Navigating from a technical role to a business-oriented one is a natural progression for mid-level engineers.
Possessing expertise in both domains is a valuable asset, providing a competitive edge in the corporate world through enhanced knowledge and strategic thinking.
Ts. Mohd Hazwan Hafiz Mohd Puzi, a graduate of UniKL Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET), exemplifies this transition.
He has charted an impressive course from Marine Technology graduate to Business Development (BD) Manager at Bureau Veritas (BV) Group, a multinational company.
“One advantage of having the best of both worlds is that when I conduct business, I understand the technical aspects as well,” said Mohd Hazwan, who has served in this role since December 2023.
“But I have to work twice as hard as others. I am no longer dealing with engineering numbers; now it’s profit and loss.”
Despite being relatively new to Bureau Veritas, Mohd Hazwan has long prepared for this role, having worked in the field since 2011, right after graduating.
He began his career as a project engineer at a local company before gaining experience at major corporations like MTU Services (M) Sdn. Bhd., Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Berhad—now renamed to Lunas—and MTU Power Systems Sdn. Bhd.
His career spans over 10 years of experience as both an engineer and a business expert.
He recalled his former boss’s advice about the career ceiling for engineers, emphasising the need to climb the ladder to business development.
“That is what drove me to explore a business-oriented role, which I was first exposed to at MTU Power System,” he said.
The maritime industry, known for its vastness and complexity, often serves as an unexpected training ground for future corporate leaders.
Like many other graduates, Mohd Hazwan’s journey began with a deep-seated curiosity about the sea and its vessels. “I discovered UniKL MIMET while surfing the internet.”
Expecting to explore the maritime world, Mohd Hazwan found that UniKL MIMET offered much more, including leadership training.
He developed his soft skills while at a polytechnic, becoming actively involved in student development activities, such as contributing to the editorial team of a magazine and serving as an emcee.
“Standing in front of people sparked the idea to train others to do the same,” he said.
Mohd Hazwan’s journey from marine technology to corporate success underscores the importance of versatility and continuous learning in today’s competitive business landscape.
