Our People

  • #Innovation

  • Malaysia

Asyraf Mohamad Khir

Find out what motivates Asyraf to think outside of the box to innovate and make work more efficient.

What’s my role at NS BlueScope?
I joined NS BlueScope in 2022 as a Project Engineer to lead and support several projects in Malaysia related to decarbonisation initiatives and metallic coating line modification works. In 2023, I took on the role of Electrical Engineering Lead, and my responsibilities include managing automation improvement projects and network security improvement initiatives. A couple of interesting projects that I have been involved in relates to the upgrading of the skin conditioning mill controller, which ensures the steel strip is ready for paint feed, as well as the replacement of paint line controllers.
What does innovation mean to you personally or professionally either in your role or career?
Personally, innovation simply means having an idea. Great inventions, technology and solutions always start from the humble beginning of an idea or an inspiration. I believe we should encourage everyone at work to come up with new ways of doing things and celebrate the effort to innovate, regardless of the outcome.
Yohanathan Kumaran
“The wide range of products we offer at BlueScope continues to amaze me. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a company that constantly innovates to meet the evolving needs of our customers. I feel empowered and free to bring my ideas to the table every day.
How are you contributing to innovation at NS BlueScope?
I leverage new technologies to make our process effective and efficient. One of the projects that I was involved in was the viscosity meter installation. Prior to the viscosity meter installation, we adopted a fairly manual process to determine the right mixture and concentration of paint as part of the final finishing phase of our manufacturing process. Team members from various departments come together to figure out the best way to install the meter successfully. At the end of the project, we all learnt something new and become better versions of ourselves at work with new skills and knowledge.

No matter how junior or senior our roles are, we can innovate at work. This means looking out for opportunities to challenge ourselves and learn something new. As a team lead, I organise brainstorming sessions whenever an issue comes up. All team members are encouraged to contribute and problem-solve together, and this enhances camaraderie and collaboration.

I believe if we keep an open mind and continue to challenge the status quo constructively, we will influence others to do the same and together, we create a culture that embraces change and reinforces an agile mindset that allows us to continue to be at forefront of the competition, bringing tangible value to our customers and communities.

What kind of innovation opportunities or memorable experiences have you been a part of at NS BlueScope?
BlueScope has problem-solving in its DNA and time and effort is dedicated to encourage innovation. We get opportunities for cross-site collaboration and are supported to think with the customer and future in mind. I have benefitted immensely by learning from experts in NS BlueScope Malaysia, as well as in the Southeast Asia region, through regular best practice sharing, or generator sessions that push boundaries and bring value to our customers and communities.

The wide range of products we offer at BlueScope continues to amaze me. I’m excited about the opportunity to work with a company that constantly innovates to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Our strong innovation culture is evident from how our leaders practice open communication. I feel empowered and free to bring my ideas to the table every day.

What do I look forward to do in the next couple of years?
I hope to build on my skills and competencies in electrical and automation engineering, especially in terms of project management and process alignment. The world of steel provides plenty of opportunities to innovate and be creative. I look forward to drive the next phase of growth with NS BlueScope, creating and inspiring smart and sustainable solutions in steel to strengthen our communities for the future.