Empowering Through Mentorship: A Journey with Lina Ong Chiew Yin of Indah Water Konsortium
In the ever-evolving water sector, knowledge sharing and mentorship can be transformative tools. The Exec Exchange podcast recently featured a compelling story of such an exchange, showcasing the experiences of Lina Ong Chiew Yin, a senior manager in corporate planning at Indah Water Konsortium, as she embarked on a mentorship journey with the Value City Environmental Parts and Management Office in the Philippines. Here’s a deep dive into her story and the lessons that emerged from this collaboration.
Understanding the Path to Water Sector Leadership
Lina Ong Chiew Yin’s journey is a testament to the unexpected paths that professional lives can take. She began her career with a degree in Malay language, initially aspiring to be an editor. However, she soon found herself in customer service with DHL and later transitioned into infrastructure roles, involving airports and, ultimately, the water and wastewater sector with Indah Water Konsortium (IWK). The move wasn’t initially a conscious decision to remain in infrastructure; rather, opportunities arose that allowed her to be involved in sustainability, a field she grew passionate about.
The Asian Development Bank’s Mentorship Program
Through the Asian Development Bank’s Water Operators Partnership Program, IWK has acted as a mentor to the Value City Environmental Parts and Management Office. Lina and her team were tasked with aiding the Philippine utility in capacity building, covering aspects such as wastewater and sewage management. As part of this mentorship, the teams engaged in a series of reciprocal visits, sharing hands-on knowledge and expertise.
Creating Impact Through Structured Visits
The mentorship journey kicked off with a diagnostic visit, where Lina’s team spent a week on the ground in the Philippines, establishing a foundation for their collaboration. They identified five critical focus areas — developing standard operating procedures, process monitoring, energy efficiency, human competency management, and stakeholder management. This structured approach ensured that their support was not just theoretical but would bring about tangible improvements.
The Reciprocal Exchange of Knowledge
While this program primarily involved sharing IWK’s expertise, it was far from a one-way street. Lina noted how the dynamic nature of their activities allowed them to learn from the adaptations required during their mentorship. This reciprocal learning helped IWK refine its strategies and practices, benefiting both organizations involved.
The Values Underpinning IWK’s Efforts
IWK’s participation in this mentorship program went beyond professional obligations— it was about corporate responsibility and passion for uplifting the sector as a whole. The senior leadership at IWK was supportive, recognizing the importance of being a reputable organization that extends its knowledge beyond national borders. Lina emphasized how engaging with a willing and eager counterpart made the effort fruitful, strengthening their resolve to share their expertise.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As the podcast wrapped up, the host posed a reflective question to Lina: what advice she would give her younger self. Without hesitation, she stressed the importance of choosing the right career early on, albeit acknowledging that her own journey of discovery had its unique merits. Ultimately, Lina reminded us of the timeless wisdom imparted by her parents — to be a good person, pursuing one’s career with authenticity and integrity.
Lina’s story is a powerful reminder of the positive ripple effect mentorship can create within the water sector. It highlights the significance of connections beyond borders, sharing experiences that foster growth and innovation. Through these interactions, organizations like IWK and their partners in the Philippines pave the way for a more collaborative and efficient future in water management.