SynergenOG co-founder, Puvan Balasubramaniam recently returned to Kuala Lumpur from a business trip in Brunei, where he was conducting essential critical services to support the safe start up of a new Ammonia and Urea Plant operated by Brunei Fertiliser Industries, designed and built by German company – Thyssenkrupp. Among the highlights of his trip, was...Continue Reading

As a follow up to my previous article on strategies for better group decision making, I’ve decided to discuss an interesting piece published by McKinsey that I came across recently, which focuses on using 6 mutually reinforcing mindsets in problem solving, and discovered some exciting similarities and new ideas in the source articles that inspired...Continue Reading

In reading the Harvard Business Review article published recently discussing 7 Strategies for Better Group Decision-Making by Torben Emmerling and Duncan Rooders, I was reminded of a Problem Solving and Decision-Making module in the course of my MBA (Master of Business Administration) studies. It was a popular module that I believe has given way to...Continue Reading

Harvard Business Review’s (HBR) article on ‘7 Strategies for Leading a Crisis Driven Re-org’ published recently made me reflect on the Why, What and How questions of our approach to this topic at SynergenOG. I am sure every one of us – from the C-suite executive to the front-line support staff, is experiencing some form...Continue Reading

The McKinsey article on the Eight Essentials of Innovation, brought to mind a couple of areas for improvement for SynergenOG, serving as a useful checklist. Noting the importance of all elements, I do think there are limitations in the implementation and execution, based on our organisation size and structure.  I believe a family-based or small...Continue Reading

Each individual is privy to their own operating model that helps them function at full capacity and high efficiency. But for those who are still looking for a guide on creating a successful operating model, seeking the answer within these four key elements could be beneficial. What are your priorities?  This is a crucial element...Continue Reading

By Kadam Balan Managers and C-suite executives have to steer their business and essentially, people, toward a new world that is full of new challenges and uncertainties. This can be both exciting and worrisome for many. As we push forward towards a new normal we have to be reminded of the importance of balancing an...Continue Reading

During the mid 19th century, the discovery of new technology (using pipelines) that allowed kerosene to be commercially viable led to the beginning of an oil rush. But it was the period after the second World War that oil was recognised as a global commodity [1]. Since then, black gold has had a long and...Continue Reading

Work from Home: The Home Office Environment With the Movement Control Order (MCO) in Malaysia entering its third week, the dedicated men and women in the country continue to fight against the virus while the rest provide essential services. Many companies across the industry continue to conduct business as usual, albeit remotely. Speaking with one...Continue Reading

More than a week has passed since the Malaysian government mandated Movement Control Order similar to restrictions imposed by other countries globally, to minimise and control the spread of COVID-19 pandemic throughout the country beginning 18th March. With 2.5 weeks to go (following extension of MCO in Malaysia till mid April), many companies have either...Continue Reading