Alone We Can Do So Little. Together We Can Do Much

When challenges arise, these three amazing staff from ASW Malaysia stand united and stay motivated with their mantra: Alone we can do so little. Together we can do much. Let’s learn more about this powerhouse team.

1. Hi Team! Please introduce yourselves and tell us about your work and what do you enjoy outside work?

Ieka: I’m Syafiqah Johani – you can call me Ieka – and I’ve been with ASW for about 3 years. I mainly handle anything related to client construction progress payments. During my leisure time, I spend time with my family watching Netflix. I also like to make short trips to any place nearest to my home and chill there.

Sahirah: I’m Sahirah Shaharul and I just graduated with first class honours, Bachelor (degree in) Law and Commerce. I started my career at ASW on early March 2021 as Loan Support Officer, responsible for the provision of compliance plus administrative support to the Brokers and Client Service Managers. I love to travel, experience new cultures, and spend time with my family. I also enjoy my weekly tennis sessions with friends.

Daphne: I’m Daphne Victoria and I have been with ASW since January 2018. I assist brokers in vetting and submitting loan applications. Outside of work, I love baking cakes and brownies. It’s always been my passion and it relaxes me when I’m stressed out.

2. What are the usual challenges that you encounter? What do you enjoy most about your work?

Sahirah: The challenge is the different holding times of lenders. I came up with a plan where we will complete follow-up applications with lenders who have a short hold time then we will proceed with the long ones. During long holding times, we can continue doing other tasks. What I enjoy the most is that every day brings a new challenge. And the employer makes us employees feel valued.

Daphne: The challenge I face is time management, when there are a lot of applications assigned to me and the broker will be chasing for the application to be sent out to the client for signing and submission. But I enjoy doing my job because I gain knowledge about the standards and procedures in Australian mortgage loans.

3. How would you describe yourselves as a team? What is the secret of your teamwork?

Ieka: I am open to the team if they have any issues with their job. We still manage to help out when one of our team members is in need. My team is awesome! When a bad thing happens, they take it as a challenge.

Sahirah: The secret behind our teamwork is to know your value, know your worth, be accountable and respect each other.

4. How do you motivate yourself and each other at work, especially during this pandemic?

Ieka: We keep giving positive words to the team members such as “You can do it! Your hard work will pay off!” This can raise our momentum to do our tasks every day.

Sahirah: Living my life with gratitude by focussing and appreciating on what I have. The goal is not to block out difficulties but to approach them from a different perspective. Encourage others and don’t compare ourselves with others. Enjoy life to the fullest and cherish every moment as we don’t know what lies tomorrow.

Daphne: I always remind myself, “Everything is possible and achievable.” There is nothing that is impossible. It’s okay to make mistakes as we are normal human beings. Just be calm and stay positive. And lastly, I don’t forget to reward myself.

5. What important lessons have you learned working together as a team?

Ieka: No matter how much experience and how much information you have, you still need someone to help you in another part.

Sahirah: Assign clear responsibilities so that no one has to do everything by themselves. The overall success of a team is defined by shared responsibility and ownership. Everyone knows what to do, everything gets done, we work together healthily, and less energy is wasted. Share knowledge and skills; everyone in the team has a different set of skills and everyone has something unique to contribute.

Daphne: I have learned to improve myself by listening to the feedback from other team members and I’m able to complete my tasks on time.

6. Thanks for your time! Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow ASW colleagues since we’re celebrating our 10th anniversary?

Ieka: To quote Deborah Robers, “Aim high, work hard, and love your family.” ASW is the only company that I have been to that has this work-life balance.

Daphne: Congratulations to ASW for celebrating its 10th Year Anniversary. Wishing many more success in the future!