28 Mar 2018
Many of us are often engaged in our own daily activities and tend to take for granted the individuals responsible for safeguarding and ensuring the smooth running of the properties we reside, visit, or even work in. We sat down with two of our Frasers Property Singapore staff, both recipients of the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) Excellent Service Awards 2017, to bring light to their contributions. We also find out what motivates them at home and at the workplace.
Fulfilling my duty well
Philip Ng, two-time recipient of the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) Silver Award, shared with us that sincerity, professional integrity and flexibility are the key qualities that brought out the best in his role as Safety and Security officer at Alexandra Point.
Philip Ng in the fire command centre, his main reporting area
“I started my journey with Frasers Property Singapore at Alexandra Technopark as a Safety and Security officer for three years before I transferred to Alexandra Point.
Every morning at 8am, I make my way to the fire command centre to check that all equipment and keys are in order, before I take over the duties of my colleagues from the previous shift. As a small team of three, it is imperative that we coordinate well with each other within the team, under the guidance of our superior.
As a security officer, it is my duty to protect and ensure the safety of the property and the people within it. On top of that, we also take it upon ourselves to assist tenants and visitors to the best we can.”
A positive work spirit
“I personally enjoy meeting people from different walks of life. This keeps me motivated at work. When I greet visitors, sometimes we engage in short conversations which keeps my day interesting. I also try to spread a positive energy at the workplace by greeting visitors with a smile. Seeing them return the gesture makes me happy.
Occasionally, visitors will forget to collect their photo ID after they have completed their visit, so we have to be proactive and to remind them to return the visitors pass for their photo ID.
A few months ago, I found a camera at the car park of Alexandra Technopark. The team and I brought it back to the main office and followed the protocol of a lost and found item. Not too long after, we found its rightful owner. He thanked us profusely and was extremely grateful toward us when he claimed his lost camera. I assured him that it was not a big deal, and it was part of all our duties as a reliable and trustworthy member of team.
My family, my inspiration
“My family, which consist of my children and grandchildren, has always been my source of energy and inspiration. Taking home the Silver Award for the second time makes me proud of what I do at work and I share that joy with my family. At the end of the day, it is about attending to the customers who patronise us and meeting their needs. When customers are satisfied and happy, I feel contented too. I am motivated to go the extra mile and aim for the Gold Award next year.”
Reliable pair of hands in the mall
Sharil Azren Bin Abdul Rahman, Senior Maintenance Technician, Building & Maintenance of YewTee Point is also no stranger to the SRA Excellent Service Awards. The 15-year Frasers Property Singapore staff was awarded the Silver Award in 2015, and the Gold Award in 2016 and 2017.
Sharil Azren beams for the camera in front of his workplace of 9 years
“On a typical day, I start my morning by walking around the mall and carrying out routine checks to ensure our machines, such as the air conditioning system and the heater are operating smoothly.
Teamwork and safety top of the list
“My team is made up of three people. Each of us have our own check-list of items to complete daily. This keeps us focused and gives us a quick overview of what has been done and what has not.
Teamwork is key in Maintenance and Engineering. There is no such thing as a one-man job. Many tasks require two people to work concurrently with each other. It also serves as safety protocol. For example, we will always dispatch a pair of staff to attend to electricity issues. This procedure ensures that we are always looking out for one another. Working as a team also increases efficiency.
Constant communication is necessary for a smooth, hiccup-free day at work. We are entrusted with the responsibility to keep the property running seamlessly. This brings me to my next point – It is important to understand what you are doing at work. During training, we are encouraged to raise any questions and clarify any doubts that we may have. Safety is of utmost importance at the workplace. If you are unsure of what you are doing, you are putting yourself, and others in potential danger.”
Growing alongside familiar faces
“It is satisfying to work within the heartlands where the mall has a loyal customer base. Over the last nine years at YeeTee Point, I have seen many familiar faces, and have also grown alongside them.
My favourite part of the day is the exchange of nods and “hello-s” with the familiar faces in the mall when I’m doing my rounds, or when tenants thank us for our work. Little things like these lighten my day.”
Secret to happiness
“In life, there will always be challenges. My personal motto is to always be yourself and stay positive. If you put in a hundred per cent in what you do, you will always be proud of yourself, no matter the outcome. At work and in life, we should avoid being complacent. After accepting the SRA award, I remind myself to always give my best at work, and to continually improve my skills.”