In the ever-evolving landscape of business leadership, only a select few individuals possess the foresight, expertise, and proven track record necessary to drive enduring success. Adam Yee, the Managing Director & CEO of Powerwell, not only exemplifies these qualities with over 25 years of innovation and experience but also distinguishes himself through a steadfast commitment to sustainability.
As the leader of Powerwell International Sdn. Bhd, a subsidiary of Powerwell Holdings Berhad, Adam oversees a flourishing business dedicated to energy distribution and industry solutions across 15 countries with a team of 250 employees and four manufacturing facilities. His remarkable journey includes a pivotal role as the former President & CEO of Siemens Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., where he spearheaded digitalisation, automation, and power distribution.
An Exclusive Focus on Adam Yee’s Leadership Journey
In this exclusive interview, we delve into Adam Yee’s remarkable achievements, unique leadership approach, and his unwavering dedication to sustainability and innovation. Adam shares invaluable insights for businesses or startups seeking to emulate his pathway to success, exploring the wisdom of a seasoned leader who not only navigated industry challenges but thrived while prioritising sustainability and innovation.
Leadership Style and Personal Insights
Commencing with a deep dive into Adam Yee’s accomplishments and growth, we inquire, “How has the year been for you in terms of overall performance and achievements?”
Reflecting on the year 2022, Adam remarks, “It marked the launch of our strategic initiative, Vision 2028, setting the trajectory for both my personal and Powerwell’s growth. Key areas of focus included reinforcing core values, driving Business Development, prioritising sustainability and embracing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices, advancing on the digitalization journey, and investing in organisational development.”
During this period, we achieved significant milestones. We secured a semiconductor project in Kulim valued at RM130 million and a 100MW solar power plant project in Bangladesh worth RM39 million. These successes underscore our commitment to expanding our portfolio and presence in key markets.
Furthermore, our financial performance for the fiscal year 2022/2023, which concluded on March 31, 2023, was outstanding. We recorded an impressive revenue growth of 98% and achieved a turnaround profit of 4% after tax. These results reflect the effectiveness of our strategies and the dedication of our team.
Additionally, we made strategic investments by establishing a new assembly plant in Jakarta, Indonesia, which commenced operations on June 1, 2023. This expansion strengthens our operational capabilities and positions us for continued growth in the Southeast Asian region.”
Setting Powerwell Apart in a Competitive Market:
To gain deeper insights into Powerwell’s achievements and the distinct position in the market, we pose the question, “In the current competitive business landscape, what sets you apart?”
Adam Yee explained, “Powerwell has a strong presence in the Malaysian market and operates in 15 other countries worldwide, making us a key player in both local and international manufacturing industries. Our highly customizable product range is accredited by an international certification body, and our switchboards have been fully type-tested by ASTA. As a result, we have earned the trust of reputable tech companies like Siemens Technology (Sivacon & Simoprime) and Schneider Electric Technology Partner (Prisma iPM), which aligns well with Powerwell’s sustainable company culture.”
Leadership, Teamwork, and Unity with a Sustainable Edge:
Delving into Adam’s approach to teamwork and unity within his organisation, we seek advice on building effective teamwork and fostering unity, asking, “What measures do you believe employees and organisations can take to build effective teamwork and foster unity within the workplace?” Adam underscores, “Strong leadership is vital in supporting the team to address challenges. A good leader cares about their team’s success, communicates effectively, and provides clarity. We launched the team identity ‘#Powerwanger’ last year to foster a sense of belonging, defining company values that unite team members. At Powerwell, we acknowledge the importance of listening before acting, providing a guiding hand towards solutions, showing empathy in the workplace, leading by example, practising effective communication, and enabling them to successfully perform their tasks.”
Offering additional insights, Adam emphasises, “As a company that is continuously growing, we value and acknowledge the contributions of our employees. That’s why we strive to ensure that employees feel secure in terms of career advancement and have access to the training they need while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.”
Advice for Startup Success:
To uncover the sustainability-driven strategies behind Powerwell’s success, we ask for advice from Adam, “Do you have any advice or tips for startups looking to follow a similar pathway to your company’s success?”
Adam advises, “It is essential to stay focused on your expertise and core mission without getting distracted by external factors. Setting clear company goals and having a comprehensive understanding of what you want to achieve in the short term, mid-term, and long term is crucial. Initially, it’s important to be hands-on before delegating tasks to others. Adaptability to changing market conditions is key. Remaining open to feedback and being willing to make necessary changes when required is vital for success.”
Adam Yee further emphasised, “Building a strong team is a cornerstone of a successful corporation. Placing the right individuals in the right positions and allowing them to shine and contribute is essential. A successful company relies on a strong team, not just one individual. Each responsible or functional head plays a pivotal role in their area of expertise, and leadership should foster collaboration among them.
Careful planning of budgets, lead generation, marketing strategies, and resource management is crucial. Building a sustainable ecosystem that encompasses talent, product quality, market intelligence, accessibility, agility, customer-centricity, reputation, and integrity are key success factors for any company. Staying relevant in the market and continually innovating is essential. Establishing a growth mindset to remain competitive and stay ahead of the competition is a vital strategy for success.”
Connect with Adam Yee on LinkedIn.
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