity to expose myself and get a y>Ă›ÂœĂ•Ă€ Âœv ĂŒÂ…i Ă›>Ă€ÂˆÂœĂ•Ăƒ `iÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒÂ“iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒ ĂœÂˆĂŒÂ…ÂˆÂ˜ ĂŒÂ…i bank. With the learning experience I had in areas such as Treasury and Corporate Finance, I was able to grow my career “organicallyâ€?, working my way up the corporate ladder. I then chose to explore Corporate Banking with the hope of mastering just one of many other product skills, “creditâ€?.

“I have been exposed to regional opportunities and networks.â€? ,>w¾Õi >ĂŒ />Â…ÂˆĂ€] Ă“x Associate, Corporate Finance Bachelor of Accounting (Hons) (Accounting and Finance) – University of West England, Bristol The main highlight of my career was when I Ăœ>Ăƒ ĂƒiÂ˜ĂŒ œ˜ > Ă€i}ˆœ˜>Â? >ĂƒĂƒÂˆ}˜“iÂ˜ĂŒ ĂŒÂœ >ÂŽ>Ă€ĂŒ>] ĂœÂ…ÂˆVÂ… >Â?Â?ÂœĂœi` “i ĂŒÂœ iĂ?ÂŤiĂ€Âˆi˜Vi ½Ăƒ Ć‚- Ć‚ presence and at the same time learn about a new culture. During my three months there, I also took the opportunity to travel around Indonesia. Other than that, what I like most about my job is the fact that we get exposure to different industries and sectors. I have LiVœ“i Â“ÂœĂ€i ˆ˜`iÂŤi˜`iÂ˜ĂŒ ĂƒÂˆÂ˜Vi Â?œˆ˜ˆ˜} and realise that one should never rest on their laurels when at the top.

Ă€ÂœĂ•ÂŤ ÂˆĂƒ >Â?>ĂžĂƒÂˆ>½Ăƒ ĂƒiVœ˜` Â?>Ă€}iĂƒĂŒ w˜>˜Vˆ>Â? ĂƒiĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂƒ ÂŤĂ€ÂœĂ›Âˆ`iĂ€ >˜` œ˜i Âœv Ć‚- Ć‚ ½Ăƒ leading universal banking groups. It offers consumer banking, investment banking, ĂƒÂ?>“ˆV L>˜Žˆ˜}] >ĂƒĂƒiĂŒ “>˜>}i“iÂ˜ĂŒ] >˜` ÂˆÂ˜ĂƒĂ•Ă€>˜Vi ÂŤĂ€Âœ`Ă•VĂŒĂƒ >˜` ĂƒiĂ€Ă›ÂˆViĂƒ° i>`¾Õ>Ă€ĂŒiĂ€i` ˆ˜ Ă•>Â?> ՓÕÀ] ĂŒÂ…i Ă€ÂœĂ•ÂŤ ÂˆĂƒ Â˜ÂœĂœ ÂŤĂ€iĂƒiÂ˜ĂŒ ˆ˜ ˜ˆ˜i ÂœĂ•ĂŒ Âœv £ä Ć‚- Ć‚ ˜>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Ăƒ° iĂžÂœÂ˜` Ć‚- Ć‚ ] ĂŒÂ…i Ă€ÂœĂ•ÂŤ Â…>Ăƒ “>ÀŽiĂŒ ÂŤĂ€iĂƒi˜Vi ˆ˜ …ˆ˜>] œ˜} œ˜}] >Â…Ă€>ˆ˜] ˜`ˆ>] -Ă€Âˆ >˜Ž>] Ć‚Ă•ĂƒĂŒĂ€>Â?ˆ>] />ÂˆĂœ>˜] ÂœĂ€i>] ĂŒÂ…i 1Â˜ÂˆĂŒi` -ĂŒ>ĂŒiĂƒ Âœv Ƃ“iĂ€ÂˆV>] >˜` 1Â˜ÂˆĂŒi` ˆ˜}`œ“°

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

COMING UP TOP in the oil and gas industry, and Petronas was interested to groom leadership locally. This was why I was given the opportunity to learn a lot.” From the oil and gas industry, Jamaluddin slowly began his journey into human resources. He left Petronas to join the ICI Group of Companies, first exploring his expertise as a mechanical engineer before decided to change course. “I was part of the Y-list, which simply meant the Young List. I was to be groomed to be a future leader.”

Backed by years of experience and knowledge, RHB’s Group Chief Human Resource Officer Jamaluddin Bin Bakri is committed to develop future leaders for the Bank. Find out if you have what it takes to stand out in his eyes. By Mel Sim

When it comes to work experience, Jamaluddin Bin Bakri’s resume is without a doubt very impressive. RHB’s Group Chief Human Resource Officer has not only worked with some of the best companies in Malaysia but also with big names around the world, taking him from China to Alaska! “You could say that I was exposed everywhere, starting from my first job as an offshore engineer with Petronas where I had the opportunity to work in places like Sabah and Sarawak; Houston, Texas, and yes, Alaska too,” he says. “There were eight of us in the management trainee programme that I was part of. It was the right timing for me because then, there were a lot of expats 90 | GRADUAN

From ICI, Jamaluddin moved on to Microsoft where he spent a good 15 years further honing his knowledge and expertise in human resources. “I was put in charge of South East Asia, then eventually South Asian countries, and finally APEC countries. In total, I was in charge of 17 countries. While I was based in Singapore, I travelled a lot – to China, Hong Kong, India, Australia. Wherever I went, my family – my wife and five children – came along with me. Mind you, it wasn’t easy to do so but I still took on the challenge and opportunities that were presented to me. Like how when I was sent to China, I didn’t even speak a single word of Mandarin but I still said yes!” In 2011, Jamaluddin decided it was time to return to Malaysia for the sake of his children. “Three of my children were in international school and I felt that they were forgetting their roots. I lived overseas for 19 years. That’s a long time. So I decided to make my way back to Malaysia because I wanted them to know where they came from.” And so with TalentCorp lending him support, Jamaluddin started his career in Malaysia with Khazanah for two years before landing his current position in RHB in September 2013.

What does Jamaluddin make out of his experience working abroad? “I am very glad I took all the opportunities that were given to me. I know for sure that I am a different person because of this – the way I act, the way I do things, the way I think. I am more open minded and able to work with anyone. I was after all managing people from different countries in all my previous positions.” Which is why he is adamant that to go far, one will need to expose themselves to different cultures and be mobile to take up the opportunity to work abroad should there be a chance. “I feel as if the younger generation has fallen into their own comfort zone and are not as open to being mobile. You need to get out to be adaptable and to gain a different sort of experience that will be beneficial,” he says. Citing how he plans to impose this in RHB, Jamaluddin says that mobility will be something that graduates can expect, especially with the bank focusing its businesses outside of Malaysia. “RHB wants to expand 40 per cent of its assets overseas. To do this successfully, our people need to be ready for the challenges that will come their way. We have a lot of graduate schemes to prepare our future leaders but I feel that we need to do better. We need to enhance what we already have in place – groom our people more. I want to focus on ensuring that we have what’s necessary to enhance the way we work in RHB. In terms of mobility, you just have to be ready to go and do your best wherever you are,” he says. Jamaluddin also believes that the organisation needs to know how to recognise talents that are right for them. For him, it’s all about seeing if an individual has the potential not just to perform within their current job scope but that he or she is also able to develop that potential into something more long

term. “I want someone different,” says Jamaluddin when asked what he looks for in a talent. “When I look at someone we are interviewing, I always look for potential. But to correctly identify this potential, we need to refine the ways we access people to see how far they can go.” Jamaluddin says that talent development is key and he hopes to embrace this in RHB. “Let me give you an example of when I was in Microsoft. We had this manager who was pretty young – 24, 25. He was very brilliant and had a lot of potential. We gave him a small subsidiary to manage. Within a few years, he managed to grow the business from 15 million to 100 million! Then, we decided to give him a shot in Australia, where the culture was completely different and unexpected. This guy, he grew the business from 500 million to one billion in just two years! He is a classic example of how when an organisation focuses on developing someone talented, the results can be amazing. We want to do that with RHB, starting from our management associates in our graduate programmes. We want to help them learn and develop so that they can lead us one day,” he concludes.

“I want to focus on ensuring that we have what’s necessary to enhance the way we work in RHB.” GRADUAN | 91

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WORLDLY EXPERIENCE

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CAREER OPPORTUNITY

SECURITIES COMMISSION MALAYSIA:

TWO DECADES OF

REWARDING GROWTH Malaysia’s capital market has FGXGNQRGF UKIPKƂECPVN[ KP VJG RCUV years. Many individuals have passed through the doors of Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) to respond to those developments and grow the nation’s capital market regulator into the respected establishment it is today. SC has evolved to effectively meet the PGGFU QH /CNC[UKCoU ƂPCPEKCN OCTMGV CPF OCR QWV KVU HWVWTG RCVJ DWKNV upon the solid foundation of ideas and effort of its dedicated staff. Three of its members give us a glimpse of what it is like to work within the walls of 3 Persiaran Bukit Kiara.

VANTAGE POINT

#TQP .KGY KU C ITCFWCVG OCPCIGOGPV GZGEWVKXG

)/' EWTTGPVN[ UGTXKPI JKU Ć‚PCN TQVCVKQP KP VJG 5WRGTXKUQT[ CPF 5RGEKCNKUV 4KUM &GRCTVOGPV *G JCU DGGP YKVJ 5% HQT C [GCT CPF PKPG OQPVJU

“I AM CONSTANTLY CHALLENGED TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX TO COME UP WITH CREATIVE SOLUTIONS.�

The Graduate Management Executive

)/' RTQITCOOG RTQXKFGU C WPKSWG opportunity to learn and work in different departments that supervise and monitor different aspects of the capital market. This is a rare opportunity as SC is the only capital market regulator in Malaysia and you cannot gain this experience anywhere else in the country. It requires each GME to go through four rotations in different departments. For my ƂTUV TQVCVKQP + YCU RNCEGF KP VJG .GCTPKPI CPF &GXGNQROGPV 7PKV KP VJG *WOCP Capital Management Department where I assisted in the coordination of SC’s leadership and technical programmes. My next rotation was in the Market Surveillance Department where I was involved in analysing market irregularities and assisting in the development of tools to enhance SC’s surveillance UVTGPIVJ /[ EWTTGPV CPF ƂPCN TQVCVKQP KU KP VJG 5WRGTXKUQT[ CPF 5RGEKCNKUV 4KUM Department, where I am with a team that is working on developing the enhanced risk-focused supervisory framework.

““

I’ve enjoyed the projects that I’ve worked on so far in SC; they are all unique and challenging. There is always something new to learn and explore. I am constantly challenged to think outside the box to come up with creative solutions. I’ve made a lot of friends here and I also get the chance to learn from and work with intellectual minds. Oh, and there’s a gym in the building and parking is free!

KORTQXG O[ 24 UMKNNU 6GEJPKECNN[ +oXG gained a more solid understanding of the capital market, products, and regulations. Also, for someone who has just entered the rat race, it was great to get the chance to sit in or be involved in highlevel discussions and also national and international conferences and forums like the World Capital Markets Symposium.

I was also given the opportunity to liaise with international regulators and capital market service providers, which has helped

A GLOBAL FOCUS

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“YOUNG GRADUATES SHOULD NOT EXPECT TO KNOW EVERYTHING IN THE FIRST FEW YEARS OF WORKING. THE BEST WAY TO LEARN IS ON-THE-JOB TRAINING.â€? My career path has always been towards VJG Ć‚PCPEG KPFWUVT[ CPF ECRKVCN OCTMGV I would say that I found my forte where I am now at SC. If you have decided on the career you want, stick to the plan. Opportunities will come eventually when

you stay focused. For me, one such opportunity was C UGEQPFOGPV VQ VJG 7PKVGF 5VCVGU 5GEWTKVKGU 'ZEJCPIG %QOOKUUKQP 5'% KP + YCU CVVCEJGF YKVJ 5'% C 75 IQXGTPOGPV QHƂEG YJGTG + YCU IKXGP VJG opportunity to participate in the day-today SEC operations. It was a great platform for cultural exchange and I was given the opportunity to share my knowledge when I was asked to participate in a diversity training stint. I was able to educate a department at SEC, on the Malaysian capital market, and the role of SC. I also participated in a dialogue session with German regulators where we exchanged knowledge on investigation powers and the regulatory regimes in our respective countries. That experience and others that I’ve had here in SC have broadened O[ JQTK\QP CPF OCFG OG C DGVVGT RGTUQP professionally and personally. Young graduates should not expect to MPQY GXGT[VJKPI KP VJGKT ƂTUV HGY [GCTU QH working. The best way to learn is on-thejob training. Hence, don’t worry about making mistakes as that is key to learning. Always own up when you make one, and improve from it and that will distinguish you from everyone else. GRADUAN | 95

I have come to hold on to three things that have helped me progress in my career. Firstly, come to work every FC[ TGCF[ VQ DG Ć‚TGF UQ HQEWU QP key deliverables and act on priorities. Secondly, always know more than

your boss, and know your work better than anyone else and be ready to be questioned and challenged. Finally, don’t forget to have a life, which means be focused on what you do but never let work take control of your life.

51.+& )4196* 56410) 41165 SC then had an environment where you had to learn a lot; the learning curve was very, very steep. But we were given a lot of freedom to try new ideas, especially in the department I joined, which was called 2TQFWEV &GXGNQROGPV WPFGT VJG 4GUGCTEJ and Development Division at the time. 1PG QH VJG ƂTUV VJKPIU + YCU VQNF VQ FQ YCU to knock on the commodities exchange’s FQQT YJKEJ YCU CV VJG VKOG VJG -WCNC .WORWT %QOOQFKV[ 'ZEJCPIG CPF ƂPF out what it was all about. I was basically IKXGP CP KPFKXKFWCN RTKXCVG DTKGƂPI HTQO morning until afternoon on exchange and derivatives trading.

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“TODAY, THERE ARE MANY CORPORATE LEADERS WHO WORKED PREVIOUSLY IN SC, AND THEY HAD GOOD AND SOLID TRAINING IN SC.â€? When I heard the SC was about to start, I enquired through my friend who was involved in the project for the sort of people they were looking at to hire. Since they were looking at immediately starting SC by having staff with some experience in the regulatory environment, I thought + Ć‚V VJG DKNN KOOGFKCVGN[ CU + YCU CNTGCF[ working in the regulatory environment. The interim management team agreed and I was hired.

Since then, SC has changed a lot. Firstly, KV JCU ITQYP KP PWODGTU 9JGP YG Ć‚TUV started, we were occupying one and a half ĆƒQQTU KP VJG /KPKUVT[ QH (KPCPEG DWKNFKPI NQECVGF CV ,CNCP &WVC 9G JCF CDQWV VQ RGQRNG YQTMKPI VJGTG PQY YGoTG VCNMKPI about 700 odd staff in our current location. We now have tremendous breadth in terms of our supervisory areas. In the early days, the main focus was stockbroking and exchange. But now if you look at the range of supervisory areas we have and at the number of departments that are in there, there are eight or nine, so many. For young graduates, SC provides many options in terms of career paths, and that is something new entrants should bear in mind. Today, there are many corporate leaders who worked previously in SC before, and they had good and solid training with us. Within SC, there are also quite a number of people who have remained here and they continue to be the backbone of the organisation.

BE A WORLD CLASS REGULATOR The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) gives smart, capable graduates genuine opportunities to build exciting careers in the capital market. If you are a high performing all-rounder interested in growing the Malaysian economy, come join us today. You will gain a wealth of experience on a range of capital market aspects through the SC Graduate Management Executive Programme. Multiple job rotations and varied exposure will nurture your potential and equip you with knowledge and skills as a young regulator.

APPLY ONLINE NOW! GRADUAN | 97 https://careersatsc.seccom.com.my/career/

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Embark on a Meaningful and FulďŹ lling Career

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THINGS WORK BETTER WHEN THEY ARE COMPLETE 98 | GRADUAN

This applies to accountants too. Train to become an ACCA accountant and you will become a complete finance professional – thoroughly trained in all areas of business and finance including strategy and innovation, leadership and management, reporting, professionalism and ethics, taxation and audit. With the ACCA Qualification, you can become a ‘business ready’ finance professional.

