By Hanim Zulaikha Zulkifli

In a world where gender diversity is becoming increasingly important in the workplace, it is inspiring to hear the journey of a woman who has made her mark in a male-dominated industry. Catherine Wong, the Executive Director of Powerwell Holdings Sdn. Bhd. shares  her remarkable career journey, the challenges she faced, and her vision for the future of the Electronics and Engineering (E&E) industry. Her story serves as an inspiration for those who aspire to thrive in traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Paving the Way in the E&E Industry: A Journey of Resilience

Catherine Wong's career in the E&E industry began with an unexpected twist. Initially preparing for a career in finance or economics, she obtained a London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) qualification from the Regent School of Economics in 1984. Her finance journey took off with her first job as a bank teller. Over time, Catherine's career trajectory led her to join a Japanese company, where she honed her skills in accounting and eventually rose to the position of a senior accounts assistant.

In 1993, she joined Powerwell Group as an account officer, and her career within the organisation took off. Over the years, she held various positions, including administration manager and finance director. In 2018, Catherine climbed the corporate ladder to become the Group's Executive Director (Administration) and was later redesignated as the Executive Director (Finance & Admin) in 2021.

The Role of an Executive Director: A Daily Balancing Act

As the Executive Director of Powerwell, Catherine is responsible for overseeing the financial aspect of the organisation. She ensures that outstanding payments are promptly received and collaborates closely with various departments to determine appropriate pricing strategies. Her role extends beyond finance; she leads administrative functions, oversees credit control, manages cash flow, and handles legal matters within the company. Her day-to-day work involves strategic financial planning, setting goals, creating budgets, and monitoring cash flows while maintaining accurate financial records.

Navigating Challenges: The Path to Success

Throughout her 30 years in the E&E industry, Catherine faced numerous challenges. The industry's male-dominated nature presented difficulties in finding mentors and role models. Bias and discrimination in hiring and promotion were also obstacles. Some questioned the technical competence of women in the field. Despite these hurdles, Catherine persevered, thanks to the support and mentorship of many influential men in her career. Their guidance helped her overcome gender-related challenges and build her confidence in a complex technical industry.

Catherine's pride in her career journey is mirrored in Powerwell's accomplishments. Going public on Ace Markets in 2020 marked a significant milestone, considering her journey with Powerwell from its early days when it had only ten employees. Her role in obtaining an OSHA license and transitioning the company's system to in-house software for tendering played a pivotal role in the company's success. For Q1 2023, Powerwell recorded a revenue of RM24.84 million, demonstrating resilience in the face of geopolitical dynamics. The company continues to expand its products and solutions in overseas markets, particularly in Indonesia and Bangladesh, focusing on data centres, semiconductor factories, renewable energy, hospitals, and utility projects.

In the ever-evolving E&E industry, Catherine identifies AI integration as a significant trend. Greener energy solutions and electric vehicle adoption are also on the rise. Manufacturers invest in AI, automation, and cybersecurity to enhance efficiency and productivity. Renewable energy sources like solar panels are gaining prominence, while electric vehicles and advanced technologies are shaping the industry's future.

Powerwell's recent collaboration success includes securing a $8.9 million (RM39.24 million) purchase order to supply 33-kilovolt substation equipment for a solar power plant project in Bangladesh. This achievement reflects the demand for Powerwell's products and services in new markets, promising increased revenue and profitability.

Nurturing a Positive Working Environment

Catherine practices open communication with her team to maintain a positive working environment and smooth workflow. She encourages employees to approach her with questions and concerns and personally reaches out to staff when necessary. By listening to her team and providing feedback, she fosters two-way communication and prevents misunderstandings. Catherine's caring, approachable, and supportive approach contributes to a harmonious work environment.

One principle Catherine steadfastly adheres to is continuous learning and staying strong. In an industry where change is constant, she believes in learning from challenges and not giving up. Her resilience in the face of adversity and commitment to personal growth and development have been her guiding lights throughout her career.

Catherine offers valuable advice for women aspiring to enter the male-dominated E&E industry. She emphasises the importance of developing a strong technical background and staying updated with industry developments. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or entry-level positions, networking, and seeking mentorship from female and male professionals are vital steps. Embracing uniqueness, advocating for ideas, and persistently pursuing career goals are keys to success in this challenging yet rewarding industry.

In conclusion, Catherine Wong's remarkable journey in the E&E industry is an inspiring example of breaking gender barriers and achieving success through dedication, resilience, and continuous learning. Her experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for aspiring professionals, particularly women, looking to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated fields. Catherine's story reminds us that anyone can thrive in Electronics and Engineering with determination and passion.