Tham Kien Wai
Mr Tham Kien Wai (“Mr Tham”), the co-founder and Managing Director of Powerwell Holdings Berhad (“Powerwell”), has been the driving force behind Powerwell and its subsidiaries’ (“Powerwell Group”) remarkable journey and success. Since his appointment to the Board on 3 March 2003, Mr Tham has leveraged his extensive industry experience and strategic vision to lead Powerwell Group to new heights. His career in the electrical power distribution industry began in 1986 when he joined Canwell Engineering Works as an operations manager. In this role, he oversaw the manufacturing of switchboards, gaining valuable insights and expertise in operational management. Mr Tham completed his secondary education up to form 2 in 1978.
In 1991, Mr Tham co-founded Powerwell Group and took on the role of Operations Director, where he was responsible for all operational aspects, including design, procurement, production, and delivery of switchboards. Under his visionary leadership, Powerwell gradually expanded its product range to include low voltage (LV) switchboards, medium voltage (MV) switchgears, and related products, establishing a strong foothold in the market.
In 2005, Mr Tham transitioned to the role of Executive Director, focusing on business planning and market expansion. His strategic negotiations with overseas agents were pivotal in propelling Powerwell Group’s growth both locally and internationally. His efforts culminated in a significant milestone in February 2023, when he accepted the Global Business Icon Leadership Award on behalf of Powerwell. This prestigious recognition, presented by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, highlighted Powerwell’s excellence and leadership on a global scale.
As Managing Director, Mr Tham continues to steer Powerwell Group’s overall operations and strategic direction with unwavering dedication. His innovative and forward-thinking approach has been instrumental in positioning Powerwell Group as a leader in the electrical power distribution industry. Mr Tham remains committed to driving Powerwell Group’s vision of delivering cutting-edge solutions and maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer satisfaction.
Mr Tham does not hold any directorships in other public companies or listed corporations. Apart from his family relationship with Ms Wong Yoke Yen, his sister-in-law and Powerwell’s Executive Director, he has no other family relationships with any director or major shareholder of the company.
Wong Yoke Yen
Ms Wong Yoke Yen (“Ms Wong”) has been a cornerstone of Powerwell since her appointment to the Board on 30 August 2018. Ms Wong is our Executive Director (Finance & Admin) since 2021. With an impressive career spanning decades, she brings a depth of experience and expertise that has significantly contributed to Powerwell Group’s growth and success. Ms Wong obtained her London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) qualification from the Regent School of Economics in 1984, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
Ms Wong started her professional journey as a bank teller with Public Bank Berhad, where she adeptly managed customer enquiries and financial transactions. Her career trajectory took a significant turn in 1990 when she joined NEC Sales (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd as an accounting clerk, eventually rising to the position of senior accounts assistant. This role honed her skills in financial management and accounting, laying a solid foundation for her future endeavours.
In 1993, Ms Wong joined Powerwell Group as an account officer, handling tender enquiries and client quotations. Her exceptional performance and dedication saw her climb the ranks to Administration Manager and, subsequently, Finance Director. In these roles, she managed office administration, finance, and human resources, playing a pivotal role in Powerwell Group’s ISO 9001 certification process. Ms Wong’s responsibilities have expanded significantly over the years, now encompassing the oversight of pre- and post-project commercial discussions, including extensive review and negotiation of commercial contracts.
As Executive Director (Administration) in 2018, Ms Wong took on comprehensive responsibilities in strategic financial planning, budget monitoring, and financial reporting. Her role further includes active involvement in materials planning, ensuring the efficient allocation and utilisation of resources to support Powerwell Group’s operational needs. She oversees day-to-day operations, including finance, collections, payments, and human resources, as well as managing Powerwell’s operations in Indonesia.
Externally, Ms Wong is the key liaison with bankers and government authorities, ensuring compliance and fostering strong relationships that support Powerwell Group’s growth. Her strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in navigating Powerwell Group through various financial landscapes, ensuring stability and growth.
