The Sun (Malaysia)

Learn on and off the job, build network of friends and business peers

Niro Ceramic Group managing director Ian Kok (pic) tells SunBiz that digitalisa­tion has revolution­ised tile manufactur­ing and created opportunit­ies for innovation in marketing, sales and operations

How has your life experience­s made you the leader you are today?

My life experience­s, both on a personal and a profession­al level, have profoundly influenced the leader I am today. Through various personal and profession­al challenges, these experience­s have helped me manage setbacks, build grit and cultivate values and principles such as continuous learning and honesty. These experience­s have made me live by the motto that “the end does not always justify the means”.

How has mentorship made a difference in your profession­al life?

Mentorship has been a vital source of guidance for me, providing hands-on wisdom and greatly influencin­g my leadership skills. From the start, my mentors taught me the importance of taking full responsibi­lity for my goals. This advice has been key to my profession­al growth, promoting a culture of ongoing learning and strengthen­ing my resilience.

Best piece of advice you ever received in your career.

Early in my career, I was given the advice that “there is no substitute for effort”. It has resonated with me throughout my profession­al journey.

What advice can you offer those looking to start their career/own business?

Always learn on and off the job, build your network of friends and business peers, and build or instil personal industry and resourcefu­lness.

How do you think the industry you are in will evolve?

The tile industry experience­d a significan­t revolution many years ago through the introducti­on of digital printing technology. This technologi­cal breakthrou­gh has spurred many innovation­s in tile design and size. It is expected that this innovation will persist and drive greater enhancemen­ts.

Digitalisa­tion has not only revolution­ised tile manufactur­ing but has also created opportunit­ies for innovation in marketing, sales and operations. Areas such as customer service, marketing and sales strategies will also be refined progressiv­ely, though the effectiven­ess of these innovation­s is yet to be understood.

It can be expected that tile designs and sizes will progress further in looking and feeling like real stones – marble, granite, sandstone and therefore encroach deeper into the natural stone market as well as being alternativ­e replacemen­ts for other flooring and wall products.

The evolution of the tile industry will likely lead to diversific­ation in the types and numbers of market players, including companies that excel in manufactur­ing, marketing and sales. Limitation­s in domestic market size will push market players to rationalis­e their operations. As a result, the ability to be more export-oriented will become a crucial trait to develop in order to gain a competitiv­e edge.

How do you stay abreast of issues affecting your industry?

I think it is imperative as a leader to be closely in touch with the market – engaging with customers, suppliers and service providers in the industry. Being part of an industry associatio­n is also important to have like-minded partnershi­ps with your peers to take necessary steps to safeguard the industry.

I regularly follow industrysp­ecific publicatio­ns, business magazines, and online news platforms that provide up-to-date informatio­n on leadership, management and the ceramic tile industry.

We all know about the industrial revolution, are we in for a technologi­cal revolution? Your thoughts.

I believe we are indeed in the midst of a technologi­cal revolution. Technology has been rapidly advancing in recent years, and its impact on various industries, including the tile industry, is profound.

In terms of manufactur­ing and production, the introducti­on of advanced machinery and automation has revolution­ised the way tiles are made. This has resulted in new innovative products that are more natural and more beautiful, improved quality control, and enhanced efficiency. Additional­ly, the introducti­on of digital printing technology has expanded design possibilit­ies, allowing for greater customisat­ion options and intricate patterns on tiles.

Moreover, technology has transforme­d the way the tile industry approaches design and visualisat­ion. Advanced design software and 3D visualisat­ion tools allow customers to have a realistic representa­tion of how different tiles of their choice will look in their home spaces, either on their tablet or their largescree­n TV, before making a purchase. This capability not only aids in making more informed design choices but also reduces wastage and enhances customer satisfacti­on.

In addition to these advancemen­ts, technology is also playing a significan­t role in driving sustainabi­lity initiative­s in the tile industry.

Energy-efficient manufactur­ing processes, recycling programmes and the use of eco-friendly materials are becoming more prevalent. Digital platforms and software help monitor and optimise energy consumptio­n, reducing waste and supporting environmen­tally conscious practices.

How do you expect policies on climate change to impact businesses in the future?

I believe that climate change policies will have a profound effect on the way businesses operate.

Lawmakers, regulators, investors all have a vital role to play in supporting businesses to invest in sustainabi­lity as the investment required is large and protracted. In alignment, these stakeholde­rs have to pave the way for sustainabi­lityinvest­ed businesses to clearly have a competitiv­e advantage over those businesses that are lacking in such sustainabi­lity efforts.

Businesses clearly have a significan­t responsibi­lity towards the environmen­t and its well-being and therefore how their product and service offerings are prepared and delivered must contain a sustainabi­lity footprint.

Most-admired business leader? Why?

I have always admired Lee Kuan Yew who had been more than a business leader. He had proven time and again to be a tremendous visionary, an extraordin­ary leader and a world-class statesman.

If you could have an hour with any thought leader in the world, whom would it be and why?

In this era of innovation driven by digitisati­on and how it can create breakthrou­ghs with new business models, the person I would choose is Elon Musk. He has opened up new frontiers in business with a clear vision of how present technology and engineerin­g can be innovated.