Meet Tia Yun Shuan
Tia Yun Shuan
Manager, Procurement, Technical Procurement and HR Operation, KYB-UMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd
For Tia Yun Shuan, Manager of Procurement, Technical Procurement & HR Operation at KYB-UMW Malaysia, her career journey is a testament to growth, collaboration, and resilience.
For Tia Yun Shuan, Manager of Procurement, Technical Procurement & HR Operation at KYB-UMW Malaysia, her career journey is a testament to growth, collaboration, and resilience.
Having been with the company for 19 years, Tia has taken on new challenges and expanded her expertise across multiple disciplines. Starting in Sales & Marketing, she gradually transitioned into procurement, technical sourcing, and most recently, HR operations — a path that reflects her passion for problem-solving and working with people.
Read the full interview below.
“I enjoy building strong supplier relationships, contributing to operational efficiency, and supporting employee development,” she shares.
Balancing such a diverse portfolio might seem daunting, but Tia attributes her success to her capable team and strong interdepartmental collaboration. “Managing procurement, technical sourcing, and HR operations is made possible thanks to a strong team, the support of top management, and clear communication,” she explains.
Her day involves reviewing procurement requests, coordinating with suppliers, monitoring sourcing projects, and supporting HR initiatives. The most critical aspects of her role revolve around ensuring timely, cost-effective procurement, maintaining supplier trust, and fostering an efficient, people-focused workplace.
Despite initially having limited technical background, Tia embraced technical procurement with determination — working closely with engineering teams, anticipating risks, and maintaining open communication with suppliers. Her approach ensures that every decision aligns with KYB-UMW’s operational standards and quality expectations.
Leadership, for Tia, means empowerment and empathy. “I believe in supporting my team, encouraging open dialogue, and making sure everyone has the resources they need to succeed,” she says. She also emphasizes balancing compliance with engagement, ensuring that policies and people coexist harmoniously.
Over nearly two decades, KYB-UMW and the wider Sime UMW have provided her with opportunities to grow through diverse projects and continuous learning. “What makes our culture special is the teamwork and mutual support — it encourages both collaboration and innovation,” she adds.
Motivated by the chance to make a difference and to keep learning, Tia continues to expand her expertise across both procurement and HR. Her key lesson: collaboration drives success.
Looking ahead, she hopes to take on more strategic responsibilities and contribute to initiatives that enhance both organizational efficiency and people development.
