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MY EMPLOYERS AND CLIENTELLES



BIODATA - NIK ZAFRI


 



NIK ZAFRI BIN ABDUL MAJID,
CONSULTANT/TRAINER
Email: nikzafri@yahoo.com, nikzafri@gmail.com
https://nikzafri.wixstudio.com/nikzafriv2

Kelantanese, Alumni of Sultan Ismail College Kelantan (SICA), Business Management/Administration, IT Competency Cert, Certified Written English Professional US. Has participated in many seminars/conferences (local/ international) in the capacity of trainer/lecturer and participant.

Affiliations :- Council/Network Member of Gerson Lehrman Group, Institute of Quality Malaysia, Auditor ISO 9000 IRCAUK, Auditor OHSMS (SIRIM and STS) /EMS ISO 14000 and Construction Quality Assessment System CONQUAS, CIDB (Now BCA) Singapore),

* Possesses almost 30 years of experience/hands-on in the multi-modern management & technical disciplines (systems & methodologies) such as Knowledge Management (Hi-Impact Management/ICT Solutions), Quality (TQM/ISO), Safety Health Environment, Civil & Building (Construction), Manufacturing, Motivation & Team Building, HR, Marketing/Branding, Business Process Reengineering, Economy/Stock Market, Contracts/Project Management, Finance & Banking, etc. He was employed to international bluechips involving in national/international megaprojects such as Balfour Beatty Construction/Knight Piesold & Partners UK, MMI Insurance Group Australia, Hazama Corporation (Hazamagumi) Japan (with Mitsubishi Corporation, JA Jones US, MMCE and Ho-Hup) and Sunway Construction Berhad (The Sunway Group of Companies). Among major projects undertaken : Pergau Hydro Electric Project, KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, LRT Tunnelling, KLIA, Petronas Refineries Melaka, Putrajaya Government Complex, Sistem Lingkaran Lebuhraya Kajang (SILK), Mex Highway, KLIA1, KLIA2 etc. Once serviced SMPD Management Consultants as Associate Consultant cum Lecturer for Diploma in Management, Institute of Supervisory Management UK/SMPD JV. Currently – Associate/Visiting Consultants/Facilitators, Advisors/Technical Experts for leading consulting firms (local and international), certification bodies including project management. To name a few – Noma SWO Consult, Amiosh Resources, Timur West Consultant Sdn. Bhd., TIJ Consultants Group (Malaysia and Singapore), QHSEL Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.

He is also currently holding the Position of Principal Consultant/Executive Director (Special Projects) - Systems and Methods, ESG, QHSE at QHSEL Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.* Ex-Resident Weekly Columnist of Utusan Malaysia (1995-1998) and have produced more than 100 articles related to ISO-9000– Management System and Documentation Models, TQM Strategic Management, Occupational Safety and Health (now OHSAS 18000) and Environmental Management Systems ISO 14000. His write-ups/experience has assisted many students/researchers alike in module developments based on competency or academics and completion of many theses. Once commended by the then Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia for his diligence in promoting and training the civil services (government sector) based on “Total Quality Management and Quality Management System ISO-9000 in Malaysian Civil Service – Paradigm Shift Scalar for Assessment System”

