From Chemical Engineering Graduate to Process Improvement Engineer!

By Nadia Syafiq

Get to know Wang Pei Ying and her journey at Synthomer Malaysia.

My first job
As a fresh graduate who just landed her first job at one of the world’s largest suppliers of aqueous polymers, it can be quite exciting to be in a company filled with experienced engineers and professionals. When I first started, it was as if I was thrown in the middle of the ocean, trying to keep myself afloat by maintaining a positive attitude and determination. One and a half year into my position, I still feel the same once in a while. But I learned that it is okay to feel lost sometimes. What you can do is to continuously learn and not let yourself drown. Eventually, as you gain more experience, you’ll learn how to swim better. Despite having to work in a challenging environment, I am lucky to have colleagues who treat and respect all employees equally.

Principles I live by
I learned that besides having friends to help you overcome tough situations, a strong mindset will help the most. Picking up a new interest also helped! Baking and reading in my case. I recommend two books that have helped me get through situations like these: The Courage to be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga, and Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles.

Best career advice
“Life is not only just about work, but also like a chair. The more support you have, the more stable you are.” A quote from my line manager that I hold on to. Having work-life balance is my ultimate goal. My line manager always advises us to not stay up late for work and he really means it! Work is continuous, but life is precious.

The people I look up to
I truly admire one of the female leaders at Synthomer – a knowledgeable, smart and capable leader. She joined Synthomer as a commissioning engineer, was promoted to Assistant Plant Manager, and eventually Site Manager all by the age of 30! An always curious person, she would ask why for almost everything – a coaching method to train others in developing their conscious mind. She inspires me to be a well-rounded female leader who is also willing to nurture others to become better.

My hopes and aspirations
Besides building strong technical engineering knowledge that would lead me to become a competent chartered engineer, I also hope to widen my view not only from an engineering perspective but also from a business perspective. Alongside, growing into a gentle yet assertive person and of course, not forgetting to be happy.

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