51 A Story by Mr Wee Kah Khim Many years ago, I made a mistake. For years, our team proved our ability to make strides in the Advanced 3D X-ray Inspection (AXI) technology, support, commitment and responsiveness to customers. It was a triumph when we were listed globally in a US-based tierone contract manufacturing company’s Approved Vendor List (AVL). Good times don’t last long. Our competitors began to drop their prices to win deals. We were reluctant to do so because we believed that our ability to help customers solve problems was the main competency. Nonetheless, the convincing power of our Sales Channel Partners (SCPs) and my overlook of practising trust and respect led me to make the decision – to drop the price for this particular region. The vice president (VP) of the contract manufacturing company was furious when he found out that I broke the pricing agreement and put us on hold of AVL for five months. By that time, I knew I had made a colossal mistake. Five months later, the company representative from the United States was finally willing to meet up. Without hesitating, I bought a flight ticket and went to meet him face-to-face. I was questioned and criticised throughout the meeting. The VP was upset and said, “What you have done could break our trust. Once trust is broken, I would not be able to work with you for the long term.” I apologised sincerely for overlooking this matter and promised him that this wouldn’t happen again. I emphasised that trust is one of our core values and will improve myself by practising it. Gratefully, the VP gave us a second opportunity. Since then, we have continued practising trust and respect values in ViTrox. Though sometimes we lost to the competitors, most of the time we won.
52 Leong Chee Yeong (Gary) Senior Director of ABI-AIS (BD) I.A.C.T.G. washed away my aggressiveness
53 A Story by Gary Leong I didn’t have an orientation like others on the first day of joining ViTrox. I received a call from then Automated Board Inspection (ABI) General Manager Wee Kah Khim, who is now our Senior Executive Vice President & CEO; he asked me to book a flight ticket to China. In fact, my whole family had just moved back from China a week ago as I finished the last assignment with my previous job in China. Some of our belongings were still on the way to Penang while I flew to China again to handle an urgent deal on behalf of ViTrox in November 2012. From there, I began my enriching journey with ViTrox… I loved the open office concept the moment I stepped into ViTrox’s campus. It was a very fresh experience for me because where I came from everyone stayed in their own cubicles and offices, and we hardly talked to the top management. For seven years, I had been immersed in an aggressive culture where the bosses would shout at employees in meetings. The work culture was very fast-paced to the extent that meeting until 2 a.m. was a normal practice. Customers would often question us in a badtempered manner about the late delivery and product issues. To succeed in getting the deals, we had to stay aggressive but at the same time not behave aggressively towards our customers. When we went back to talk to the technical personnel or R&D engineers, we channelled the anger we received from the external (customers) to the internal (coworkers). We tend to give others what we receive. The most extreme behaviour I had shown was when I received a stressful call in the hotel lobby; as a result of that,
54 I shouted at the innocent front desk personnel. Was there any mutual respect? No. I brought that characteristic to ViTrox unavoidably. At work, I was aggressive and argumentative to many people, including Lim Wei Yee who is the former Chief Operating Officer. One day, Mr Wee talked to me in a one-on-one meeting, which made me realise my problem. I began to put in effort and tone down my temperament. At the same time, I observed how Mr Chu and Mr Lim Wei Yee behave and interact with others. It took me about one year to assimilate into ViTrox’s I.A.C.T.G. culture. From my experience, the core values we embrace aren’t just a poster on the wall or the first two presentation slides; instead, the company’s leaders practise the values and walk the talk. “From my experience, the core values we embrace aren’t just a poster on the wall or the first two presentation slides; instead, the company’s leaders practise the values and walk the talk. “
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56 I am the first Malay engineer at ViTrox Junaidy bin Ariffin Manager, MVS-CM (TS)
57 “They hired me not because of my performance but because they believed in my potential and ability to grow. “ A Story by Junaidy bin Ariffin I am the first Malay engineer at ViTrox. Back in 2008, I was looking for an engineering position at ViTrox. I could recall during my first interview, the hiring manager asked many difficult technical questions; luckily, I managed to ace the interview by responding perfectly. I could tell from his expression that he was satisfied with how well I performed in the interview. In the second interview, I met one of our founders, Steven Siaw. Unlike the first interview, he posed several simple questions about the vision system, but I was unable to answer them because I had no knowledge and related experience in this field. I failed to answer all questions regarding the vision system and felt very down after the interview. TRUST & RESPECT
58 Surprisingly, I received a call from ViTrox two weeks later, informing me the good news of a job offer. I officially joined the company as a technical support engineer. I still had doubts about why ViTrox would still hire me as I felt I didn’t do well during the second interview. After some time, I found out that they hired me not because of my performance but because they believed in my potential and ability to grow. As the first Malay engineer at ViTrox, I had a unique experience among my Chinese colleagues. Before settling down, I stayed in a lounge room located at the cafeteria of ViTrox Campus 1.0 for around two months. After working hours, there were usually two to three groups of people huddling in the cafeteria. Once, when I came out from the lounge room, our colleague Low Teck Wong called my name and asked me to join them.
