Vijay Vello joins the Safinah Group as Assistant General Manager Tech Services (Asia).
Background
I started my career as a Marine Engineer, where my first year of studies was in Singapore Polytechnic and subsequent two years associated with the Marine Port Authority (MPA) Singapore, between 1993 to 1995. Upon graduation, I started sailing as a Cadet, slowly progressing to Third Engineer from 1996 to 2000. I had a permanent position with Neptune Orient Lines (NOL), Singapore’s national shipping line at the time.
Certificates gained during this tenure:
– Advance Diploma in Marine Engineering
– Certificate of Competency (Marine Engineer Officer) Class 5 Motor Ship
– MEO Class 1 Written examination
I subsequently worked for a large paint manufacturer between 2001 and 2014. I started as a Coating Advisor and was then promoted to Assistant Manager Technical Service. My focus was mainly on Marine repair and conversion projects, however, I was also involved in multiple Newbuilding, Offshore and Protective projects. My role was to ensure the highest level of technical service was provided to domestic and associate customers. Other responsibilities included the development and delivery of internal staff training in terms of technical skills, product knowledge, and reporting practices.
Certificates during this tenure:
– FROSIO Level III
Role at Safinah Group
I joined TPO Group in January 2015 as a Senior Coating Superintendent. My current role in Safinah Group – Assistant Manager Technical Services (Asia), involves reporting directly to the General Manager Technical Service and the Head of Marine, and focuses on ensuring we deliver the highest level of technical service to our customers.
What challenges do you expect your role to bring?
The main challenge is to help the team develop their knowledge and expertise further. At Safinah Group, we value a proactive attitude from project managers and a mind-set that focuses on problem prevention, rather than problem solving alone. It is important to provide new members of the team with opportunities to grow professionally but also to instil the Safinah values in the way they approach new projects.
What parts of your new role do you look forward to?
My current focus is on the Asian team, and I look forward to helping them to further develop their technical expertise and reporting skills, guiding them on day-to-day work requirements and queries.
Favourite hobbies and interests?
What I love the most now is to escape for some peace and quiet during my holidays, preferred destinations are mountain get-aways. Hiking in the wilderness with fresh air is absolutely amazing.
I used to own a 250cc easy rider while working in Singapore, something I miss having in my life.
“At Safinah Group, we value a proactive attitude from project managers and a mind-set that focuses on problem prevention, rather than problem solving alone”
– Vijay Vello