Find out more at accaglobal.com/complete The global body for professional accountants

CORPORATE REPORTING

LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

STRATEGY AND INNOVATION

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

TAXATION

AUDIT AND ASSURANCE

GOVERNANCE, RISK AND CONTROL

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

PROFESSIONALISM AND ETHICS

ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) has published a competency framework, highlighting the ten key competencies which business leaders require from aspiring finance professionals. This framework was identified after a survey of more than 500 chief financial officers (CFOs) for ACCA’s report, The complete finance professional 2013: Why breadth and depth of finance matter in today’s finance function, where CFOs candidly revealed the key knowledge and skills that finance professionals must have if they are to succeed in business and their career. The ACCA Qualification comprehensively covers these abilities and behaviours – from performance and financial management and taxation, to Islamic Finance; and the principles of Integrated Reporting – through its exams, practical experience requirement and the ethics module.

Read more about the ACCA Competency Framework online at: competencyframework.accaglobal.com Facebook.com/ACCA.my

Twitter.com/ACCA.my GRADUAN | 99

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ACCA COMPETENCY FRAMEWORK

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

THINK BIG #HĆ‚P $CPM OC[ DG QPG QH VJG UOCNNGT banking groups in the country but that, CEEQTFKPI VQ 0QT 4Q\KVC 0QTFKP %JKGH *WOCP 4GUQWTEG 1HĆ‚EGT QH #HĆ‚P $CPM Berhad, is actually an advantage. “We are hungry for growth and driven to succeed in the banking industry,â€? she explains. Being nimble also means the bank can give due recognition to outstanding talents from all ranks of the organisation. “We acknowledge people who create the difference and they have greater visibility to climb the corporate ladder fast. High-potential performers are always visible to the members of senior management and they are developed to take up leadership roles,â€? she adds. With the fast pace and competitive nature of the industry, and the continuous evolution of products, bankers today need to be resilient, tenacious, detail-oriented, friendly, and service-oriented. “We are constantly on the lookout for bright talents who enjoy meeting people and helping VJGO CEJKGXG VJGKT Ć‚PCPEKCN IQCNU Business acumen and passion for a banking career are vital,â€? she says. In addition, candidates should also be aware of the external environment and how it impacts the banking industry at 100 | GRADUAN

Size does not matter as much >Ăƒ `Ă€ÂˆĂ›i° Ä?vw˜ >˜Ž iÀ…>` is proof that being smaller is no deterrent to remaining competitive as a banking group and an employer of choice.

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NCTIG CPF VJG DCPM URGEKĆ‚ECNN[ JCXG strong interpersonal skills, and are always looking for challenges. “Most importantly, you have to be willing to go the extra mile,â€? she says. Candidates should also demonstrate the necessary leadership qualities and hunger, and must not fear or shun sales and marketing roles. In return, the bank is committed to being a competitive employer of choice, offering attractive remuneration, GORNQ[GG DGPGĆ‚VU CPF FGXGNQROGPV opportunities that are on par with the rest of the industry. On-the-job as well as professional and personal development training are provided to help employees advance and improve. #HĆ‚P $CPM CNUQ DGNKGXGU KP DGKPI C ECTKPI employer. The bank takes care of the well-being of its staff and strongly supports work-life balance. It also believes in giving back to the community through corporate UQEKCN TGURQPUKDKNKV[ RTQLGEVU %54 VJCV involve employee participation. “Our talent development blueprint is geared towards continuous development so as to create a growth pipeline that will sustain and further performance within the organisation and in the KPFWUVT[ q GZRNCKPU 0QT 4Q\KVC 6JGTG CTG

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Re Recently graduated? Looking for a flying start to a successful career in banking? Let sta OCBC Bank help you. OC N\ Xi\ cffb`e^ ]fi gifd`j`e^ le`m\ij`kp ^iX[lXk\j c`b\ N\ pfl kf af`e lj Xk F:9: 9Xeb `e DXcXpj`X Xj 8jjfZ`Xk\j% pfl I`j`e^ jkXij `e k_\ Nfic[Ëj Jkife^\jk 9Xeb# Xj iXeb\[ Yp I`j 9cffdY\i^ DXib\kj `e )'()# ZXe Y\ Xjjli\[ f] gc\ekp f] 9cf fggfikle`k`\j kf c\Xie# [\m\cfg k_\`i jb`ccj Xe[ \oZ\c% fg 8k F:9: 9Xeb# n\ Y\c`\m\ fli ^i\Xk\jk Xjj\k `j fli 8k g\fgc\ Xe[ k_Xk Zflc[ `eZcl[\ pfl Xj n\cc% g\f 8e[ n\Ëcc XcnXpj ^f k_\ \okiX d`c\ kf dXb\ pfl ]\\c 8e mXcl\[ Xj Xe \dgcfp\\ Xe[ Xj gXik f] fli Y`^ ]Xd`cp% mXc :f :fd\ Y\ X gXik f] lj kf[Xp%

You may apply for the following positions: G\ijfeXc 9Xeb\i & G\ijfeXc =`eXeZ`Xc DXeX^\i J\im`Z\ 8dYXjjX[fi# 9iXeZ_ 9Xeb`e^ Dfik^X^\ JXc\j <o\Zlk`m\ @H DXeX^\i :ljkfd\i J\im`Z\ <o\Zlk`m\# :fekXZk :\eki\ Basic Requirements: 8 ^ff[ [\^i\\ fi [`gcfdX `e Xep [`jZ`gc`e\ Jkife^ `ek\ig\ijfeXc Xe[ Zfddle`ZXk`fe jb`cc 8Y`c`kp kf k_i`m\ `e X Z_Xcc\e^`e^ Xe[ i\jlck$[i`m\ fi^Xe`jXk`fe Kf Xggcp# gc\Xj\ m`j`k k_\ :Xi\\ij GX^\ f] fli n\Yj`k\ www.ocbc.com.my/group/careers Fecp j_fikc`jk\[ ZXe[`[Xk\j n`cc Y\ efk`]`\[%

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CONGLOMERATE

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graduan.com/aspire

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CONSULTANCY & PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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CAREER OPPORTUNITY

NO SHORTCUTS to SUCCESS Goh Aik Meng, Accenture Malaysia’s Country Managing Director, shares his journey to the top. D[ 'NCKPG 6CP

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It was a small company, a far cry from Accenture, but Goh contends the learning opportunities were tremendous and helped shape him. “It provided me with fantastic learning and growing experiences. We all had to work hard and learn on the job; many mistakes were made along the way. I learned to work in a team environment and to build close relationships with colleagues, clients, and external partners.â€? The pay cheque was modest but that too became a learning point. Goh says he CESWKTGF RTWFGPV Ć‚PCPEKCN OCPCIGOGPV skills by learning to spend wisely and save. It also gave him a better appreciation of how his parents struggled to raise him and provide him with an education. “Over time, I developed my technical capabilities and experiences to the point where I felt the need to do something different or to go elsewhere to obtain a variety of exposure and opportunities to progress in my professional career,â€? he recalls. With his experiences and skills, he was offered a position as an experienced CPCN[UV CV #EEGPVWTG HQTOGTN[ MPQYP as Arthur Andersen and Andersen %QPUWNVKPI KP p6JKU YCU VJG UVCTV QH C XGT[ HWNĆ‚NNKPI [GCT ECTGGT YKVJ C ITGCV organisation,â€? he says. At Accenture, Goh continued to develop his technical knowledge even as he honed

“At present, I am focused on directing the company VQYCTFU Ć‚PFKPI and developing new talent for Accenture.â€? his management and leadership skills. “I was constantly being challenged to improve through formal training and on-the-job experiences.â€? His roles and responsibilities changed and grew over time. From being an analyst, he rose through the ranks as a consultant, team lead, consulting manager, consulting OCPCIKPI FKTGEVQT #2#% QKN ICU industry director, greater China resources industries’ director, ASEAN resources industries’ director, client account director, and now as the Accenture Malaysia Country Managing Director. One of the most memorable experiences in that time was the seven years he spent in China. “This was the period where China was really opening up and developing, getting ready for the Beijing 1N[ORKEU /[ HCOKN[ CPF + NGCTPGF CPF GZRGTKGPEGF %JKPC Ć‚TUV JCPF YG grew to love it, and it took us a while to get China out from our heads when we TGVWTPGF VQ /CNC[UKC KP q JG TGECNNU Goh credits his success to a lengthy list of factors. “There is no shortcut to success. For me, it’s ensuring clients’ success, a XGT[ UWRRQTVKXG HCOKN[ JCTF YQTM UGK\KPI opportunities when they are presented, caring for the people around me, seeking advice from mentors or coaches, learning from my own and other people’s GRADUAN | 115

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Goh Aik Meng, Country Managing Director of Accenture Malaysia, traces his career path to humble beginnings at a local IT systems integration company. p+ ITCFWCVGF HTQO VJG 7PKXGTUKV[ QH /CPEJGUVGT KP YKVJ C FGITGG KP Bachelor of Science in Computation and returned home immediately to start work. 6JG U YCU C RGTKQF QH GEQPQOKE depression, and I was very fortunate to get the job compared to other graduates YJQ HCEGF FKHĆ‚EWNVKGU QT YGTG GZRNQKVGF q he shares.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

experiences, behaving appropriately, improving my emotional intelligence, and NCUV DWV PQV NGCUV DGKPI JGCNVJ[ CPF Ć‚V VQ stay the course.â€? Although a global organisation, Goh says Accenture plays a big part as a national talent builder. “We are very proud that many successful people in Malaysia are current or former Accenture employees.â€? As Country Managing Director, he takes a personal interest in this area. “At present, I am focused on directing the company towards Ć‚PFKPI CPF FGXGNQRKPI PGY VCNGPV HQT Accenture.â€?

There are several entry points into the organisation. Internships are available for university students while graduate analyst roles are hired from among fresh graduates. The company also takes in people with working experience, as in the case of Goh’s own career path. “We train and nurture our people to be client-centric; to develop their technical or functional core skills; to behave ethically and practise our core values such as stewardship, integrity and respect for the individual; and how to build their management and leadership skills for the long term,� concludes Goh.

“We all had to work hard and learn on the job; many mistakes were made along the way.�

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

More than just numbers KPMG staff discovered more than checks and balances when they were selected for a CSR initiative supervising a bunch of eager school children at a camp by Reef Check Malaysia. KPMGians share about the memorable experience.

“You will be sleeping in tents during the entire camp,” the camp coordinator informed me. That was not what I expected to hear. Clearly it was not what I have envisaged the four days, three nights camp to be. It was 4:45am on 25 May 2013. 12 volunteers from KPMG were gathered at SK Taman Tun Dr Ismail (2) (‘SKTTDI2’) together with 25 students and five teachers from the school and SK Brickfields (1) (‘SKB1’). Thanks to low water conditions in the afternoon, we had to bring forward our plans and departed much earlier to catch the last ferry from Mersing jetty to Tioman Island. We hit the road at 5:15am and the bus and ferry ride was a fairly quiet one. It was still dark then and most of us were sleeping and conserving our energy for 122 | GRADUAN the activities in store. One of the boys

exclaimed excitedly to our volunteers before boarding the bus, “I slept the whole day yesterday so I don’t need to sleep today!” Upon arrival at the Marine Park, there was almost a sudden change in the atmosphere. The excitement was visible in the faces of the adrenaline-charged kids. For most students, it was their first time going for a camp on an island; others were seeing the clear blue waters for the very first time. After lunch, our first task was to set up our own tents within the luscious green compound of the Marine Park. Guided

encouragement and support from Reef Check personnel and KPMG volunteers. In the end, everyone had a great one and a half hour of snorkeling and admiring the beauty of the sea.

Over the next few days, many interesting and fun-filled educational activities were held for the students – from games, video presentations, role plays and colorful worksheets to outdoor activities at the beach and forest nearby. The students were taught the basic concept of ecology, the importance of various ecosystems found on the island and encouraged to be actively involved in conserving the ecosystems.

On the last day of the program, all 25 students were given a pledge card and were challenged to make a commitment to protect the environment. They proudly recited their pledges out loud. Some of the pledges include not consuming turtle eggs and refraining from polluting the sea. Thereafter, the students were presented with a certificate that earned them the title as eco-ambassadors.

I personally enjoyed the visit to the Juara Turtle Sanctuary and the snorkeling session at Renggis Island, which is one of the reefs adopted by KPMG in Malaysia. The fast and bumpy ride on the back of a 4x4 pickup truck to the turtle sanctuary was certainly one of the best takeaways from the camp!

Although we were having a lot of fun during the entire camp, some kids were already missing home and could not wait to go home to share their experiences with their families and friends.

The students were excited getting into the sea to explore the coral reefs first hand. But some were held back by fear and needed

I believe the students, teachers and volunteers had as much fun as I did. We walked away from this camp enriched with a deeper knowledge and lasting appreciation for the fragile environment of our oceans.

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by the Reef Check Malaysia’s personnel, the students and volunteers worked hand in hand to put up 10 tents in 30 minutes. I would say that was quite an accomplishment for us city dwellers!

MOVERS & SHAKERS

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What other volunteers have to share

“This paradise is where you can toss your make up, title and designation out the window. I’ll always remember the laughter when some volunteers tried to ‘book’ a bed or when we rode through the mountain roads at the back of a truck. And the fun we had with the kids: The crystal clear sea; colourful fishes; gorgeous coral garden at Renggis Reef; rocky boat ride; fresh doughnuts; Jo, the happy blind turtle; the fat-burning session hiking up the hill next to the Marine Park; lazing the night away on the beach; chatting under the stars after the children have gone to bed, and more. It was simply extraordinary.” – Gabrielle Lee, Corporate Citizenship

“Playing a part in instilling awareness in those adorable kids about the environment is such a gratifying experience. Besides, it was a blast’’ – Yasminsoraya Othman, Audit P

“Coral Reef Camp 2013 was truly breathtaking – in every sense of the word. Snorkelling amidst Tioman’s magnificent coral reef, stroking a green turtle and cruising on the back of a pick-up on a bumpy nature ride were all memorable experiences that took my breath away. However, nothing can compare to the shortness of breath caused by laughing and frolicking with the kids. Until today, I cannot help but smile whenever our war cry of “Go Go Go, Fatty Crab, Fatty Crab!” crosses my mind.’’ – Florence Tan, SIG

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“Although handling kids was not easy, the sound of their voices puts a smile on my face and in my heart each day. An experience that I will carry in my heart, forever.’’ – Diyana Samad, Audit P

“I had a wonderful time with the kids throughout the four days! I was inspired by their effort to learn more about environment conservation and impressed by their extensive knowledge about marine life given their young age. KPMG Malaysia in collaboration with Reef Check Malaysia did an amazing job conducting this camp.” – Wong Li Ting, SIG

“This CSR trip has been a journey of never ending laughter and learning together about how to save mother earth. We rode on the back of a 4x4 truck on a bumpy mountain trip; peeked into the turtle sanctuary where happy ‘‘Jo’’ lives; snorkelled at Renggis Reef, home to beautiful corals and many fishes. What makes it even more special is that the two girls who are afraid of the deep sea and could not swim successfully learned to float and snorkelled after the water confidence session. Despite our busy schedule during the camp, we still managed to lounge under the full moon and night skies filled with stars, watched a shooting star while we shared our stories about the camp and got to know more about our KPMG team members and Reef Check friends. The memories and friendships made will forever be a very special memory to me.” – Chan Wei Suet, PPC GRADUAN | 125

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LAUNCH YOUR CAREER

WITH MALAYSIA’S

PIONEER ISLAMIC ISLAM L IC BA BANK

Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, has set a vision to be a Global Leader in Islamic Banking. In fulfilling our aspiration to be the Employer of Choice, Bank Islam provides a platform for developing Islamic banking professionals and specialists. Aligned with our mission to identify and groom future talents and leaders, the Bank has initiated a special programme - “YOUNG LEADERS PROGRAMME” – a fast–tracked developmental programme which serves as a catalyst for training young professionals at an early juncture of their careers.