Among Nik Zafri’s clients : Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd, (MRP II, Accounts/Credit Control) The HQ of Royal Customs and Excise Malaysia (ISO 9000), Veterinary Services Dept. Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Aspects of Project Management – KLCC construction), Corporate HQ of RHB (Peter Drucker's MBO/KRA), NEC Semiconductor - Klang Selangor (Productivity Management), Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia (ISO 9000), State Secretarial Office Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), Hidrological Department KL (ISO 9000), Asahi Kluang Johor(System Audit, Management/Supervisory Development), Tunku Mahmood (2) Primary School Kluang Johor (ISO 9000), Consortium PANZANA (HSSE 3rd Party Audit), Lecturer for Information Technology Training Centre (ITTC) – Authorised Training Center (ATC) – University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) Kluang Branch Johor, Kluang General Hospital Johor (Management/Supervision Development, Office Technology/Administration, ISO 9000 & Construction Management), Kahang Timur Secondary School Johor (ISO 9000), Sultan Abdul Jalil Secondary School Kluang Johor (Islamic Motivation and Team Building), Guocera Tiles Industries Kluang Johor (EMS ISO 14000), MNE Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. Kota Tinggi Johor (ISO 9000 – Construction), UITM Shah Alam Selangor (Knowledge Management/Knowledge Based Economy /TQM), Telesystem Electronics/Digico Cable(ODM/OEM for Astro – ISO 9000), Sungai Long Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Bina Puri Group) - ISO 9000 Construction), Secura Security Printing Sdn. Bhd,(ISO 9000 – Security Printing) ROTOL AMS Bumi Sdn. Bhd & ROTOL Architectural Services Sdn. Bhd. (ROTOL Group) – ISO 9000 –Architecture, Bond M & E (KL) Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9000 – Construction/M & E), Skyline Telco (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Knowledge Management),Technochase Sdn. Bhd JB (ISO 9000 – Construction), Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM – ISO 9000 & Internal Audit Refresher), Shinryo/Steamline Consortium (Petronas/OGP Power Co-Generation Plant Melaka – Construction Management and Safety, Health, Environment), Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Negotiation Skills), Association for Retired Intelligence Operatives of Malaysia (Cyber Security – Arpa/NSFUsenet, Cobit, Till, ISO/IEC ISMS 27000 for Law/Enforcement/Military), T.Yamaichi Corp. (M) Sdn. Bhd. (EMS ISO 14000) LSB Manufacturing Solutions Sdn. Bhd., (Lean Scoreboard (including a full development of System-Software-Application - MSC Malaysia & Six Sigma) PJZ Marine Services Sdn. Bhd., (Safety Management Systems and Internal Audit based on International Marine Organization Standards) UNITAR/UNTEC (Degree in Accountacy – Career Path/Roadmap) Cobrain Holdings Sdn. Bhd.(Managing Construction Safety & Health), Speaker for International Finance & Management Strategy (Closed Conference), Pembinaan Jaya Zira Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9001:2008-Internal Audit for Construction Industry & Overview of version 2015), Straits Consulting Engineers Sdn. Bhd. (Full Integrated Management System – ISO 9000, OHSAS 18000 (ISO 45000) and EMS ISO 14000 for Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Consulting), Malaysia Management & Science University (MSU – (Managing Business in an Organization), Innoseven Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 MSPR8 – Awareness and Internal Audit (Construction), ISO 9001:2008 and 2015 overview for the Construction Industry), Kemakmuran Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 - Signages/Wayfinding - Project Quality Plan and Construction Method Statement ), Lembaga Tabung Haji - Flood ERP, WNA Consultants - DID/JPS -Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plan - Prelim, Conceptual Design, Interim and Final Report etc., Tunnel Fire Safety - Fire Risk Assessment Report - Design Fire Scenario), Safety, Health and Environmental Management Plans leading construction/property companies/corporations in Malaysia, Timur West Consultant : Business Methodology and System, Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya ISMS/Audit/Risk/ITP Technical Team, MPDT Capital Berhad - ISO 9001: 2015 - Consultancy, Construction, Project Rehabilitation, Desalination (first one in Malaysia to receive certification on trades such as Reverse Osmosis Seawater Desalination and Project Recovery/Rehabilitation), ABAC Centre of Excellence UK (ABMS ISO 37001) Joint Assessment (Technical Expert)

* Has appeared for 10 consecutive series in “Good Morning Malaysia RTM TV1’ Corporate Talk Segment discussing on ISO 9000/14000 in various industries. For ICT, his inputs garnered from his expertise have successfully led to development of work-process e-enabling systems in the environments of intranet, portal and interactive web design especially for the construction and manufacturing. Some of the end products have won various competitions of innovativeness, quality, continual-improvements and construction industry award at national level. He has also in advisory capacity – involved in development and moderation of websites, portals and e-profiles for mainly corporate and private sectors, public figures etc. He is also one of the recipients for MOSTE Innovation for RFID use in Electronic Toll Collection in Malaysia.

