In Conversation with a Company Head

We had the opportunity to interview the Head of PEPS-JV (Melaka) Sdn Bhd, a specialised automotive component manufacturer, to gain insights into his career journey, his experiences with higher education, and his thoughts on lifelong learning. In this candid Q&A, he shares how his education at OUM has shaped his career and why he continues to pursue academic growth even at the peak of his professional life.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about PEPS-JV (Melaka) Sdn Bhd?
Mohamad Hanapiah: Based in Alor Gajah, it focuses on the assembly of underbody structure modules exclusively for Honda Malaysia. With roughly 200 employees, it has won several awards: Most Improved Vendor for Delivery (2021), Most Improved Cost and Most Improved Quality (2022) and Best Quality Award and Best Vendor of the Year (2023).

Q: What is your role there?
Mohamad Hanapiah: As the company head, I’m responsible for everything from finances and HR to sales and marketing. I make sure our operations run smoothly, support various departments, and lead the hiring and training of staff. I also drive strategic planning, ensure effective delegation, and build ties with suppliers and customers. In addition, I’m always looking for new ways to ensure the company’s sustainability.

Q: How did pursuing the Bachelor of Technology Management contribute to your career?
Mohamad Hanapiah: Before entering OUM, I had earned SKM3 and two diplomas. I began my career as an engineer but felt a desire for further growth. This led me to pursue the degree at OUM. It provided me with a solid foundation in manufacturing management.

After graduation, I embarked on a new career path, where I developed my skills in operations management and worked on implementing lean manufacturing practices, learning the importance of human resource management. Pursuing additional certifications in management and international manufacturing standards further enhanced my expertise.

Over the years, I progressed to roles in operations, leading teams, and managing resources, which taught me valuable lessons in leadership and strategic planning. Now, as the Head of Plant, I leverage my expertise to drive the entire company operations. One of my proudest accomplishments is receiving the Best Vendor of the Year award from our customer, Honda Malaysia.

My education at OUM laid the groundwork for my success, and each step of my career has built upon that foundation, leading me to where I am today.

Q: You completed the bachelor’s degree 12 years ago, so what motivated you to return to OUM for your PhD?
Mohamad Hanapiah: I was driven by my philomath nature and passion for continuous learning. My substantial industry experience showed me that we needed more research to solve problems. This made me think that a PhD could help develop new solutions. OUM’s flexible, practical, and research-oriented learning environment, along with my positive undergraduate experience, made it the ideal choice for a working adult like me. Pursuing a PhD allows me to deepen my expertise and contribute meaningful advancements in manufacturing, specifically in human management.

Q: How has the learning experience at OUM evolved since you obtained your bachelor’s degree and how has it impacted your current PhD studies?
Mohamad Hanapiah: The learning experience has evolved from traditional face-to-face teaching to dynamic, student-centred e-learning. This shift has made OUM an even more effective institution for higher learning. I now enjoy flexible supervision meetings, easy access to research materials, and improved coaching efficiency.

Q: Was there a specific experience that shifted your perspective or sparked a new direction in your thinking?
Mohamad Hanapiah: When I was an engineer, I was part of a management team implementing lean manufacturing principles in our production processes. We had a lot of problems and things took too long. We couldn’t agree on how to fix a recurring problem, and that made things worse. This showed me that even though technology is important, how people work together is also really important. That’s why I decided to study how to manage people in factories better, so I’m pursuing a PhD to learn more about it.

Q: As someone who has continued learning beyond the age of 50, what are your thoughts on the importance of lifelong learning? How can a PhD benefit someone at this stage of their career?
Mohamad Hanapiah: I firmly believe in lifelong learning. It is essential not only for staying current with industry advancements and technological changes but also for personal growth and satisfaction. It keeps the mind active, fosters adaptability, and enhances problem-solving skills.

Continuous learning allows us to remain competitive in our careers, opens up new opportunities, and enables us to contribute meaningfully to our fields. Moreover, it cultivates a sense of curiosity and passion, which are crucial for both professional success and personal satisfaction.

Lifelong learning enriches our lives and ensures that we remain relevant and resilient in the face of change. A PhD provides an opportunity for growth, leadership, and contribution at an advanced stage of our careers. Furthermore, I believe a PhD can solidly prepare us for top management roles such as CEO or Director, equipping us with the expertise and skills necessary for these positions.

Q: What are the aspects of OUM that you value most?
Mohamad Hanapiah: OUM offers a flexible learning environment, allowing me to balance professional responsibilities and academic pursuits effectively. The highly supportive faculty and staff provide invaluable guidance and mentorship throughout my academic journey. Additionally, OUM offers excellent access to research materials, online libraries, and other resources crucial for my studies and research projects.

Q: Beyond the professional benefits, how has pursuing a PhD at this stage in your life contributed to your personal growth and development?
Mohamad Hanapiah: This experience has taught me to be more disciplined and determined. It’s hard to balance academic demands with my job and personal life, but I’ve learned to manage my time well. I’m also better at thinking critically and solving problems. Now, I approach challenges in a more analytical and innovative way.

Q: What advice would you give to others who might be considering pursuing higher education later in their careers?
Mohamad Hanapiah: Pursuing higher education in our career proves our dedication and desire for growth. It’s never too late to learn and achieve our dreams.