THE PROGRAMME:

OUR REQUIREMENTS:

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Fresh graduates First Class Bachelors (any fields) with minimum CGPA of 3.70 or ACCA/ CIFP / CFA / CPA holders from a well-recognised university (local / overseas).

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Individuals who demonstrate strong leadership qualities especially those with active participation in leadership roles in school, university or within a community.

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Bank Islam’s Young Leaders Programme calls for high performing fresh graduates who are willing to take on challenges with learning as the reward. This programme provides learning and development opportunities that will fully optimise your potential and fulfil your career aspirations. During the 1-year developmental programme, young leaders will undertake a specific project with key deliverables and be assigned to a project supervisor who will guide and enhance your learning experience. Additionally, you will get to participate in a series of formal classroom trainings, structured job rotations and stretched assignments across different business segments.

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Individuals who have excellent communication skills (verbal and written) in both English and Bahasa Malaysia. An added language is an advantage.

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Individuals who possess above-par analytical skills, creativity and other personal strengths.

Selected fresh graduates under this programme will be remunerated with a salary of RM4,000.00 monthly.

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Malaysian citizens.

03-26 900 900 www.bankislam.com.my

MOVERS & SHAKERS

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

Iska Hashim, a Senior Creative Director at Leo Burnett, takes us into the glamorous world of advertising.

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5614;6'..'45 We meet with Iska Hashim, a Senior %TGCVKXG &KTGEVQT CV .GQ $WTPGVV YJQ tells us that advertising, at the heart of it, “is about telling brand stories through human lens.â€? He encourages those who have an interest in wanting to tell stories, be it through the medium of writing or images, to consider this path. Advertising as a career, according to Iska, who has worked on award-winning Petronas festive ads with the legendary Ć‚NOOCMGT ;CUOKP #JOCF pIKXGU [QW freedom, within limits, to do what you want to connect with people.â€? He goes on to explain that the canvas is unlimited because advertising campaigns travel the world, so the KORCEV KU PQV EQPĆ‚PGF VQ LWUV QWT NQECN scene. Moreover, “games, apps, and all that stuff can be part of advertising and communications.â€? Hence, for writers and would-be storytellers, “This is a great industry to be part of,â€? says Iska. A case KP RQKPV KU .GQ $WTPGVVoU TGEGPV 5COUWPI )CNCZ[ 5 CFXGTVKUGOGPVU YJKEJ HWUGF a Malaysian-themed love story with 130 | GRADUAN

-QTGCP UV[NG FTCOC TGNGCUGF CU C series of YouTube videos. The intended audience were the Millennial and Generation-Y crowd so it was a pleasant surprise that the ads also struck a chord with the older population. Iska’s own foray into advertising came D[ YC[ QH JKU KPVGTGUV KP Ć‚NOOCMKPI C Ć‚GNF JKU RCTGPVU YGTG PQV VQQ MGGP HQT him to pursue because it was not seen CU C ECTGGT VJCV YQWNF RTQXKFG Ć‚PCPEKCN stability. As the story goes, a neighbour got into advertising, and this opened up possibilities for Iska because of the Ć‚NOOCMKPI KPXQNXGF CPF VJG QRRQTVWPKV[ VQ UJCRG UVQTKGU 7RQP ITCFWCVKPI YKVJ a mass communications degree, he entered the world of advertising and has stayed on till today, still deriving satisfaction working with each project and the changing technological landscape. “The best thing is when non-advertising people talk about our work, from Petronas to McDonald’s to Samsung.

About the work and how it touches lives, and how we become part of the conversation,” says Iska of why he loves his job. Iska relates that in the past, roles were strictly defined and background training was specific to a particular department. There was little lateral movement between departments, therefore an “art person would go into art direction and a brand person would stay as such,” he explains. These days, the roles are more varied because there are many different types of artists, from designers to programmers and techno-geeks, who want to tell a story. Indeed, even producers and management people are encouraged to share stories at Leo Burnett. The purpose of this practice of getting everyone involved is to foster ownership on the entire brand. The kind of creative individuals they are looking for at Leo Burnett should possess a variety of interests and demonstrate a certain level of thinking. Good writing and artwork can help with getting one foot in the door but unique interests and a different point of view can help set someone apart from next person who walks in through the door. Hence, besides graphic designers and mass communication graduates, there are those who come from more academic backgrounds, such as law, who have

According to Iska, a new recruit at Leo Burnett can expect to be thrown into the deep end in the first couple of months because “the best training ground is through being in meetings and brainstorming.” However, the agency will invest in those identified to have potential to expand by sending them for skill improvement courses, training programmes, and writing workshops. Additionally, individuals who have a talent for strategic thinking in the business sense can move to brand management and be involved in business planning. Iska firmly believes that what sets Leo Burnett apart from the other advertising agencies comes down to their approach. “Our Leo Burnett ‘HumanKind philosophy’. It doesn’t mean we have to do charitable things but we look at all brands as if they are human, and each brand has to have a human purpose. We practise that in how we develop ideas and work as a team. It’s still about the people, and how we work together, how we feed off each other, and keep things real and authentic,” he concludes.

“The kind of creative individuals they are looking for at Leo Burnett should possess a variety of interests and demonstrate a certain level of thinking.”

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“These days, the roles are more varied because there are many different types of artists, from designers to programmers and techno-geeks, who want to tell a story.”

found their niche in advertising, Iska tells us. He explains that there is currently a strong need for writing talents in this industry, not just English, but also other languages. The advertising industry can be financially rewarding for those who enjoy creative writing and have a good command of language, he adds.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

EDUCATION

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ENGINEERING

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

ONE STEP AHEAD With well-grounded business sense, good management skills and attuned to the needs of employers and customers alike, Sarena Cheah proves she has made it to the top on merit and hard work rather than a famous family name.

“Building from the ground upâ€? is an adage Sarena Cheah, Sunway Group’s managing director of group strategy and corporate development, and joint managing director of the property development division for Malaysia and 5KPICRQTG Ć‚TON[ DGNKGXGU KP After completing a 2+1 twinning programme YKVJ VJG 7PKXGTUKV[ QH 9GUVGTP #WUVTCNKC VJTQWIJ the then newly established Sunway College

WRITCFGF VQ HWNN WPKXGTUKV[ UVCVWU KP /CTEJ and graduating with a degree in Accounting, Sarena joined the group out of university and has been working her way up through the ranks in various positions to learn the ropes. p+P O[ HCVJGT 6CP 5TK &CVQo 5GTK ,GHHTG[ Cheah started Sunway, then known as Sungei 9C[ )TQWR CU C UOCNN VKP OKPKPI EQORCP[ 7PFGT his visionary leadership, Sunway has become one of Malaysia’s most recognisable brands, with established leadership through 12 KPFWUVTKGU KP NQECVKQPU YQTNFYKFG + am very proud of what my father has achieved over VJG NCUV [GCTU In fact, he is my idol. My father always stressed that we should focus on the goal, and work hard and smart to achieve it. He encourages us to test the limits and not be afraid of failure because from failure comes learning,� she shares. When asked to elaborate on how Sunway is able to

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compete so successfully in an ever increasingly competitive industry, Sarena says, “Our business model ‘build-own-manage’ is a manifestation of our culture of purpose, a timeless commitment to our stakeholder universe that we will continue to serve this purpose not just in the long-run, but also as co-investors in our communities. For example, Sunway Group is the largest asset QYPGT CPF EQ KPXGUVQT QH QWT ĆƒCIUJKR VQYPUJKR VJG CETG 5WPYC[ 4GUQTV %KV[ 0QV QPN[ FQGU our re-investing in the development ensure value appreciation for investors, but we are able to solidify our relationship with customers alike. When our communities are assured of sustainable growth alongside with us, we believe we are able VQ ICTPGT RWDNKE EQPĆ‚FGPEG GXGP KP VJG ECUG QH our future offerings.â€? /CPCIKPI C NCTIG CPF FKXGTUKĆ‚GF )TQWR KU however, not an easy task. Whilst contemplating C 4/ DKNNKQP XGPVWTG KPVQ VJG CETGU Iskandar Development area, Sarena shares that starting the new township comes with its own set of challenges. However, she believes with guided wisdom from the past, and the passion and enthusiasm for the future, even a seemingly impossible task can be made possible. 6JG SWCNKĆ‚GF CEEQWPVCPV HWTVJGT CFFU “Sunway has encountered bigger challenges in the past. For example, FWTKPI VJG Ć‚PCPEKCN ETKUKU YJKNUV other property players were falling by the wayside, our senior management pulled together and chartered a course to safety. As we have always taken a balanced approach to development and weighed the risks with the DGPGĆ‚VU VJGTG YCU UWHĆ‚EKGPV buffer to weather the storm. With the

“We are of course, ever mindful of the impact of development on society and natural resources. At Sunway, we strongly believe in doing business with a heart and we are committed to building sustainable communities to enrich the lives of the communities we serve. For example, YG TGJCDKNKVCVGF 5WPYC[ 4GUQTV %KV[ HTQO abandoned tin-mine and transformed it into C DWUVNKPI CPF XKCDNG VQYPUJKR 7R 0QTVJ KP Sunway City Ipoh, our goal was to conserve and preserve mother nature. For our next township in Iskandar, we are planning lots of space, nature and conservation activities to showcase nature, and education people about the importance of nature,� she says. The Group’s business philosophy of sustainable and responsible development cuts across all 12 business divisions, which include property, hospitality, retail, leisure, construction, trading and manufacturing, quarry, building materials, EQOOGTEKCN JGCNVJECTG GFWECVKQP CPF 4'+6

TGCN GUVCVG KPXGUVOGPV VTWUV 5WPYC[oU FKXGTUG portfolio also lends itself to many opportunities HQT VJG ECTGGT OKPFGF +P CFFKVKQP VQ VJG ĆƒGZKDKNKV[ to transfer across the said 12 industries under the company’s Employee Transfer Policy, annual talent reviews are also conducted to identify employees’ potential to ensure they receive adequate support for career progression. Sarena’s own career path illustrates this point well. Over the years, she has held the position of sales and marketing general manager in the property development division, director of strategy and corporate development, and executive director of group strategy and corporate development. (QNNQYKPI C UVKPV KP VJG EQTRQTCVG Ć‚PCPEG FKXKUKQP she took a sabbatical to complete her MBA at /GNDQWTPG $WUKPGUU 5EJQQN .QQMKPI DCEM 5CTGPC CEMPQYNGFIGU VJCV KP EQORCTKUQP VQ YJGP UJG Ć‚TUV UVCTVGF QWV VQFC[oU XQNCVKNG GEQPQO[ CPF Ć‚PCPEKCN EQPFKVKQPU OC[ RQUG WPRTGEGFGPVGF FKHĆ‚EWNVKGU HQT fresh graduates, especially young women. “We are conscientious in ensuring working

mothers are provided with relevant and appropriate support. In addition to building a childcare centre to ensure employees’ peace of mind, I am pleased to share Sunway has also implemented a dedicated mother’s room and designated car parking spaces for expectant ladies. p/QTG TGEGPVN[ YG JCXG TQNNGF QWV ĆƒGZKDNG YQTM arrangement for working mothers to support their commitment to family obligation, and provide PGY OQVJGTU YKVJ VJG QRVKQP QH CP GZVGPFGF FC[U OCVGTPKV[ NGCXG QP VQR QH VJG UVCVWVQT[ days. Fathers are not forgotten as they too can apply for paternity leave.â€? 5VCHH DGPGĆ‚VU CUKFG 5CTGPC EQPEGFGU VJCV YQTM culture also play an equally important role in attracting the best talents from top universities, and inherently, in motivating and inspiring employees to strive and deliver beyond. “We believe that having a positive attitude toward work encourages the mind and body to be creative and productive. We have what we term a ‘human-centric’ approach with the payoff being an enriching experience for all who work here. Many prospective employees are attracted by our work culture and we have used this to lure exceptionally talented individuals from the top universities in the world to join us. There are of course, many trials in working NKHG 9JKNG C RCRGT SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQP OC[ KPFKECVG you have the intelligence and discipline to be considered for a job, more importantly, one should demonstrate ambition, a positive attitude, as well as a willingness to learn and work as a team. The key thing is to have focus on the goal, and work hard and smart to achieve that goal,â€? notes Sarena. With a fond glance at the sprawling township ENGCTN[ XKUKDNG HTQO JGT QHĆ‚EG YKPFQY 5CTGPC adds, “We are fortunate to have the talent and experience of our senior management to draw on. We always work as a team to strategise and implement the correct course of action. Most importantly, we are never intimidated by the possibility of failure. If we don’t get the best outcome, we chalk it up to experience and move on.â€? GRADUAN | 141

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knowledge learned from such experiences, going KPVQ +UMCPFCT OGCPU YG CTG CDNG VQ Ć‚PGVWPG QWT phases of development and ensure we have an optimal solution.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

6JG ,GHHTG[ %JGCJ (QWPFCVKQP 0WTVWTKPI VJG UGGFU QH YKUFQO by Steve de Souza 6CP 5TK &CVQo 5GTK &T ,GHHTG[ %JGCJ #1 founder and Chairman of the Sunway Group, is a social entrepreneur and philanthropist YJQ Ć‚TON[ DGNKGXGU VJCV GFWECVKQP JCU VJG power to change the world.

ownership of the Sunway Education Group, comprising of 12 institutions, was placed under the Foundation.

+P JG JCF UGV WR VJG 5WPYC[ 'FWECVKQP Trust to assist underserved students, RCTVKEWNCTN[ VJQUG YJQ CTG Ć‚PCPEKCNN[ disadvantaged, to achieve their academic ambitions.

