Industrial Design Manager

• Aug 2022 - Present

At this stage of my career, I have taken the opportunity in leading my Industrial design unit while managing some projects for members in the Graphic Design / Packaging team unit. I also contribute a portion of my day-to-day to the company that are best explained below:• Managerial tool - ZOHO & Clickup1. Middle person between Top Management with Department Executors:• I report to our Senior VP and assist our department by championing I.D & Graphic Design units when facing Top Management!• To ensure inter-departmental information is clarified with clear deparment objectives.• All compiled information are turned to checklist-based requirements / OKR’s before being carried down to department projects.* Less meetings, more engagement!*2. Lead Industrial Design unit:• I lead all NCIG & NASTY brands’ projects with my unit members that are I.D. related.• Come up with creative designs that hold valuable benefits to users which are measurable and feasible.• Validate prototypes, trial and batch samples within my scope expertise that meets EVT, DVT & PVT requirements.• Assist QA unit in meeting PVT requirements without affecting batch readiness.• Assist QC unit in meeting CMF requirements with running-change solutions and minimal cost risks.• Deadline driven with OKR approach.3. UI development for NCIG brand: • Member of the sprint unit in AGILE process of UI/UX development that gives best results / achieves closest solution to user needs.• Value proposition-based approach within sprint cycles.4. Manage Graphic Design unit:• Projects’ goals that are briefed to this unit are turned to sub-goals within milestones from art concepts to final packaging samples. • Ensure artwork developments with art directions are measurable and move in a linear / paralell process in the NPD phase.• Ensure this units output is validated according to internal standards right before mass readiness in the NPI phase.• Deadline driven with OKR approach.

Senior Industrial Designer

• Nov 2021 - Aug 2022

I report directly to the Chief of Product and propose products required to fulfill the ENDS vaping industry & NASTY brand’s vaping community. My main tasks were to develop products and translate the art directions from our Creative Director and turn them into the design languages of all our product’s aesthetics.In summary, I hold the Industrial Design element of the company; and a portion of how the company solves the concerns of user-needs for both Malaysia & Global markets from product to user point of view. The development processes that I put most impact on are:- All products for NCIG brand (Closed-system Vape devices, POSM’s & support packaging developments)- All products of NASTY brand (Disposable Vape devices, E-liquid Bottle design and POSM’s)My drive?Design is a RACE!I am the Lead Industrial designer with an creative approach of collaborative workflow in design, graphic & packaging and production teams’ development process. In that workflow, I contribute solution based designs that meets the user-needs requirements. At the same time within the company, I’m part of a team that finds ways to improve our manufacturing effeciency. All that just to make sure the products are kept up to current demand & attractiveness with minimal churn rate.The result? User’s satisfaction; that’s what keeps my drive fulfilled everyday!

Senior Product Designer

• Jul 2019 - Sep 2021

Industrial Designer

• May 2017 - Jul 2019

In 2017, I was a member of a tightly-knit Royal Selangor team, almost family like. Comprised of product designers, clay sculptors, graphic & packaging designers as well as product photographers from different age & backgrounds with a collaborative, art driven approach. Surrounded by these combined experiences,I was able to make products using this deco-friendly material in Pewter. Function, function, function! I personally disagree with this statement. However, it’s a necessary one to hear in Royal Selangor that left an indelible mark in my career. It served as a reminder for me to keep understanding what ideas to prioritize to ensure a product interacts best for its user as intended by the designer. My designs can still be seen in retail stores today. They showcase how I interpret Pewter in the best forms I felt it can be, with one of the art directions that I hold rooted in; art nouveau. I’ve lead projects from A to Z design development to produce these product ranges: 1. Woodland Collection, 7 Products (2017-2018) 2. Bunnies Day Out II Collection, 5 Products (2017-2018) 3. Straits Expression Collection, 7 Products (2018-2019) 4. Gembira series II Collection, 5 Products (2018-2019) 5. Bunnies Day Out series III Collection, 5 Products (2018-2019) And also special editions in Licensed Collections 6. DC Batman Universe, 6 Products (2017-2019) 7. Celestial Wisdom Collection, 6 Products (2018-2019) All things considered, I had my best time here. Surrounded by a wonderful team in helping me understand what finish is best suited with the material paired with its art inspirations. "Before you design something, always learn the strengths & weaknesses of the material first" - Christopher Yong

Product Designer

• Aug 2014 - Jan 2017

In 2014, I pitch designs to customers in the FMCG industry. I communicate with Engineers, Graphic Designers, Software and Web Developers to meet our project goals where we find concepts, develop new products, prepare proposals and packaging solutions before its eventual production. Working in an environment with a design agency thinking, opportunities never fall short. OEM, OBM & ODM products were types of projects given that served me as a balanced mix of what to learn and the responsibilities one must know when filling the role as a designer. Clients I’ve pitched to were: -AEON, CB Japan Co. Ltd., L'Oréal, Maybelline, Garnier , Standard Chartered, Saudi-Air. Product Type: Food-grade Home Wares & Special gift designs. I obtained certification in: 1. German Malaysian Institute (GMI) Bangi - Injection Molding Driver License Course Stage 1, organized by Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (MPMA). 2014-2017 Softwares I applied to my work : 1. Solidworks Advanced Surface modeler - Technical Drawing & 3D Modelling 2. Rendering Skills : Keyshot 5, Illustrator & Photoshop

Industrial Designer

• Jun 2014 - Sep 2014

•3D Modelling > Solidworks •3D Rendering Engine > Keyshot •3D Simulation, Technical Drawing Inspection for plastics moulding in home appliances Collaborated with engineers and technicians at the manufacturing plant. Organize production line to increase productivity and pro-active in enhancing company image brand. •3D Modelling > Solidworks •3D Rendering Engine > Keyshot •3D Simulation, Technical Drawing Inspection for plastics moulding in home appliances Collaborated with engineers and technicians at the manufacturing plant. Organize production line to increase productivity and pro-active in enhancing company image brand.