Experienced Senior Chemist with a strong background in lab operations, quality control, and R&D. Proficient in analytical techniques, method development, and fostering team collaboration. Committed to driving innovation, ensuring safety, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Seeking opportunities to leverage expertise and leadership skills in a dynamic work environment.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Research Scientist I (Analytical)
YSQ International Pte Ltd
07.2024 - Current
Utilized expertise in testing laboratory, manufacturing, and chemistry to help with root cause analysis and problem solving for multiple projects.
Utilized expertise in Lean Sig Sixma to actively drive continuous improvement projects and Kanban system in the laboratory, resulting in at least 50% improvement of overall work efficiency.
Streamlined research processes to meet tight deadlines for multiple projects.
Streamlined laboratory workflows, resulting in reduced 20% costs (annually) and increased 65% productivity.
Recognized abnormal test results and devised corrective actions to retain accurate and valid results.
Generated data models and performed analysis to produce reports outlining results.
Spearheaded cross-functional projects, ensuring timely completion while maintaining high-quality standards.
Managed laboratory budgets effectively, allocating funds strategically for maximum impact on research outcomes.
Mentored junior chemist and scientists, fostering professional growth and enhancing team capabilities.
Streamlined laboratory processes, significantly reducing experiment setup times and increasing throughput.
Enhanced team collaboration by implementing centralized data repository, facilitating easier access to research data for all team members.
Optimized resource allocation, ensuring critical experiments were prioritized and adequately funded.
Maintained a safe working environment by enforcing strict adherence to laboratory safety guidelines.
Evaluated new technologies for potential integration into existing research processes, driving continuous improvement efforts.
Collaborated with others scientists to develop strategies and analytical test method for extraction of natural extracts, characterization of various flavours, etc.
Led multidisciplinary teams in solving complex problems, leveraging diverse expertise to achieve innovative solutions.
Method development and validation for multiple projects using ICH Q2(R2) and CORESTA method.
Senior Chemist
YSQ International Pte Ltd
04.2022 - 06.2024
Leading analytical team and collaborating with cross-functional departments of Research and Innovation (R&I) to support various projects, providing analytical expertise and insights.
Actively applying and driving Lean, continuous improvement, process optimization to improve laboratory productivity by 80% to 90% and enhance operational efficiency by reducing downtime.
Collaborated with cross-functional teams to support various projects, providing analytical expertise and insights.
Performed routine GC-MS analyses to detect and quantify nicotine content, ensuring accurate identification and measurement of chemical substances.
Conducted routine HPLC analyses for toxicity analysis (Carbonyls), ensuring precise quantification and high-quality results.
Developed and optimized HPLC, GC-MS/FID/HS/SPME and ICP-MS methods to improve sensitivity and specificity for various analytical applications.
Implemented rigorous quality control measures, including calibration checks and spike recovery, to uphold data integrity and reliability.
Identified and implemented improvements in analytical methods and laboratory workflows, enhancing overall efficiency and accuracy.
Managed the operation and maintenance of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system, gas chromatography (GC) system and inductive couple plasma (ICP-MS), ensuring accurate and reliable analytical results.
Designed and executed experiments to ensure robust, accurate, and reproducible methods for analytical analysis including tobacco extract, plant extract, foods, flavour samples, and other ad-hoc samples.
Designed and conducted stability studies of pure nicotine to determine the shelf life and evaluate the effects of temperature, humidity, and storage environment on nicotine stability.
Core member of Labware LIMS Implementation Project and 100% successful implementation of a comprehensive Labware LIMS, resulting in a 20% reduction in data entry errors and a 25% improvement in sample tracking efficiency.
Validated and optimized analytical methods for determination of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) in the aerosol of e-liquid by using GC-MS and GC-FID, leading to a 20% increase in laboratory throughput and a 52.2% reduction in total program time per sample.
Applied Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and improve 40% process efficiency for Toxicity Analysis.
Identified and executed process optimization initiatives for Analytical Lab Sample Requisition Form and Logsheet, leading to an 80% improvement in overall laboratory work efficiency.