With an estimated market capitalisation of 4/ OKNNKQP YJKEJ EQORTKUG QH 4/ OKNNKQP KP CUUGVU CPF 4/ OKNNKQP KP VJG form of a personal donation from Tan Sri ,GHHTG[ %JGCJ VJG (QWPFCVKQP JCU VQ FCVG FKUDWTUGF QXGT 4/ OKNNKQP UEJQNCTUJKRU VQ RQUKVKXGN[ KORCEV VJG NKXGU QH UVWFGPVU

He later revised the framework of the Trust CPF TGRNCEGF KV YKVJ VJG ,GHHGT[ %JGCJ Foundation to ensure that the generations to EQOG YKNN DGPGĆ‚V HTQO VJG VTWUV 6JG GPVKTG

The Foundation is an independent, not HQT RTQĆ‚V GPVKV[ JGCFGF WR D[ *KU 4Q[CN Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj, the Sultan of Selangor, as Patron. It is

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currently the single largest social enterprise in the country. It is administered by a Board of Trustees, which comprises corporate, academic and thought leaders of Malaysia. These include YAM Tunku Zain #N n#DKFKP KDPK 6WPMW /WJTK\ Founding President of the Institute of Democracy and 'EQPQOKE #HHCKTU +&'#5 ;$JF &CVWM 5GTK 4C\OCP / *CUJKO Executive Deputy Chairman of Sunway Group; Ybhg Tan 5TK &CVQo &T 4 8 0CXCTCVPCO Corporate Advisor of Sunway Group and Director of the Asian Strategy and .GCFGTUJKR +PUVKVWVG #5.+ ;$JI 6CP 5TK &CVWM 5GTK .GG .CO 6J[G %JCKTOCP QH VJG 0CVKQPCN +PUVKVWVG QH 1EEWRCVKQPCN 5CHGV[ *GCNVJ WPFGT VJG /KPKUVT[ QH *WOCP 4GUQWTEGU ;$JI 6CP 5TK 4CKPGT #NVJQHH HQTOGT 2TGUKFGPV CPF %'1 QH 5KGOGPU /CNC[UKC 2TQHGUUQT 4KEJCTF )TCGOG .CTMKPU #1 HQTOGT 8KEG %JCPEGNNQT CPF 2TGUKFGPV QH /QPCUJ 7PKXGTUKV[ ;$JI 6CP 5TK &CVQo &T .KP 5GG ;CP OGODGT KP VJG Prime Minister’s National Innovation Council and Economic Action Council Working Group Economic Advisor; and Professor Wang )WPIYW 7PKXGTUKV[ 2TQHGUUQT CV VJG 0CVKQPCN 7PKXGTUKV[ QH 5KPICRQTG 075 2TQƂVU CPF UWTRNWUGU HTQO VJG EQORQPGPV institutions are retained for provision of scholarships, capacity and infrastructural ITQYVJ CPF GFWECVKQPCN CFXCPEGOGPV .CUV [GCT VJG ,GHHTG[ %JGCJ (QWPFCVKQP UGV two records at its annual Scholarships and #YCTFU %GTGOQP[ ƂTUV YKVJ KVU JKIJGUV XCNWG QH UEJQNCTUJKRU CYCTFGF YKVJ CV 4/ OKNNKQP VQ UVWFGPVU CPF UGEQPF HQT UGPFKPI KVU ƂTUV UEJQNCT VQ VJG RTGUVKIKQWU 7PKXGTUKV[ QH %CODTKFIG Full scholarships are given to gifted students enrolled in the various schools within Sunway Education Group. They cover most of the key disciplines in the arts,

sciences and commerce, and are offered for diploma level courses up to postgraduate level. Awards are subject to eligibility criteria including family income levels, academic SWCNKƂECVKQPU CPF QVJGTU The Foundation also makes cash donations to public and private schools as well as partners with famed global universities like *CTXCTF 7PKXGTUKV[ VQ CFXCPEG GFWECVKQPCN standards in Asia and in Asian-centric studies. 6JG EQPVTKDWVKQP VQ *CTXCTF 7PKXGTUKV[ HQT GZCORNG GUVCDNKUJGU VJG ,GHHTG[ %JGCJ Funds for South-East Asia Studies. It is envision that the Funds will advance teaching and research focused on South-East Asia, while further elevating Sunway Education Group as the hub for South-East Asia studies in Malaysia and the region. The Foundation has won high praise for its contribution to nation building, as well as for its commitment to giving back to society by contributing to quality education and research in the region. It has even prompted the former Prime Minister Tun /CJCVJKT /QJCOCF VQ UC[ p,GHHGT[ %JGCJ Foundation is a sterling example of how private institutions can lead the way for millions of talented young Malaysians who can transform the country to the high-income nation that it is destined to be.� GRADUAN | 143

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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144 | GRADUAN

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

“We will be the leading global industrial gases and engineering group, admired for our people who provide innovative solutions that make a difference to the world”. TO APPLY OR LEARN MORE ABOUT CAREER OPORTUNITIES AT LINDE, ADDRESS: LINDE MALAYSIA SDN BHD (100783W) Human Resource Department, No.13, Jalan 222 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. Tel: +603-7955 4233 Fax: +603-7954 4603 www.linde.com.my www.linde.com

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A Bright Future Project engineers, particularly in the oil and gas sector, are highly in demand according to two young engineers at Malaysia Marine and Heavy Engineering Holdings Berhad. D[ 'NCKPG 6CP

/CNC[UKC /CTKPG CPF *GCX[ 'PIKPGGTKPI *QNFKPIU $GTJCF /*$ KU C NGCFKPI OCTKPG and heavy engineering services provider in Malaysia, focused primarily on the oil and gas sector. It offers a wide spectrum of offshore construction, offshore conversion, and OCTKPG TGRCKT UGTXKEGU CV VYQ [CTFU KP 2CUKT )WFCPI ,QJQT 1XGT VJG URCP QH [GCTU /*$ JCU ITQYP VQ DGEQOG C NGCFGT KP VJG KPFWUVT[ YKVJ C track record of delivering integrated and complex services, including deepwater oil and gas support services, to local and international oil and gas clients. It is also recognised HQT KVU GZRGTVKUG KP .0) ECTTKGT TGRCKT CPF FT[ FQEMKPI CPF CU C QPG UVQR EGPVTG HQT marine conversion. Human capital is considered the company’s most important asset. With a staff force of KV JCU C JKIJ RGTHQTOKPI KPVGTPCN VCNGPV RQQN VJCV JCU CNNQYGF /*$ VQ RQUKVKQP KVUGNH strategically among the top global players in the offshore and marine services industry. )4#&7#0Ž talks to two project engineers from the ranks of the company about life in the oil and gas sector. experience and knowledge here. I started as a procurement executive and then moved to the project management development programme. After that, I moved through the TCPMU CU CP CUUKUVCPV RTQLGEV GPIKPGGT RKRKPI engineer, then electrical and instrumention engineer followed by structural and CTEJKVGEVWTCN GPIKPGGT CUUKUVCPV RTQLGEV engineer before being promoted to my current position in 2012. -JCKTWN #TKHƂP $KP /QJCOCFKC CP GNGEVTKECN engineering graduate, has been with MHB for eight years. Starting his career with VJG EQORCP[ KP CU C RTQEWTGOGPV executive, he is a project engineer today. How did your career develop at MHB? /*$ KU VJG ƂTUV EQORCP[ + YQTMGF YKVJ upon graduation. I’ve gained so much 146 | GRADUAN

I have had the opportunity to be involved in seven different projects, including the HCDTKECVKQP QH VQRUKFGU VWTTGVU CPF 2.3 for construction and offshore work. I have been given a hands-on exposure in the Ć‚GNF QH RTQEWTGOGPV RNCPPKPI EQUVKPI and construction covering all project management aspect.

What does it take to succeed in this industry? Success has come as a result of being surrounded by many dedicated people at the early stage of my career – from my project manager and project engineers to peers and subordinates. People here are always helping each other, which makes the learning process more interesting despite the challenges. The exposure has been invaluable in terms of

building up my technical knowledge and management capabilities. What are the challenges a young engineer might face? Expect constant change. I’ve always been given new tasks with each new project. You need to learn and adapt quickly. You need to keep in mind the objectives for what you are doing. Do not sweep problems under the rug; face it and seek help if necessary. What advice would you give to young engineers? Always treasure the learning opportunities, which are not restricted to good experiences only but also challenging ones. Try to learn from anyone along the way. -PQY YJCV [QW YCPV VQ CEJKGXG 5GV [QWT IQCNU CV VJG UVCTV CPF UVC[ QP EQWTUG -GGR improving and adding your knowledge.

HCDTKECVQT +V KU C VQWIJ Ć‚GNF DWV + JCXG PQ TGITGVU + JCXG ITQYP UQ OWEJ UKPEG + Ć‚TUV joined the company.

A project engineer at MHB, Nursarah Binti #JOCF 4CCKDK JCU DGGP KP VJG EQORCP[ HQT six years. She holds a degree in quantity surveying. How did you join this industry? I could never have imagined myself taking up this career earlier on. But when I graduated, I did some serious thinking CDQWV YJKEJ Ć‚GNF + TGCNN[ YCPVGF VQ XGPVWTG into. It so happens a friend who was YQTMKPI KP VJG 1 ) UGEVQT VQNF OG VJCV VJKU Ć‚GNF QHHGTU OCP[ RQUUKDKNKVKGU + LQKPGF MHB because it is an established national

What is it like to work in this sector? I have had the privilege to join a couple of extraordinary programmes, all of which expanded my skills, knowledge, and competencies. For instance, the Project Management Development Program

2/&2 TQVCVGF OG VQ XCTKQWU FGRCTVOGPVU and disciplines, thus allowing me to better understand each and every function. The cross training programme gave me the opportunity to work in Australia for a year, after which I could share best practices and knowledge with my colleagues. What advice would you give to young engineers? Success is not measured so much by the position that one has reached in life, but by the obstacles which he or she has had to overcome while trying to succeed. So, make mistakes, learn from them, and do better. Always try to challenge yourself and never quench your thirst for knowledge. Be curious. GRADUAN | 147

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Why did you start out with MHB? MHB is the largest oil and gas construction yard in Malaysia. On that reputation alone, it would attract anyone to work for the company. But beyond that, MHB provides a very good platform to build expertise in QKN CPF ICU EQPUVTWEVKQP Ć‚GNF (WTVJGTOQTG the company offers career growth prospects for those who seek for it.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Enriching Communities

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

IN THE BUSINESS OF

ENERGY With its rapid expansion as Malaysia’s biggest Independent Power Producers (IPP), Malakoff Corporation Berhad is leading the way in the power sector. What does this mean for young graduates? That this company is the place to be for a successful career. By Mel Sim

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rom a plantation-based company to becoming the leading Independent Power Producer (IPP) in Malaysia – this is the story behind Malakoff Corporation Berhad, a company that was incorporated in 1975. Today, Malakoff is the largest IPP in Malaysia, based on an effective power generation capacity of approximately 5,020 MW, representing 22.5 per cent of Peninsular Malaysia’s total installed capacity. As a multinational water and power company, Malakoff is also engaged in the independent water production and power generation business in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with an effective water production capacity of approximately 358,550m3 of water per day and effective power generation capacity of approximately 480 MW. “We are in an industry that is growing,” says À° ` >wâ LÀ> ] > >}iÀ] "½Ã "vwVi° ºčà Üi ëi> ] Ì i `i > ` v À energy and water continues to grow.” The company went for corporate restructuring and shifted its operation from the plantation business into the power business in 1993. Between 1993 and 2006, the company had developed and commenced operation in the following power plants in Peninsular Malaysia: the SEV Power Plant (1996), the GB3 Power Plant (2001), the Prai Power Plant (2003) and the Tanjung Bin Power Plant (2006). In building its critical mass, the company has also pursued a Õ LiÀ v }Àii wi ` > ` LÀ Ü wi ` projects both in local and international front. Malaysia is not the only country where Malakoff operates out of. “We >Ûi LÕà iÃà č }iÀ >] " > ] > À> ] Kuwait, and Saudi,” says Mohamad Fardaus Rahmat, Manager, Human Resources, Corporate Services Division. “So really, there are opportunites for young graduates in terms of international placement.” ->Þà >wâ] º/ i iV V }À ÜÌ

and pace of a country’s development correlate with the amount of electricity consumed. As a country develops, more electricity would be required for new residential and commercial property developments, industrial activities as well as public amenities. With Malaysia’s Gross Domestic Product (GNP) expected to grow at 4.9 per cent per year between 2011 and 2017, as forecast by the International Monetary Fund, the electricity supply industry will need to plan and make its move in meeting this anticipated increase in electricity consumption in the coming years. This will chart the way for «À Ûi` ivwV i VÞ] iÜ ÌiV }Þ] and incentives for renewable projects. It will also create new job opportunities as ` ÛiÀà wi` iÝ«iÀÌ Ãi >Ài iViÃÃ>ÀÞ Ü in designing, building and optimising the operation of existing and future power plants, including the growing trend in renewable energy development in Malaysia.” BEHIND THE POWER SCENE What exactly is the nature of the LÕà iÃà i iÀ}Þ¶ čVV À` } Ì >wâ] the opportunities are endless. “We conduct our business mainly through our operating subsidiaries, associates and our jointly controlled entity. We are engaged in the following six primary areas of business: Independent power generation business in Malaysia, independent water production and power generation business outside of Malaysia, operations and maintenance business for power plants and water plants, electricity and chilled water distribution business, project management business, primarily plant design review and construction monitoring for our own power plant projects and development of renewable energy projects.” However, the company does focus on hiring mainly for the operations GRADUAN | 155

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“The Malakoff Academy of Excellence (MAX) where inhouse trainings are offered and organised for staff, ranging from technical to soft skills training modules.”

maintenance division, and engineering graduates are encouraged to apply. “From there, you will develop your engineering fundamentals when exposed to plant operations or when given technical assignments and over the years, further develop your technical competency and leadership skills as you V L Ì i V>ÀiiÀ >``iÀ]» Ã>Þà >wâ° He also stresses though that graduates Ü Ì > w > Vi] >Ü > ` Õ > Àià ÕÀVi background should also apply if they are interested in the company as there are also jobs that require these functional expertise within Malakoff. To ensure it gets the best talents in the pool, Malakoff has in place an 156 1 56 | G 56 GRADUAN RA DUA AN

engineering and executive development programme, which provides intensive and focused training. The programme – which lasts from 18 to 24 months – will provide the necessary exposure to the business at hand. Not only will hires get the proper training, they will also be rotated within the business, getting onthe-job training that is necessary. “We take in about 20 to 40 fresh graduates every year for this programme,” says Fardaus. “We mostly visit career fairs, put out adverts in the newspapers where we receive up to 300 applicants each time. We then narrow this down via interviews, assessments and even more interviews as well as aptitude test.”

permanent assignment based on your skills as well as what is needed. Then there could be promotions three to four years later”.

As alumni of the programme, both >À`>Õà > ` >wâ Û ÕV Ì >Ì opportunities await for those who seek a career with Malakoff. In fact, >À`>Õà > ` >wâ Ì i Ãi Ûià >Ài the longest working staff based from the programme when it was wÀÃÌ « i i Ìi`] >Û } Lii Ü Ì the company right for 10 years now! “Career moves are also available here at Malakoff,” says Fardaus. “It really depends on the individual to work hard for the promotion as well as the opportunities at the moment. We are given the right responsibilities to progress. Upon graduation of the programme, which takes about two to three years, you will then get a

" Ì « v Ì i `iÛi « i Ì «À }À> i] Malakoff also offers scholarships to deserving graduates. Currently, the company offers students of Uniten, UTP and UTM non-bonded scholarships, as well as overseas students (though this is bonded). Existing employees are not forgotten either in terms of career > ` «iÀÃ > `iÛi « i Ì° ->ÞÃ >wâ] “Malakoff does education assistance programmes for its staff where they can enroll for courses that are related to their job functions and responsibilities. It has to be relevant to the industry but the option is there for them. As part of continuous development of its staff, the company has a dedicated facility called the Malakoff Academy of Excellence (MAX) where in-house trainings are offered and organised for staff, ranging from technical to soft skills training modules.” GRADUAN GRA G RA R A DUA D UA DU U A N | 15 157 57 5 7

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“Take this opportunity to learn as much as you can while you are still young. Put in all your effort to learning, especially from the experienced people.”

