Meet Kenny Yip
In the 'People of Stahl' series, we talk to colleagues from around the world about what they do, what makes them tick, and what our purpose – Touching lives, for a better world – means to them. Here, we meet Kenny Yip, who works in Production and Planning in Singapore. Kenny is passionate about imbuing his work with good 'chi' and can often be found on the driving range in his spare time.
How long have you been with Stahl? What first attracted you to the company?
I joined Stahl Asia Pacific on 20 March 2017, which was the same day that I celebrated my son’s 6th birthday. This March will be my 7th year with Stahl, which means my boy is turning 13 already!
They say that 'curiosity killed the cat', but it worked out well for me at Stahl. When I joined, I didn't know much about Stahl, but I was curious nonetheless. I felt a need for change and saw the potential for growth within the organisation, which for me are the greatest attractions.
What is your role? Can you share an interesting fact about the work you do?
At Stahl Asia Pacific, I oversee both Production and Planning. On the production floor, what I call the 'three Ps' are key to our success: people, process and planning. Without all three, we cannot operate at an optimum level. I think of it like the 'fire triangle' of heat, fuel and oxygen: all three components are needed to ignite and sustain a fire, just like we need all three Ps to do our best work.
What do you like most about working at Stahl, and what are the biggest challenges?
For me, the best thing about this company is its people. In my experience at Stahl Asia Pacific, our strength lies in our colleagues' diverse backgrounds, good knowledge, top skills and positive behaviour.
Meanwhile, clocks are ticking, and technology is advancing fast. Adaptability and willingness to change are two competencies that need to be developed, both of which ask us to step out of our comfort zone. Once we have achieved this, I believe the challenges that we face will turn into opportunities.
How does your work support Stahl’s purpose: Touching lives, for a better world?
Firstly, my Chinese name '啟培' translates as to start, to grow and to cultivate. It's about setting things into movement, which is an energy I carry bring with me to work.
Secondly, in our daily 'production toolbox' meeting, I always encourage my team members to build and hold a strong mindset that we shall 'manufacture our products from the heart'. By this, I mean filling our products with ‘good chi’, which is a Chinese term that represents strong life force and vitality. Ultimately, we want to create products that will warm our customers’ hearts when they touch it. I have a strong belief that the right use of chemicals can improve and even save lives.
If you were CEO of Stahl for the day, what would you do?
If given the chance, I would actually like to declare that we put all our current processes on pause! I would use this day to spend time with our most valuable asset: our people.
How do you spend your free time outside of work?
I like to play sports; my favourites are badminton and golf. On most days I will stop by the driving range after work to hit one or two buckets' worth of golf balls.
Besides sports, I am also a volunteer at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Singapore Local Section (AIChE SLS). They are a non-profit organisation serving the local community of chemical engineers in Singapore through enhanced education, professional development and networking.
Thanks for sharing your story, Kenny! We are proud of our people who make a difference every day and strive for excellence together. Stay tuned for more 'People of Stahl' features!