BSc Electrical Electronics Engineering. Class of 1983.
Chairman at KAT Technologies Sdn Bhd
I am currently Executive Chairman of my own company KAT Technologies Sdn Bhd, which I founded in 1994. The company has three major lines of business, LOBs - software development, mobile application platform as a service and a services company servicing the telco industry. I am also Chairman of SIRIM Berhad, a wholly owned Government company. SIRIM is a premier industrial research and technology organisation in Malaysia.
Summary of your Swansea University experience
Swansea University provided me with the environment which shaped my people-to-people skills whilst enriching my intellectual capability.
What are your top 3 favourite things about Swansea (the University/city/area)?
My top favourite is the Singleton campus itself which sits atop the Swansea Bay. It is a picture of serenity, tranquillity, and beauty all rolled into one. My other favourite is the friendliness of the Welsh community which makes me feel so welcomed and at home when I was a student. The university has very caring, concerned, and highly professional academic and administrative staffers.
Why did you choose to study your degree at Swansea?
At the time, Swansea was a relatively ‘young’ university. I wanted to study in a newer establishment. I also wanted to be at a place where I can enjoy the outdoors, nature, and sports.
Would you recommend Swansea University to someone thinking of going to University?
I would recommend it most times. The new Bay Campus is equipped with brand new assets which will benefit the students. There’s also the upward trajectory factor demonstrated by the steady climb up the University ranking in the UK. The urban/suburban environment is conducive to studying without much serious distractions / interference like most big-city universities present. The cost of living is much friendlier compared to bigger cities.
How did your degree prepare you for your career?
The degree in Electrical, Electronics and Communications engineering was a very relevant course in the early eighties. The mid-80s and early 90s saw the boom in mobile communications and electronic commerce. I’d say that Swansea Uni had the vision to curate a course which fits with future trends.
What advice would you give to students who want to pursue your career?
I don’t know what the course would be called now but communications engineering will always be relevant to industry. There are the bread and butter engineering problems that need to find solutions. There’s also always the application of new technologies into communications engineering that will make it relevant in the future.