Note :


TO SEE ALL ARTICLES

ON THE"LABEL" SECTION BELOW (RIGHT SIDE COLUMN), YOU CAN CLICK ON ANY TAG - TO READ ALL ARTICLES ACCORDING TO ITS CATEGORY (E.G. LABEL : CONSTRUCTION) OR GO TO THE VERY END OF THIS BLOG AND CLICK "Older Posts"


 

Showing posts with label KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION. Show all posts
Showing posts with label KNOWLEDGE ORGANIZATION. Show all posts

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Data Centers in Malaysia: Purpose, Potential, and Challenges - Overview by Nik Zafri


1) INTRODUCTION

In today's digitally driven world, data centers form the backbone of national infrastructure. Malaysia has been steadily positioning itself as a strategic hub for data center development, thanks to its stable climate, strategic geographic location in Southeast Asia, robust connectivity, and pro-investment government policies. But beyond the appeal lies the complex reality of running and maintaining high-performance data centers.

2) PURPOSE

Data centers are specialized facilities designed to store, process, and disseminate digital data. They host the infrastructure that supports cloud computing, enterprise operations, government digital transformation initiatives, content delivery, banking and finance transactions, e-commerce platforms, and a vast range of online services.

Organizations depend on data centers for:

  • Data storage and backup
  • Secure hosting environments
  • Disaster recovery and business continuity
  • Real-time data processing
  • Edge computing and IoT integration

In short, data centers are the nervous system of modern economies, quietly powering everything from emails to AI workloads.


2.1 WHY IT MATTERS

Data centers store, process, and manage the data that powers:


Malaysia’s appeal as a data center location includes:

  • Proximity to global undersea cable landing points,
  • Growing demand from the ASEAN digital economy, 
  • Competitive energy prices and workforce,
  • Political neutrality, compared to other regional hubs


2.2 INDUSTRY GROWTH

According to MDEC, Malaysia has attracted over RM10 billion in data center investments over the past five years. Demand is expected to double by 2030, driven by cloud adoption, 5G, and AI.

Globally, Malaysia ranks in the top 5 emerging APAC data center markets, with multiple projects in progress or recently completed.

3) ADVANTAGES

3.1 Strategic Location - Malaysia’s proximity to major Asian markets makes it an ideal node in regional data flow.

3.2 Competitive Energy Costs - Energy prices remain relatively competitive compared to neighboring countries, critical for an industry that is extremely power-intensive.

3.3 Regulatory Support - The Malaysian government has introduced incentives for digital infrastructure investments under its various economic blueprints and digital economy initiatives.

3.4 Abundant Talent Pool - Local universities and polytechnics are producing graduates in ICT, engineering, and technical fields that support operations and maintenance needs.

3.5 Political Stability and Neutrality - For global companies concerned with data sovereignty and neutrality, Malaysia remains a stable and neutral ground.

4) CHALLENGES

Despite the growth and demand, data centers face multiple operational and maintenance issues, such as:

4.1 Power Reliability and Redundancy - Even short interruptions in power can lead to data loss or downtime. Although backup systems (like UPS and generators) are standard, poor maintenance or system misconfigurations can lead to failure during critical moments.

Some sites face unexpected generator failures due to irregular servicing or fuel contamination. In one real-world scenario, a testing exercise revealed backup power would not kick in within 10 seconds, a violation of Tier III design expectations.

Requiring - Strict load testing regimes, fuel conditioning, and biannual third-party audits of generator and UPS systems.

4.2 Cooling System Efficiency - Malaysia’s tropical climate demands efficient and scalable cooling systems. Overreliance on traditional air conditioning systems leads to higher energy consumption and operational costs.

At least one facility experienced 15% higher PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) than design specs due to unsealed raised floors and inefficient hot aisle containment. This raised operational costs significantly.


4.3 Security Threats - Both cybersecurity and physical security are ongoing concerns. Breaches whether digital or physical can result in substantial financial and reputational damage. Many operators still rely on legacy security systems. One attempted intrusion during a patching window exploited outdated firewall settings. While no data was lost, it triggered urgent compliance reviews.

4.4 Resource Management - This includes everything from water for cooling to land use and waste disposal (especially for e-waste and batteries). Improper handling poses environmental and compliance risks.

