Workplace services executive William Chua has served in SPH Media for half a century
Published on
10 Dec 2022
Published by
The Straits Times
SINGAPORE – He has seen it all – from cassette tapes and audio CDs to MP3 players and, now, streaming.
Mr William Chua, 66, is SPH Media’s longest-serving employee, having worked in the company for 50 years.
The Singaporean, who has Secondary 2 qualifications, joined Times Publishing, a predecessor of the organisation, in 1972 as a despatch rider. It was his second job after he left his first as a hotel bartender because of the irregular hours.
He became an administrative assistant in the mail room in the 1980s, where he managed incoming letters and office facilities, while ensuring contractors carried out their work safely, among other duties.
In 2005, his duties shifted towards events. He is now a workplace services executive, handling logistics at company events such as staff training sessions. He tests sound systems, manages volume levels and ensures background projections are beamed to the right screens.
In his half-century with the company, he has never gone for another job interview. “I never thought of leaving because I enjoy my work. I also think staying at one company provides job security, and am confident this company will look after me because of my many years of service.”
Of the job-hopping trend that has taken root, he says: “I don’t think that is for me. They are taking a risk, because who knows if they will like the new job or new colleagues? Whenever you go to a new company, you have to start from the bottom again. And you might not be able to fit in with the company’s culture.”
Mr Chua is married to a housewife, 59, and they live in a four-room Housing Board flat in Ghim Moh. They have no children.
Has he never been tempted by a possible salary hike? Sure, he says, then adds: “Companies can say very nice things during the interview, but you know the actual working conditions only when you are on the job. The salary increase could come with responsibilities or overtime you are not aware of.
“Money is not everything. One also needs to see if you can learn new things on the job, and if you enjoy it.”
One of his fondest memories was the inaugural SPH Tech Day at the News Centre auditorium in 2019.
The full-day conference featured tech industry players and experts, including those from e-commerce platform Lazada, ride-sharing platforms Grab and Gojek, and the Government Technology Agency of Singapore. Among the topics discussed were artificial intelligence and the creation of a platform for combating fake news.
“It was such an exciting day. The place was bustling with ideas, and I found it very meaningful to be able to support such an event.”
He is also thankful for recognition from his supervisors, in the form of promotions and bonuses over the years.
Would he advise younger workers to follow in his footsteps? “It depends on their values. If they are not married and have no family commitments, I can understand why they want to job-hop. The world today is very different from the world in the 1970s and 1980s.
“But that said, my experience is that staying in one company also has its rewards. Here, I feel valued and treasured. I can make a difference through my contribution.”
Ms Maureen Wee, head of human resources of SPH Media, says: “We are happy to have had William with our organisation for such an extraordinarily long time. He has displayed the ability to adapt, learn and reskill as his job scope evolved. Our colleagues have found him helpful, positive and always ready to assist them with their requests.”
Source: The Straits Times © Singapore Press Holdings Limited. Reproduced with permission.
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