A critical oversight occurred when an approved coating process — originally scheduled to be done in Shanghai — was missed. The clock was ticking, and I had only three days to recover from this error and deliver the coated part on time.

The part in question was extremely small — 10mm in length and 1mm in diameter — making the situation even more complex. Sourcing a coating partner in Singapore proved difficult. One available provider specialized in oil & gas industry components, with typical part sizes around 1000mm length and 300mm diameter. Their equipment operated at a minimum 30psi, a pressure that would easily eject such a tiny part. As expected, the partner was highly reluctant to proceed.

Efforts to contact other vendors were met with slow responses or logistical challenges, including one promising lead in Malaysia, which could not meet the urgent timeline.

Solution

At my wits’ end, a breakthrough came through the strength of long-term business relationships. One of my key customers, who had a well-established relationship with the Singapore coating partner, personally stepped in to help. Their endorsement carried weight — and it made the difference.

Encouraged by the trust and urgency, the coating partner agreed to evaluate the job. Their team thought outside the box, re-engineered their setup, and accepted the challenge of coating a part well below their usual specifications.

Result

Against all odds, the coating partner successfully completed the coating in just 48 hours — well within the three-day window.

This success was only possible due to:

• The trust and goodwill built over time with my customer, who was willing to step in and influence the outcome.
• The dedication and ingenuity of the coating partner, who embraced an unusual challenge and delivered exceptional results.

Takeaway

This experience reinforces the value of strong relationships, swift collaboration, and the courage to tackle unconventional challenges. What seemed like an impossible task became a standout achievement — a testament to the power of partnership and perseverance.

Raymond Chew

SGK

11.06.2025