HRD-TEE NEWSLETTER
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Article 1

USAGE OF NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING (NLP) IN DAILY LIVES AND BUSINESS

What is Neuro-Linguistic Programming?

Neuro-Linguistic Programming or NLP is the study of excellence and modelling success. It was developed by modelling excellent communicators and therapists who got results with their clients. NLP is a set of tools and techniques, but it is actually more than that.

One of the presuppositions of NLP is that our behaviours and neurological processes are connected, and these patterns can be established via programming. Utilisation or alterations of these patterns can be changed to achieve specific goals in life.

To take up a study of NLP is to embark into a journey of studying and modelling success. When I started my journey into NLP, I did not exactly know what I was getting myself into. Many people read or heard about NLP from someone else or from their own research and then seeing it being applied in real-life situations. But my NLP journey started on an opposite note. I saw NLP being applied during my first Anthony Robbins UPW seminar (Unleash the Power Within) back in 2004. My curiosity on how this one individual could command the attention of at least 5,000 people and performing some psychoanalysis amongst the crowd was too exciting and overwhelming to me. Then came the explosive reading and exploring NLP, which resulted in Certifications and finally, as an NLP Master Trainer and Coach.

NLP consists of a wide range of techniques and methodologies that can be used in every aspect of life, especially business. The use of language or communication in NLP plays a prominent part. Learning the language of the Mind is core to understanding NLP in order to produce remarkable outcomes and tap into the power of the Subconscious Mind. Much of NLP is tapping into the Subconscious Mind which stores a person’s values, beliefs, phobias as well as emotional or traumatic experiences.

NLP gives us techniques to enable us to understand behaviours and thoughts. This is beneficial so that we can become consciously aware of what is going on in the background. NLP Communication model has been used effectively to help communicate with others for various purposes; be it for coaching, counselling, negotiation, presentations, sales and even motivation. There are many different tools to help people communicate more effectively and build better relationships.

Now let’s look at some real-life applications of NLP.

Rapport Building

NLP has a process called rapport which is the ultimate tool in creating good relationships and a good impression. It enables us to create great “rapport” with anyone that we meet by presenting ourselves in a way that appeals to them “unconsciously”. Many have read about ‘Matching and Mirroring’ but have not truly explored the potential of this technique. It creates instant rapport! This means that we create the rapport out of their awareness and it results in an energetic feeling of trust, which is what you will we have with people that we like and who we typically get on best with. Aren’t the best business deals done via effective rapport between individuals?

Anchoring

Anchoring is another technique in NLP used in creating switches within oneself. Just like we have switches for lights, fan or air-cooler in our homes, we could create switches on ourselves to elicit different states of mind. Let me illustrate this further with an example I applied with my daughter.

As usual, toddlers have ‘Energiser’ batteries in them, whilst the parents might have depleted their batteries by late at night. I wanted to create an ‘anchor’ in her to induce her into sleeping. So each night (this has to be repeated to create a pattern to enhance the anchoring) when she feels sleepy, my wife & I would play soothing songs to her ears repeatedly for a week; establishing the soothing music as the anchor. So after a week, it’s time to test the anchor. Around late night, we played the soothing music to her…and voila! Almost immediately, she yawned, going into a relaxed mode and dozing off in moments. That’s what I’m talking about. The technology of the mind! Her mind tells her that it’s time to sleep (sending a command). I have demonstrated this anchoring in many of my training programmes too (whilst experimenting with participants on how different individuals react to different anchors). Sales personnel would have a fabulous time deploying ‘anchoring’ on their potential clients.

Body Language and Micro Expressions

We are pretty familiar with the importance of body language in various aspect of our social and working life, be it during presentations, meetings or even casual meet-ups. Reading ‘signals’ in individuals could make a whole lot of difference in knowing how to build rapport and handle someone.

Trainers and coaches deploy specific use of body languages and spoken language combine to make a far more powerful effect on the audience, sweeping away the “death by PowerPoint” experience that is far too prevalent in the boardroom and making a real impact. Additionally, Micro Expression is a branch of body language which goes deeper into reading tiny or micro signals on someone’s face (or body) to know what’s going on in their mind.

Let’s look at one instance where I truly appreciated the art of reading body language and Micro Expressions. I conducted a therapy session with a young girl who claimed that she is a failure in everything she does and could not find the enthusiasm to be successful. After much rapport building and trying to find out the root cause of this dilemma in her, reading her body language and Micro Expressions led me to a surprising find. She was ‘self-sabotaging’!

