My role as a Relationship Manager, is to be the connection between client and Standard Chartered. I work with clients from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures. It’s this variety that makes my role so interesting, and why I love what I do.
Are there any quotes you live and work by?
“When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it” – a quote from “The Alchemist” novel. I’ve always believed if we want something, then go for it. The law of attraction and positive energy will lead you there.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
No one can help you, as much as you can help yourself. Other people can motivate you, and coach you, but you need to act and commit to your dreams. My boss always believes in us. Her mantra is – ‘Go for our dream’.
What was your first job?
My first job was with Big 4 audit firm. I started in the Taxation business function, and this is where my love of finance and investment started. I joined Banking to continue my career passion.
What has been your career path, to get where you are now?
My career path had been up and down. I’ve worked in a few banks in Malaysia and Singapore. I recall I had a challenging transition, around 8 years ago, when I moved across the straits to work in Singapore. As I look back, I can see I was fortunate enough to meet a great leader who guided me along the way and helped me accomplish my career goals.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced when working?
One of my biggest challenges, was supporting a client project, with a deadline aligned to their birthday. We realised; it only gave us 10 days to deliver for our client. I drew on the expertise of as many stakeholders as I could, to help meet the deadline, which did involve working over the weekend as well. It was all worth it. I still remember the feeling I had, when I explained to the client, we’d been able to deliver to their birthday.
If you didn’t do the job you do now, what would be your other career?
I’ve always dreamed of being a professional footballer.
How have you built flexibility into your every day? What do you do, with your time around work?
I typically start my day around 9am. We have a lot of flexibility in how we plan our working day. There can be times, when we work outside our regular hours to spend time with a client, so it’s good to have that balance and be able to work flexibly.
What was the first thing you bought with your own money, from your first job?
I still remember that the first big item I bought with my own money. It was an expensive laptop. I’m a huge fan of computer games, and I spent about MYR 4K back then to get my first laptop.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Most of my free time is spent with my family. I also like to play football twice a week and most weekends. I also like to read or playing computer games. Occasionally, I’ll go hiking with my colleagues too.
Are there any new skills you’re trying to learn?
Right now, I’m trying to learn tennis and skateboarding. I’m keen to learn things that I missed out trying when I was a teenager. I’m really taking this seriously. I’ve even hired a coach to help me pursue and master them!
What’s the best part of your daily routine?
The best part of my daily routine is to be consistent and predictable. Haha, I’m a boring man! I like to have the same daily routine as I find it helps me achieve my goals and what I wish for in life.
Do you have any hobbies, secret talents or passions outside of work?
My hobbies are playing football and computer games. My secret talent would be playing computer games, as I’m quite good at it! In another life, I would have liked it to be a professional sports play, but I live in a different era and I’m too old now.
What positives have you experienced from the pandemic?
For me the positives have been how much more care there is. People are taking more time to care and think of each other’s family, friends, and colleagues. And that care extends to our clients too. Our clients are taking the time to make sure that we’re safe in our regular check-ins.
What career advice would you give to your younger self?
I would tell myself to have ‘grit’. Angela Duckworth is a world expert on grit and she once said – ‘enthusiasm is common, but endurance is rare’. I would constantly remind my younger self to ride through the storm, hold your head high and walk on.
Could you describe your role?
My role as a Relationship Manager, is to be the connection between client and Standard Chartered. I work with clients from a variety of different backgrounds and cultures. It’s this variety that makes my role so interesting, and why I love what I do. When I connect with my older clients, I’m learning from their life experience. With my younger clients, I’m advising on investment ideas. With all my clients, I like to take the time to understand their personal needs and to deliver them the most suitable products that our bank is offering.