A NEW GENERATION OF TALENTS Having been in the industry for a decade, Ü >Ì ` >À`>Õà > ` >wâ Ì v the current talent that come their way. / i À Õ wi` > ÃÜiÀ¶ º vviÀi Ì°» ->Þà Fardaus, “They have different requests now, where of course salary is important. We try to make it as comparable as possible by looking at what our competitors are offering.” With this in mind, Fardaus advises young graduates to look beyond the ringgit and sen. “You should take this opportunity to learn as much as you can while you are still young. Put in all your effort to learning, especially from the experienced people. 158 | GRADUAN

At Malakoff, you will have the access to all these individuals so take advantage of Ì >Ì°» >wâ] Ì i Ì iÀ > `] Li iÛià that passion should always come into play. “Look for something that is of your interest; don’t just focus on the salary. In order to achieve greater heights in any organisation or career, you need to make sure you know what you want to do and then only will you able to make full use of the opportunities around you. At the early stage of one’s career, learn Ì LÀ >`i Þ ÕÀ À â > ` > Ü>Þà Li relentless and proactive in acquiring as much knowledge and experience as possible,” he concludes.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

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OF TEA *#8' # %72

Bryan Loo got Malaysians addicted to tea and pearls when he started Chatime Malaysia. He shares his bold journey in entrepreneurship. D[ ;GQJ 'G .GPI Chatime Malaysia is the story of how a young man boldly set out to pursue his dream to become an entrepreneur, with guts, passion and creativity. Along the way, he encountered setbacks but he persevered till success was at hand. Not one to rest on his laurels, he continues to grow the business from strength to strength with the support of family and friends. Perhaps this is not such an unusual story, DWV VJCV $T[CP .QQ VJG /CPCIKPI &KTGEVQT QH .QQD *QNFKPI 5FP $JF JQNFKPI company of Chatime Malaysia, achieved so much success in his 20s and within C HGY UJQTV [GCTU QH UGVVKPI WR VJG Ć‚TUV %JCVKOG MKQUM CV 2CXKNKQP -. KU KORTGUUKXG When asked what it takes to be an GPVTGRTGPGWT .QQ UC[U KV JCU VQ FQ with “thinking bold, boldly going, and not thinking too much!â€? He strongly believes that too much experience and education result in scepticism, and hold entrepreneurship back. He doubts that he would have ventured into business if he had approached the Chatime business plan with a consulting background because “the cost of setting up a tiny MKQUM CV 2CXKNKQP -. KU PQV LWUVKĆ‚CDNG q Subsequently, when he started Chatime, he received many demoralising comments 160 | GRADUAN

such as “the bubble tea fad has passedâ€? and that it would have been better to set up a stall at the pasar malam for a fraction of the cost of a mall kiosk. 7NVKOCVGN[ DQNFPGUU RTGXCKNGF CPF VJGTG are over 100 Chatime outlets in Malaysia VJTGG [GCTU QP #EEQTFKPI VQ .QQ IQKPI with the gut may not be always right but it brings you one step forward in achieving your goal. Moreover, it was never about bubble tea for him but rather a modern tea drinking culture that he wanted to inculcate in Malaysians. In the early days, when he was exploring DWUKPGUU QRVKQPU .QQ KFGPVKĆ‚GF C loophole in the beverage scene – there was no tea representative in a market saturated with coffee outlets. This followed with many trips to Taiwan, which already had a vibrant tea culture, and approaching established players in the market. However, none were interested in expanding to Malaysia, and he was close to conceding when a random meeting with a cousin’s friend brought up Chatime, a lesser-known brand with promise. .QQ NQUV PQ VKOG KP EQPVCEVKPI VJG Chatime CEO in Taiwan and explained clearly to him how he perceived the market in Malaysia to be saturated with

.QQ CVVTKDWVGU VJG RJGPQOGPCN ITQYVJ QH JKU DWUKPGUU VQ VJG EQOOKVOGPV QH .QQD *QNFKPI EQTG ITQWR EQORTKUKPI QH JKU childhood friends who had “absolute belief in the business owner and pride in brand,â€?as he says. He feels that what brought the company to where it is today was more emotional drive, less about education, and all about creativity. “If a person is passionate enough, creativity will just run through the blood. It will come PCVWTCNN[ q UC[U .QQ #U .QQ RTGRCTGU VCMG .QQD *QNFKPI VQ the next level, he is looking to add to the team, people who can help propel it forward. The kind of people he wants to hire should be smart, professional CPF FTKXGP *G KU PQV NQQMKPI HQT URGEKĆ‚E educational results or backgrounds but rather people who can think and express themselves well. He favours young RGQRNG KP RCTVKEWNCT DGECWUG UC[U .QQ “fresh graduates have new ideas and can think out of the boxâ€?, and this can give a smaller company a marketing edge when EQORGVKPI CICKPUV VJG DKIIGT ( $ DTCPFU with their huge budgets.

KPVQ EQOOGTEKCN XCNWG .QQoU CFXKEG for budding entrepreneurs is, “Find your passion. That’s very important. If you don’t grow your passion, you grow other people’s passion.â€? For others who do not have a passion for business, he encourages “intrapreneurshipâ€?, and FGĆ‚PGU KV CU VCMKPI QYPGTUJKR QH QPGoU URJGTG QH YQTM KPĆƒWGPEG

“Find your passion. That’s very important. If you don’t grow your passion, you grow other people’s passion.�

#U C )GP ; JKOUGNH .QQ KU RTGUWOCDN[ YGNN placed to understand how to bring young people in and groom them. The way it is done at Chatime is by creating a strong QHĆ‚EG EWNVWTG YJGTGD[ GXGT[QPG ECP contribute, share, and teach each other. It begins at the recruitment interviews by identifying promising candidates and placing them where they can best HWNĆ‚N VJGKT RQVGPVKCN DG KV KP C OCTMGVKPI management, training or operations role. Fundamentally, the Chatime story is about successfully converting passion GRADUAN | 161

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coffee and that Malaysians needed another option. He must have been very EQPXKPEKPI DGECWUG VJG %'1 ĆƒGY KP for negotiations the very next day and .QQ UVCTVGF VJCV Ć‚TUV %JCVKOG MKQUM VYQ months after.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DREAM... TO

Blogshops are a dime a dozen. So what does it take ĂŒÂœ ĂƒĂŒ>˜` ÂœĂ•ĂŒÂś 7i ĂƒÂŤi>ÂŽ ĂŒÂœ ÕÀÕÂ? Ä?w`>Â… <Ă•Â?Žˆyˆ vĂ€ÂœÂ“ Mimpikita, a brand with the winning formula. D[ /GN 5KO ago where the Internet blogspot shopping UEGPG YCU Ć‚TUVN[ KPVTQFWEGF q UC[U 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ p9G UQQP FKUEQXGTGF YG EQWNF UGNN the things we made online and reached a far greater audience.â€? Mimpikita specialises in designing custom, OCFG VQ OGCUWTG QWVĆ‚VU HQT DTKFCN YGCT and formal events like wedding dresses, evening gowns, and kaftans. Accessories are also available, through its Hush line featuring clutches and handbags made from quality material like lamb and ETQEQFKNG NGCVJGT 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ GZRNCKPU “We believe in making clothes that are modest and trendy. Designs that you can wear today, the next season, and even in years to come. We create pieces that are feminine and complements the body.â€?

6JG UVQT[ QH /KORKMKVC UVCTVGF KP YJGP VJTGG UKUVGTU s 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ <WNMKĆƒK #OKTCJ *CPKU <WNMKĆƒK CPF (CVKOCJ #PK 5[CJKTC <WNMKĆƒK s FGEKFGF VQ RWV VJGKT NQXG for fashion together into their own blog website. It was a time when Malaysian consumers were discovering the joy of online shopping. “It was close to six years 162 | GRADUAN

Naturally, being avid shoppers and fashion lovers themselves gave them the inspiration to start something on their own. The name QH VJGKT DTCPF s /KORKMKVC s TGĆƒGEVU VJKU KPURKTCVKQP UC[U 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ p9G JCXG always dreamed of having our own fashion label hence the name. We then decided to venture into the fashion industry by starting small and slowly building the brand over the years and overcoming challenges along the

Two years after launching Mimpikita, the sisters decided to move to a location that would suit its customers better – to Bangsar – where they started getting more regulars seeking new Mimpikita designs. Three years later, spurred on by Mimpikita’s UWEEGUU VJG <WNMKĆƒK UKUVGTU NCWPEJGF VYQ OQTG DTCPFU s -OGLC HQT OCNGU EWUVQOGTU CPF 4GMCMKVC CP KPVGTKQT FGEQTCVKPI DTCPF that provides styling and dĂŠcor items for functions, weddings, and parties. There’s CNUQ VJG XGT[ EWVG -KVCMKFU NKPG PQY YJGTG young fashionistas get to play dress up in the most adorable clothes and accessories. Needless to say, Mimpikita has come a long way from its dot.com days!

GOING AGAINST THE GRAIN

The sisters’ entrepreneurship spirit was a quality that began right at home. “Our HCVJGT <WNMKĆƒK # -CTKO KU VJG HQWPFGT QH CP CTEJKVGEVWTG Ć‚TO -C\ #TMKVGM DCUGF KP ,QJQT $CJTW CPF -WCNC .WORWT 6JG three of us are involved in th is family business daily on top of Mimpikita,â€? says 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ p1WT HCVJGT KU C UVTQPI TQNG model in showing us how hard work and perseverance are the key to success.â€?

Family has been the root of Mimpikita’s success, starting with how the three sisters work together for the brand’s advantage. 5C[U 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ p+ CO VJG JGCF designer and the creative head. Amirah JCPFNGU CNN QH VJG Ć‚PCPEKCN CURGEV CPF VJG operational activities of the brand whilst Syahira manages the customers and helps keep the shop in place and in order. We each contribute in different ways and it has certainly helped that each of us are passionate and share the same vision in Mimpikita and how we measure success.â€? Support from their loved ones since day one is another factor for their success. “We are certainly blessed to have a strong support system that helps and guides us through every business decision we OCMG q UC[U 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJoU CFXKEG HQT VJQUG YJQ YKUJ to take on the same path as they did? Go for it, she says. “There is certainly room for young emerging designers JGTG KP /CNC[UKC YKVJ VJG JGNR QH -WCNC .WORWT (CUJKQP 9GGM -.(9 /CNC[UKC +PVGTPCVKQPCN (CUJKQP #NNKCPEG /+(# and government bodies to help with the Ć‚PCPEKPI CPF UVTWEVWTG QH VJG NCDGN #PF with online shopping portals such as FashionValet who are constantly accessing new talents, you can establish your brands and market your products to reach a wider audience. Not to mention, there is also a possibility to reach a wide global audience with a strong online presence,â€? UC[U 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ It all boils down to the individual too, she emphasises, to further enhance their talent to go far. “Another thing that plays an important role to us is knowledge. Amirah and I took a short business course in October last year hosted by Said Business 5EJQQN QH 1ZHQTF YJKEJ JCU DGPGĆ‚VVGF WU We always believe that we can never really stop learning as there is so much more out there that we can learn in a continuous effort to further improve ourselves,â€? she concludes. GRADUAN | 163

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way. The biggest challenge we face daily is competition and staying ahead of the game. We have to constantly seek new ways to be ahead but at the same time staying true to our brand identity and values.â€? Before long, it was time to move beyond the online scene and into a physical store, which was what happened that very year they established the brand. Seven months later, Mimpikita opened shop in Dataran Sunway, which gave the sisters an even bigger responsibility as this not only meant trying to grow the brand but to also keep VJG DWUKPGUU CĆƒQCV CPF FGCN YKVJ KUUWGU like rent and salaries. “Mimpikita is a small brand. Aside from us three, our team is small and comprises of another four KPFKXKFWCNU q UC[U 0WTWN #Ć‚FCJ p9G YQTM very closely together and we’d say having loyal employees always encourages us to be better. This is what keeps us going.â€?

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Upcoming designer Nisa Mazbar reveals what it takes to make it on her own. by Grace Chen

STANDING

ON HER OWN TWO FEET

The fact that fashion designer Nisa Mazbar’s clothes are sought after by the crème de la crème of society just four years after she struck out on her own shows this mother of two is clearly going somewhere. Actress Sharifah Sakinah and emerging actress and Dewi Remaja finalist Zarina Jamalullail are some of her fans. Cementing Nisa’s name in the fashion scene last year was the elegant headturning outfit worn by Sharifah on the cover of Glam magazine. This, together with a regular following among high society ladies who constantly flaunt the 164 | GRADUAN

Nisa Mazbar label on the pages of Tatler, has no doubt given Nisa the advertising mileage she needs. How did Nisa come about to her designing career? “I was trained by the best in Paris, the main city of high fashion and haute couture. I don’t think getting a job or an internship experience with a local established designer is necessary,” affirms Nisa who spent two years working under Parisian designers Elie Saab and J Maskrey right after graduating from Paris American Academy, France, in 2007.

It is easy to see why there is always a constant buzz over the Nisa Mazbar collection. Imagine bodices of lace appliques inscribed with the poetry of intricate embroidery. Imagine a fantasy landscape of detailed needlework dotted with pearls, crystals and voile rosette buds. On first impression, critics may trace this influence back to her former French employers in J. Maskrey and Elie Saab whom she worked for between 2007 and 2009. Maskrey is known for the use of bling elements from hats to shoes while Saab is well known for his long, flowy, feminine ensembles. But her inspiration truly comes from the magnificent castles of France. Detailed, structured and opulent – these are some of the words that come to mind when describing her wedding gowns, whimsical cocktail dresses, business suits, and ready-to-wear line. Here, Nisa’s signature forte would be in smocking, an ancient technique dating from the 18th and 19th century. A popular form of sewing style during the pre-elastic era, it is an apparent feature seen in the bodices, cuffs and necklines in Nisa’s creations where the dimensions of a piece of fabric is reduced to one-third of its original width, using only needle and thread. Boasting an inventory of fabrics from Dubai, Paris and India, Nisa’s commitment mirrors the expectations of her clients’ demands, largely made up of Kuala Lumpur socialites and the Bruneian upper class. In answer to what makes Nisa tick, a visit to her boutique in Solaris Dutamas will show you she is one who knows there

is more than one way to skin a cat. A boutique, in Nisa’s book, need not only sell clothes. Next to her wedding gowns, the fashionista may well find a spring collection is a pretty dress that can double as a party outfit and as a breast feeder’s outfit for first-time mothers. Should the hunger pangs strike, the Nisa Mazbar store also offers pearl cakes, pastries, and other yummy sweet treats. “I can be artsy fartsy, eccentric, random, funny and goofy. And yes, I am also a feminist,” says Nisa when asked to describe herself. Yet, her journey into fashion had not been an easy one. “My biggest struggle was with my family,” she admits. As the daughter of government servants, they had expected Nisa to become either a doctor or engineer. But she persevered knowing this would be her life’s calling. “I’ve been into fashion my whole life. I have been sketching my designs since I was small and they have always been very detailed. Even then, I also knew that one day I would become a designer,” says Nisa. But the challenges have not fazed her one bit. “I’ve been through a lot but nothing that is of worth has ever come easy,” she says. “Eventually we have to learn from experience. In my case, I’ve learned how to overcome every challenge that came my way,” says Nisa. Her advice for aspiring designers? “Do a lot of research. Travel and see the world. And then, make a collection based on your own lifestyle. In other words, be original,” she concludes.

“I’ve been through a lot but nothing that is of worth has ever come easy.” GRADUAN | 165

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“The advantage I got from starting on my own is I got to build my name faster without wasting time on getting some job or another unnecessary experience in Malaysia. When you have all the knowledge you need to know, the only experience you need is the experience of making it on your own,” she says.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

We did it!