4.5 Latency and Connectivity Bottlenecks - As demand grows, ensuring low-latency and high-bandwidth connectivity becomes increasingly challenging, especially when scaling out to meet regional or edge-computing needs.

4.6 Maintenance Downtime - Scheduled maintenance can still pose risks if not properly coordinated with clients and redundancies. Poorly planned upgrades may cause unexpected interruptions.

5) MITIGATION

To keep operations efficient and sustainable, data center developers and operators adopt several best practices:

5.1 Tiered Redundancy Designs - Using globally recognized standards such as Tier ratings, data centers can plan for different levels of fault tolerance and downtime acceptability.

A Tier III-level facility experienced significant downtime risk during an annual preventive maintenance when a generator load bank failed. This led to reengineering of their maintenance coordination process using a three-layer escalation protocol, including simulation testing of N+1 configurations.

The lesson: "Redundancy on paper is not resilience in practice without rigorous testing and alignment with live operational behaviors."

5.2 Efficient Cooling Solutions - Implementing advanced technologies like liquid cooling, hot/cold aisle containment, and AI-based temperature optimization systems can greatly reduce power usage. (e.g.) Adoption of liquid cooling, AI-controlled HVAC, CFD simulation for airflow design.

5.3 Regular Audits and Testing - Continuous commissioning, predictive maintenance, and disaster simulation exercises ensure system readiness and resilience.

5.4 Adoption of Green Technologies - Use of renewable energy sources, energy-efficient servers, and LEED-certified building materials can reduce carbon footprint and improve ESG compliance. This is also related to Climate Change which is addressed in ABMS ISO 37001 where the companies need to start developing the system and applied for certification.

5.5 Cybersecurity Frameworks - Implementing zero-trust architectures, regular penetration testing, and compliance with relevant standards to enhance security readiness. (e.g. Shift toward Zero Trust Architecture, network segmentation, and regular penetration testing per ISO/IEC 27001 and NIST SP 800-53)

5.6 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance is becoming non-negotiable. Stakeholders, especially global hyperscalers are demanding green certifications and energy usage transparency.

Key metrics to monitor:

  • Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE): Optimal < 1.5
  • Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE): Minimal where air-cooled solutions are viable
  • Renewable Energy %: Still below 15% for most Malaysian DCs (2024)

5.7 Up-skilling Workforce - There’s an ongoing shortage of Uptime-certified engineers and facility managers. Most sites operate with lean teams, increasing the risk of fatigue-related human error. Continuous training and certification for data center staff is vital to keep up with evolving technologies and protocols. 

6.0 WHAT FUTURE-READY DATA CENTERS TO LOOK LIKE

  • Design for Modularity and Scalability
  • Avoid over-provisioning. Build in phases, leveraging prefabricated solutions.
  • Implement AI-Driven Monitoring
  • Use predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and real-time environmental monitoring.
  • Green Certification Pathway
Plan for LEED, GreenRE, or ISO 50001 and ABMS ISO 37001 (2025) compliance from the design phase.

6.1 Community Engagement and Transparency

As energy-intensive operations, data centers must engage openly with local communities, sharing ESG reports and impact disclosures.

6. CONCLUSION

Malaysia’s data center industry is poised for continued growth, fueled by digital transformation, e-commerce expansion, and regional demand. However, as reliance on data increases, so does the complexity of maintaining these mission-critical facilities. With proper design, proactive risk management, and sustainable practices, Malaysia can continue to offer reliable and efficient data center services contributing significantly to both its economy and digital aspirations.






Friday, July 11, 2025

9 QUALITIES TO BECOME A GOOD LEADER - NIK ZAFRI

These are insights I’ve gathered over the last 30 years through experience and observation. When I first wrote this in 1999, there were 14 points but I’ve since summarize them into 9 core qualities, refined to suit 2025 and beyond. I’ve made them clear, memorable, and practical for everyday leadership.

It's my version of "Leadership" module

Of course, it shouldn’t take you another 30 years to apply them. Who knows, your leadership journey might just begin today.

1) KNOWLEDGABLE 

A good leader must possess strong domain knowledge and be well-informed about the industry, current trends, and the specifics of the organization. This includes:

  • Technical expertise and decision-making frameworks,
  • Understanding the roles and responsibilities of the team,
  • Being aware of external factors like market forces, regulations, and competitors.
  • Staying updated through continuous learning, training, and reading.