59 When I walked to them, I realised the whole group immediately changed their conversation from Mandarin to Malay. They respected my differences, included me in the conversation, and genuinely treated me as part of the family. The prolonged trust and respect is why I am still here after 14 years.
60 I felt touched when Mr Wee told me about his aspiration of growing a local company and making the local business successful. He asked me to join him in realising the ambition. Lee Yi Loong Director of Manufacturing
61 A Story by Lee Yi Loong The Great Recession of 2008 was precipitated in the United States and ensued in nearly half of all countries around the world. In Penang, Malaysia, manufacturing engineer Lee Yi Loong, who worked in a multinational company, began to feel the tension in the air. There were rumours about layoff and retrenchment in his community. Among all industries, the manufacturing industry was affected the most. He seemed to be in the centre of a tornado – calm with extremely low pressure – yet the rotating columns of air had already destructed many in their surroundings. Plenty of his colleagues received the offer of voluntary separation schemes and left. The company announced pay cuts and closed down a business unit. At the end of the year, Penang state had the highest number of unemployed workers, voluntarily and involuntarily. “Would I be the next one?” Yi Loong was worried. He had been working in the Automated INSPIRING V-CULTURE STORIES
62 Board Inspection (ABI) manufacturing industry for many years. It’s a path he hoped to continue pursuing further. Blessed with good luck, the company offered Yi Loong to work for another business unit. Despite being the survivor who got the lifeboat of a drowning ship, he found it hard to adapt to the culture of the new business unit. One day, he met Ooi Song Wah, who was then an R&D manager at ViTrox, at the company. Upon knowing how Yi Loong felt uncomfortable with the recent internal change of job, Song Wah went straight to the point and asked if Yi Loong had an interest in joining ViTrox. A chance to return to the assembly line of Advanced 3D X-ray Inspection (AXI) products? Sounded appealing. He decided to give it a try. Just a few days later, Yi Loong received a call from ViTrox. The interview was smooth, and a job was offered to him quickly. However, Yi Loong felt disappointed immediately after looking at the compensation and benefits. It was incomparable to what a multinational company gave, so he rejected the job offer. Shortly afterwards, Wee Kah Khim, then Chief Business Development Officer at ViTrox, buzzed Yi Loong to learn about his reason for rejection. The plot twisted after this phone call. “I felt touched when Mr Wee told me about his aspiration of growing a local company and making the local business successful. He asked me to join him in realising the ambition,” said Yi Loong. Wee had a similar career journey as Yi Loong, in which they both worked for a multinational company for many years. “That was also the first time trust was generated between both of us.” Despite the uneasy process of persuading his family, who had high expectations of him to work in a multinational company, Yi Loong took the courage to move on a new path in his career life.
63 “We don't live on an island; we interact with our fellow contributors and colleagues. That's why having good behaviour and attitude is very important to make things work, and that will set the right foundation for us to achieve great breakthroughs and success.” Steven Siaw Kok Tong Executive Vice President, Executive Director & Co-founder
64 INSPIRING V-CULTURE STORIES
65 We wanted to create a company where everyone feels like a member of the family, who supports one another wholeheartedly and works together in one vision, one voice, and one team. We believe that we should always live with uncompromised integrity, have the courage to do the right thing and be accountable and stand by with our decision and action. We should treat one another with gratitude & care, trust & respect. We should also be accountable for our customers’ success and have the courage to pursue ambitious goals in life with uncompromised integrity.
