Hartini binte Katani

Discover SIM GE Tini likes to hear about people’s experiences, and observe the way organisations make decisions to get work done “IN SINGAPORE, there’s a perception that having a Diploma is not enough. One must upgrade to acquire at least a Bachelor,” says Sales & Marketing Manager, Hartini binte Katani. That was why after getting her polytechnic Diploma in Business, Tini, as she’s known to friends and colleagues, went on to earn a Bachelor of Business (Management) from SIM-RMIT University in 2013. “The knowledge and learning experience I gained from my Bachelor course has served me well in my work,” she adds. She cites projects where small groups of students came together to research and participate in business processes. “In one Organisational Behaviour project, five of us from different work backgrounds, shared our experiences on how decisions were made. Two were from IRAS (Inland Revenue) and three of us were from small and medium businesses. We learnt how to apply academic theory to real-world decision-making.” Fitting out schools and polys Tini works in Harvest Link International, a mid-sized specialised furniture and fittings company that provides furniture (mainly tables & chairs) for offices, school classrooms, auditoriums, lecture theatres, function rooms and conference halls. A Singapore-based company, Harvest Link International has plants in Taiwan to produce a wide range of furniture that are of superior quality, durable and practical.“Having our own manufacturing plant enables us to have better control of our processes and provide good, reliable service (especially after-sales support) to our customers,” says Tini. Started in 1991, the company furnished lecture theatres and auditoriums of local polytechnics as well as those in Block B of SIM Campus, comprising well-appointed classrooms, lecture rooms, computer labs and multi-function halls. Tini, 30, has been working at Harvest Link International for nearly 10 years. Her RMIT course was done on a part-time basis while holding down her full-time job handling the company’s marketing activities, attending networking events and meeting potential customers. “We handle both small & large-scale projects, and we’re strong in the education sector. We often work closely with architects, contractors and end-users to assist them with their project and furniture requirements,” Tini says. Dealing with personalities and conflicts Recalling her study days, Tini points out that the RMIT teaching methodology is more than book-learning and exam mugging. It includes a big portion of project work and group assignments. “By working in groups, we gained the experience of dealing with people of different personalities and managing personal conflicts. This is what real working life is about! “In addition, group work offered the opportunity to hone our listening and communication skills. Effective communication skills are crucial, especially when dealing with both internal and external stakeholders in work. “And as we progressed through each semester, we acquired useful knowledge and insights which are handy to apply in challenging situations at work and in our personal life.” Tini’s own personal goal is to become a mentor and role model to members of her team. “I am passionate about self-improvement,” admits the bubbly, energetic girl who believes that you must “be inquisitive and always ask questions so you will learn more”. “I like to hear about other people’s experiences and observe the way people do things and the way processes and workflow are done. By listening to someone, I can take a leaf out of his or her book of life and apply it in mine own book!” Managing work-study balance Tini’s parting words to other working adults following in her steps in part-time studies: “Plan your coursework ahead. Don’t start your research at the last minute. Many databases for project research are available, but you don’t need to spread your attention and energy too broadly and too thin. Just focus on one or two databases that you’re most comfortable with. “If you’re working full-time while studying, please manage and plan your time well to ensure a good balance between work and study. “For group projects, be a good team player and contribute your ideas.” - Posted on December 4, 2014