Two branch managers from Affin Bank share how they worked their way up to management positions. “I was always daring in approaching customers and did not give up. I sought opportunities and remained positive.” Azniza Abdul Wahab joined Affin Bank 14 years ago in 1999 as an Officer II, and climbed the corporate ladder from teller to manager. “The notion of working in a bank appeared interesting initially. It turned out to be also fulfilling work as the people I worked with are very supportive, which makes for great team play to ensure consistency in performance at all times,” she says. After six years of handling banking operations, Azniza grabbed the chance to take on the position of Customer Relationship Executive. She stood out because of good sales performance throughout her five-year tenure. “As a result, I was called for an interview to fill a branch manager’s position and was appointed to lead the Wisma Pertahanan branch in 2011.” For the hardworking manager, knowledge is key. She focused on developing knowledge for products as well as about the bank’s competitors and market performance – advantages that helped her to deliver outstanding service to her customers. This also helped her gain her customers’ trust, which in turn translated to more sales. “I got a lot of referrals from customers because they appreciated my knowledge and service,” she says. Persistency and the courage to perform her job in a responsible manner as well as taking

pride in it helped Azniza shine. “I was always daring in approaching customers and did not give up. I sought opportunities and remained positive.” “I have always maintained a positive attitude and was determined to take the challenges thrown my way.” For Zabrina Mad Zain, an interest in sales set her on the path to becoming a branch manager. “I joined Affin Bank in 2000 as a Special Grade Clerk in the Ampang Jaya branch. Even as a clerk, I was involved in cards and unit trust sales. When the bank embarked on a sales platform in 2005, I was identified by the then Head of Customer Relationship Management for the position of Customer Relationship Executive,” she explains. In September 2012, she was promoted to Branch Manager of the Kota Kemuning branch. “I have always maintained a positive attitude and was determined to take the challenges thrown my way. I motivated myself by listening to positive songs, reading articles on positive wisdom, and watching movies that convey positive messages,” she says. “You need to determine for yourself – with a lot of passion and love – what you do in your job. This way, you will become an asset to your organisation and people will recognise your contribution. Money and rewards will naturally come,” she advises. GRADUAN | 167

Colgate is in the business of care: we offer products that allow global consumers to improve quality of life for themselves and the ones they love. Globally, we focus on four core businesses: Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, and Pet Nutrition. Quality and consumer value drive our product development. We work to understand consumers’ changing needs, and we meet these needs with innovative products that are affordable to the greatest number of people. The Colgate global family includes brands such as Colgate, Palmolive, Mennen, Speed Stick, Axion, Glo, Ajax, Softlan, Protex, Hill’s Science Diet and Hill’s Prescription Diet Pet Foods. We enjoy annual sales of nearly $16 billion in more than 200 countries and territories. Colgate has become a household name around the world thanks to our exceptional people. Colgate People are committed to innovation and quality, in both service and products. Graduate Trainee Program The 18 months Colgate-Palmolive Graduate Trainee (GT) Program has been designed for high potential young graduates. This accelerated development program aims to fast track the career of young talents. If you are looking for a rewarding and exciting career with a global leader in its field and a company voted as one of the world’s most admired, this program is made for you. Graduate trainees will be given following opportunities: UÊ , Ì>Ì ÃÊ Ê` vviÀi ÌÊÌi> ÃÊÜ Ì ÊÌ i ÀÊ>Ài>Ê vÊëiV > â>Ì ÊÌ Ê}iÌÊ>ÊV «Ài i à ÛiÊÕ `iÀÃÌ> ` }Ê vÊÌ >ÌÊvÕ VÌ Ê UÊ Ý« ÃÕÀiÊÌ Ê Ì iÀÊ`i«>ÀÌ i ÌÃÊÌ Ê}iÌÊ> Ê ÛiÀÛ iÜÊ vÊ }>Ìi *> Ûi½ÃÊLÕà iÃÃÊ UÊ /À> }ÃÊÌ Êi > ViÊÌ i ÀÊ«iÀv À > ViÊ> `ÊV>«>L Ì iÃÊv ÀÊÌ i ÀÊVÕÀÀi ÌÊ> `ÊvÕÌÕÀiÊÀ iÊ We are looking for young graduates (less than 1 year working experience) who: UÊ >ÛiÊ>ÌÊ i>ÃÌÊ>Ê i}ÀiiÊÜ Ì ÊiÝVi i ÌÊÀiÃÕ ÌÃÊ UÊ >ÛiÊÃÌÀ }Ê> > ÞÌ V> Êà ÃÊ UÊ >ÛiÊiÝVi i ÌÊÛiÀL> Ê> `ÊÜÀ ÌÌi ÊV Õ V>Ì Êà ÃÊ Ê } à UÊ >ÛiÊÃÌÀ }Ê i>`iÀà «Êà ÃÊ UÊ >ÛiÊLii Ê>VÌ Ûi ÞÊ Û Ûi`Ê ÊiÝÌÀ> VÕÀÀ VÕ >ÀÊ>VÌ Û Ì iÃÊ UÊ ÀiÊÜ }ÊÌ ÊÌÀ>Ûi Ê> `ÊÀi V>ÌiÊ The GT program aims at attracting some of the best talents in the market and our compensation package has been designed to match this objective. Graduates can expect a very competitive remuneration. If you feel that you have what it takes, join us to kick-start your career!

Interested candidates, kindly dly send your resume to t care career_my@colpal.com. _my@colpal.com. colpal.com ct title. title Kindly indicate GRADUAN Y2014 in the subject 168 | GRADUAN For more details, visit our website at www.colgate.com

MOVERS & SHAKERS

FMCG

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

BAT

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Ensuring A Bright Future for People at Every Single Stage of Their Development Danone Dumex has been improving the lives of people by: Î Bringing them health and enjoyment through food that meets their tastes and nutritional needs at every stage of development; Î EĹŸƚųĜĹč ±ýŅrdability while delivering the highest quality products; Î Promoting a healthy lifestyle; Î Protecting the environment; and Î Contributing to communities via corporate social initiatives, which is part of our DNA.

CODE is the backbone of leadership in Danone Dumex Deeply rooted in the history of the Group and inspired by our values, it leverages the strengths of our businesses. We are challenged to continuously re-invent the ways we approach our consumers, the ways we reach people in new geographics, and the ways we operate. To do so Danone needs people who are COMMITTED, who want to set high, ambitious goals and are able to reach them. Danone needs people who are OPEN, who listens to the environment; who are connected with others; who share their energy, time, resources and talent; who are sensitive to the diversity of cultures & countries. Danone needs DOERs, who walk the talk, who are ready to take actions quickly and who are leading the way for their teams. Danone is a decentralized company, power is not in the center but everywhere in the CBUs. Therefore, we need people who are EMPOWERED and empowering others to take responsibility for what they do and how they develop their teams. With “CODE people” in our organization we can create a long term strategic advantage to stay ahead of the competition. We want to attract people who share our convictions regardless of their cultural, educational or professional background. We want people with the seeds of CODE inside. 176 | GRADUAN

When you become a Danoner, you work for one of the fastest growing food companies in the world in what has become one of the fastest growing regions. With a unique mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible while meeting the special requirements of each community, the Group is dedicated to creating both economic and social value in everything it does. As a result, your work will continue to drive innovative business solutions that are helping to make a real ÚĜýåųåĹÏå ±ĹÚ åĹŸƚųå a brighter future for all. What’s more, performance and potential are measured not only on what you achieve, but how you achieve it, with a positive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement that is encouraged in our dynamic and open culture. To reach our ambitions in the region, we are building a stable of local and multicultural talents who are: Î COMMITTED to creating new possibilities… and making them real Î OPEN to learning, listening and sharing with others… with empathy Î DOERS, being able to transform breakdowns into breakthroughs… and deliver fast results Î EMPOWERING, helping people reach a higher resourceful state… and exceed their expectations

MOVERS & SHAKERS These qualities make up our distinctive leadership culture that we call "C.O.D.E." which is nurtured within Danoners at all levels - from the factory āŅŅr to the corner ŅþÏå ě ±ĹÚ ĜŸ ƋĘå foundation on which we build world-class leaders through the Danone Dumex Leadership College. Young graduates and experienced professionals alike commonly join Danone Dumex for the career perspectives we provide as well as for the programs we deliver to help them become eƴåĹ ĵŅųå åýåÏƋĜƴå Ÿ±ĬåŸ ŞåŅŞĬåØ technical eƻŞåųƋŸØ ĵ±Ĺ±čårs and senior executives. The bar is high: We encourage people to take responsibility for their career as soon as they join us.

NeƻƋØ we have expanded on the Group's comprehensive Learning by Danone Dumex programs with custom curricula designed to groom people with outstanding potential to become our next generation leaders. In ±ÚÚĜƋĜŅĹØ ŅĹÏå you express a desire tŅ Ĭå±ÚØ periodic assessments and conversations with your manager and regional HR team will be conducted to explore the many exciting ways you can stretch yourself based on your talents. Whether moving abrŅ±ÚØ Ņr exploring other üƚĹÏƋĜŅĹŸ ±ĹÚ ÆƚŸĜĹ域 ĬĜĹåŸØ ƋĘåųå ±ųå many paths that will lead you to new ways of operating and thinking. Our four divisions represent four very ÚĜýåųånt business ĵŅÚåĬŸØ ŸŅ you can constantly learn with us!

Opportunities at Danone Dumex At Danone Dumex, we believe in each employee’s potential to grow within the company, supported by the relevant training and professional development programmes. We lift the barriers of progression and ensure non-managers have access to management levels. Thanks to our worldwide presence, our employees also have the opportunity to enjoy international work experience.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

IT’S YOU. WWW.PMICAREERS.COM

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DKSH AD No.1 in Market Expansion Services Empowered to grow #, -" % #'! +$ - 1) ',#(' +/# , )+(/# + 0#-" ( ., (' ,# , -" - +& 4 +$ - 1) ',#(' +/# ,5 ,.!! ,-, " %), (-" + (&) '# , ' + ' , -( !+(0 -" #+ .,#' ,, #' ' 0 (+ 1#,-#'! & +$ -, . %# %2 %#,- (' -" 0#,, 1 " '! ,#' + " #, !%( % (&) '2 " *. +- + #' .+# " #-" .,#' ,, %( -#(', #' (.'-+# ,

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.+ '-+ )+ ' .+# % ,)#+#- ' .%-.+ %%(0, 2(. -( / %() ,- # 2(. + 0#%%#'! -( - $ 2(.+ (0' + ,)(',# #%#-2 (+ 0" - 2(. 0 '- -( "# / #' 2(.+ + + " - 2(. ! #' #, 1)(,.+ -( -" 0"(% / %. " #' ' -" #/ +,#-2 ( 0(+$#'! 0#-" )+ &#.& + ' , #' / +#(., #' .,-+# , #' (.- &(+ (.- ., ' "(0 2(. ' (& ) +- ( (.+ ,. ,, .% - & 2 /#,#-#'! (.+ + +, , -#(' - www.dksh.com.my/careers

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

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Have some big ideas?

DELL AD

Learn More at: http://jobs.dell.com

DELL Adila Khairul Anuar Software Developer – Bill to Support

WHAT DO YOU DO? I am a software developer for the internal Dell call distribution services. I write call routes for the numbers that customers use to call for Dell services and sales. The team also makes changes to the call routing systems according to business needs. WHAT MAKES THIS A GREAT JOB? I get to dive deep into the technology and write codes. I’m a geek at heart, so this appeals to me. WHERE CAN YOU GO FROM HERE? I aim to move to other roles such as solutions architect, which will allow me to plan the whole ecosystem, or as a product manager, where I get to be in charge of the team that develops the product and also talk to the stakeholders. WHAT DOES ONE NEED TO SUCCEED IN THIS INDUSTRY? You have to know how everything works together, not just your specific technology – like purely focusing on networking or databases. When you can grasp this bigger picture, then you can start suggesting bigger, more complete solutions that address the larger issues instead of only the problem at hand.

Looking for a great start to your career? Dell provides opportunities to build a fulfilling career path.

Jesrin Kaur Financial Analysis Advisor

DESCRIBE YOUR PORTFOLIO. I am in the worldwide procurement finance division leading integration projects for my team to enhance current reports and processes with the objective of improving reports and outlook accuracy. My daily schedule comprises meetings with different members and stakeholders of projects to discuss next steps, issues, findings, and updates. I am also working on a few individual projects and occasionally, I provide updates to my management on the progress of all these projects. WHAT MAKES THIS A GREAT JOB? This role gives me the opportunity to work with different people from cross-functional teams thus strengthening my communication skills. I am also able to lead and manage projects at a very young age and improve my projectmanagement skill. HOW DID YOU GET TO THIS POSITION? I joined the Finance Development Programme (FDP), which is an accelerated two-year programme for fresh graduates in finance or accounting to work in four different roles and concurrently be part of a mini MBA curriculum equipped with classes, exams, business simulation, and audit simulation. I was given the opportunity to work in Austin, Texas, as a pricer supporting the sales team. After this programme, I was promoted and took up my current role. WHAT DOES ONE NEED TO SUCCEED IN THIS INDUSTRY? The requisite to be successful is to be equipped with a good combination of soft skills and technical knowledge.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

GET AHEAD WITH

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

WHERE WORK AND PLAY MEET Chosen as one of the most democratic workplaces in the world, Mindvalley is the dream workplace for those who want to make a difference in the world. Talent Manager Justyna Krzych tells us why. D[ 'NCKPG 6CP

It might come as a surprise that one of Malaysia’s most global companies is tucked away in Bangsar in an uber-chic QHĆ‚EG TGOKPKUEGPV QH 5KNKEQP 8CNNG[oU DGUV Some years back, it even picked up a TGCFGTU EJQKEG CYCTF D[ 75 DCUGF +PE /CIC\KPG CU QPG QH VJG EQQNGUV QHĆ‚EGU KP the world. Mindvalley is the brainchild of Vishen .CMJKCPK YJQ UVCTVGF C FKIKVCN RWDNKUJKPI company but evolved it into a series of successful businesses in a wide variety of sectors ranging from mobile apps, marketing, technology, personal growth and entrepreneurship to health and wellness. In its website, the company is introduced as “a global education brand and company that invests in, creates and builds businesses that align with its goal to push humanity forward.â€? “We stand for ideas and products that allow human beings to live healthier, happier lives. From online universities, for personal growth, to events, apps and courses – we are ambitiously, ridiculously, and irreverently determined to unleash the full potential of humanity so that everyone can truly be the best version of themselves,â€? as stated from Mindvalley’s website. 186 | GRADUAN

6CNGPV /CPCIGT ,WUV[PC -T\[EJ NKMG C UK\GCDNG RQTVKQP QH VJG EQORCP[oU UVTQPI UVCHH HQTEG KU PQV /CNC[UKCP +VU staff force encompasses people from over FKHHGTGPV PCVKQPU KPENWFKPI /CNC[UKC embracing a true call for diversity. But more than that, she says Mindvalley also practises a work culture that promotes happiness, positivity, celebration, growth and performance for all. p9G CTG VJG Ć‚TUV EQORCP[ KP #UKC VQ OCMG VJG 9QTNF$NW .KUV QH /QUV &GOQETCVKE Workplaces, and we have made the list six [GCTU KP C TQY VQ 9G YGTG CNUQ recently awarded the Great Place to Work EGTVKĆ‚ECVKQP D[ VJG )TGCV 2NCEG VQ 9QTM +PUVKVWVG q -T\[EJ UJCTGU “The current generation seeks a deeper purpose when it comes to work and career; the idea of climbing up the corporate ladder to chase a formal position or helping a large corporation make a lot of RTQĆ‚V YKVJQWV EQPUKFGTKPI KVU KORCEV QP JWOCPKV[ KU PQ NQPIGT HWNĆ‚NNKPI 6JG[ YCPV C career that has meaning, that can exercise their passion and personal values, that causes societal change.â€? At Mindvalley, all paths lead to one common goal: Making the world a happier,

“Imagine collaborating and hanging out YKVJ UQOG QH VJG UOCTVGUV ETC\KGUV OQUV RCUUKQPCVG RGQRNG KP VJG YQTNF .GCTPKPI the freshest, most innovative ideas in the world of education and personal growth. Having the freedom to propose and execute even your most out-there ideas. Getting all the support and coaching you need to be your best. All in a fun and RQUKVKXG YC[ q -T\[EJ GPVJWUGU Employees are encouraged to customise and develop their own roles, even if it means joining a new team or department. The company is organised to make that happen with transparent operations and performance reporting, and open-door policy at meetings that allow anyone to participate regardless of their department. 1P VJGKT VCNGPV TGSWKTGOGPVU -T\[EJ UC[U they are looking for “A-players, people with a positive mindset, who are driven and dedicated, who aren’t afraid to dream big, and whose purpose align with ours – to push humanity forward.â€? The company’s website calls them epic, smart and wellbalanced people who make an impact from day one. It probably comes as no surprise then that they are not obsessed about academic SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQPU p9G TCTGN[ NQQM CV CECFGOKE SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQPU GURGEKCNN[ UKPEG OQUV UEJQQNU abide by a standardised syllabus and system. We believe that each student is a unique learner and has the potential to become a leader with opportunity and the TKIJV GPXKTQPOGPV q -T\[EJ GZRNCKPU At interviews, candidates are judged not just by their skill set and experience, but also their attitude, values, mindset, positivity, passions and dedication. “Our

company is a combination of employees YKVJ JKIJGT CECFGOKE SWCNKĆ‚ECVKQPU CPF employees who decided to take an alternative route or carve their own path by jumping straight to work.â€? The work culture at Mindvalley is much like any international organisation: Competitive and high performing with an emphasis on impacting the planet and improving humanity. Employees have access to a wealth of education and training. “We have a library of hundreds of books and courses on personal growth, entrepreneurship, leadership, relationship and well-being.There are weekly presentations and talks by different teams and managers on their respective departments as well as outside guests YJQ CTG RQYGTHWN RNC[GTU KP VJGKT Ć‚GNF such as Dr. Clarence Tan from Singularity 7PKXGTUKV[ #FQTC 5XKVCM &CXG /E%NWTG Bob Proctor, Michael Drew, among QVJGTU 9G CNUQ JQUV C OQPVJN[ .GCTP &C[ where everyone becomes a student or a teacher and exchange knowledge through self-conducted classes or mentorship sessions,â€? she cites. Entrepreneurial skills are encouraged for everyone in Mindvalley, and the training and development programme tends to be geared towards that. About 20 per cent of its employees eventually become entrepreneurs and co-founders of companies under the Mindvalley umbrella or move on to build their own businesses outside. Examples of the former include Ajit Nawalkha and Cecilia Sardeo of Mindvalley +VCN[ -TKUVKPC /CPF CPF +TKPC *KNOQPGPMQ QH /KPFXCNNG[ 4WUUKCP -JCKNGG 0I QH 5C[U CPF &WTKCPU 1VJGTU OCKPVCKP C personal business after working hours. Doing what you love is core to this company – and only those who feel that way need apply. GRADUAN | 187

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

wealthier, more enlightened and more loving place. Employees, regardless of their role, play a crucial part in transforming lives across the planet.

