Chairman of Ni Hsin EV Tech, Board Member of several companies throughout the nation – Eco World, Keane Electrica and Peacock – and Professor of Practice at UPM’s Putra Business School, Dato’ Seri Rosman has undoubtedly accumulated an extensive and valuable amount of both HR and life experience. Continuing to thrive successfully to this day at the age of 63, he begins his story by sharing four pillars that uphold his principle to a fulfilling life:
Working on these four domains, however, does not come without time, effort and especially sacrifice – as most things in life do. As much as it is easier said than done, Dato’ Seri’s journey serves as a great testament to the fruits of one’s labour.
Starting from Humble Backgrounds
Dato’ Seri’s career began in a bank’s credit department. However, as his capabilities were simultaneously doubted by his higher-ups, he was relocated to their training department – a unit for employees who did not meet the bank’s expectations. Despite such a negative connotation, he decided to view the role reassignment as an opportunity to improve the status quo as a trainer. Likening the situation to a lotus flower that beautifies the murkiness of its swamp habitat, Dato’ Seri’s positive mindset in helping the trainees realise their individual potential and skills sparked the beginning of his passion for Human Resources (HR).
The path that followed after this experience, however, continued to challenge Dato’ Seri. He learnt the hard way, through the almost immediate rejection of a report he had written for his supervisor, the significance of proving oneself to one’s superior despite the tenacious work involved. Rather than taking the words – “even my daughter can write better than you” – to heart, he took the initiative to learn from other reports his supervisor had approved to understand exactly what she wanted from his work. This approach, including being punctual, submitting work on time, answering her calls even on the weekend, or simply going the extra mile to appease her, all adhered to developing a good relationship with one’s superior – an effort Dato’ Seri has learnt and now emphasises as important and foundationally respectful in any workplace, especially for those who wish to rise to higher positions.
Family First
Then again, his occupational move to Saudi Arabia in 2015 was not simply born out of due diligence. On one of his family vacations to Melbourne, his son expressed an eye-opening wish that prompted such change: “I hope that my sisters don’t have to go through what I experienced: not being able to spend enough time with my father.”
Realising that the high financial capability of his career as Regional Director of Business Development and HR Director at the time came at the cost of quality time with his loved ones, Dato’ Seri decided that it was time to set his priorities straight. Over the phone with [name] Singapore, he explained his desire for another job that could provide him the same level of income, but allow him more time to spend with his family. Sure enough, he received an offer shortly from Abdul Latif Jameel and was asked to visit his new potential boss in Saudi Arabia. After several meetings and negotiations, he, his wife and his two daughters moved 7,024 kilometres west and began reweaving their tight-knit bond.
Lessons Learnt in Jeddah
Inevitably, Dato’ Seri struggled with culture shock as he began his new job as Managing Director at Abdul Latiff Jemeel, a company that operates across various industries, including being the main distributor of Toyota within the region. Despite meeting the qualifications of his role, he was unable to effectively manage or even connect with his colleagues as he was not acquainted with Arabic culture. Thankfully, he gratefully recounts the company’s considerate arrangement of a personal coach from the United States of America (USA) for him. With every virtual session that took place monthly for the next year, Dato’ Seri was not only able to adapt to the new culture, but also widen his own perspectives. Out of this experience, he quotes:
This is precisely why Dato’ Seri visited Toyota Thailand in 2010. Keen on learning exactly what made it the best Toyota branch worldwide, Dato’ Seri met with the company’s CEO and discovered that it simply had to do with maintaining employee happiness. Through one-on-one weekly check-ins, a barbeque initiated by the CEO and his wife for the top 100 managers and immediate recognitions of excellence, Dato’ Seri explained that the employees of Toyota Thailand were not just motivated to work hard, but also developed a sense of loyalty due to the CEO’s efforts in making them feel appreciated and valuable.
“This is what makes HR so important. It’s understanding how to coach others by first understanding people, their motivation levels and their strengths and weaknesses. Then you, as the boss, can work together with your employee on what each of you can do to improve their performance overall. Hence, it displays the significance of Assessment and Development.”
This HR strategy can even be applied outside of the workplace and in interpersonal relationships. Speaking from his daughter’s and son-in-law’s experience, Dato’ Seri says that having identified their individual strengths and weaknesses has helped minimise problems or misunderstandings, and thus nurtures a loving and healthy marriage!
Home-bound Ambitions
As time flew by and his children grew and returned home to begin the next chapter of their lives post-education, Dato’ Seri felt that another change was due. With the help of MyHeart’s Returning Expert Programme (REP), he and his wife returned to Malaysia in 2019 with ease. Hoping that other Malaysians abroad keen on returning home can similarly do so through MyHeart, he encourages them to think of ways they can contribute back or add value to the nation, as well as the platform’s support in connecting them to available jobs and opportunities.
As for himself, Dato’ Seri’s imparting of knowledge to the nation’s youngsters at UPM, improving work environments and training others as a board member of multiple companies across the nation is his way of contributing back to the country.
A Message to All
As a final word, he ends his story by encouraging others to work hard in the pursuit of happiness:
Are you a Malaysian abroad considering returning to Malaysia to grow your career? Register with MyHeart today and start your Returning Expert Programme (REP) application to enjoy exclusive facilitations for a smoother transition home!
