Jia Hwa usually works with customers on various assignments and helps them find the right level of quality for their products and processes. Today he has two parallel assignments with two different customers.
"Right now I have two different assignments that are very exciting! At a biotech company, I'm the project manager for the construction of a brand new lab and I'm helping them to drive that project forward. My second assignment is with an ATMP company where I have the role of validation manager for requests for future GMP certification."
Jia Hwa has not always had the same interest as he does now and has not always worked in this type of assignment. He started his career at AstraZeneca in 2001, working more in the lab. After some time, he found the role of validation engineer and decided to give it a try. So how does Jia Hwa see his current job and what is the best thing about the position he has today?
"The best part, as I see it, is meeting the people and getting to meet many people. The fact that I get the opportunity to contribute and help where they need my expertise and to share my knowledge is super fun."
He goes on to describe in some detail what his day might look like:
"No two days at work are the same. Right now I spend a lot of time at Location with customers, which I like, being close to the business. My days consist of meetings, documentation such as risk analyses, developing URS, protocols with tests, design review, problem solving, contact with suppliers, practical tests, getting to know the equipment/system and its software, etc."
We are of course very happy that Jia Hwa ended up at Plantvision. We asked him how he came to join us and why he chose Plantvision as a company, and also about the role he has today, how it suits him.
"After 18 years at AstraZeneca and 3 years at Octapharma, I felt it was time to try something new and I don't regret it for a second! I think it is fun and exciting to see how it works at different companies regarding quality systems, different processes where you get to learn a lot despite my experience of over 20 years in Life Science and that I am a senior consultant, I learn new things. I also believe that much comes naturally as I have worked as a trainer for about 20 years. I meet new people where I deliver a concept, and where I want people to train for me because I made the training experience special. Perhaps this is also reflected in my work. Just like business acumen in my consulting role where I build up trust with the customer, I have always had that kind of mind-set even for my participants in the training classes. Why Plantvision suits me is of course the fantastic culture, all the great people. You are really seen as an employee - not just someone who performs tasks. I get on very well with my managers and my colleagues, which I think is important."
Our ambition and hope is that we are a bit different from other companies in the industry. Jia Hwa is proud to work with us and says it is mainly due to the culture, the people, the community and the fun we have together.
"We have built a culture where we enjoy sharing experiences, skills and reflections. We are very good at building a community where we support and listen to each other. Plantvision organizes various activities so that we can socialize and have fun. We are good at celebrating big and small, which is wonderful! We also have an inclusive culture where you feel a sense of belonging, I think most people want to feel that belonging and be in a context, which PV does so well! And not to forget the fact that we have been Great place to work certified for so many years. "
Knowledge sharing and thought leadership is something we want to be externally, but it is equally, if not more, important that we also have that mindset internally. For Jia Hwa, it comes naturally.
"This is something I am really excited about. I have had the opportunity to train last year's cohort of Plantvision Young Professionals with a focus on validation. I have worked closely with junior consultant Susanna Wärmegård and she was incredibly talented, curious and took ownership of her deliveries. I trusted her completely and she asked questions when needed. I think it is great that you can exchange experiences. Juniors often ask many questions and can see things from a new perspective. As a senior, you have built up skills and experiences that the junior can draw on, which gives them a good foundation and security. I also think it's great fun and a prerequisite for PV to continue to be a competence-driven company where we are best in class."
So, finally, we took the opportunity to ask Jia Hwa how he sees the future, both for the industry and for his own role.
"The industry and requirements are constantly evolving. Existing large companies and start-ups will always need our expertise. I find it fun to train new juniors. We are also good at updating ourselves on new regulations and how they should be interpreted. As I mentioned before, despite my senior role, I want and get the opportunity to constantly learn new things and see things in different ways, which is fantastic. I really recommend Plantvision as an employer. A knowledge-driven company where we want to be best in class and, above all, we have built a culture of community and belonging. We have fun together!
Thank you for the chat Jia Hwa and good luck with your missions. And thank you for helping us continue building the "PV spirit" today, tomorrow and beyond.
