On career path, there are various opportunities for self-improvements. Some materialize in the form of overseas postings. Appreciating what he has learned during his stint outside Thailand, Mr. Taninchot “Saam” Polpattanawatch encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone and embrace emerging opportunities.
SELF-IMPROVEMENT: LEARN, AGILE, AND MOVE TOWARDS “MOBILITY”
“I was initially an engineer. But over time, I had also been assigned to handle quite many business-expansion projects. Looking ahead, I thought it would be a good opportunity and interesting challenge to work overseas. That’s why I volunteered for our firm’s project in the Philippines,” Mr. Taninchot said.
“My job there was to install machines for the firm’s production-capacity increase. I was keen to go there because I was interested in learning more, as well as in communicating and interacting with foreigners. When exposed to new culture, I adjusted and acculturated. Thai senior staff there also gave me useful advice.”
“In Philippines, people communicate in Tagalog and English. So, I got opportunities to improve my English listening and speaking,” he continued, “Tagalog was quite difficult. Filipinos showed appreciation even when I could speak just some basic Tagalog words, though.”
“During holidays, Filipino colleagues usually invited Thai staff to join their activities so that we could know more about their culture. People there were friendly and their lifestyle was a lot like Thais’. Valuing their family, Filipinos usually spend their weekend with family members. They also embrace colleagues as family,” he added.
COLLABORATE ON DIVERSITY, OVERCOME ALL CHALLENGES
“I am impressed with how everyone worked towards the same goal there. All staff explored various means to achieve that goal step by step, with smaller goals along the way. We learned together in our learning experience. When the first wave of COVID-19 hit, everyone expressed concerns about machine-installing team’s safety. As we collaborated, we could overcome challenges,” Mr. Taninchot said.
“At work, I sometimes work beyond my scope of duties so to facilitate work flow. I pay attention to not just my work but also that of relevant staff.
“Today, SCGP has expanded its businesses to several countries namely Vietnam, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Britain, and Spain. This means staff will have more opportunities to work overseas. I would like to recommend that you grasp these opportunities. Working overseas will expand your horizons and expose you to new culture. It is a good way for self-improvements and further learning. As staff become more capable, our organization will become even stronger, agile, and very adaptive even in the face of today’s fast-changing situation,” he concluded.