Talent Profile

“Attract a diverse talent base and then develop and mentor this talent to support their growth. Having diversity as a hiring metric is not enough, we need to make ensure everyone has fair and equitable opportunities to succeed.”

How did you end up in the automotive industry?

As far back as I can remember, I’ve always gravitated towards cars. This affinity saw me through different phases as a child, from spending hours daydreaming in cars to day-driving [think stationary vehicle but shifting gears with sound effects] to eventually fixing cars in my garage. When it came to pursuing my undergraduate, I pursued a mainstream engineering degree i.e. Mechanical. That did not last long as I saw myself switching to Automotive by the 2nd semester. So glad I made that switch.

Who did you look to for inspiration throughout your career?

I have been fortunate to have crossed paths with leaders that have genuinely cared for and wanted the best for me. My formative years took place in Malaysia where I evolved from a team member to a team leader and I’m thankful to have had mentors that would tell me things I needed to hear and not necessarily what I wanted to hear. Feedback is truly a gift.

What do you think about the current state of diversity in the industry?

As an immigrant, I felt the odds were stacked against me. International education and International work experience can either be a strength or a weakness depending on the diversity exposure of the hiring manager. Not only immigrants have these dimensions to overcome, they have to overcome other nuances such as language, accent, and being part of a visible minority community. The industry has made strides in gender diversity but we still have a long way to go for our industry to emulate the faces of our customers.

What change would you like to see in the auto industry when it comes to increasing diversity?

The industry has to remove its blinders. We have an opportunity to make a systemic change by nurturing interest at the grassroots levels [High Schools, Universities etc.]. Attract a diverse talent base and once they’re in, mentor and sponsor these individuals to support their growth. Having diversity as a hiring metric is not enough, we need to ensure that everyone has fair and equal opportunities.

What words of advice would you give to your younger self or someone just getting started in automotive?

Look out for people that see the best in you and want the best from you. Ask for their support and mentorship. There is only so much you can learn from books, learn from the individuals that inspire you and then pay it forward.