As a leading viscose rayon producer, Asia Pacific Rayon (APR) is committed to operating efficiency and sustainability in our practices. Therefore, continuous improvement and innovation are necessary to ensure products that are high quality and more eco-friendly.
To facilitate this commitment, APR has established the Business Continuous Improvement Department (BCID), dedicated to analysing existing projects, identifying areas to be improved, and developing actionable plans.
Enter Melisa, a Champion who leads APR’s BCID team to reinforce alignment across all levels and aspects within APR.
But what does it mean to be a BCID Champion?
“Being a Champion means being the agent of change,” Melisa explains. Her primary responsibility is leading all Lean activities, aiming to maximise value while minimising waste. This includes but is not limited to overseeing daily management processes, conducting Genba or observing the workplaces for inefficiencies, and facilitating Kaizen initiatives, meaning ‘change for the better’ and the continuous improvement steps.
Some notable initiatives led by Melisa include changing the working approach from being ‘police-like’ to being ‘collaborative’, and conducting effective training and site coaching for relevant teams. Under Melisa’s leadership, APR team underwent a transformation in their Lean mindset, earning them first runner up at our Lean for Excellent Event 2023.
Such diverse and demanding responsibilities surely need a unique skill set. Melisa enthusiastically agrees. “A BCID Champion needs to have sharp analytical thinking and critical thinking, quick learning, and strong communication skills.”
The Journey to Drive Change
Melisa’s well-rounded competency stems from her adaptability and growth mindset, visible since the start of her career journey at APR.
Joining the company back in July 2017 as an HR Officer, Melisa later advanced to HR Assistant Manager. Motivated by her passion for making positive impacts, she decided to career-shift to the BCID upon discovering an opening. In January 2020, she landed the role of Continuous Improvement Facilitator, and in 2022, she was promoted to her current role.
“It felt like finding my true calling,” Melisa recalls. “I detest monotony and complacency. Being a BCID Champion enables me to always grow, learn new things, and drive actual change.”
The Bravery to Do the Right Thing
Despite her passion for the role, Melisa acknowledges its challenges. After all, not everyone is happy with change or having their work flaws pointed out. “It’s not easy,” Melisa admits. “But someone has to do it for the benefit of the company and everyone in it.”
Every day, Melisa has to collaborate with, and sometimes challenge, cross-functional teams, from frontline employees to managers, who are experts in their fields. “We need to respect and understand their fields, as how can we identify problems if we don’t grasp how things operate? We also have to tailor our communication style to each person’s personality, so they will be more open to implementing changes.”
Melisa’s other approach is leading by example. Her team implements the frameworks and methodologies themselves before expecting others to follow suit. This results in more accurate problem-solving and building confidence in her team.
Rather than merely pointing out mistakes, Melisa views her efforts as defining the right course of action. “A strong woman isn’t afraid to do what she wants, and has the bravery to do what is right.”
APR2030: Championing Women’s Success
Looking ahead, Melisa wants to pursue a doctorate and contribute more meaningfully to her field. She also wishes for all APR employees, regardless of gender, to strive for the better, even when things seem satisfactory. “I want them to be champions in what they do. And true champions are those who dare to act bravely for positive changes,” Melisa says.
Melisa’s leadership not only enhances APR’s performance but also motivates others to make real progress in their endeavours. As emphasised by our APR2030 commitment to gender equality, we applaud Melisa’s accomplishments and will always champion women’s success.
Click on the video below to watch Melisa’s pursuit of excellence at work:
