I've been in the EMS industry for 5 years. Started with quality engineering, then moved on as management rep for my company's integrated management systems (ISO9001, ISO/TS16949, OHSAS18001, ISO14001 and ISO13485) and deployment champion for lean six sigma. Currently I'm working to improve my organization based on the Singapore business excellence framework.
My thoughts on ...
What I think about Foxconn
Obviously the most dominant player in our industry, with not only scale but great alignment of supply chain and strategic positioning of factories. Pity the sensational news on workers suicides, though.
EMS companies I have worked with
My company supplies to higher tier EMS such as Jabil and Flextronics.
The skills I often see lacking in the EMS industry today
Innovative skills. Our focus has often been on minimizing loss and cost rather than creating new value for our customers.
What I think about some of the emerging EMS markets or regions
As China manufacturing moves up the value chain, the rising labour costs and other related costs will drive some OEMs to Southeast Asia particularly Indonesia.
What I think about low-cost manufacturing
Negatively, it means taking advantage of poorer people in other nations. But positively, it means providing livelihood and jobs to these people. Manufacturing is an excellent job creator particularly the low-cost segment.
My thoughts on what makes a good program manager
First and foremost is a clear picture of how the objectives of a program can be successfully met within the time-frame and resources allocated. Next, is the ability to lead the team by example with a good balance of empathy and firm direction.
A book I recommend to others or am currently reading
Ideas are free
One of my favorite quotes
don't blame others, but try to improve the situation
Someone I would most like to sit next to at a dinner party
Any successful entrepreneurs or COO.. For example in Singapore, that could be Douglas Foo who is the founder of Sakae Sushi.
Some of the countries I have visited for work or play
China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Switzerland, USA..
A helpful travel tip I often use
blend in
The ultimate consumer electronics product I would still like to see developed
a 'replicator' as in the star trek series
A favorite electronics gadget
my iphone
One of my favorite toys as a child
my bicycle
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