66 Gratitude & Care 感恩与关怀
67 “Compassionate innovation is at the core of our approach. It embodies the spirit of love, care, empathy, and altruism.” Mr Chu Jenn Weng President & Group CEO
68 A smile is free of charge
69 A Story by Lim Kim Seng Ever wondered why Mr Lim has a smiley pin on his lanyard? If you ask what advice I would give to my younger self, this is one of the principles I would like to practise in the first 10 years of my career. Among the 30 principles from “How to Win Friends and Influence People” introduced by Dale Carnegie, I found this very powerful. That’s why I have this smiley button pin on my lanyard to remind myself to greet everyone I meet with a smile. Lim Kim Seng Chief Financial Officer
70 Story behind a forklift Johnny Leong Chee Kwan Director of Supply Chain Management
71 A Story by Johnny Leong Whenever I see a forklift, it reminds me of an accident that happened in the warehouse many years ago. A worker of our supplier was critically injured. We rushed the injured worker to the nearest hospital. His condition was critical, and the doctor said an immediate operation was needed. Hearing that, without any hesitation, Mr Chu and Ms Su took out their personal credit card to pay for the medical fees. This incident happened during my third month at ViTrox. After witnessing what happened, I couldn’t hold back my tears while driving back home. I felt deeply touched by our senior leaders’ sincere care for a supplier’s worker who is not a ViTroxian. They put their care into action by helping him to get immediate medical attention and also visited him a few days after the operation. The feeling endures until today, and it has always been a story that reminds me how to show genuine care. “After witnessing what happened, I couldn’t hold back my tears while driving back home. I felt deeply touched by our senior leaders’ sincere care for a supplier’s worker who is not a ViTroxian.” GRATITUDE & CARE
72 “The number you have dialled is unreachable.” I don’t remember how many times I received the same response from the automated phone system after dialling this number. People told me I should stop hoping for him to return my calls, but they didn’t know how much he meant to me. He was my sifu, my mentor, who had been a strong influence throughout my career. Missing my sifu A Story by Edwinz Teo Teo Yong Kher (Edwinz) Executive Chef
73 Nineteen years ago, I met my sifu Yoshiyaki Ito, a front sushi counter cuisine master with over 40 years of culinary experience in Japanese cuisine. Every day, he taught me the philosophy of Japanese food and cooking skills, such as preparing dishes for the sushi bar. It was a gainful apprenticeship experience when I was in Brunei for five years. One day, I lost contact with my sifu, who lived in Hokkaido. I kept calling him, but the number has been unreachable ever since. I asked my previous Japanese manager about sifu’s whereabouts, yet it was in vain. “A record-breaking megathrust earthquake struck Japan in March 2011, triggering a powerful tsunami which washed away many buildings and lives. The disaster recorded 19,747 deaths, and more than 2,500 are still missing.” This was the news I received. I could hardly believe the truth until today. I miss my sifu, and I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to learn from him. Without him, I won’t be able to realise my passion for cooking delicious Japanese food today.
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75 If you asked me to join any volunteering programme two years ago, I would definitely reject it. Aman Nazarri People Culture Engineer Joy of volunteering INSPIRING V-CULTURE STORIES
76 A Story by Aman Nazarri Joining ViTrox as an intern was a bit of a “culture shock” for me, as the company places a strong emphasis on volunteerism. At first, I only participated in the V-Meal Serving programme as a way to relax and unwind after work. However, volunteering has since taken on a much deeper meaning for me. As a ViTroxian, I feel a desire to “repay” the kindness that ViTrox has shown me during my time here. It is not easy for a company to provide such extensive benefits solely for the well-being of its employees, especially given the associated costs. Therefore, I believe that if ViTrox is willing to go above and beyond for its employees, it is only fitting that I do the same for the company. Many of the volunteering programmes at ViTrox align with my personal beliefs, as they hold a deeper meaning beyond just an activity. For instance, the ViTrox Academy Open Day is not only aimed at promoting academic courses but also provides an opportunity for students who may not have the means to position themselves in the industry. This is a significant challenge for the younger generation today, and I felt a sense of satisfaction when I volunteered for this programme, knowing that I contributed to this purpose. Perhaps most importantly, volunteering has given me a sense of purpose and belonging. By helping others, I feel needed and valued, which is a powerful antidote to feelings of emptiness and worthlessness. Furthermore, I have come to realise that many people are in need of help from others. In a world where we often compare ourselves to others, it is important to remember the value of giving and taking. I truly believe that when we help others, we create a positive ripple effect in the world that may one day bring good things back to us.
