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Woo Kok Kin and Loo Chee Leong
Pewtersmiths, Manufacturing
A Person of Courage Is Never Afraid - Confucius
Casting is one of the oldest manufacturing processes. It is the first step in making Royal Selangor products. Casting molten metal into moulds takes skill, courage, steady hands and physical strength.
Meet the two men who are crucial in Royal Selangor’s production line. Woo Kok Kin and Loo Chee Leong started with Royal Selangor in 1988, fresh out of school.
Now in their fifties, they are experts in their field, and with it comes a sense of accomplishment and belonging.
But it has not always been so easy for the both of them. Lack of work experience and having speech and hearing impairments meant that they had to overcome boundaries and obstacles set before them at work. Nonetheless, they were determined to master the technical intricacies of pewter casting, and make something of themselves.
“School could be challenging at times. Sometimes the teacher spoke too fast, and we never left the house without a notebook and a pen. It saves time in communicating with people who might not understand sign language,” reminisces Kok Kin and Chee Leong.
“My childhood friend, Roy Yong, knew I liked working with my hands. He suggested that I try working at Royal Selangor. I told my schoolmate Chee Leong who also enjoys handwork as much as I do, about it. That’s how we ended up here,” explains Kok Kin.
They underwent on-the-job training with Roy Yong, Head of Product Development and Haji Wali, the chief supervisor of the casting section back then. Under their tutelage and the support of their colleagues, both men excelled at casting and made Royal Selangor factory their home for 32 years now.
“I’ve learnt that many things are hard in the beginning. But if one patiently sticks with it, it will become easy and rewarding. I feel happy that today, I am able to provide solutions to my colleagues and supervisor on casting issues.” said Kok Kin.
“My journey with the company has been transformative. My job gave me a sense of purpose and belonging. I feel very proud that Royal Selangor is celebrating its 135th anniversary this year. To me, Royal Selangor has always been cemerlang (outstanding).” said Chee Leong.
Woo Kok Kin and Loo Chee Leong were not afraid to learn new things despite their challenges. They persevered against all odds to learn and master the art of pewter casting. Today, their expertise is crucial to the production line. Their passion for learning and encouragement from their mentors embodies the Confucius saying “You Jiao Wu Lei.” (Education for all, without distinction).
Royal Selangor builds on its legacy on people who persevere and embrace continuous learning.
Meet the two men who are crucial in Royal Selangor’s production line. Woo Kok Kin and Loo Chee Leong started with Royal Selangor in 1988, fresh out of school.
Now in their fifties, they are experts in their field, and with it comes a sense of accomplishment and belonging.
But it has not always been so easy for the both of them. Lack of work experience and having speech and hearing impairments meant that they had to overcome boundaries and obstacles set before them at work. Nonetheless, they were determined to master the technical intricacies of pewter casting, and make something of themselves.
“School could be challenging at times. Sometimes the teacher spoke too fast, and we never left the house without a notebook and a pen. It saves time in communicating with people who might not understand sign language,” reminisces Kok Kin and Chee Leong.
“My childhood friend, Roy Yong, knew I liked working with my hands. He suggested that I try working at Royal Selangor. I told my schoolmate Chee Leong who also enjoys handwork as much as I do, about it. That’s how we ended up here,” explains Kok Kin.
They underwent on-the-job training with Roy Yong, Head of Product Development and Haji Wali, the chief supervisor of the casting section back then. Under their tutelage and the support of their colleagues, both men excelled at casting and made Royal Selangor factory their home for 32 years now.
“I’ve learnt that many things are hard in the beginning. But if one patiently sticks with it, it will become easy and rewarding. I feel happy that today, I am able to provide solutions to my colleagues and supervisor on casting issues.” said Kok Kin.
“My journey with the company has been transformative. My job gave me a sense of purpose and belonging. I feel very proud that Royal Selangor is celebrating its 135th anniversary this year. To me, Royal Selangor has always been cemerlang (outstanding).” said Chee Leong.
Woo Kok Kin and Loo Chee Leong were not afraid to learn new things despite their challenges. They persevered against all odds to learn and master the art of pewter casting. Today, their expertise is crucial to the production line. Their passion for learning and encouragement from their mentors embodies the Confucius saying “You Jiao Wu Lei.” (Education for all, without distinction).
Royal Selangor builds on its legacy on people who persevere and embrace continuous learning.