January 2023

Andy Chin Woon Fook

Master of Business Administration 2020

1. Tell us about yourself
I was born in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia and began my career in the automotive industry, serving in various capacities and roles mainly focussed on delivering insights on competitive position and market opportunities in Malaysia and Indo-China. I was awarded Platinum i-Car Australia for achieving a high level of individual collision repair technical training and was recognised as an outstanding service manager at an awards ceremony in Tokyo, Japan.

Career aside, I am a passionate automotive SEO writer in my free time. In academia, my journal was selected and published by SAGE Publishing (Jindal Journal of Business Research) and I was also awarded Best Paper Award (Accounting & Business Management) at the 7th International Scholarly Conference on Emerging Issues in Business, Information Technology & Education.

I was featured in BritishPedia's “Successful People in Malaysia” biographical encyclopaedia that highlights Malaysians who have contributed to nation-building and society in general, and am the founder and President of Isuzu D-Max Club Malaysia, one of Malaysia's largest Isuzu owners’ groups, managing members across South East Asia.

I am the Vice President of a Non-Governmental Organization where my main role is to drive the community project and liaise with other NGOs providing corporate social responsibility towards underprivileged groups. I was also the founder and Vice President of a resident’s association and was responsible for the residents’ harmonious living in the community and was also a committee member for a mall focussing on mall marketing strategy.

2. What is your fondest memory of Anglia Ruskin University?
I really enjoyed being around peers and professors. They provided continuous support that allowed me to work hard.

3. What has been your favourite job?
I really enjoy organising charity events to fundraise and support underprivileged groups. I also enjoy raising awareness of the importance of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). 

4. In one word, how would you describe Anglia Ruskin University?
Envisioning.

5. How did your time at ARU help you?
Professors were always there to assist me with their expertise, and guided me to think outside the box and to move out of my comfort zone. I believe my determination paid off, as I graduated with a distinction!

6. What did you love about your chosen course?
Blending work with study gave me a more effective outlook in terms of time management and gave me a better work, life, study balance that ultimately improved my lifestyle, and carved a new pathway for me entirely.

7. What advice would you give to current students as they’re preparing to graduate?
It’s never too late to learn, regardless of your age and gender. Even if it is not in the field you have chosen, any experience is still valuable. Be open to new experiences and further opportunities for career options will come. Never feel shy to ask, never be egotistical, never be stubborn, never ever be the “know-it-all” and don't have a “perfect-among-all” attitude. This doesn’t reflect positively and leads to nowhere. Start with small baby steps to achieve prominence, and be humble. Be the limelight of sincerity and not the limelight to the public.

8. What do you know now that you wish you had known whilst studying?
It would have been tremendous to have known all my course mates. Everyone has individual expertise in their respective fields, and so it would have had a significant impact on me in terms of encouraging me to learn from a different perspective.

9. Who was the biggest influence on your career?
Family. They shaped and nurtured me from when I was young which contributed the biggest impact to who I am today.

10. What advice would you give your younger self? The change that we are seeking in our life first begins with us. The sooner we learn this, the sooner we accept the change. Success of life is not about how much money we have in the bank, the title or position we hold, the brand of car we drive or how big the house we live in is, the meaning of success is how we work towards contentment and peace. Always find a way to make it happen. Be the trendsetter. Lay out a raw plan or idea, do it fast and fix it right the first time. Remember that the results cannot be achieved by you alone. Results involve team members, family members, friends, and associates who can work hand in hand as a team to guide, prosper, teach, and nurture for what we have achieved. Sometimes we may abandon our plan, but rise with dignity and courage to overcome any obstacles without hesitation and resistance.

12. What’s next?
I am determined to embark on the journey of pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration and am looking forward to sharing the experience and knowledge gained to the community.