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79 “I always believe that core values have the power and ability to drive positive powerful change in ourselves, the company and the community.” GRATITUDE & CARE Mr Chu Jenn Weng President & Group CEO
80 My continuous growth at ViTrox Moo Keng Hao Research Executive A Story by Moo Keng Hao It’s my third year with ViTrox Academy. From being an intern three years ago, I have grown into a Research Executive and a College Student Affairs officer at ViTrox Academy. I am involved in managing all aspects and functions of my team; from applying for a license for educational programmes, developing the ViTrox Makerspace, academics diploma, Technical and Vocational
81 Education and Training (TVET), to Continuous Professional Development. I have a wide range of interests, and ViTrox is the perfect platform to feed my thirst for knowledge and learning. Eventually, it made me wonder if I have a vast field of interest, will I not have any specialisation in my career? My answer is no, because the more work I am involved in, the more I learn. Furthermore, I am with an organisation that allows me to learn and develop, so why not? Currently, I am also a part-time student pursuing a master’s degree. To navigate the work-study life, I have learned how to play the role at the right time. During work hours, I focus on being productive; after work, I spend time studying and fulfilling other obligations. I hold multiple responsibilities in various areas, but I enjoy learning through every different path. I am grateful for the good opportunities to grow at ViTrox and for having an understanding and supportive manager that gives me the flexibility to balance my work and postgraduate life. “I have a wide range of interests, and ViTrox is the perfect platform to feed my thirst for knowledge and learning. “
82 “Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” Vincent van Gogh Dutch painter
83 When everyone embraces the same core values, it unifies the company as a whole and guides our important decisions. Sharing a common set of values with those around us not only strengthens our relationships in good times, but also fosters a deep sense of belonging and dependency that we can rely on during times of uncertainty or change, particularly in the present moment.
ViTrox: A place we feel at home 84
85 A Story by Fahmi Helmi ViTrox’s culture makes us always feel at home. When I first joined in 2011, our department was small and located on a rented floor outside Campus 1.0. Only until we moved into Campus 1.0, did our corporate culture give me a lasting impression. There are family-like bonds among our people. We worked on projects and had activities together. We were given the freedom to explore various possibilities with people from different teams. Whenever we have an idea, we can always discuss it with anybody without any concerns. The open office concept and cosy campus design created a safe and comfortable space for us to brainstorm and create innovative ideas. Based on my experience, I cannot find anywhere else as peaceful and harmonious as here. Although the family has expanded now, the feeling is still the same. Fahmi Helmi Business Development Senior Manager
86 Lecturer Principal of ViTrox College, Dr Janaka Low (left), is playing chess with Chew Chew Sui Teng Sui Teng (right). The chess set has special features to allow visually-impaired players to differentiate black from white squares and pieces.