188 | GRADUAN

MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVERS & SHAKERS

OIL & GAS

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ADVANCING PEOPLE There is a reason why Shell is a global leader in the energy and petrochemical industries – it develops the talent that drives its business competencies. Leaders from its Information Technology, Contracts and Procurement, and Engineering divisions explain what sets Shell apart. INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: PART OF A CONNECTED GLOBAL BUSINESS The Information Technology Division of Shell `i ÛiÀà wÌ v À LÕà iÃà ÌiV }Þ Ã ÕÌ Ã i >L } LÕà iÃà >} ÌÞ > ` «À wÌ>L i }À ÜÌ ° > >Þà >½Ã / ` Û Ã V à ÃÌà v Ài Ì > {]xää ÃÌ>vv } L> Þ Ì >Ì «À Û `i Ó{ Ç ÃiÀÛ Vi > ` ÃÕ«« ÀÌ Ì Ì i , Þ> ÕÌV Shell Businesses globally. According to Paul Rajasingam Sivagnanam, Ƃà > *>V wV > À«iÀà > ` Ƃ`Û Ã À v À IT Graduates, the IT division is always on the lookout for individuals, including fresh graduates, who showcase intellectual, analytical and the creative ability to learn quickly, identify issues and propose solutions to these problems. “In essence, the individual needs to look at issues at a much broader perspective, placing themselves and looking at it from a business perspective as well as from the VÕÃÌ iÀ½Ã «iÀëiVÌ Ûi° Ƃ«>ÀÌ vÀ Ì >Ì] Ì iÞ must also be able to work independently as well as in a diverse team environment. With IT supporting the operations of Shell globally, graduates can expect a truly global working environment even when based here locally,” he says. The Shell Graduate Programme is designed to develop top performers, providing graduates with a consistent and global standard for early career development. Ì V «À Ãià > Ý v Ì i L i>À } and formal, structured learning with the eventual aim of creating highly competent, professional and best in class employees.

1 `iÀ Ì i Ì Àii Þi>À «À }À> i] ` Û `Õ> à are assigned to two to three different assignments in different teams, giving them a good grasp of the business as well as the opportunity to acquire diverse set of skills. The trainees are also required to master a set of core functional competencies known as Ì i À>`Õ>Ìi Õ VÌ > *À w i° º7i i ÃÕÀi that they are given the full support and ÌÀ> } Ì i v À v i Ì À½Ã > ` LÕ`` ià to guide them in their role and the working culture of Shell,” says Paul.

Paul Rajasingam Sivagnanam

Upon completion of the programme, individuals are free to choose a job that suits his or her interests and are aligned to individual strengths. Paul explains, “The IT Graduate programme is designed to groom the future senior leaders of Shell; hence, the expectation is for the individual to eventually move to a senior leadership role.” Shell, he says, is a great company for graduates to start off their careers because its business principle, “Respect for People”, offers equal opportunity to every employee. “We practise a culture of leaders developing leaders. This means we see investing in people as bread and butter of doing business. Throughout your career with us, you have unrivalled scope for development through personalised training opportunities.”

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Siti Sulaiman, General Manager, Sabah Asset.

CONTRACTS AND PROCUREMENT: DELIVERING THE HIGHEST STANDARDS 7Â…i˜ ĂžÂœÂ˜ >“ 9iĂœ ĂƒÂˆÂ˜}Ăƒ ÂŤĂ€>ÂˆĂƒiĂƒ >LÂœĂ•ĂŒ Shell as a graduate employer of choice, it ÂˆĂƒ vĂ€ÂœÂ“ wĂ€ĂƒĂŒÂ‡Â…>˜` iĂ?ÂŤiĂ€Âˆi˜Vi° /Â…i Â?ÂœL>Â? "ÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜>Â? Ă?ViÂ?Â?i˜Vi >˜>}iĂ€ vÂœĂ€

ÂœÂ˜ĂŒĂ€>VĂŒĂƒ >˜` *Ă€ÂœVĂ•Ă€i“iÂ˜ĂŒ "ÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Ăƒ wĂ€ĂƒĂŒ Â?œˆ˜i` -Â…iÂ?Â? >Â?>ĂžĂƒÂˆ> ˆ˜ £™™Ó Ă•Â˜`iĂ€ ĂŒÂ…i -Â…iÂ?Â? Graduate Programme. ÂˆĂƒ Â?i˜}ĂŒÂ…Ăž ĂŒiÂ˜Ă•Ă€i ĂœÂˆĂŒÂ… ĂŒÂ…i }Ă€ÂœĂ•ÂŤ Â…>Ăƒ Ăƒii˜ him covering Retail Operations, Retail Convenience Retailing and Contracts and *Ă€ÂœVĂ•Ă€i“iÂ˜ĂŒ° ÂˆĂƒ }Â?ÂœL>Â? V>Ă€iiĂ€ ÂŤ>ĂŒÂ… Â…>Ăƒ Ăƒii˜ …ˆ“ ĂŒĂ€>Ă›iĂ€ĂƒÂˆÂ˜} iÂ?>ÂŽ>] ÂœÂ…ÂœĂ€] Ă•>Â?> ՓÕÀ] /Â…>ˆÂ?>˜`] *…ˆÂ?ÂˆÂŤÂŤÂˆÂ˜iĂƒ] 6ˆiĂŒÂ˜>“ >˜` China before he assumed his current role L>Ăƒi` ˆ˜ Ă•>Â?> ՓÕÀ° “Shell has a strong foundation in terms of values and cultures. In a company that is very large locally and globally, it continuously strives to ensure that you have a very positive and developed working environment. Its established policies, procedures and systems enable you to have a focused and more effective working environment. Shell is a global leader in power, energy, and gas technology and is working to meet increasing energy demand and supply challenges by delivering smarter products and cleaner energy, smarter infrastructure, smarter use, and by developing new energy sources while addressing the impact on the environment, through cleaner burning natural gas and advanced fuels and lubricants technology.

“Apart from just looking at where you can go in terms of career, the company as a whole also looks into what you can gain and learn in the role itself, developing your core competencies as an individual and how you can contribute towards the growth and development of the company itself,â€? he shares. The Contracts and Procurement (CP) division of Shell, which Nyon belongs, is responsible ˆ˜ “>˜>}ˆ˜} >Â?Â? Âœv -Â…iÂ?Â?½Ăƒ ĂŒÂ…ÂˆĂ€`‡>Ă€ĂŒĂž }œœ`Ăƒ and services deliverables and ensures that ÂˆĂŒ ÂˆĂƒ `œ˜i ˆ˜ > Ăƒ>vi >˜` VÂœĂƒĂŒÂ‡VÂœÂ“ÂŤiĂŒÂˆĂŒÂˆĂ›i manner. It entails working closely with all functions and divisions to deliver and create a competitive edge for the group. The division is involved in the early stages of project delivery, technology and innovation, and through this, is able to strengthen the internal and external relationships with ĂƒĂŒ>ÂŽiÂ…ÂœÂ?`iĂ€Ăƒ] VĂ€i>ĂŒÂˆÂ˜} > Â“Ă•ĂŒĂ•>Â?Â?Ăž Li˜iwVˆ>Â? and collaborative partnership. Fresh graduates in the CP division will be exposed to one of the four main disciplines Âœv ĂŒÂ…i `ÂˆĂ›ÂˆĂƒÂˆÂœÂ˜\ >ĂŒi}ÂœĂ€Ăž >˜>}i“iÂ˜ĂŒ]

ÂœÂ˜ĂŒĂ€>VĂŒ >˜>}i“iÂ˜ĂŒ] -Ă•ÂŤÂŤÂ?ˆiĂ€ >˜>}i“iÂ˜ĂŒ ÂœĂ€ "ÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Ăƒ >˜>}i“iÂ˜ĂŒ ˆ˜ >Â˜Ăž Âœv -Â…iÂ?Â?½Ăƒ 1ÂŤĂƒĂŒĂ€i>“] ÂœĂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŒĂ€i>“] >˜` Projects and Technology (P&T) businesses. /Â…iĂž ĂœÂˆÂ?Â? Li iÂ˜Ă€ÂœÂ?Â?i` ˆ˜ ĂŒÂ…i * i>Ă€Â˜ÂˆÂ˜} Curriculum, a unique programme designed by Shell for Shell. This is a core module that all graduates would need to complete before they complete their graduate programme. There are also relevant learning courses under the Supply Chain Academy programme, to strengthen core competencies. GRADUAN | 191

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Fresh graduates are also given access to coaching tools and mentors to help them through the process and guide them in developing the skills and competencies needed to be successful in their role. A

* ÂœL >Ă›Âˆ}>ĂŒÂœĂ€ ĂŒÂœÂœÂ? >Â?ĂƒÂœ Â…iÂ?ÂŤĂƒ ĂŒÂ…i“ understand how they can progress in their career in Shell CP.

œ˜ ĂŒĂ€>ˆ˜ˆ˜} ĂŒÂ…Ă€ÂœĂ•}Â… wiÂ?` iĂ?ÂŤÂœĂƒĂ•Ă€i ÂœĂ€ >VĂŒĂ•>Â? project assignment. For instance, production engineering graduates normally have the ÂœÂŤÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒĂ•Â˜ÂˆĂŒÂˆiĂƒ ĂŒÂœ }Âœ œ˜ wiÂ?` >ĂƒĂƒÂˆ}˜“iÂ˜ĂŒĂƒ offshore to give them better appreciation on how complex the oil and gas facilities are and the challenges that come with the operations and maintenance of the facilities.

Âş9ÂœĂ• ĂœÂˆÂ?Â? Â?i>Ă€Â˜ > Â?ÂœĂŒ >LÂœĂ•ĂŒ -- ] ĂŒÂ…ÂˆVĂƒ >˜` Compliance, ways of doing your work the right way, something that you can always carry with you wherever you go. It is a great platform to be able to get yourself exposed as we have here a representation of almost all our business functions right here at your doorstep,â€? says Nyon.

Relevant classroom trainings will also be given to help graduates build their technical knowledge in relevant areas. Coaching and mentoring by more senior employees also helps to fast track the learning process.

ENGINEERING: AT THE HEART OF THE BUSINESS ->L>Â… Ć‚ĂƒĂƒiĂŒ ÂˆĂƒ ÂŤ>Ă€ĂŒ Âœv -Â…iÂ?Â? >Â?>ĂžĂƒÂˆ> Upstream portfolio consisting of mainly oil wiÂ?`Ăƒ° ĂŒ ÂˆĂƒ > }Ă€ÂœĂœÂˆÂ˜} >ĂƒĂƒiĂŒ >˜` ÂˆÂ“ÂŤÂœĂ€ĂŒ>Â˜ĂŒ vÂœĂ€ ĂŒÂ…i vĂ•ĂŒĂ•Ă€i Âœv -Â…iÂ?Â? >Â?>ĂžĂƒÂˆ> ˆ˜ Ă›ÂˆiĂœ Âœv ĂŒÂ…i deepwater development and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) opportunities. Siti Sulaiman, who helms this division >Ăƒ i˜iĂ€>Â? >˜>}iĂ€] Ăƒ>ĂžĂƒ ĂŒÂ…i LĂ•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜iĂƒĂƒ normally looks for technical graduates mainly with engineering and subsurface ­ E ] *iĂŒĂ€ÂœÂ?iՓ ˜}ˆ˜iiĂ€ÂˆÂ˜}ÂŽ ¾Õ>Â?ˆwV>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Ăƒ because the scope is very much technical ranging from subsurface interpretation, reservoir management to maintenance and ÂœÂŤiĂ€>ĂŒÂˆÂœÂ˜Ăƒ Âœv ÂœvvĂƒÂ…ÂœĂ€i wiÂ?`Ăƒ° In addition, there is also a lot of focus on soft skills, especially on the behavioural aspects. “Typically we look for graduates ĂœÂ…Âœ >Ă€i ĂƒiÂ?v‡Vœ˜w`iÂ˜ĂŒ >˜` `iÂ“ÂœÂ˜ĂƒĂŒĂ€>ĂŒi high achievement drive and have genuine interest and are passionate about what they do. Effective communication is also very important. In a big organisation such as Shell, there are multiple disciplines and the population consists of people from diverse background, hence it is essential that communication is kept very focus and the messages that we send out are consistent.â€? The Sabah Asset division offers a broad range of opportunities at multiple organisational levels, offering possibilities for both leadership and deep technical specialists. In ĂŒÂ…i ÂˆÂ˜ÂˆĂŒÂˆ>Â? Ăži>Ă€Ăƒ] }Ă€>`Ă•>ĂŒiĂƒ V>˜ iĂ?ÂŤiVĂŒ Â…>˜`ĂƒÂ‡ 192 | GRADUAN

“Some of the recent improvement work œ˜ ĂŒÂ…i }Ă€>`Ă•>ĂŒiĂƒ½ ÂŤĂ€Âœ}Ă€>““i Â…>Ăƒ >Â?ĂƒÂœ resulted in the revisiting of graduate work assignments to ensure discipline challenge and job satisfaction, improved mentorship coverage for staff and a review of options to improve coaching effectiveness. A Graduate Foundation Framework has been developed and launched, which should provide a lot more clarity to our graduates with regards to career development and progression,â€? explains the former Shell Scholar who ÂœLĂŒ>ˆ˜i` Â…iĂ€ wĂ€ĂƒĂŒ VÂ?>ĂƒĂƒ `i}Ă€ii ˆ˜ iVÂ…>˜ˆV>Â? Engineering from Imperial College of œ˜`œ˜° >Ă›ÂˆÂ˜} Li}>˜ Â…iĂ€ -Â…iÂ?Â? Â?ÂœĂ•Ă€Â˜iĂž ˆ˜ £™™ä LivÂœĂ€i Â?œˆ˜ˆ˜} ->Ă€>Ăœ>ÂŽ -Â…iÂ?Â? iÀ…>` ˆ˜ £™™{] Siti Sulaiman is perhaps one of the best ÂŤiĂ€ĂƒÂœÂ˜Ăƒ ĂŒÂœ iĂ?ÂŤÂ?>ˆ˜ -Â…iÂ?Â?½Ăƒ >ĂŒĂŒĂ€>VĂŒÂˆĂ›i˜iĂƒĂƒ >Ăƒ an employer and a company for graduates to launch their careers. “Shell offers a range of opportunities for graduates supported by a very structured competence based development and progression programme. I believe that Shell allows its employees to make an impact œ˜ -Â…iÂ?Â?½Ăƒ LĂ•ĂƒÂˆÂ˜iĂƒĂƒ >˜` ĂŒÂ…i }Ă€ÂœĂœĂŒÂ… ˆ˜ ĂŒÂ…i country. Âş iĂ€i] }Ă€>`Ă•>ĂŒiĂƒ ĂœÂœĂ€ÂŽ >Â?œ˜}ĂƒÂˆ`i professionals with years of experience, and this enables them to see things from a `ˆvviĂ€iÂ˜ĂŒ ÂŤiĂ€ĂƒÂŤiVĂŒÂˆĂ›i >˜` }>ˆ˜ > Ă€i>Â?Â‡ĂœÂœĂ€Â?` understanding of the Upstream Business itself. At Shell, people being groomed will be exposed to different roles and given international exposure so that they will have the experience and understanding of the company by the time they are appointed to the top jobs.â€?

