Queenie Teoh grew up in Malaysia. From an early age she was fascinated by electronics and dreamt of a career in electronics. This blog post explores her journey across the world with ESCATEC, from QA Engineer in Penang to Key Account Manager in Bulgaria.
An interview with Queenie Teoh
ESCATEC is an international company offering opportunities for ambitious people to build careers that span continents.
We recently sat down with one of our Key Account Managers, Queenie Teoh, and asked her to share the story of her professional and personal growth within our global team. Here's what she told us:
When did you first become interested in electronics?
When I was a young girl, my mother had a job in a factory in Penang. One day I went to see her at work. I was fascinated by the machinery all around her, it all looked so exciting! From that moment on I knew I wanted to work in the electronics industry.
Did you study electronics at university?
Not straight away!
At school, I was passionate about electronics. But there was a manufacturing recession in Malaysia, so my mother persuaded me to go to university to study Business Administration, instead.
Yet all the time, I knew I wanted a hands-on role in the electronics sector. So, after I graduated, I found a job as a Quality Technician in a manufacturing company, where I worked for 5 years. Eventually, I was offered a role as a QA Engineer at ESCATEC Medical.
Meanwhile, to help me build my career in this industry, I did my Bachelor of Technology in Electronics. I found the process of Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) fascinating, so I continued to dive deeper into the field.
How did you land your current job with ESCATEC?
My different qualifications and work experience have all prepared me for the work I do today.
After gaining experience as a Customer Service and Business Development Staff Engineer with another semiconductor company, I was given the opportunity by ESCATEC to join their Account Management team in Penang.
Always eager to find new challenges, I applied for the same position with ESCATEC in Bulgaria (the company’s newly acquired site) as a Key Account Manager, which is where I am today.
What does the job entail?
I’m helping set up a new operation in a new country!
It's a mix of sales, customer service, and strategic planning. And I’m really enjoying it.
As a Key Account Manager, my main job is to take care of our most important international clients. This involves building strong relationships with them, understanding their needs, and making sure they're happy with our products and services. I also work on finding ways to grow our business with them suggesting new products they might need - or helping them solve any problems they encounter.
I'm the go-to person for these clients within the company, making sure their needs are met and advocating for them internally.
How did your previous role prepare you for working in Bulgaria?
My experiences in Malaysia and the new setup in Bulgaria have taught me a lot about electronics manufacturing. In Malaysia, I learned how to manage clients and solve problems effectively. Now, in Bulgaria, I'm applying those skills in a new context. I'm learning new ways of working, while understanding the local culture!
How does ESCATEC foster global opportunities for its workers?
ESCATEC have facilities around the world. We have an amazing culture of international collaboration and a shared road map for continuous technical improvement..
Our business thrives best when we pool our insight and knowledge, so the company positively encourages and supports those who want to build careers across borders.
What have you learnt from your international experience?
Personally, it's been amazing to experience different seasons, cultures and languages. Moving to Bulgaria has been a big change (particularly with the food!) but I've loved getting to know the country and learning the language.
Working in a multinational environment has been a huge part of my growth journey, making me more flexible and open-minded both in work and life.
What advice would you give those who want to build a career in international manufacturing?
Develop strong problem-solving skills, because electronics manufacturing involves tackling complex issues. Keep learning and improving your skills through education and training. If you stay flexible and adaptable you can deal with changes in technology, market demands, and take advantage of global trends.