Why it mattersA knowledgeable leader earns respect, gives informed direction, and avoids costly mistakes.

2) DO THE RIGHT THING

Integrity and ethics are non-negotiable traits of leadership. 
  • Stand for principles even when it’s hard or unpopular,
  • Uphold fairness, transparency, and accountability,
  • Be a role model in behavior, honesty, and consistency, lead by example
Why it mattersPeople follow leaders they trust. 
Doing the right thing builds long-term loyalty and credibility.

3) HEAD TO THE RIGHT DIRECTION

Leadership is about setting and aligning everyone with a clear vision.

  • Set logical, measurable and achievable goals based on strategic foresight,
  • Align the team’s work with the organization’s mission and values.
  • Periodically reassess the path to ensure relevance.
Why it matters: A leader without direction leads a team to confusion. Purposeful direction gives clarity and unity.

4) WORK HARDER

Effort and commitment are infectious.
  • Show dedication and passion through your work ethic.
  • Don’t shy away from getting your hands dirty when needed.
  • Be willing to put in the extra time to support your team or resolve crisis.

Why it mattersHardworking leaders inspire their teams to rise above mediocrity and follow by example.

5) THINK OF NEW WAYS

If you're a seasoned professional, you may need to work with the younger generation. Innovation keeps the organization relevant and competitive.

  • Be open to change and embrace creative thinking,
  • Encourage brainstorming and experimentation without fear of failure (should you fail, do it again),
  • Look for improvements in processes, products, and people development.
Why it mattersStagnation is the enemy of progress. Leaders must innovate to adapt and thrive.

6) MAKE THE BEST DECISION

Not a popular decision, but the best decision
  • Decision-making is at the heart of leadership,
  • Base your choices on facts, resources, data, experience, and intuition, 
  • Involve stakeholders when appropriate, but take responsibility and to be accountable,
  • Balance risks and rewards with long-term implications in mind.

Why it mattersThe ability to make timely, sound decisions determines whether a team succeeds or struggles.

7) BUSINESS SUSTAINABILITY

Leadership must consider long-term viability, not just short-term gains.
  • Balance economic success with environmental and social responsibility (ESG), 
  • Invest in people, processes, and technologies that support sustainable growth.
  • Make ethical decisions that preserve reputation and resources.
Why it mattersSustainability ensures your organization endures and thrives in an ever-changing world.

8) BE A GOOD LISTENER

Effective communication starts with listening.

Practice active listening, seek to understand, not just to respond,
Show genuine empathy and openness to different views and feedback,
Use listening as a tool to detect problems early and build trust.

Why it mattersPeople feel valued and motivated when they are heard. It improves morale, loyalty, and problem-solving. (AND always reward good ideas)

9) CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT

Strive for excellence, not perfection.

Promote a culture where learning and improvement are continuous,
Encourage reflection, feedback, and growth - personally and organizationally,
Invest in upskilling, process optimization, and quality enhancement.

Why it mattersIn a rapidly evolving world, continuous improvement is necessary to stay competitive and agile.

CONCLUSION 

"The impact of doing something is FAR more greater than doing nothing at all" - Nik Zafri

"True leadership is not about authority, it's about responsibility, humility, and vision" - Nik Zafri

t.


Saturday, June 14, 2025

Building Resilience Through Business Continuity and Integrity Management (BCIM)




In today’s volatile world, organizations are increasingly vulnerable to disruptions that threaten their operations, reputation, and financial standing. From cyberattacks and natural disasters to regulatory crackdowns and global pandemics, businesses must proactively prepare to face the unexpected. This is where Business Continuity and Integrity Management (BCIM) comes into play – a strategic framework designed to sustain operations and protect ethical integrity in the face of adversity.

1.0 Understanding BCIM

Business Continuity and Integrity Management (BCIM) is an integrated approach combining Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Integrity Management, including elements like anti-corruption practices, compliance, and organizational ethics. While BCM focuses on operational resilience, Integrity Management ensures that recovery and continuity are upheld with ethical accountability.

