Faq
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers concerning SHM. Please read the about page for more information.
What inspires you most in life? Who do you admire as a role model? What is your philosophy in business and in life?
Answer
I come from a modest family and I saw my mother work very hard to raise a family with tireless dedication. I admire her perseverance and believe that to succeed in life, luck and ability matter – but not as much as hard work, which will make that luck and ability blossom. Education is also important. I sent my children overseas at a young age so they could get the best education and with the goal that the knowledge will help them also be successful people in work and life.
What achievement are you most proud of across your business and cultural contributions?
Answer
I’ve always felt that one of the most important impacts a successful business can have is the stable livelihood opportunities we create for people who would otherwise have few options for advancement – particularly in poor regional areas. Linked to that, the nature of our business interests mean we also have opportunities to deliver infrastructure that helps whole communities in their endeavors. Sometimes, we take on projects sometimes that are less profitable, but we know it will employ many people, so that is important. We have prospered from business success but I like to think we have also created shared value for the people and the communities who work with us.
What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs starting out in life and business now?
Answer
Find something you love doing and believe in and don’t let anything shake that belief. In equal measure, and it sounds obvious to say, but success in any field requires incredibly hard work – as well as a solid financial plan. If you are passionate about what you’re doing and prepared to work at it and never give up, success will eventually follow.
CCM is still a family owned business. How have you managed to balance business and family over all these years?
Answer
It is very challenging to balance the two – and for us our business is also about family, so the two are part of each other. Our children are involved in the business and are helping to shape its future so we not only connect at a family level, but also work alongside each other.
Why did you send your children to the US at such an early age?
Answer
I wanted to ensure my children were exposed to a range of global views and perspectives in addition to the education in life they receive in Indonesia. I believe in children having great access to formal education but also being exposed to different world different views, cultures and experiences out there. In that respect they are Indonesian but also very much global citizens.
Given that you’re female and have been successful, what advice would you give to other women in Indonesia?
Answer
We’re fortunate that in Indonesia women can choose their path, whether that’s to become a senior executive, the President, an entrepreneur or a mother. Someone once told me that in fact Indonesia has a higher percentage of female CEOs than the US, for example. My advice to women aspiring to bigger things would be to work hard and never give up in pursuit of your objectives – the same advice I would give to anyone really.
What do you see as the next chapter of your life after you work through the current challenges?
Answer
We will continue to grow the family business and further enforce governance and proper management. Indonesia is growing and it is going to be very competitive in the future with many international businesses entering. We must develop our people and corporate structure to keep up and be a world-class company, which is Indonesian. Personally, I would like to spend more time with my Buddhist studies and volunteer more, focusing more on charity work and doing things that we can fund to help people.