Decision-making at manufacturing firm Wanin Industries had a top-down approach. But things changed when Eugene Tan, Head of Special Projects, encouraged his teams to take on a more collaborative approach to problem-solving.
Teams now hold meetings to identify problems and work together for solutions before going to the management. “Because they work at the ground level, they are in a better position to advise us on approaching issues,” said Eugene.
Eugene introduced the change after gaining communication insights from NUS Business School’s Enterprise Leadership for Transformation Programme. He is also part of the first batch of 29 business leaders that recently graduated from the one-year programme.
Spearheaded by Enterprise Singapore and in partnership with HSBC and Linhart Group, the Programme helps SME leaders like Eugene sharpen leadership and business fundamentals.
Eugene Tan, Head of Special Projects, Wanin Industries
“I’ve been actively looking for courses like that that could take family businesses like us to the next level. This helps us zoom in on ideas and deal with them,” said Eugene.
During the programme, participants receive guidance in developing growth strategies and drawing out execution roadmaps.
They also have access to various insights through participation in peer learning and engagement with Senior Advisers, comprising successful entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Driving positive impact
The Senior Advisers helped mentor the participants, and Nicholas Tan, Chief Strategy Officer, design school TaF.tc (Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre), benefited.
Nicholas learned to take a personal approach in talent development from Senior Adviser Lucas Jiang, the People Team VP at Sea Group, focusing on leadership development.
Nicholas Tan, Chief Strategy Officer, TaF.tc (Textile and Fashion Industry Training Centre)
“I am spending more time with my people. Every week, I try to spend about two or three hours with each of them focusing on their development,” said Nicholas.
He added his team had felt a positive impact. “I get feedback from my team that I’ve become more effective in managing them and helping them grow.”
The programme has also helped participants drive innovation within their organisations. For example, Brian Sim, Director, Indon Shipping, saw the opportunity to transform his firm’s paper-based HR process of rostering and managing payroll for some 200 drivers and workers. “We can automate the HR process with software, cutting out hours per month and saving paper,” he said.
Brian Sim, Director, Indon Shipping
Meanwhile, the Enterprise Leadership for Transformation Programme is continuing to develop business leaders, with the second cohort completing its lectures and the third cohort starting classes in September.
“We are proud to have been a part of our ELT graduates’ growth and transformation journey,” said Jai Arya, Head, Executive Education, NUS Business School. “We hope to continue a lifelong engagement with our SME leaders as they grow domestically and internationally into world-class industry champions.”