2.0 The Case for Integration

Traditionally, business continuity and integrity initiatives were managed in silos. However, recent disruptions have shown that unethical conduct during crises can severely damage trust and reputation. For instance, cutting corners during supply shortages or manipulating data during audits can unravel an organization’s standing faster than the disruption itself. Thus, integrating BCM and Integrity Management isn't just best practice – it's a necessity.

3.0 Core Components of BCIM

  • Risk and Impact Assessment - Identifying critical operations, their vulnerabilities, and the potential ethical implications during recovery,
  • Continuity Planning - Developing comprehensive recovery strategies that include transparent decision-making processes, accountability, and stakeholder communication.

4.0 Compliance and Ethics

Embedding frameworks like ISO 37001 (Anti-Bribery), ISO 37301 (Compliance Management), ISO 22301 (BCM), and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles ensures systematic alignment and responsible governance.

5.0 Training and Awareness

Regular training sessions not only prepare employees to act swiftly but also reinforce a culture of integrity, especially during emergencies.

6.0 Testing and Evaluation

Periodic tabletop exercises and scenario testing should include both continuity and ethical decision-making stress tests.

7.0 Benefits of BCIM

  • Operational Resilience: Faster and structured recovery.
  • Reputation Management: Trust is maintained even during crisis.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Stronger positioning during audits and legal scrutiny.
  • Cultural Strength: Promotes ethical behavior as a core value.

8.0 Moving Forward

As business environments grow more complex and interconnected, the fusion of continuity and integrity functions is no longer optional. 

Organizations that invest in BCIM are not only better prepared to face crises but also to emerge from them stronger, more transparent, and more trusted.

BCIM is not just about survival - it's about sustainable resilience. In an age of unpredictability, it provides the moral compass and operational roadmap every responsible organization needs.

Friday, May 23, 2025

PROPERTY COMPANY - IT'S TIME TO REBRAND

I know this might be hard on some, but let’s admit it, just like #architectural, #construction and #consulting firms (which I have spoken enough on the subjects) - even a highly successful PROPERTY COMPANY can benefit from a "new breath of life", a strategic refresh that sustains relevance, competitiveness, and long-term growth without abandoning its core values and principles.

LET’S START WITH SOMETHING NOT TOO AMBITIOUS
HERE’S A TYPICAL 6 PHASE PROPOSED ROADMAP SUITABLE FOR PROPERTY COMPANIES OPERATING IN SOUTH EAST ASIA – Hope it helps







Friday, May 02, 2025

Thriving Through Organizational Change: Bridging Seasoned and Young Professionals - by Nik Zafri

 

“Change is the only constant” 

a phrase often repeated, rarely understood in its full weight until it lands on your desk, your workflow, or your job description. 

Organizational change whether driven by digital transformation, leadership shifts, restructuring, or market realignment is no longer a once-in-a-decade event. It is ongoing, accelerating, and multi-generational.

In my experience conducting motivation-based courses, I’m consistently asked the following two questions :

  • How do professionals, young and seasoned alike, not just survive but thrive through change? 
  • How can senior professionals remain relevant and respected even when reporting to younger bosses?

These are hard questions for me but I'll try to delve with case studies, research-backed insights, and actionable strategies for everyone in today’s evolving workforce.

1.0 The Reality: Change Is Disruptive (and Expensive)

According to McKinsey & Company , nearly 70% of organizational transformation efforts fail, largely due to :

  • employee resistance, 
  • lack of engagement, or 
  • unclear communication. 

Yet when executed well, organizations that embrace structured change see productivity increase by up to 25% and employee satisfaction rise by 20–30%.

Meanwhile, a 2023 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends survey found that:

61% of professionals felt overwhelmed by constant change,

48% feared being left behind due to digital transformation,

But 71% were willing to reskill or shift roles if given clarity and support.

Case Study 1: Siemens From Traditional Engineering to Digital Twin Leadership


Case Study 2: Unilever – Flattening Hierarchies and Empowering Young Leaders



2.0 How Can Young Professionals Adapt?

a. Stay Curious, Not Complacent

Ask questions, not just for knowledge but to learn from others' experience. Show humility when working with seniors, it earns trust and opens doors.

b. Get Comfortable with Ambiguity

Change is rarely clear-cut. Embrace iterative work and unstructured problem-solving.

c. Build Tech and People Skills Together

Digital skills are essential, but so is empathy, communication, and cross-generational respect.