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rewards can be fulfilling, and of course, the opportunities to go places are infinite. Which is why during our interview with Badariah Abd Jalil, Senior General Manager of Group Human Capital of Petra Energy Berhad, she assures us that there is no limit in terms of opportunities to go far, picking up essential skills, and becoming even more marketable to other companies, in particular upstream companies that are known to pay a handsome fee for talents who have proven their value in terms of functional and technical requirements. And Petra Energy is set on nurturing the future leaders for the industry, starting with Gen-Y.

ON FULL CHARGE

A career with Petra Energy Berhad is anything but mundane. But to make the most of it, you have to prove that you’re willing to go the extra mile and have what it takes to stand out. GRADUAN® finds out what that means from Badariah Abd Jalil, Senior General Manager of Group Human Capital. by Mel Sim

W

ithout a doubt, the oil and gas industry is Malaysia has been a booming industry for decades and attracts many talents. There is good reason why – the job scopes are interesting, the potentials are plenty, the monetary

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Which is an interesting concept, says Badariah, that has not been the focused of other oil and gas companies. “The average oil and gas talent is usually a late Gen-X or an early Baby Boomer. At Petra Energy, we want to change that and put together a talent pool of Gen-Y talents mainly because we feel that they have the potential. Gen-Y talents are energised. They are good at multitasking. They have good team dynamics, which is very important to have especially when they are mobilised to work offshore. Not only that, Gen-Y talents are willing to try new tasks and are very inspiring to everyone else. Engaging them so intently is something new for the oil and gas indsutry, and Petra Energy is committed to it, just like how we are committed to our clients to offer them the very best service we can.” To prove her point, Badariah shares what the company has focused on when it comes to attracting and retaining talents in Petra Energy. “For starters, we believe in offering a competitive package for new recruits so that we are able to attract the key resources that we need for our projects. From there, engagement, compensation and retention come into the picture. “To engage our talents, we get them involved directly with clients and even the

top management level. Our focus now is to internalise our values to make sure that everyone adheres to it. Our leaders are evaluated in a 360o evaluation, even by our younger talents, to make sure that they too are aligned with strategies, behaviour, culture and so forth. We are also trying to adopt a flexible working schedule that will resonate well with Gen-Y, where worklife balance is very important to them,” adds Badariah. It’s also good to know that Petra Energy believes in a performance culture, and isn’t stingy when it comes to rewards. Employees are duly rewarded for their efforts, first via a yearly performance bonus, and on a project basis, which Badariah refers to as a short-term incentive, usually on a cash basis. “When an employee creates success for himself as well as the company, we believe in rewarding the employee. We are trying to increase more on our short-term incentives rather than our long-term incentives, which is mainly stocks,” says Badariah. And naturally, for a company that emphasises on performance, it is not a surprise when Badariah tells us that Petra Energy believes in providing ample opportunities for growth within the company. “It is all part of our talent management succession plan whereby we look within when it comes to promotions. So you can safely say that with Petra Energy, there is always the opportunity for internal growth,” she says. To ensure that only the best are at Petra Energy, the company developed what it calls

a Fast Track Engineers (FTE) management trainee programme three years ago whereby approximately 10 to 15 talents are selected to be part of this accelerated programme to get them ready for the challenges ahead. “The programme is focused just on engineers because the industry is in dire need for engineers,” explains Badariah. “It is a oneyear programme where by the fourth month – after specific training and certification – they actually get to go offshore to work for our clients. Imagine, it’s instant exposure on vessels where they are actually doing work normally done by full-fledged engineers. We are very lucky that our clients believe in using fresh graduates the way we do. Sure, in the beginning, clients like Petronas couldn’t believe that we can mobilise fresh graduates who haven’t gone through the normal cycle but they are convinced now!” Needless to say, Petra Energy’s FTE programme is one of the most exhilarating programmes out there for engineers. Add on the fact that trainees even get a chance to be part of a management retreat where they are also involved in high-level brainstorming, and we have here a programme that believes in integrating Gen-Y talents right into the thick of everything to get the skills, exposure and knowledge they need to go far. But know that you will need to prove yourself to the management that you are capable of handling whatever tasks and responsibilities thrown to you. So what is Petra Energy looking for in terms of new hires? “Qualification is not a huge factor. Of course we want high scorers but that is enough to get you through the first process only. After that, you need to show us leadership qualities and that you have superb team dynamics. You must work well and adjust well not just with their peers but with everyone from every level. As facilitators, we can provide you with the environment to excel. You have to show us that you can take up the challenge,” concludes Badariah. GRADUAN | 195

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Petra Energy is set on nurturing the future leaders for the industry, starting with Gen-Y.

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TELECOMMUNICATIONS

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THE WAY .'#&+0)

/ iv Õ > >« Ì> "vwViÀ >Ì ½ ` > Ã Abdul Rahim reveals why the national communication giant is attracting bright eager beavers. by Grace Chen 202 | GRADUAN

In a stunt that got him over a 100 likes and 20 comments, Dato’ Mohd Khalis proves a point that it takes more than an attractive remuneration package (which includes entertainment allowance and education assistance) to win the Prime Minister’s CSR Award for Best Workplace Practices for two consecutive years in 2009 and 2010. An ideal workplace, he hints, must have “atmosphere”. “We endeavour to create a work environment that is conducive for employees to perform to the best of their abilities. This is crucial for the welfare of our employees so that they are motivated to deliver their best,” Dato’ Mohd Khalis tells Graduan®. In detailing why the company has garnered a reputation for being an employer of choice, one needs to rekindle an address made by Dato’ Mohd Khalis at the Malaysia Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Sustainability Reporting Awards in 2013 when TM was voted one of the 50 champions in retaining women in the workforce. To protect female employees from sexual discrimination and harassment, an online reporting facility ensures filed complaints are acted upon within 24 hours. As an added security measure, transport and escort services are also provided to and from the parking lot to the office. There is also a dedicated club for the ladies of TM and the wives of employees. The club has alliances with

“We endeavour to create a work environment that is conducive for employees to perform to the best of their abilities.” other registered women’s organisations where members can receive a better depth of how they can further benefit from national development programmes related to women. And last but not least is a child-care facility at its headquarters in Menara TM. Named Chief Human Resource Officer of the Year and HR Leadership Award at the 21st Global HR Excellence Awards held in India in February 2013, Dato’ Mohd Khalis says the company has ensured support for equal opportunities in career progression and development. Among the key components introduced after Dato’ Mohd Khalis’s appointment with TM in 2009 includes an option to work from home but yet be connected through TM’s own telecommunications facilities and secure network. This was a crucial step in strengthening the company’s non-discrimination policy allowing equal employment opportunities for the disabled and mothers with very young children, for example. The support package also encompasses additional financial assistance like housing, car and computer loans, counselling support for work-related and personal issues, and a safety campaign towards accident-free workdays for high-risk employees. GRADUAN | 203

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Sometime last year during the Telekom Malaysia Group Awards Night at the Multimedia University in Cyberjaya, a man in a Batman costume took to the stage and with a few nifty silat moves, singlehandedly “vanquished” five “baddies”. The “hero” was none other than TM Chief Human Capital Officer Dato’ Mohd Khalis Abdul Rahim, who sportingly played along with the night’s “Superheroes” theme.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

“You must be able to think outside the box and voice out your ideas.” “We believe our workforce plays an important role in realising our vision and goals. We owe it to the employees for what we have become – Malaysia’s Broadband Champion and one of Asia’s leading communication companies. It is through a supportive ecosystem like this that enables the creation of the right culture with fair processes and development opportunities to foster a workplace that delivers outstanding customer service and shareholders’ value,” says Dato’ Mohd Khalis. While hiring and rewarding of individuals are purely based on contribution and performance, effort is also taken to develop talent. “The philosophy at TM sees the nurturing of 204 | GRADUAN

leaders as early as at their entry level all the way up to the top management with the building of a high-performance culture as its goal,” he says. To date, some 70,860 employees have participated in TM training programmes with over 700 executives being identified as part of its talent pool. TM has also implemented a structured Fast Track Programme (FTP) to unearth and build the leadership potentials of these identified executives. In 2012, 24 participants of this programme underwent several job rotations and assignments within the Group to gain invaluable experience and exposure, and to hone their strategic thinking skills within the different divisions.

Evolution of the telecommunications landscape has created new dimensions. Telcos now have to create business UQNWVKQPU HWNĆ‚N EWUVQOGT FGOCPFU exercise prudent cost management, and think of marketing approaches. This has opened opportunities for graduates from XCTKQWU FKUEKRNKPGU NKMG DWUKPGUU Ć‚PCPEG management, and marketing.

Talent Engagement Programmes are also held to provide younger talents the opportunity to engage with leaders and be inspired by their success stories. In looking for potential talents, Dato’ /QJF -JCNKU EKVGU JCXKPI VJG TKIJV RWTRQUG and values as criteria. He stresses that it is not enough just to be able to accomplish a task exceedingly well. One must have C UGPUG QH NGCFGTUJKR p.GCFGTUJKR KU C crucial factor in determining TM’s success but a candidate must be able to look beyond the power and position. They must know what is needed in order to achieve success for the organisation,� he says. Aspiring candidates, he adds, must be willing to learn and to seek exposure KP QVJGT ƂGNFU 5VWF[KPI VJG DWUKPGUU strategies within one’s organisation is C IQQF UVCTV 5GNH EQPƂFGPEG KU CNUQ CP important trait for decision-making when it comes to taking up new challenges and bigger responsibilities.

*QYGXGT &CVQo /QJF -JCNKUoU Ć‚TUV CFXKEG is not to worry too much about perfect test scores but for fresh graduates to develop their communication and social skills, something not taught in today’s classrooms. “You must be able to think outside the box and voice out your ideas,â€? he stresses. The three traits TM values highly in its selection of candidates includes the ability to build excellent relationships with colleagues and customers, a positive attitude, and the ability to work as a team. “An employee who always gives his or her fullest support to the team towards achieving the team’s goals will eventually earn everyone’s respect and trust,â€? he says. But most importantly, stresses Dato’ /QJF -JCNKU YJQ JCU QXGT [GCTU QH GZRGTKGPEG KP VJG Ć‚GNF QH JWOCP resource management, there must be passion. “Only when people enjoy what they do, can they remain motivated and view challenges as opportunities for discovery,â€? he adds. GRADUAN | 205

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+P RTQĆ‚NKPI UWKVCDNG RGTUQPCNKVKGU HQT VJG job, employers in the telecommunication Ć‚GNF YKNN WUWCNN[ NQQM QWV HQT ITCFWCVGU YKVJ an engineering or IT background due to the relevance of technical knowledge. But he says the modern telecommunication industry has become extremely dynamic in recent times. The latest technology today may well become passĂŠ in six month’s time. “It isn’t just about applying technical knowledge on technology anymore,â€? UVTGUUGU &CVQo /QJF -JCNKU

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GET EMPOWERED DiGi welcomes go-getters with great attitude, curious energy, and a desire to go the distance. D[ ;GQJ 'G .GPI “If you happen to be hitting the workforce now, the mobile communications industry is probably one of the most exciting sectors to join,â€? says Haroon Bhatti. “This is an industry that is not only progressing rapidly, but is increasingly shaping the way we live, work, play and connect to the world around us.â€? #U VJG %JKGH *WOCP 4GUQWTEG 1HĆ‚EGT for DiGi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd, Haroon comes in contact with fresh graduates on a regular DCUKU 4GETWKVKPI FGXGNQRKPI and retaining top talent are key parts of his job, and he believes his industry largely, CPF &K)K URGEKĆ‚ECNN[ JCU what it takes to attract Malaysia’s best and brightest young minds.

Although many may assume that the company is a technology-based organisation at its core, DiGi looks for graduates from a variety of disciplines TCPIKPI HTQO Ć‚PCPEG VQ +6 CPCN[VKEU and social sciences. “The key challenge for our business is to be more customer-centric. Our success depends on being the absolute best in the way we serve every customer, and driving this ambition requires a workforce that can deliver this at every point – from the way we craft a product or service, to how we communicate this to our customers, deliver in a way that delights them, and ensure we remain relevant and valuable to them every day.â€? DiGi is a part of Telenor Group that QRGTCVGU KP EQWPVTKGU KP #UKC and Europe. Although DiGi has a

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“When we face a challenge, we must believe we can pull it off. We may HCKN VJTGG Ć‚XG QT VKOGU VT[KPI DWV sooner or later we prevail.â€? global footprint, they typically recruit from the market they operate in as they prefer to harness local talent, and subsequently offer top talents invaluable career experience that only international OQDKNKV[ ECP RTQXKFG p1PEG YG Ć‚PF them, we have a time-tested framework VQ FGXGNQR VJGO s KVoU DCUKECNN[ 'U Education, Experience, Exposure.â€? As to what constitutes a great attitude, Haroon explains that they are looking for people who stay curious, possess a ‘can-do’ mindset, and bring a sense of imagination to their work. “When we face a challenge, we must believe we 208 | GRADUAN

ECP RWNN KV QHH 9G OC[ HCKN VJTGG Ć‚XG QT 10 times trying, but sooner or later we prevail. We imagine new ways of solving issues. We stay focused on the goal. And we have fun doing it all along. Apart from management opportunities, the relevant and marketable experiences that graduates could gain from being in the mobile communications industry include insights to new, cutting-edge digital services, distribution, and a clear and intimate understanding of customer behaviour. For starters, DiGi has nationwide presence and a distribution GEQU[UVGO VJCV URCPU Ć‚PCPEKCN UGTXKEGU

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

“Life is too short to be making career choices wanting to please others. Be a little bold now. Walking into a job should feel like walking into a hobby.â€? to music services, to “anything you can imagine,â€? says Haroon. Furthermore, an exciting area at the forefront of business and technology KU n$KI &CVCo GUUGPVKCNN[ VJG Ć‚GNF QH collecting, storing, analysing and mining datasets so large and complex that traditional tools and methods can’t get the job done. “The mobile industry is one of the best places one can learn VQ CPCN[\G CPF WPFGTUVCPF n$KI &CVCo derive useful insights from them, and translate those into valuable products and services for customers,â€? Haroon explains. &K)KoU WPKSWG QRGP QHĆ‚EG EQPEGRV KU a key feature of its corporate culture. Haroon explains that “there are no Ć‚ZGF UGCVU CPF NGCFGTU UKV PGZV VQ team members. This fosters open communication across job levels and functions, while eliminating access barriers to leaders.â€? For fresh graduates,

it means increased visibility and exposure to leaders, thereby enhancing their learning and development. However, what really sets DiGi and its parent company apart is perhaps their vision to provide Internet for all. In the Asian markets they operate in, collectively one of the poorest regions, with some of the biggest human concentrations in the world, “as this would open up opportunities at the personal and societal level yet to be experienced,â€? says Haroon. For the right people, this could be that higher calling in life, whereby occupation and vocation meet. +P C Ć‚PCN RGTUQPCN PQVG *CTQQP UC[U p.KHG KU VQQ UJQTV VQ DG OCMKPI ECTGGT choices wanting to please others. Be a little bold now. Walking into a job should feel like walking into a hobby. If you haven’t found it, keep looking. If you have found it, you’re the lucky one.â€? GRADUAN | 209

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One career move. Infinite possibilities. At CIMB, it’s more than just a career in banking. Whatever your background, we can help you discover yourself and find your place. With 42,000 employees serving 13.5 million customers across 17 nations, you will find abundant opportunities as you embark on a journey with us. Get a head start with ASEAN’s leading financial services franchise. t *OUFSOTIJQ 0QQPSUVOJUJFT t 5IF $PNQMFUF #BOLFS™ 1SPHSBNNF t $*.# 'VTJPO 1SPHSBNNF For more information on our graduate programmes or to apply, visit us at XXX DJNC DPN Connect with us on

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