Origins……….Edwin Haw, a Director at SMC Pneumatics, was born in Sentul Pasar, Kuala Lumpur, 45 years ago. His father was a newspaper vendor, whilst his mother was a housewife. There were only two children in the family, Edwin and a younger sister. Today, he is a happily married man, with two young daughters.

Childhood……….At the age of nine, the family moved to Section 17, Petaling Jaya although Edwin’s holidays were spent at his grandmother’s house in Kuala Selangor, where he enjoyed the thrills found in the surrounding coconut plantation. It was here that he exhibited one of the traits common to many successful people – he was a naughty child ! Lucky for him, he had a very patient and loving grandmother to look after him. He enjoyed playing hop scotch and marbles with his friends. Edwin also collected spiders to indulge his passion for fighting spiders. Even at a young age, he displayed the “muhibbah” spirit by mixing a lot with boys of different races and faiths. Until today, he remembers enjoying eating Indian sweetmeats as a child.

Schooling……….Edwin spent the bulk of his primary school life at the Chen Moh Chinese Primary School in Old Town, Petaling Jaya. Whilst there, he was often the top student, impressing all and sundry with his obvious intelligence, and especially his proud parents and grandmother.

Secondary School for him started at the Catholic High School, Petaling Jaya. Something did not quite jell at this school, and Edwin’s grades suffered a dip in performance, at least by his own high standards. At the end of it, he scored a rather average four distinctions in the local “O”-Level equivalent examination.

He studied for his “A”-Levels (or the Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia) at Sultan Abdul Samad School, Section 16, Petaling Jaya. At this stage of his school career, Edwin got serious, and did very well to score three distinctions in the Science subjects. This was his passport to the premier University in the country then, the University of Malaya. Edwin once again got to mix with boys of other races and enjoyed the interaction, whilst at the Sultan Abdul Samad School. He was the School Librarian and was an outspoken student. Looking back, Edwin felt that this was when he matured as a student.

The greatest influence on his life as a schoolboy, and a long-term Role Model, was the Chinese Language Teacher at his Primary School. Until today, he remembers the excellent teaching methods employed by this teacher, Mr. Chong, which made a great difference in the life of the young Edwin Haw.

Tertiary Studies……….Edwin read Mechanical Engineering at the University of Malaya, a subject he excelled at. After graduation and whilst at work, he decided to broaden his horizons and studied marketing, securing a Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing. His last step, so far, in the field of tertiary education, was when he enrolled to do a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Dubuque, USA.

Self-Education & Improvement……….Edwin considers that the most important influence on his working life, has been the work of Stephen Covey and, in particular, his book, “The Seven Habits of Successful People”. He read this book twenty years ago, applies its’ principles today, and encourages his staff to do the same. He feels that the most important thing he has learnt from this book, is to do your best within your own circle of control.

The second most important influence on his working life has been the History of the Three Kingdoms, which was in existence more than two thousand years ago. He feels that this history offers great lessons in strategy, which can still be applied in today’s apparently complex world, especially in the field of marketing.

The third most important influence on his working life has been the historical narrative of the life and times of the Chinese Emperor Han Wu Ti. This Emperor, who is revered in the annals of Chinese History, when threatened by a Barbarian Empire at least twice the size of his own kingdom, managed to cause the break-up of this empire, and then conquered the weakened remnants. He used their own methods of subjugation against the Barbarians. That was the genius of this Emperor. Edwin likes to use his methods to win any marketing “wars” he may be faced with.

Career……….Edwin started his working life in Singapore mainly because the salary was better ! Whilst there, he was a member of the Industrial Automation Project Team, thus explaining his involvement in this field until today.

After two years in Singapore, he decided to further his career by returning home. He started off as a Project Engineer, before moving into the Sales & Marketing Department.

Edwin joined SMC Pneumatics in 1995 as a Sales Engineer, and quickly moved up the ladder to become a Director of the Company by 2005. There were many factors which motivated him to stay at SMC. Firstly, the Company enjoyed a global presence, with strong support being provided for the local branch. Then it showed an unusual characteristic for a Japanese Company in that it gave opportunities to local staff to climb the management ladder. Edwin is confident of the Company’s future prospects, and enjoys the constant flow of product and process innovations. He wants to grow with the Company. Finally, he paid tribute to the leadership qualities of his boss, Mr. David Wong, with whom he has an excellent working relationship.

Edwin believes in both short term and long term planning. The former could be used to motivate the staff, while the latter would ensure the long term growth of the Company. He also subscribes to the constant training philosophy for all members of his staff.

SMC……….SMC Pneumatics was established in Malaysia in 1978, and today has five branches spread throughout the country. The headquarters of the Malaysian Company is at the Subang Hi-Tech Industrial Park, where it has production and warehouse facilities. SMC is a global leader in Pneumatic Technology, with a presence in 38 countries worldwide.

Drivers……….Edwin has practiced Qi Gong for the last five years, and has achieved a great deal of proficiency in its’ application. Qi Gong imparts many positive traits to an individual’s existence such as endurance, perseverance, discipline and increased mental strength. It also induces calmness in an individual and reduces stress. Edwin recommends the practice of this ancient art to all busy and stressed-out executives, as a way to maintain their equilibrium in an ever more stressful world.

The bedrock of Edwin’s life is his firm belief in Buddhism. He believes very strongly that this has enabled him to lead a balanced life, with every aspect of it being given due importance. Even his own family have been encouraged to follow the precepts of the Buddhist religion.

Conclusion……….IA News enjoyed meeting with a very nice person in the shape of Edwin Haw, and we came away from the interview with the feeling that our lives had been enriched by this experience. We would like to take this opportunity to wish Edwin and his family all the best for the future.

Courtesy of SMC