WBS Connect is a special lunch initiative where we will invite 3 members each time to personally find out more about their business needs and wants. This gives a deeper insight into each of our member’s businesses and enables us to connect them better with what they’re looking for, within WBS or outside of WBS.
Name: Cecilia Yew
Company name: DE Consultancy
Type of business: Training and consultancy on quality, environmental and human resource management systems, management training programmes, event management, translation services
How did you get started in this biz?
From an administration manager, Cecilia entered into training and consultancy after taking the voluntary separation scheme offered by Sony in 1999. As she had also conducted in-house training at the factory, she took up the new job as a management consultant relatively with ease. When the company she worked in downsized, she came out on her own to set up DE Consultancy.
What do you love about your business?
Work-wise, there is not much difference working for others and doing her own business. However, as a business owner, she is responsible for the marketing, administration and all other related operation matters. She works with business associates and other training providers to get business as well.
What she likes best about her business is the sharing of knowledge with her clients. According to Cecilia, sharing knowledge and training others is very rewarding. When people learn, they make a change in their lives.
What are your key products/services?
The key services are:
– training and consultancy on quality, environmental and human resource management systems
– management and supervisory training programmes
– event management such as organizing of treasure hunts
– translation services
What are the unique selling points (USP)?
DE Consultancy’s unique selling points are:
– Our support for ISO consultancy stays as long as your company is certified.
– Learning is a life-long process to improve ourselves.
How can WBS help you?
Since joining WBS about 4 years ago, Cecilia, with her wealth of experience in other non-government organizations, has been serving in the Committee, contributing her ideas and time on the administration of the society. To Cecilia, sharing knowledge with members especially those who are fresh in business is crucial. These young members learn the ropes of the trade faster with the sharing and help of more senior members. Besides, WBS members are very supportive of each other and work very well together during events.
How can you contribute to help WBS improve/grow?
WBS has many activities – talks, factory visits, social gatherings or community work – for members to take part. Cecilia feels that it is always exciting and interesting to be part of WBS as there are so much to share, to learn, to know people, to care and to contribute in our own ways.
Any ethical issues faced in business?
Some ethical issues that she encountered were:
– clients who didn’t pay up after work had been done.
– clients who dragged on their payments
– associates who used her materials as their own for training and consultancy.
Cecilia understands that these issues are part and parcel of the business and wishes these people well. To her, these people had their own reasons for doing so. Some clients who used to drag payments ended up giving her continued business after solving their cash flow problem.
Any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?
For aspiring entrepreneurs, her advice is: Opportunities are everywhere. If you know what you want, you will surely find it one day. Just stay focused and be patient.
Contact Cecilia at yewcecilia@gmail.com or 019-471 9978