“WE WANT TO BUILD SOMETHING THAT
CAN SUSTAIN MY FATHER’S LEGACY.”
growth and make everything flow better. This is
something I feel passionate about because it means
the cities can grow without great pain,” he continues.
“It means we can move the lower part of the
value chain up. It would help people from more
disadvantaged backgrounds have a better livelihood.”
While Robert is always striving for excellence
and looking ahead to help better his company, he
also believes work should be fun and not forced.
“Why would I want to retire while I’m still enjoying
it?” he asks. “You have to love what you do,
otherwise what’s the point? Everyone should feel
this way. You’re having fun. You are working on your
journey. You are defeating your limits.”
It’s surprising to hear that despite his passion now,
Robert was initially reluctant to join the company
after seeing how hard his father worked. “Every day
I’d see him wake up at 5am, and then he wouldn’t
get to sleep until almost midnight,” he recalls.
However, his father’s steely dedication, focus and
grit eventually showed him hard work pays off.
“He taught me a fantastic work ethic, and I’m so
proud to be a part of this company.”
As for his leadership style, Robert says he leads
without ego, sets realistic targets and keeps the
channels of communication with his team open.
“I try to talk with my staff,” he says. “I’m patient
and I also set realistic targets. I’m willing to stretch
them, but it’s essential that they’re real. “My attitude
attracts people who like to see things move forward;
I like to see things change the world. It has been
a fulfilling and rewarding journey. As we continue to
improve, we want to build something that can sustain
my father’s legacy. We work not just for ourselves or
the industry, but for the society we serve and the
country we operate in.”Interview | INSPIRE