What made you go into this business?
My past experience was in the paint industry with ICI and JOTUN, and, as such, I naturally started my business focussing on what I know – the building industry with paints and special texture coatings and as applicator and service provider. Then I had a joint venture with my US partner, Joseph Weiinraub, in facade maintenance and restoration technology and we secured a major contract with the Petronas Twin Towers. Later, I bought out my partner, who was getting on in age by then.
Looking back, what do you consider the defining moments in your business?
As CEO, the most defining moment was to successfully transfer and innovate further the facade and restoration technology to Malaysia, thus adding value to high-rise property owners and building relationships with them. Just as significant are those times when ROTOL Group was selected to undertake the challenging facade restoration work for such prestigious buildings as the Petronas Twin Towers, Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, Shangri-la Hotel Kuala Lumpur, the Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur, the Dayabumi Complex, the New Calvary Church, KLCC Suria, The Weld and Wisma GoldHill.
Single out a corporate leader you wish to emulate and share with us why.
Warren Buffet comes to my mind for his philosophy that, after having built his wealth and fortune, he will donate 90 per cent of his wealth to research and projects for the betterment of mankind.
What do you regard as the crucial factors for you to stay on top of your game?
I am constantly keeping abreast of new technologies and developments in my industry that are taking place in advanced economies like the US, Europe, Japan and, now, China. Presently, I plan to introduce innovations to my existing Rotol US technology through the use of neutral chemical products, and highly trained and skilled craftsmen, as well as introducing robotic technology to maintain entire facade envelopes.
Why do you think CEOs need a dose of James Bond in their lives?
Most CEOs are so preoccupied with their monotonous work days that life has become boring and unexciting. So, some James Bond when translated into their management can lead to more innovation, coming up with out-of-the-box solutions to business challenges and accomplishing mission impossibles.
As Group CEO, what most excites and concerns you?
What most excites me is receiving the news that ROTOL has successfully secured major projects and contracts from the Government as well as the private sector. As a company, we have always performed to the total satisfaction of our clients in all areas of our work, and in fulfilling our company’s policy of speed, quality and safety at all times. What most concerns me is making sure that we continue to maintain this into the future.