3.0 How Can Seasoned Professionals Adapt?


4.0 What Happens When the Boss is Younger?

Let’s be honest, it’s awkward at first for both sides. 

BUT RESPECT IS EARNED, NOT DICTATED BY AGE


“In my mid-50s, I found myself reporting to a 32-year-old CMO. At first, I felt invisible. But once I started mentoring his team on stakeholder management and client psychology, skills AI can't teach he told me I was his most trusted partner.” - Former Global VP, now Leadership Coach

4.0 Conclusion

For All Professionals (Regardless of Age)
  • Learn continuously. There are many platforms on the internet,
  • Strengthen emotional intelligence. That’s what holds people together during turbulent change.
  • Communicate transparently. Ask, share, clarify, silence kills culture.
  • Adapt your role to value delivery, not title.
  • Ask yourself - “How do I help the team win?” will beat “What’s in my job description?”

Change is no longer something to "get through." It's the new normal.

Whether you're a young professional fresh out of university, or a seasoned expert with 30 years under your belt, the real winners are those who:

  • Stay flexible in their role,
  • Stay humble in their approach,
  • And stay human in how they work with others.
Because in a world where AI is doing more, it’s the human capacity to adapt, relate, and guide that becomes most valuable.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

AI vs. Human: Redefining Work, Not Replacing It - A Wake-Up Call for Every Generation - By Nik Zafri

 



With how fast AI and robotics are moving, it's no surprise that a lot of people are worried especially about the risk of losing their jobs someday. Well, I don’t blame them. I feel that the need to study the current situation is very important by looking at the right data.

The adoption of AI and robotics no doubt IS making many operations faster, cheaper, and more efficient but it is also reshaping (not just reducing) human employment, not eliminating it entirely. Let’s break it down, shall we?



WHERE HUMAN STILL FITS IN

Employment isn't disappearing, it's evolving


AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY EXAMPLES

Since 2017, Ford Motor Company has heavily automated its factories with robotic arms and AI, reducing 12% of line worker jobs. But Ford also hired 8% more engineers, software developers, and robot maintenance specialists.

While Tesla Motors Ltd uses 10,000+ robots at its Gigafactories, it still employs 127,000 humans globally (as of 2024), growing by 15% year-on-year because human design, supervision, creative problem-solving, and innovation can't be fully automated.

SKILLS OF THE FUTURE??



Old World = Humans = manual, repetitive, predictable jobs.

New World = Humans = creative, strategic, empathetic, supervisory, and technical roles.

Machines = repetitive, dangerous, analytical, precision roles.

AI and robotics will cause a reduction in traditional jobs. However, they will create new jobs requiring higher cognitive skills, technical expertise, and creativity. Employment doesn't vanish, it migrates.

AI/ROBOTICS MIGRATION TO HIGHER-SKILLED JOBS

When AI and robots take over basic or repetitive work, humans are pushed "up the value chain" into roles that need more thinking, judgment, and creativity.



Example: Amazon is automating warehouse picking, but it hires more robot maintenance staff, AI logistics optimizers, and human warehouse flow planners now.

IMPACT ON TRADITIONAL MANAGEMENT POSITION

AI and automation are also changing; not removing; traditional management jobs.




Administration, Finance, HR, Legal, even Management are not dying but evolving into strategy, design, interpretation, and leadership based on insights provided by AI.

Humans are still needed at "the judgment level" and to navigate emotions, uncertainty, and innovation, where machines are still weak..

OTHER SECTORS






Architecture is becoming one of the most exciting "human-tech fusion" fields. The combination of VR (Virtual Reality), AR (Augmented Reality), MR (Mixed Reality), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) is revolutionizing design, collaboration, and client experience.


REAL-WORLD CASES

 1. AI-Generated Designs + VR Review

Tools like Spacemaker (now Autodesk Forma) use AI to create multiple design options (sunlight, wind, density).

Designers then use VR to walk through those spaces before a single brick is laid.

