Teh Wee Chye : Technical skills open the door . Your character and leadership propels you to the top.
By Foong Pek Yee
foongpekyee@gmail.com
Aug 29, 2024
You can stay relevant and innovative in this rapidly evolving world via life long learning
“And it is your leadership and character that defines your success,” says Teh Wee Chye who is Malayan Flour Mills Bhd (MFM) deputy executive chairman and managing director.
Addressing graduates at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) 39th convocation ceremony session 4 at its campus in Kampar, Perak on Aug 18, 2024, Teh says having the integrity and resilience, and being highly adaptable and visionary will enable a person to make a positive impact on the rapidly changing world.
Congratulations: UTAR Education Foundation Board of Trustees chairman Tan Sri Dr Sak Cheng Lum (right) presenting a scroll to Lai Jen Weng who has a degree in Bachelor of Business Administration (Hon) Entrepreneurship at the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 18, 2024.
“The rapidly evolving world is presenting many opportunities and challenges alike ,” Teh says, adding that success is also about being able to bounce back from setbacks and keep going.
March of the guest of honour: UTAR president Datuk Professor Dr Ewe Hong Tat, Dr Sak and guest of honour Teh Wee Chye entering Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik for the UTAR 39th convocation in the Kampur campus in Perak on Aug 18, 2024.
While food security and climate change are two rising concerns worldwide and inter-connected , Teh says they (concerns) also provide career and relevant business opportunities at the same time.
‘This is one area graduates could explore and venture in, not only as a career, but also to help ensure enough of food supply for the people.”
With between 4.7 billion and 4.8 billion of the world’s 8.05 billion population in Asia, the focus on ensuring enough food in the region offers vast opportunities for graduates from multi disciplines to apply their skills and make an impact.
A major milestone: Graduates arriving at Dewan Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik for the UTAR 39th convocation on Aug 18, 2024.
Describing this century as an Asian century, he says the region’s remarkable and continuous economic growth are translated into good economic and career opportunities.
In 2024, Asia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is between $40 trillion and $ 45 trillion.
This amount includes China’s GDP of between $19 trillion and $20 trillion – the second largest economy after the United States which has a GDP of between $ 27 trillion and $28trillion.
And Asean alone has a GDP of between $3.5trillion and $4 trillion.
Teh points out that the world is undergoing a lot of changes and urged graduates to acquire cross cultural skills and a deep understanding of global connections to stay relevant.
“As you step into your career, consider how you can contribute in the vital sectors like food security.
“Consider change as a companion. Continue life long learning to stay relevant,” says the 70-year-old Teh.
MFM which started off in 1966 as a flour milling company is now a staple food manufacturing company; majoring in flour milling, poultry integration and aquaculture.
Teh who has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Ship Building and Shipping Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA joined MFM as deputy mill manager in 1976 and promoted to plant manager two years later.
In 1979, he was made the project manager in charge of the MFM’s entire expansion plans.
