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Building Blocks: Interview with Peter Goh of Sime Darby China

We all had a Lego set when we were kids, but Peter Goh, managing director of Sime Darby China, Hong Kong & Macau, takes the hobby to another level.

 

In his free time – although he doesn’t have much of that these days – he likes to build and restore full-sized cars.

“I built a Talon Sports car from a kit, which has been my proudest achievement,” he says.

He has also worked on four other cars – an Austin Healey, a Rover P60, a Mini Cooper and a Citroen SM.

Goh’s passion for restoring classic cars began in the 1980s when he was still living in Britain. His move started from an opportunity to study there.

“My years in the UK were some of my most memorable,” he reminisces. “It was my first time abroad. I was 17. I still remember arriving and my first challenge happened right away – nobody was there to pick me up”.

After a series of train journeys, being with strangers and more traveling, Goh finally arrived at his homestay, and began his new life in Britain.

“Being in a strange place helps you learn a lot about yourself,” he says. “When you’re forced into an unfamiliar environment, the way you react may surprise you.”

Goh says he admires the British for their equal treatment. “I was lucky enough not to run into any sort of discrimination during my entire time there, and I admire them for that.”

Treating everyone as equals and with respect is a philosophy he has incorporated into management so many years later.

His time there would turn into a 14-year stay and also put down roots for his new family.

“I met my wife at the supermarket in the UK,” he said, grinning at the memory. “She was a cashier, and I was always looking for excuses to buy stuff there and I made sure to line up at her counter every time!”

His persistence isn’t just in cars, after all.

After some time in France, Singapore and China, Goh arrived in Hong Kong after his brother-in-law told him of a job opening.

In 2000, Goh joined Sime Darby and he has been part of the family since. He now oversees 4,000 staff, including 14 4S (sales, service, spare parts, and spray painting repair) dealerships in China and 15 sales and service outlets in Hong Kong and China.

“I believe having a likeable personality, a positive working attitude, willingness to show modesty and prudence, eagerness to learn and being imaginative are all keys to a successful career,” says Goh.

“These qualities cannot replace any amount of academic qualifications or experiences.”

He is especially a strong believer in treating his employees right “because they’re your workforce; they are the ones who keep the company moving.”

Having lived in so many places, it was interesting to hear where he likes most.

“If we’re talking about leisure, probably Malaysia or Singapore. Hong Kong is definitely the best place for work though.”

Does he plan to continue his kit car passion once he retires?

“I’ll probably go back to Malaysia when I retire,” he laughs. “Maybe I’ll go back to that, who knows?”

 

This article was first published in the Friday, March 28 2014 issue of The Standard Hong Kong.

All photo credits to The Standard.

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