As VPCM's Head of Sales & DasWelt Auto, Wen Hsiang is responsible for all matters pertaining to new vehicle and used vehicle operations, sales processes and policies. It is a high pressure position, but Wen Hsiang thrives on numbers and pressure - and there is nothing he enjoys more than analysing market trends and looking into the best sales strategies for the company and dealer partners. But his work experience has prepared him for the role - after all, he began his professional career in dealer management.
Even so, Wen Hsiang acknowledges would not be possible without the support of his team. "My team and the people I work with are the best part of my job."
So what else makes him tick? We asked, and he answered.
What is the most challenging thing about your role?
Managing internal and external expectations, as well as the challenges in achieving a five-star customer satisfaction rating. This is a personal aim for me.
What is a typical work day for you?
I start my day by going through daily operational reports and outstanding tasks, and once done I will then connect with my operational team members to follow up and check on operational topics status and to see if any support is required from my end. My day is also filled with meetings and discussions with different stakeholders on different topics. Before the end of business day, I will make sure to connect with my Area Sales Managers to gauge on the sales outlook of our partners.
Describe your work ethics - something you hold on to when it comes to your professional career
Always make decisions with integrity, full transparency, and accountability.
Doing what you do, you would have a preferred Volkswagen model, which one is it?
I have a few, actually. The Tiguan Allspace for family duties, the Golf if I get to have a weekend alone, and the Arteon or Passat for formal functions.
What is the appeal of the Volkswagen brand?
Have you tried our vehicles? They are all Better Experienced Than Explained.
The best professional advice you've ever heard?
Don't just do it for the sake of doing it, do it as though the business belongs to you.
What would you be doing if you were not in sales?
Probably in Product or Marketing - but definitely still within the industry.
If you could trade places with anyone in the company, who would you choose?
I wouldn't mind exchanging roles with my colleague Deenan, who is the Director of Aftersales for the day!
How do you relax?
Seeing my son grow up and spending time with my wife in a Yakitori bar or Hotpot restaurant.
What are you watching now on Netflix?
My son is currently hogging Netflix, so there's no screen time for us.
What's something you're planning on doing in the next year that you've never done?
I would like to take up an external course, if the time permits.
How do you prefer to start, and end your day?
Work out in the morning, and quality time spend at the end of the day with my family.
What vehicle will you be driving 30 years from now, once you're retired?
I can't tell you which model, but I am pretty sure it will be an electric vehicle under the Volkswagen Group.
What one item you would never leave the house without?
My mobile phones.
What's one thing you're learning now, and why is it important?
To be more patient as not everyone moves at the same pace.