Samuel Kuek
Course: Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology) and Bachelor of Science (Medical Bioscience), 2008
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Business Unit Head, Chemway Sdn Bhd
Please tell us about your role in your current organisation.
I currently work for Chemway Sdn Bhd as a business unit head. Chemway is a niche chemical manufacturing plant. In my current role, I spearhead the business development team of GM-TECH Auto Care, which is the brand for our car care products. My main role is to find new customers from both domestic and international markets and groom them. We are more focused towards manufacturing car care-related chemicals such as car shampoo, car polish, car wax, ceramic coating, etc. It has been a long journey for us to reach this point as Chemway Sdn Bhd has been around for the last 30 years. We also provide training for those who aspire to be professional car groomers with a syllabus that is similar to the industry. We hope to have an international presence, especially in the Asia Pacific region.
Why did you choose Monash Malaysia?
I chose Monash Malaysia because it is a reputable university.
Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?
I was in the Monash Business Club during the final year of my studies. I totally enjoyed myself because I met a lot of new friends from different courses and also had an opportunity to participate in charity sales.
What insights, skills or experiences made a difference to your own life or the lives of others around you?
It was the ability to communicate well.
Did you go for any internships or work placements??
I did my internship in Sime Darby Technology Centre. It exposed me to the real world working life. The experience was invaluable as it was a totally different environment from the lecture hall. Personally, it was gratifying as it taught me that scientific projects might not end up the way in which you want it to be. You have to re-analyse ingredients or parameters that make or break the experiment and then start doing the project again with a fresh mind. When life throws you lemons, you make lemonade!
What did you enjoy most about your student life?
My friends.
Have your experiences at Monash made a difference to the way you approach your work and your career?
Yes, it has.
Where are you headed to in the future?
I love travelling and seeing new things.
What is your advice to current students?
Study smart and work hard. Be prepared to be pushed beyond your comfort zone.