Ethan

Business Operations Manager with nearly a decade of experience coordinating project workflows, budgets, and stakeholder relationships. Proven track record interfacing directly with government bodies to secure required licenses and permits, backed by a strong working knowledge of local council by-laws. Experienced in acting as an operational liaison between overseas corporate offices and local teams to align priorities and ensure both sides are on the same page.

Skilled at maintaining and retaining developer relationships to consistently secure invitations to tender for new project opportunities.

Business Operations Manager at OBD Development Sdn. Bhd. (2020-01 – Present)

Took on this broader operational role in 2020, after the company's Chinese investment partner (Tianlu) exited during the MCO period and the position moved fully in-house.

• Lead the tendering process for new projects, from initial proposal through cost estimation and final award.
• Coordinate across multiple departments, business clients, and external contractors, aligning priorities and keeping everyone moving toward the same timeline.
• Maintain long-standing relationships with several repeat business partners, who continue to bring the team in to pitch on new opportunities based on past track record.
• Step in to resolve operational issues and bottlenecks as they come up, whatever part of the project needs it.
• Serve as the main point of contact with government departments and licensing bodies, managing approvals, permits, and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Maintain the organisation's industry certification and grading standing (QLASSIC, CONQUAS), keeping documentation and requirements current.

Business Liaison Officer at Tianlu International Building Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (2016-01 – 2020-12)

• Monitored the partner company's operations and performance on behalf of a Chinese investment partner, reporting back on status and any concerns.
• Drew on local regulatory knowledge and professional background to manage government relations, licensing, and permit compliance on the partner's behalf.
• Reviewed budgets and spending on a recurring basis, flagging anything that didn't line up with what was agreed.
• Acted as the point of contact for the China head office and the local team, making sure both sides understood what the other needed.
• Supported the 2020 handover when the investment partner exited the Malaysian market and sold its stake.

Project Coordinator at Michael Chong Designworks (2012-01 – 2014-12)

• Led and mentored an internal design team, setting project schedules and reviewing output to keep deliverables aligned with client requirements.
• Worked directly with government departments and technical bodies to move designs through the approval pipeline and secure clearances.
• Reviewed local regulations and codes to keep designs compliant, adapting quickly whenever requirements changed.
• Prepared client-facing briefings, turning technical and regulatory detail into clear, actionable timelines for stakeholders.

Postgraduate Master's of Building Science in Building Science

Bachelor's Degree of Building Science in Building Science

Pre-University Certification of Science in Science