At 49, I left the electronics industry & returned to the classroom. Now 64, I have no regrets.

Soundararajan Selvaraj, 64, oversees operational excellence at Swiss healthcare manufacturer Lonza’s Tuas site as an associate director. At the age of 49, he underwent the Workforce Singapore’s Career Conversion Programme, which allowed him to make a mid-career switch from electronics to the growing pharmaceutical industry.

Soundararajan is one of many Singaporeans who has built  a career in a global enterprise here. His interview was first published on the EDB’s website. 

–––––––––

By Soundararajan Selvaraj

In my late 40s, I made the pivotal decision to leave the electronics industry and go back to the classroom.

After completing the Workforce Singapore’s Career Conversion Programme, I was hired by one of Singapore's most established pharmaceutical companies as an Operational Excellence (OE) expert.

In 2013, I joined Lonza on its manufacturing journey in Singapore, where I found myself immersed in a dynamic, youthful atmosphere.

This fostered a culture of openness to novel ideas and a willingness to embrace fresh concepts. With this forward-thinking mindset and supportive leadership, the Singapore site grew rapidly.

Maintaining a youthful spirit

The stakes are high for biopharmaceutical developers like Lonza and we need to meet Good Manufacturing Practices. Meeting these stringent standards required unwavering perseverance. It also took time to learn how to work optimally with younger staff.

My solution?

I tried to maintain a youthful spirit and actively engaged with my younger colleagues. They also respect my experience as an OE expert and see that I bring value to the table. Once trust is established and a connection is built, everything just flows, creating a win-win situation for both sides.

At the age of 64, I consider myself to be in a semi-retired phase, yet my current role offers a unique blend of autonomy and purpose. I have the freedom to craft a personal schedule that aligns with the company's objectives and deadlines.

This flexibility not only enhances my work-life balance but also affords me the precious opportunity to continue to have cherished moments with my loved ones.

Embracing change is key, regardless of age

In navigating life's chapters, I've learned that embracing change is key. The world is ever-changing and it moves very rapidly, so you have to constantly upgrade yourself if you want to stay relevant. But amid the hustle, it's equally important to savour life's joys and adventures with gusto.

So, my advice? Work hard and continuously challenge the status quo for improvements but remember to play even harder.

My decision to return to the classroom two decades ago was a daunting leap into the unknown, filled with uncertainties about getting re-employed and having to climb the corporate ladder again.

It was the unwavering support of my family and the guidance of exceptional mentors, coupled with the trust and friendship of dedicated colleagues that have brought me where I am today.

For Singaporeans my age, they should never stop exploring.

Even though I'm 64 years old, I feel that I’m much younger at heart. Don’t give up and never stop trying new things. For me, I recognised the transformative potential of technology and IT advancements, and used those to enhance my professional capabilities. Don’t resist change!

If you think you're old, the way you behave will be shaped by that mindset. After all, there’s always something in life for you to enjoy or look forward to.

Create an environment that encourages lifelong learning and personal growth

I believe that the youth should be empowered to discover their passions and interests. After all, the younger generation is very bright and their imagination is huge – you just need to spark it.

By fostering an environment that encourages lifelong learning and personal development, we can equip young Singaporeans with the tools they need to thrive. This proactive approach not only cultivates individual growth but also nurtures a culture of innovation and resilience, ultimately benefiting our society as a whole.

Inspired to carve a career in a global enterprise? You can read about more Singaporeans building their careers in global enterprises here.

Top image from EDB.