SK magic is a subsidiary of SK group that was established in 1985, as a home appliance sector. It became the first company to produce gas ovens in Korea. SK Group is a Fortune 500 company that is involved in oil and gas, telecommunications, real estate, trading and logistics.
Over the years SK magic has garnered several awards (IDEA Design, Red Dot Design, IF Design) for its achievement in product development for the kitchen and home appliance sector. It has imported to over 60 countries with an estimated revenue of USD70 million.
Now in Malaysia, SK magic wants to bring the very best and advanced water and air purifier, and other products to every home in the country. With the best products and supporting after sales service, SK magic has a goal to deliver above and beyond to its customers.
In an exclusive interview, BusinessToday spoke to the man responsible — SK magic Regional Manager Jackson Phan, on his journey in terms of what motivates him and his leadership qualities as a major industry player today.
BT: Tell us more about yourself, what do you do in SK Magic Malaysia and how long have you been with the company?
Jackson Phan: I am Jackson Phan Khee Wai, and I’ve been a specialised technician in the water-related industry for more than 10 years now ever since 2011. I joined SK magic Malaysia back in November 2018 as an Engineer Manager in Perak and now I am the Regional Manager of SK magic Malaysia. This is my fourth year with SK magic and I was one of its early employees since SK magic’s initial establishment in Malaysia.
BT: Give us your initial thoughts ever since coming on board with SK magic Malaysia. What impressed you about SK magic Malaysia and what motivates you to keep going?
Truth to be told, I was quite sceptical at first when one of the Chief Magic Officers (CMO) of SK magic, Lee Chee Keong, invited me to join the company back in September 2018 because I had not heard much about the company before and not to mention, it was a newly established company in Malaysia. Being in my comfort zone for the longest time, it was inevitably true that I would have uncertainties and doubts toward to the new company. However, after researching about the company’s history and various products offered to the market, I was amazed with the background of SK magic in Korea as it is the subsidiary of SK group, the second largest conglomerate in Korea.
Furthermore, I was genuinely drawn to the company’s direction of providing Malaysians pure fresh and clean water by using the JIKSOO Tankless Technology, which was relatively new in the Malaysian market. I still remember back then tank water purifiers were predominantly the go-to water purifiers for most Malaysian households. So, being a part of a new company that aimed to introduce a brand-new technology to Malaysia was certainly aligned with my ambition and career journey.
BT: What’s the key motivator that pushes you forward to become the Regional Manager of SK magic Malaysia today?
The key motivator that really keeps me going forward is definitely the responsibility and confidence that SK magic has entrusted me throughout my period working in the company. When the company attempts to place someone in charge of specific areas, it reflects the company’s faith in that person’s attributes and capabilities. There are many capable and experienced leaders in SK magic who played a huge role in motivating me to go beyond my comfort zone and be exposed to greater experiences.
If I were to name a key mentor who has inspired me to reach where I am today, Kim Taejin, the Head of Service and Operations of SK magic, is hands down the most knowledgeable and dedicated leader I have ever met. He demonstrates and upholds his commitment to ensuring that all team members under his supervision would receive parallel skills as he does, so he is constantly guiding and coaching us to improve better.
Being the Regional Manager of SK magic Malaysia now, it comes with great responsibilities and challenges which I will not be fearful of as I am grateful for all the opportunities that the company has provided me thus far. I will strive my best to continue delivering quality work and provide unwavering support to the company and my team in order to attain greater heights moving forward.
BT: What attributes (in your opinion) makes a great leader?
In my opinion, attributes that shape a great leader include good communication skills, passionate towards job and people-focus. Different types of leaders can be inspiring, effective, engaging, approachable, or—on your finest day—a mix of all of those things.
Situational leadership is a constant. There are times when you have to start from scratch. On existing foundations must occasionally be built. Additionally, you may need to recover something that has been lost. Leadership constantly expects us to do something unusual. Whatever the circumstance, I believe that being a leader requires several distinct qualities, such as surrounding oneself with the greatest possible individuals. Create a goal that is exciting, give them a clear sense of direction, and communicate in a way that encourages them to see the potential rather than the obstacles.
BT: What advice do you have for other future leaders?
Being a good leader isn’t about your results, that’s all you-focused. Being a good leader means caring about the people you’re leading. Of course, telling your people you care about them seems obvious—right? But caring is about actions, not just words. So don’t just tell them, show them. Ultimately, when people feel safe in their work environment, when they feel that it’s safe for them to show up and fully be themselves, they’re more productive.
Moreover, as leaders, we fail to succeed. With that in mind, do not be fearful of failures but embrace them and learn from each mistake as we grow.
BT: What’s that one thing that helped you achieve your success today?
To be honest, my success is greatly associated to my team’s effort all together. Without my team, I could not have done so far in my career. For instance, when a consumer subscribes to SK magic’s rental plan for water purifier or air purifier, the installation procedures are not carried out as soon as the contract is signed. Before it is ready for product installation at the consumer’s house, the order must be thoroughly checked and verified by the dedicated internal team. Once all that is done, there comes my role in ensuring that the consumer is satisfied with the installation and serviced provided to them. As a result, making myself great via individual effort is just impossible. The TEAM is the key to all of our successes.
BT: As we move up the career ladder, there comes great responsibilities. How do you cope with stress and difficulties at work?
It is inevitably true that stress, challenges and responsibilities grow as we rise up to the top in our career path. As the Regional Manager for SK magic Malaysia now, I do encounter countless difficulties at work, especially in this industry. But I do have a trick or two under my sleeves to calm myself down and set the right mindset to tackle issues. So, whenever I am feeling anxious and stressed out, I like to rethink all the previous challenges and how I have managed to solve them. By doing this, it gives me confidence and assurance that no matter how difficult a situation or issue is, I am able to resolve it because I have done it before and I will do it again. With this in mind, I have managed to keep myself together thus far.
BT: Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
SK magic Malaysia is a reputable company with strong values in place to maintain the welfare of the employees. The harmonious environment within the company, the love and care amongst the employees for one and another are something that I believe most of us would look up to in a company. I am honoured and truly appreciate to be a part of this company which I love to call family.