2. AR Site Integration

Imagine holding an iPad on-site and seeing the future building overlaid on the empty land.

AI integrates building data with real-time environment, helping contractors plan sequences, identify clashes.

3. MR for Client Collaboration

Client wears a headset (like Microsoft HoloLens), walks through a partially constructed home.

Interact with the design - change kitchen layout, try wall textures.

AI adapts the design instantly based on choices, and updates BIM (Building Information Modeling) in the background.

SO WHAT?

Architects will need to be:
  • Fluent in tools like Twinmotion, Enscape, Unreal Engine, Unity (for VR/AR)
  • Able to guide AI-assisted design tools
  • Great storytellers, turning data and 3D models into client-friendly experiences.

THE FUTURE (5-10 YEARS?)

Clients won’t review 2D plans anymore, they’ll expect immersive, interactive design presentations.

AI will co-design with you, and immersive tech will be the bridge between your vision and the client’s understanding.

Construction coordination (with engineers, MEP, contractors) will happen in shared MR environments, not long WhatsApp threads.
 

PROBLEM 1 –  EDUCATION

The education system and government policies maybe outdated compared to technology growth.

Universities and colleges are still teaching for the Industrial Age, but we are living in the AI Age.
  • Graduates are learning theories, but companies now want:
  • Technical agility (basic coding, data handling)
  • Digital literacy (use AI tools, not build them necessarily)
  • Adaptability and self-learning skills.

Result:
  • Many graduates can't get jobs.
  • Many available jobs require skills they weren’t taught.
Overall human employment will be lower in many traditional fields because AI and robotics automate faster than humans can retrain.


HOW TO FIX THIS?


Learn practical digital skills NOW 
  • Self-learning using free/cheap online platforms  - (eg. Coursera , EdX , LinkedIn for Learning , even YouTube )
  • Basic AI use (not building, but operating tools)
  • Data basics (Excel, Python , Power BI )
  • Communication, emotional intelligence.
Develop a side skill or freelance capability

Graphic design, coding, digital marketing, copywriting - platforms like Fiverr, Upwork are growing

Don't rely too much on your qualifications but rather build a portfolio - show proof of what you can do, not just what you studied.


PROBLEM 2 - SEASONED PROFESSIONALS (FROM MID AGE AND ABOVE)


TO BE FAIR - WAKE UP PEOPLE

  • Those who don't adapt will fall behind faster than at any time in modern history.

  • Waiting for "the system" to fix itself is risky.

  • Individuals, families, communities must push for re-skilling urgently otherwise, inequality will explode.





Thursday, March 20, 2025

RPA VS AI - ARE THEY THE SAME OF OR DIFFERENT? - QUICK OVERVIEW BY NIK ZAFRI

I was looking into a posting of a close relative from a prestigious university when the topic of Robotic Process Automation (RPA) came up, particularly its role in accounting and finance. I’ve noticed that in Malaysia, especially within the ERP industrial community, there’s a growing preference to use the term AI rather than RPA. This is also the same question I’ve been asked multiple times.

To differentiate the two, (latch key gen), millennials to Gen X/Y are generally more familiar with RPA (which is related to the first generation AI and computers - 1940s-50s - ENIAC and UNIVAC - later FORTRAN/COBOL, 80s-90s - ERP, 2000 - RPA and now AI) , while those from Gen Z and above tend to recognize AI more readily. 

RPA focuses on automation, operating within a fixed set of rules (say a modern photocopier/xerox?), whereas 

AI involves intelligence, including pattern recognition, prediction, and decision-making.

Although they may seem similar, they serve different purposes but increasingly work hand in hand, complementing each other. To make the distinction clearer, I’ve summarized the key differences in a table for easier understanding.





Friday, July 26, 2024

DUE DILIGENCE ON TROUBLED COMPANIES - A SIMPLE GUIDE BY NIK ZAFRI

 BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DUE DILIGENCE (ON TROUBLED COMPANIES)


Due diligence on a troubled company requires a particularly rigorous and comprehensive approach. It involves delving deeper into potential risks and liabilities than a typical due diligence process.  See the table below - please expand further. (Remember : It's not as easy as it looks)

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