Exclusive Interview with
SCAOKL MySABDO Dept GM Ms Jessica Ong
“Be true to yourself at all times and to all people.”
Ms Jessica Ong
MySABDO Dept GM
Sumitomo Corporation Asia & Oceania Pte Ltd
Kuala Lumpur Office
Please share with us your journey to becoming the Dept GM of MySABDO at SCAOKL.
My journey to becoming the Dept GM of MySABDO at SCAOKL started when I was in the automotive department where I took the challenge becoming a sales executive from being a department Secretary. It was the most important period of my career in Sumitomo Corporation where I developed my leadership skills, technical knowledge and network with our counterparts in KL Office and HQ; as well as customers.
The automotive industry is predominantly male, thus, being a female in a male-dominated industry was really challenging. I had to be prepared physically and mentally; and equipped myself with technical knowhow. With good cooperation with counterparts in the HQ, we managed to increase sales tremendously and Sumitomo Corporation became one of the major vendors of Proton.
Important meeting with Sarawak Premier in 2021
During my years in the automotive team, I was really lucky because I received very good support not only from my superiors in KL Office and counterparts in SMT and SC Tokyo but also from clients. Those knowledge and experiences have helped and eased my career path in MySABDO as it is also another male dominant industry that requires different sets of strategic knowhow.
Somebody once said that I am not an easy person to approach but once I am comfortable with somebody, I can be funny and a close confidant and loyal friend. I am easy going and an introvert but I love challenges.
Having a good time with my Hydrogen Team in Tokyo in 2022
What business opportunities are you exploring currently? How do you plan to lead your team towards materialising these business opportunities, in collaboration with business units?
In MySABDO, currently we are actively exploring clean energy solutions businesses such as hydrogen, renewable oil as well as DX related business opportunities. We are in collaboration with various departments, including hydrogen, infrastructure, bioenergy, media and DX to execute the latest projects together. Since all the new business opportunities are new to all of us, we can explore and learn together. I am also learning and growing and my wish is that my team and I can learn and grow together in this new path of businesses.
If you have super power, what would you like it to be, how would you use it and why?
If I have super power, I would like to read other people’s mind. I would like to use it for the benefit and success of my work and myself. If I can read other people’s mind, it would be easy to tackle problems and obtain confidential information, hence, I can bring more businesses to the company.
Acting as a tour guide for some of the MDP participants in 2017
Enjoying Colour Run with some crazy friends in 2015
One of my life-long achievements – obtaining MBA, graduated in 2022
Annual ritual to have a trip with office mates who became close friends
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SNAPSHOT
I strongly believe in… nothing is impossible and impossible is nothing
I spend most of my time.. enjoying my life as life is short
The food I crave most often is… when I’m homesick from travelling, a humble home-cooked food is the best
One personal rule that I never break is… you only have one life, live your life to the fullest
The thing that cheers me up whenever I think about is… travelling and family
One thing I really want but can’t afford yet is… travelling around the world
If I could go back in time, I would… tell myself that life is short so study hard and be the best
If I have enough money to live comfortably without having to work, I would… become an “NGO” and serve the needy
