ANYTHING is possible if one is willing to put in the work, says Isaac Thong Mun Ho, drawing on his experience building a career in insurance.
The 30-year-old, who has risen to project manager after nine years in the field, said his entry into the industry was anything but smooth, as much of what he needed to learn came not from textbooks, but from real-world experience.
Thrown into a fast-paced environment, he had to quickly grasp complex sales processes and navigate a wide range of products – from medical coverage to wealth accumulation plans.
Yet that challenging start became the foundation of a diverse career that saw him build his portfolio across multiple departments and companies.
Thong said he did not grow up dreaming of a future in insurance.
But what did not begin as a first choice for him turned into a profession he now embraces without regret.
What does a typical workday really look like?
Thong: On a daily basis, it involves a lot of meetings and check-ins with stakeholders across departments. It is about ensuring timelines are on track so we can launch new products and initiatives efficiently.
Towards the end of the day, I focus on my own tasks, such as updating presentation decks and reports, handling enquiries and working on product documentation.
What skills or mindset matter more than grades?
Thong: The longer I work in the corporate world, the more I realise how important soft skills are. Being able to lead or be a team player when needed, present confidently, and communicate your ideas clearly makes a big difference.
On top of that, grit and flexibility are crucial. Challenges are inevitable, and things can change quickly, so it’s important to stay resilient and keep improving.
What is one common misconception about this job?
Thong: That being a project manager is easy. In reality, it is not. You are constantly managing different stakeholders and keeping track of multiple deadlines. One must have strong organisational and time management skills to know what to prioritise at any given time.
What is the most challenging and most rewarding part of the work?
Thong: The most challenging part is meeting all the timelines and ensuring products are launched on schedule. It often requires a lot of coordination and alignment with stakeholders before we can proceed.
At the same time, that is also what makes it rewarding. Seeing a product launch successfully without any hiccups – and knowing you have contributed to bringing something new to customers across Malaysia – is very fulfilling. And of course, there’s a brief moment to recharge before moving on to the next project.
What advice would you give to students considering this path?
Thong: Obtaining certifications like Project Management Professional and ScrumMaster will be valuable.
Most companies today operate using Agile methodologies, so having a good understanding of how they work gives you a head start.
Beyond that, strong organisational and interpersonal skills are key, since you will be working with a wide range of people while managing timelines.
You also need to be efficient and detail-oriented.
If you are someone who prefers focusing only on the big picture and not the finer details, this role may not be the best fit for you.
*Individuals are featured in their personal capacity. Views expressed do not represent any organisation.
Caleb, 17, a student in Kuala Lumpur, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. This feature is part of a series highlighting young working adults who share insights into their jobs and offer practical tips on thriving in the workplace. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
Factbox
Full name:
Isaac Thong Mun Ho
Job title: Product development and management manager
Professional experience: Nine years
Highest qualification: Bachelor’s degree in international business
