How did you come to hold your current position?
I started my career in ABB in 1989 and, over the years, I’ve held mostly global positions in the UK, Finland and France. So, it’s good to have a different perspective of issues and challenges on the ground that is sometimes overlooked from a helicopter view. Additionally, my family and I were in Malaysia a few years ago and we fell in love with everything about the country; from the rich cultural diversity to the food and warmth of its people. So, it’s wonderful to be able to call this our home now.
Why do you think that a CEO’s first 100 days are so critical to a company’s future success?
It is natural for people to have expectations whenever there is a leadership change. For me, the main priority is to listen and understand what’s important to our employees, customers and key stakeholders. I believe that their expectations will fade if you don’t make an attempt to reach out and engage. And this is important not only in the first 100 days but every single day to foster the best performance that will take any organisation forward.
How does ABB Malaysia fit into the overall strategy of the ABB Group in Asia?
With its steady economic growth, cost competitiveness, modern infrastructure and strategic location, Malaysia is becoming an increasingly important business and technology hub for ABB in the region. Over the years, we have built up our operations from just a sales office to include, today, a second factory that produces ABB’s next generation drives for South Asia and the Oceania region. We are also expanding our capabilities into R&D through ABB Enterprise Software and Spirit IT, to offer new and exciting solutions for specific market application.
What are some of the latest developments coming out of ABB Switzerland that you are most excited about?
As a global technology company, ABB developments come from different parts of the world. But what I’m most excited about is our potential in smart transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as renewables such as solar. ABB has been supplying solar power solutions since the early 1990s and we are uniquely positioned to leverage on our expertise in the entire energy supply chain. With the constant sunlight all-year round in Malaysia, solar is a suitable alternative to buffer against the impact of fluctuations in fuel prices and to boost national energy security with minimal environmental impact.
Share with us the strategies undertaken by ABB as the world’s leader in power and automation technologies in order to continuously stay ahead of the competition.
There are many factors that contribute to our success and one is our focus on innovation. It is not a secret that, every year, ABB devotes more than USD1billion to various research and development activities. We maintain seven corporate research centres, employ 8,000 scientists and support 70 university collaborations around the world. We also value the diversity of our workforce. In Malaysia alone, we have people from 19 different countries who pool their skills and experience to bring the best of ABB’s technology to local customers.
What must you do as Managing Director to stay on top of your game?
I believe that if you stop listening, you stop staying on top of your game. All opinions deserve to be heard and understood. In ABB Malaysia, for example, we have a team that drives interaction and engagement among people in our organisation. They represent the voice of fresh recruits and young talents. So, I make it a point to listen to their views and learn from their insights. There is so much positive energy to tap from.
Why do CEOs need a dose of James Bond in their lives?
Every man wants to be like James Bond and it’s not difficult to imagine why. He is a man of action and has the courage to face challenges head on. He is quick and fluid, and, more importantly, he never gives up. These are some good traits for any CEO.
Which movie, in your opinion, best serves as an important lesson for a CEO and why?
Two come to mind. The first is a Finnish film made in the 1950s called Tuntematon sotilas or Unknown Soldier, and it is shown every year on Independence Day in Finland. The second is The King’s Speech. The underlying theme in both movies is persistence. As a CEO, you need to recognise that you are not perfect. Admit your weakness to yourself and to others, then work on constantly developing yourself. And, more importantly, just like James Bond, never give up.
What keeps you awake at night?
Actually, I sleep quite well, except when there’s a late Bond movie on TV. But, other than the occasional budget stress, I try to live in a way that leaves my conscience intact. And this means taking responsibility for my actions and working with my team to make ABB as the place to be in Malaysia, for our employees, customers and business partners.
