Naufal Tan Soon Chiang’s Rise Through the Ranks at Sime

Naufal began his career at Sime right after graduation, stepping into the assembly floor as a young engineer. His first assignment placed him on an engine and transmission assembly line for a completely new setup. 

Two months into the role, the senior engineer he was attached to left, leaving him without a direct mentor. Instead of stepping back, Naufal leaned forward, learning through hands-on experience, observing processes and drawing insights from more experienced colleagues. He helped get the line ready in time for the launch of the new product. 

“The moment the product finally rolled off the line after overcoming so many early challenges was incredibly emotional. It shaped my mindset, perseverance and work discipline,” he shares. 

Naufal’s journey has been closely tied to the evolution of Inokom under Sime through both periods of growth and more challenging times. During this time, he was exposed to various departments, gaining experience across functions that required adaptability and resilience. 

“It was a journey of sweat and tears,” he reflects. “But I have always believed that if you give your best effort with honesty, stay resilient and trust in people and processes, success will come.” 

Over time, Naufal’s role evolved from a hands-on operational engineer to a leader overseeing broader functions and key departments. His early years built a strong foundation in operational management, safety and people management. 

Today, as Chief Operating Officer of Inokom, his role focuses on cross-functional leadership, stakeholder management and driving long-term business performance, capabilities developed through opportunities and trust at Sime. 

Despite his senior role, what continues to motivate Naufal is simple, its people. For him, leadership is about shaping individuals and teams, creating an environment where people can grow and thrive. 

“What drives me every day is to be a catalyst for positive change in people, helping them grow while contributing to the organisation,” he says. 

He approaches challenges using his H.A.I.R framework, helicopter view, analyse, imagine and realise, helping him navigate complex environments with clarity. 

Naufal credits his time at Sime for shaping not just his career but also his resilience and outlook on life. 

“The continuous learning opportunities, exposure to challenges and growing responsibilities have built my confidence and resilience both at work and in life,” he shares. 

Reflecting on his journey, Naufal advises young professionals to choose employers for their values and growth opportunities, stay curious and embrace challenges. 

“A meaningful career is built over time. Keep learning and focus on adding value in every journey.” 

From a young engineer navigating uncertainty to leading operations at Inokom, Naufal’s journey shows how Sime empowers individuals to grow, lead and create lasting impact.