“I’ve always enjoyed understanding how machines work,” he shares. “There’s something satisfying about identifying an issue, fixing it and seeing the immediate results.” That curiosity and problem-solving mindset sparked his passion for workshop operations early on, setting the foundation for his career path.

Having joined Sime UMW three years ago, Putra’s journey began as a Workshop Supervisor where he gained firsthand experience in maintenance, repairs and workflow management. Over time he developed a deeper interest in leadership and organisation — guiding teams, managing workloads and ensuring safety compliance. “It was a natural progression for me,” he says. “I realised I wanted to combine my technical skills with the ability to lead and improve operations.”

Each day at the workshop begins with a morning briefing where Putra reviews workloads, sets priorities and ensures every technician is equipped for the day. Throughout the day he monitors job progress, resolves technical challenges, coordinates with the parts department and maintains strict adherence to safety protocols. “Assigning the right job to the right person makes all the difference,” he explains. “It helps reduce errors and boosts efficiency — and above all, keeps our people safe.”

Among his most challenging yet rewarding experiences was diagnosing an intermittent electrical fault in a battery forklift that had eluded several technicians. “It was a difficult case,” he recalls. “I had to go through every wiring diagram, connector and sensor until I finally traced it to a faulty controller. Fixing it required patience and persistence — but it reminded me how vital attention to detail is in this job.”

To keep up with evolving technologies, Putra constantly updates himself through training, hands-on workshops and industry insights. “The field changes quickly,” he notes. “You have to keep learning — new systems, diagnostic tools or processes — to stay relevant.”

Working at Sime UMW he says has provided invaluable exposure to both technical and professional growth. “The company’s training programmes and mentorship culture have really shaped my journey,” he shares. “What I value most is the teamwork — everyone here is focused on delivering quality and supporting one another.”

Reflecting on his career so far, Putra believes the key to success in workshop management lies in balancing technical expertise with leadership and adaptability. “Workshops can be unpredictable,” he says with a smile. “What matters is how we respond — staying calm, organised and solution-focused.”

His advice to young professionals entering the field is simple yet powerful:
“Stay curious and never stop learning. Safety should always come first. And don’t be afraid to ask questions — clarity is better than guessing.”

Looking ahead, Putra hopes to continue developing his leadership and technical capabilities aspiring to take on greater management roles while nurturing a culture of continuous improvement within his team. “I want our workshop to be known for teamwork, innovation and consistent quality,” he adds.

Outside the workshop, Putra finds balance through football, badminton, running and hiking — activities that keep him energised and grounded. “Being outdoors helps me clear my mind,” he says. “It keeps me focused and ready for another day of challenges.”