In March 2023, Ms Wong was featured in The Edge (Options) Malaysia, a leading business and financial publication, for her significant role in Powerwell’s listing on Bursa Securities. This recognition underscores her dedication and expertise, which have been vital to maintaining Powerwell’s financial health and administrative efficiency.
Ms Wong does not hold any directorship in other public companies or listed corporations. Save for the family relationship with Mr Tham, her brother-in law and Powerwell’s Managing Director, she has no family relationship with any other director or major shareholder of the company.
Soh Wei Wei
Mr Soh Wei Wei (“Mr Soh”), appointed to the Board on 11 July 2024, is the Executive Director (Sales & Marketing) at Powerwell. With a robust career spanning over 16 years in sales and marketing, Mr Soh has been instrumental in driving Powerwell Group’s growth and expanding its market presence. He holds a Diploma in Computer Studies from Sunway College, earned in 2005, which provided him with a strong foundation in analytical and strategic thinking.
Mr Soh’s journey with Powerwell Group began in 2006 as a marketing executive. His exceptional skills and dedication quickly propelled him through the ranks. As Assistant Marketing Manager, he played a crucial role in developing and implementing marketing strategies. His innovative approach and leadership were further recognised with his promotions to Marketing Manager and Senior Sales and Marketing Manager. In these roles, he oversaw the execution of strategic marketing plans, managed marketing budgets, and ensured seamless sales and marketing operations across Powerwell’s projects.
In 2012, Mr Soh was entrusted with the position of Sales and Marketing Director, where he focused on expanding Powerwell’s market presence in Malaysia and the Indochina region. He established and led a dedicated marketing team, driving significant growth in these markets. His efforts have been critical in securing key projects and strengthening Powerwell’s market position.
As Executive Director (Sales & Marketing), Mr Soh continues to lead Powerwell’s sales and marketing initiatives with a strategic and customer-focused approach. His expertise in market strategy, customer relationship management, and business development has been vital in achieving the Group’s sales targets and expanding its global footprint.
Mr Soh does not hold any directorships in other public companies or listed corporations. He has no family relationship with any director or major shareholder of the company.
Soh Siew Kek
Ms Soh Siew Kek (“Ms Soh”) undertook her articleship with Price Waterhouse (now known as PricewaterhouseCoopers PLT) (“PwC”) to write the professional accounting Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants (“MICPA”) examination and successfully completed the MICPA programme to qualify as a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”). She has been a member of the MICPA and Malaysian Institute of Accountants since 1983 and 1987 respectively.
Ms Soh worked as a Senior Audit Manager with PwC for 13 years up to August 1991, and the work scope covered a wide spectrum of assignments in audit, taxation, investigations, acquisitions, due diligence and advisory services across many businesses and industries segments.
Ms Soh has more than 40 years of experience in the field of finance and accounting and served as a Finance Director in several MNCs including Seagram Company Ltd’s subsidiaries in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Indochina as well as with Pernod Ricard (M) San Bhd, among others. Her international work experiences included special projects assignments in New York, Australia and Singapore. Prior to her appointment as Chief Financial Officer in Megapower Legrand (M) Sdn Bhd from June 2015 to July 2020, Ms Soh obtained the Goods and Services Tax (“GST”) qualification from Royal Malaysian Customs Department Malaysia and provided GST consultancy services to several organisations from January 2015 to June 2015.
Ms Soh joined our Group in December 2020 and she is primarily responsible in overseeing the accounting and finance functions. Her responsibilities encompass taxation, internal controls procedures, and compliance with Bursa Securities reporting requirements. Additionally, she assists the Executive Director (Finance & Admin) with all aspects of financial, legal, treasury, regulatory and other matters of the Group. Ms Soh is also responsible for reporting the Group’s financial performance and accounts to the Board, ensuring timely financial reporting.