Chemist I
Veolia ES Industrial Singapore Pte Ltd
06.2021 - 04.2022
Proficient in conducting routine chemical and physical waste analysis, with a focus on High Temperature Incineration (HTI) and Physical Chemical Inorganic (PCI) treatment processes.
Efficient in waste management, ensured FIFO (First In, First Out) methodology for optimal warehouse clearance.
Skilled in executing treatability studies for the PCI process to enhance waste treatment protocols.
Adept at reviewing, interpreting, and reporting technical data to ensure accuracy and reliability in documentation.
Expert in troubleshooting analytical instruments, maintaining operational integrity and performance.
Collaborative communicator, actively engaging with cross-functional teams in problem-solving discussions.
Conducted in-depth studies to determine the Method Detection Limit (MDL) for the Screening Test of Waste, including Nitrate & Nitrite, Sulphide, Oxidizers, and Cyanide.
Instrumental skilled in developing and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for streamlined laboratory operations.
Quality Lab Executive (Chemist)
British American Tobacco Singapore Pte Ltd
02.2019 - 06.2021
Implemented Integrated Work System (IWS) protocols to enhance laboratory efficiency.
Executed ISO 17025 and ISO 9001 documentation and implementation processes to ensure compliance.
Developed and established a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework to monitor team performance.
Conducted annual cross-checks as part of the Global Analytical Team and participated in Asia Collaborative Studies.
Proficient in troubleshooting instrumentation errors, led QA lab instrument and product performance investigations, and formulated corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).
Identified and capitalized on opportunities to innovate and expedite analysis and reporting processes.
Supported the maintenance and upgrade of quality systems to align with evolving business requirements.
Fostered lab team development to enhance core and technical skills for precise analytical outcomes.
Motivated and led the lab team to deliver high-quality results and provided critical support to other functions.
Championed creative problem-solving and efficiency improvements in quality-based processes across product lines.
Spearheaded a product lab team, achieving a notable 51.8% improvement in retest rates in the latter half of 2020.
Championed innovation through the implementation of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) in the QA lab.
Utilized statistical analysis to elucidate the correlation between product design and performance, enhancing product knowledge.
Initiated and conducted Design of Experiment (DOE) protocols to elevate product performance metrics.
Developed the Step-Up (SU) Card, a skill matrix assessment tool, to augment the capabilities and proficiency of the team.
Proactively led teams to ideate and implement creative solutions, significantly boosting the efficiency of quality processes.
Streamlined consignment release turnaround time from 6 working days to 4.2 calendar days, optimizing lab productivity and reducing finished goods storage costs.
Established and routinely updated a strategic 90-day plan for lab operations.
Ensured annual maintenance and calibration of lab equipment, maintaining high standards of analytical service for timely business decisions.
Adapted the lab to evolving analysis requirements, aligning with dynamic business objectives.
Managed inventory control and resource allocation, optimizing analysis capabilities at an optimum cost.
Provided leadership and inspiration through effective guidance, coaching, and performance monitoring of the team.
Collaborated closely with the compliance & performance manager to maximize resource utilization and operational efficiency.
Conducted comprehensive chemical and physical analyses of cigarette products to ensure quality standards.
Expertly reviewed and reported technical data, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Skilled in data interpretation, adept at preparing detailed analytical reports.
Specialized in troubleshooting and maintaining laboratory equipment, with a focus on the rotary smoking machine.
Developed and validated analytical methods tailored to various cigarette conditioning processes prior to testing.
Authored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Work Instructions (WIs), and One Point Lessons (OPLs) to streamline lab operations.
Formulated and implemented Current Best Approaches (CBAs) to optimize quality control processes.
Engaged in Regional Analytical Forum Sessions to stay abreast of industry standards and practices.
Prepared detailed reports for the Product Development Team to inform ongoing product enhancements.
Conducted weekly and monthly performance reviews with stakeholders to ensure laboratory excellence.
Collaborated with the Compliance & Performance Manager to maximize resource efficiency and lab productivity.
Fostered strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including the Quality Improvement Manager, to align with business objectives.
Sustained robust partnerships with internal and external stakeholders to guarantee seamless laboratory operations and consistent supply chain management for consumables.
Implemented and enforced rigorous EHS protocols in daily operations, guaranteeing comprehensive compliance within the work environment and its vicinity.
