What was your background (prior to joining AIIB)?
Before joining AIIB, I was working in multinational corporations (manufacturing and fast-moving consumer goods). Throughout my career, I have worked in both the IT and business departments and have held various roles such as project management, business demand management, digital transformation of corporate solutions, and business process optimization.
How did you find out about AIIB? What motivated you to apply?
After hearing about AIIB in the news, I began to follow their official website for job openings. What attracted me to AIIB was its status as a young and rapidly growing organization. With processes and systems still under development, there is ample opportunity to build something new, which is not often possible in more established organizations. There may be challenges, but I am excited about the prospect of being part of this journey and believe it will provide valuable experiences and learning opportunities. AIIB’s expansive platform and ample resources further make it an appealing organization in which to work.
Describe your typical workday. What project(s)/task(s) are you working on? How do you collaborate with teammates or other departments?
As a Digital Program Manager within the IT Department, I am responsible for managing the ERP corporate solutions, corporate procurement and expense reimbursement. My role involves four key areas: project management, overseeing daily operations, managing system enhancements and contract/vendor management.
For project management, I oversee the rollout, transition or upgrade of any new corporate solution. For instance, I recently completed the S4HANA project, which entailed transitioning AIIB from a light ERP solution to S4HANA. This project took more than one and a half years, and we completed it in two phases.
In terms of daily operations, I’m responsible for overseeing the performance of the corporate solutions I manage. It is a continuous, daily task and users raise various queries, service requests, issues and incidents related to systems. I have an onsite support team from a vendor to deal with all these. I monitor the progress of the resolution of various issues raised by other departments. I ensure the quality of services provided.
On top of these, there are also quite some new business demands that require system enhancements. I evaluate the technical solutions proposed by enhancement service provider and manage them for delivery as planned. My final duty in my role involves managing contracts and external vendors.
My work also involves constant communication and collaboration with my colleagues in IT and business stakeholders in other departments. Collaboration is crucial for success, and our IT department fosters a supportive atmosphere that emphasizes cross-departmental collaboration.
What skill sets are most valuable at your current work? Any tips you can share with potential applicants who are considering joining AIIB?
Transparent communication, smooth coordination and effective conflict management are critical in any organization, not just at AIIB. These skills can save significant effort and accelerate progress.
As a digital program manager, possessing business knowledge, an understanding of technical solutions and technical trends is vital. It is not sufficient to simply implement planned solutions. We must also strive to bring more value to our business by incorporating advanced technologies and best practices.
How would you describe your life in Beijing (challenges, interesting finds, cultural experiences, food, misconceptions, etc.)?
Since Beijing is my home, life here is just as normal to me as breathing air or drinking water. I adore this city for its rich history, magnificent and distinctive culture, ancient architecture and heritage. However, I acknowledge that Beijing may be challenging for those who are new to this city. With its vastness, it can take an hour or more to travel to certain destinations. Traffic is a significant issue. The city has four distinct seasons: windy spring, hot summer, short autumn and cold winter. Nonetheless, Beijing is a unique and exciting place with a lot of things to discover. It is an old city, yet it is full of energy.
Upcoming AIIB IT Career Event | Join our 2-hour live session for dedicated professionals on May 11, 2023