87 A Story by Chew Sui Teng In 2023, ViTrox Academy welcomed a visuallyimpaired employee as a lecturer for the diploma programme. “I felt very surprised and grateful for the job opportunity because it wasn’t easy throughout my entire job-searching journey,” said Chew Sui Teng. Understanding the unique obstacles Chew faced in her daily commute, the People Management team registered her for the company’s carpooling programme. Through this initiative, the team was able to match her with caring and empathetic carpooling drivers. Chew shared her gratitude to the carpooling buddy who goes above and beyond to ensure her safety and comfort. “My carpooling driver is very caring; she would explain to me the surroundings as we pass by. Once, there was a hole in the middle of the road, and she brought me to feel it. This is more helpful than telling me to be cautious of a hole in front of me because I am not able to see it.” Embracing ViTrox’s philosophy of supporting every employee’s integration into the workplace, Chew was paired with a buddy who guided her in familiarising herself with her job assignments and the office environment. While Chew needs special assistance to go around the campus, Chew’s buddy supported her in being independent within her capability, navigating the regular routes to her office, washrooms, classrooms, elevator and lobby. Our cafeteria is designed as an open area without designated seating, ensuring that ViTroxians can find available seats freely after getting the dishes from V-Meal Serving volunteers in the foodserving line. To further facilitate Chew’s convenience, the People Culture team specifically reserves two seats close to the foodGRATITUDE & CARE
88 serving line for Chew and her navigationassistance buddy, sparing them from manoeuvring through narrow spaces between rows of tables and chairs. From the very beginning of Chew’s onboarding process, the team prioritized her accessibility and independence. The Management Information Security team set up her work laptop with default text-to-speech settings, empowering her to use the laptop independently from day one. Chew’s inclusion within our team serves as a reminder that by embracing diversity, we enrich our workplace and create a culture of compassion, support and growth for all. “I felt very surprised and grateful for the job opportunity because it wasn’t easy throughout my entire job-searching journey.”
89 Chew Sui Teng with her colleagues at ViTrox College
90 Thank you, Thong A Story of Thong Chung Mun “If it’s not because of you, the ABI would not have what we have achieved today.” Mr Wee Kah Khim confessed to Thong Chung Mun at ViTrox’s Gratitude Night 2022 and thanked Thong for his more than ten years of service and vast contribution to the company. In 2022, Thong officially retired from ViTrox. Thong has established many success stories with the Automated Board Inspection (ABI) team over the past ten years as one of the pioneers of the ABI business unit. And his journey at ViTrox started with a phone call from his former company a decade ago. Just a week before the Chinese New Year in 2009, Thong received an announcement that his company had closed down all the Advanced 3D Optical Inspection (AOI) and system integrator Pioneers like Thong set a solid foundation for ViTrox. As the company grows, Thong‘s pioneering spirit will be carried on by the young talents to bring the business to significant growth. Thong Chung Mun Former Director of ABI-AOI (R&D)
91 Thank you Thong for more than ten years of service and vast contribution to the company. Thong officially retired from ViTrox in 2022.
92 (SI) businesses. Suddenly, he went from being an R&D manager in SI at a multinational company to being unemployed. He had no choice but to start looking for job opportunities. Good things come to those who wait. As he tried to apply for many jobs, he finally got a job offer from Wee. At that time, Wee had been hunting many professional talents in the industry for the newly established ABI business. But Thong was the only one Wee didn’t approach because he knew Thong was competent, so he thought Thong would get other job offers easily. In fact, Thong didn’t receive any opportunities after retrenchment. When Wee learned that Thong was still jobless, he quickly approached Thong and invited him to join ViTrox. Thong grasped this hard-earned opportunity and accepted the challenge of serving as the AOI Manager without the knowledge of AOI. He dedicated 100% of his efforts to the company for giving him this job opportunity. Vitrox’s ABI was a small team of 14 or 15 people then, and there was a lot of scepticism about whether ViTrox would succeed in acquiring the new ABI business or even make it this far. However, Thong and the team chose to ignore the doubts from others and dive into innovating new developments, supporting ViTrox in reaching another peak. Since Thong joined ViTrox in 2009, ABI began to develop and market its printed circuit assembly (PCA) inspection solutions to major electronics manufacturing services (EMS) providers worldwide. Today, the ABI has seen double-digit revenue growth. Pioneers like Thong set a solid foundation for ViTrox. As the company grows, fresh talents gather at ViTrox and Thong‘s spirit will be carried on by the young talents to pour efforts to bring the business to significant growth.
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95 Thank you, ViTroxians, for playing such a critical role in our collective success. Together, we can grow stronger with all our collaboration partners and stakeholders by fostering a strong rapport and adhering to the same I.A.C.T.G. values. Integrity 诚正信实 Accountability 承担 Courage 勇气 Trust & Respect 信任与尊重 Gratitude & Care 感恩与关怀