Q1. Please provide a brief summary of your career to date. How many years in the industry?
Right after graduating from university in 2007, I started my career as an ROV Offshore Pilot Technician at a Singapore-based ROV Company. The experiences I gained as an Offshore Pilot Technician formed the foundation of many opportunities that came thereafter.
I later moved on to other companies and managed various roles in the technical, project management and business development fields. These roles saw me being exposed to areas like decommissioning, subsea tooling, and survey. The last position I held was that of an ROV Project Manager, just before joining Unique Group in Singapore earlier this year.
Each one of my former roles were fulfilling in their own ways. I would daresay that all of these positions helped me grow professionally to where I am today.
Q2. What is your key area of expertise?
I have a passion in making things work and ensuring that processes flow smoothly so that the outcome that we are striving for as a team is a successful one for all.
I have a strong ability to provide cost-effective solutions to customers through technology and innovation. I do not just sell. I provide solutions.
Q3. What do you enjoy most about your current role?
I enjoy the relationships forged with customers, and the trust gained through the service I provide.
I also enjoy pushing boundaries of the utilisation of existing technology, for instance, going beyond what that one specific technology is commonly used for.
It is heartwarming to also see a growing team that can strive for results.
Q4. How would you describe a typical day for you at Unique Group?
I start a typical day running through the day-to-day operations and technical issues. I am often going back and forth the office and workshop to ensure that we are always on top of our game.
I spend a great deal of time with customers, not only on their new inquiries, but also on their challenges and to offer realistic solutions.
I would typically end the day by catching up and preparing the technical team for the next day’s challenges. It is also a time where I understand the team’s difficulties and discuss best available resolutions. I strongly believe in “leaving no man behind”.
Q5. What would you most like to achieve in your role/what are your ambitions for the company going forward?
One of my greatest ambitions is to establish Unique Group as a top-notch equipment and solutions provider in the Asia Pacific region. It would bring me great pride to assist senior management to in moving this company forward to greater heights.
Q6. What do you consider as one of the biggest engineering marvels in the world and why?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) would be, by far, my idea of an engineering marvel. In my humble opinion, though AI will never be able to replace humans, it is one that could improve our efficacy and greatly reduce errors that are otherwise often overlooked by humans.
Q7. What do you specifically do to maintain the professional/personal life balance?
In the past years pre-COVID, I spent a lot of time away from my family travelling for work. Despite my frequent travels, my family has always been my support system.
While COVID was something no one ever wished for, it was a period I really enjoyed the most because I had more time to bond with my family, especially my 2 young boys. I love that I have time outdoors with them, as well as to explore our love – food!
These days, I ensure that my weekends are left for my family. I am very glad that the company is supportive of this, and that they have been respecting my personal time.
Q8. On a personal front, is there any sustainability/climate action, charity work or associations (be it humanitarian or sports or any other) you’re a part of and would like to highlight?
I have been involved with volunteering for various community services, for instance, bringing the elderly out for social outings. These include planning for a suitable venue and date, to garnering optimal attendance, and finally having safety plans in place for the participants. Being a part of community services is fulfilling, and it has been beneficial for my mental and emotional well-being.