Upheld exemplary EHS standards, surpassing local regulations and adhering to BAT guidelines, while handling hazardous materials for analytical procedures.
Chemist
Eurofins NM Laboratory Sdn Bhd
03.2016 - 11.2018
Conducted routine chemical analyses for environmental testing to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Revised and updated technical documents and data, maintaining current and precise information.
Investigated nonconforming work, identifying root causes and implementing corrective actions.
Developed specialized tests and standard operating procedures (SOPs) tailored to customer requirements for rubber analysis.
Validated and developed analytical methods for Mercury determination in wastewater using Agilent AAS 240FS and VGA 77A.
Validated methods for measuring particulate matter concentrations in stationary source emissions, utilizing various filter media.
Interpreted data and prepared detailed reports, delivering clear and actionable insights.
Performed troubleshooting and maintenance on analytical instruments, including ICP-OES, AAS-VGA, and UV-Vis, ensuring optimal performance.
Provided expert technical consultation to the sales team, enhancing customer satisfaction and sales potential.
Managed workflow scheduling to meet departmental demands and customer deadlines, optimizing lab efficiency.
Achieved a significant improvement in laboratory turnaround time (TAT), increased from 80% to 100%.
Participated in proficiency testing programs organized by the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry, demonstrating technical competence, achieved and maintained a good z-score (± 0.5 to 1.0).
Managed inventory control, ensuring the availability of necessary materials and reagents.
Upheld quality management standards through meticulous documentation and laboratory controls.
Adhered to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), safe work practices, and lean principles to maintain a high-functioning laboratory environment.
Education
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry (Hons.) -
University of Malaysia Sabah
11.2015
Skills
Method Validation, Verification and Optimization
Chromatography system know how (IC, GC-FID, GC-MS)
Spectrometry system know how (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, AAS-VGA, XRF)
Laboratory equipment maintenance and calibration
Waste management/analysis
Cigarette/Tobacco analysis
Wet Chemistry
Environmental analysis
Formulation
Research & Innovation
Microsoft office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Inventory Control
Regulatory compliance and documentation
Quality Assurance and Control
Lean Six Sigma
Management System Analysis (MSA) know how
ISO 17025 & 9001 Documentation
LIMS
Continuous Improvement, Process Optimization
Data analysis & Statistical data analysis
GLP (Good Laboratory Practice)
Root Cause Analysis
Communication / Collaboration
Teamwork
Problem Solving
Time Management
Certification
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certified
Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certified
Certified Chemist of Malaysian Institute of Chemistry
References
To be provided upon request.
LEADERSHIP
YSQ INTERNATIONAL PTE LTD
Designated as Team Leader/Supervisor of Analytical Lab
Appointed as Superuser of Labware LIMS
BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (SINGAPORE) PTE LTD
Designated as Lab Supervisor in Quality Lab
Appointed as Internal Auditor of ISO 9001:2015
Appointed as CIL (Clean, Inspect, Lubricate) DMS (Document Management System) Owner in Quality Assurance (QA) Lab
EUROFINS NM LABORATORY SDN BHD (MALAYSIA)
Designated as Supervisor/Section Head in laboratory operation department (LOD)
Designated as Lean Leader in LOD
Appointed as Internal Auditor of ISO 17025:2017
Timeline
Research Scientist I (Analytical)
YSQ International Pte Ltd
07.2024 - Current
Senior Chemist
YSQ International Pte Ltd
04.2022 - 06.2024
Chemist I
Veolia ES Industrial Singapore Pte Ltd
06.2021 - 04.2022
Quality Lab Executive (Chemist)
British American Tobacco Singapore Pte Ltd
02.2019 - 06.2021
Chemist
Eurofins NM Laboratory Sdn Bhd
03.2016 - 11.2018
Bachelor of Science in Industrial Chemistry (Hons.) -
Extraction Operations Manager (Interim) / Extraction Research Scientist at YSQ International Pte LtdExtraction Operations Manager (Interim) / Extraction Research Scientist at YSQ International Pte Ltd
Officer for Finance and Administration at Ascott International Management Pte LtdOfficer for Finance and Administration at Ascott International Management Pte Ltd