Doing right by its stakeholders in keeping the legacy glowing, Bosch proves that it is more than just another brand name.

By Roland Tan

From everyday power tools to futuristic all-electric cars, lithium-ion technology to organic photovoltaics – the Bosch name is there. Not only does Bosch boast a legacy of 123 years of trusted products, it is also a forward-looking company that constantly pushes the frontiers of technology.

Choo Yin Yeow, a veteran of 13 years, can attest to the strength and heritage of the Bosch brand. The 47-year-old had completed tours of duty in the software and R&D departments before assuming his current role at Bosch Security Systems in May this year.

Security Systems, a division of the Bosch Group, provides integrated solutions for high-quality security and communication products such as closed circuit television, fire alarm systems, access control systems, and state-of-the-art conference systems.

“One must have a passion for his work. Bosch is a well-structured company, which provides a ready platform for one to focus on his work and to strive for excellence in whatever he has been assigned to. Looking back, this is what keeps me going,” says Yin Yeow.

As a Senior Manager, Yin Yeow oversees the Project and Service departments under the Installer Business Division, which also performs purchasing, sales, finance, and kitting functions.

When the rubber hits the road
Wearing a senior managerial hat is not just about managing staff and accomplishing overall measurable business objectives for the division. Quite often, he has to juggle the cross-purposes of both his internal and external clients.

“Where the issue is internal, I’ll try to talk to the other department heads, understand the issues from their angle and work towards a win-win situation. If that is not feasible, I will try to persuade them to come to an amicable settlement in the interest of the company,” says Yin Yeow.

An incident that stood out for him was the management of a project for a polytechnic several years ago. Unfortunately, the premature departure of some of the primary staff involved in the project interjected the progress of work.

“It was a very tough patch for us but we managed to pull through with the full support of management that provided us with the backup resources and manpower. We turned over the project to the customer within the scheduled deadline despite our internal constraints. Those members who worked with me then have forged a special bond that lasts till today,” chuckles Yin Yeow.

Handling external clients is also no mean feat, especially when different customers have conflicting interests. He elaborates, “We may have to negotiate with them on the deadline for a project or work with them on their peculiar requirements.”

Tuned for performance
Despite having come from a software company with little management experience, Yin Yeow exudes confidence in managing a staff of about 60 today. At Bosch, he has had opportunities to hone his management skills while on the job and through company-sponsored training courses.

“The learning exposure also extends to interacting with regional clients, VIPs and colleagues worldwide, which makes for an enriching work experience that cannot be measured by the pay package,” adds Yin Yeow.

For Yin Yeow and his colleagues who have gone through thick and thin under the steady hand of the company, this has only cemented their trust and commitment to a name that lives its ethos inside out.

“Bosch equals trust. Sometimes, we forgo profits because we want to make good our promise to our customers. The ensuing trust that we gain from our customers is what keeps them coming back to us,” he shares. “In fact, the most rewarding part about my job is to receive feedback from a delighted customer. This is the way we run our business at Bosch.”

A dose of emotional quotient
What, then, are some of the attributes one must possess to join Bosch? The right attitude, above all else, will help anyone hoping to excel in the company. That includes being “smart, patient, a quality worker and a team player”.

“In addition, I would look for someone who has a strong sense of responsibility. A candidate who demonstrates a good track record in co-curricular activities with leadership responsibilities would stand out,” adds Yin Yeow.

At Bosch, no one is just a cog in the wheel. A career at this global corporation allows for many cross-learning opportunities. “Employees can expect job rotation to different divisions in the course of their career here,” says Yin Yeow. “Some of my managers today are diploma-holders who have risen through the ranks.”

Bosch is a well-known company that puts a premium on trust above all things.

Concludes Yin Yeow, “If you’ve not worked in Bosch, you’d have missed out on something in life.”