One of the key motivating factors in self-sabotaging individuals is being significant. She felt significant by being a failure, using it as a mean to attract the attention of loved ones around her. Revealing to her this was sort of ‘relieving her’ of her burden.

Loyalty

One of the ways that NLP can create loyalty in teams is through using tools in NLP associated with personal and organisational values. NLP has a model called the Neurological or Logical Levels of Change which is essentially a model for organisational and personal change. This model shows us how organisations can work with their employees to create better motivation and morale by marrying up the company values to those of the individuals in the workforce. Studies show that most people leave organisations because they do not feel valued by their employers and bosses. This process ensures that we can work with our staff to enable them to see how their role fits within the overall value produced by the organisation and how that value fits within and compliments their personal values.

What has been illustrated above are just some of the techniques of NLP used in various aspects of working, business and social life. More advanced techniques such as ‘collapsing anchors’, ‘embedded commands’ and ‘spatial anchoring’ are readily available to those who wish to delve deeper into the ‘modus operandi’ of the Mind. Undoubtedly, these techniques, which have even been used by prominent individuals namely Tony Robbins, Barrack Obama and Oprah Winfrey have brought remarkable results in the lives of people.

 

References

  • James, M. (2020, January 24). What is NLP. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.nlp.com/
  • Louise, C. (n.d.). Time-line Therapy & NLP Explained. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.courtneylouisephillips.com/
  • Benefits of using NLP in business and organisations. (2020, March 09). Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://excellenceassured.com/8407/benefits-using-nlp-business-organisations
  • Deshpande, A. (2019, February 10). Six Ways In Which NLP Can Help Your Business. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.avinashdeshpande.com/six-ways-in-which-nlp-can-help-your-business/

Written By :
Dr Harjit S. Sidhu,
Associate Trainer/Consultant,
Quantum Achievers International Sdn Bhd

* The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of HRD Corp.

Article 2

IR 4.0: CHALLENGES OF THE MALAYSIAN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

The Evolution of Industrial Revolution

The First Industrial Revolution (IR 1.0) began in the 18th century through the use of steam power and mechanisation of production. The Second Industrial Revolution (IR 2.0) began in the 19th century through the discovery of electricity and assembly line production. The Third Industrial Revolution (IR 3.0) began in the ’70s in the 20th century through partial automation using memory programmable controls and computers. We are currently implementing the Fourth Industrial Revolution (IR 4.0), characterised by the application of information and communication technologies throughout the industries.

The IR 4.0 was mooted by Germany in 2011 under its High-Tech Strategy, a plan to fully automate its business operations by the year 2020. In the United States (US), it is termed as the Internet of Things (IoT) that collects and dispenses information to end-users in homes and companies. In Britain, it is referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in Russia, as Advanced Manufacturing and in China as made in China 2025.

In ASEAN countries, it is known as IR 4.0 and is an uphill task for these countries to achieve IR 4.0 status anywhere soon as most of these countries, including Malaysia, is still hovering at IR 2.0 status.


The Development of IR 4.0 Across the Global Automotive Industry

Transitions expected from this disruptive technology of IR 4.0 across the business models represent a change in the pattern of the past times from operating on a structured, efficient and manual manufacturing to more vigorous, agile, and automated manufacturing. It is a shift of focus from mass production to mass customisation, enabled by flexible production and shorter lead times. This development is a transition from large scale factories producing a single product to high technology factories that can produce multiple products at a competitive cost.

IR 4.0 represents disruptive technological breakthroughs in several fields such as robotics, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, quantum computing, biotechnology, IoT and 3D printing. Adoption of IR 4.0 technologies could result in average cost reduction in production by 30%, logistics costs by 30% and quality management costs by 20%.

The high investment cost on IR 4.0 related research and development activities has enticed automotive firms to team up to share the cost as in the case of Ford-Volkswagen and Honda-General Motors joint ventures. This has also led to certain mergers and acquisition, when Mobil Eye, which has developed an advanced driver assistance system providing warnings for collision prevention and mitigation was acquired by Intel for USD 15.3 billion in 2017.

This technology has posed challenges in the implementation of IR 4.0 initiatives. Namely in the areas of contractor integration, whereby integrating these contractors into a supply chain with end-to-end (E2E) visibility can present some difficulty. Next is data security, which can pose a risk to the car owners on the possibility of their vehicle being hacked. Besides, data management can also be a challenge as automotive manufacturers are figuring out the best way to use the data obtained for gainful use.


Embracing Industrial Revolution 4.0 in Malaysia

Malaysian automotive industry has to emphasise on adopting IR 4.0 to innovate and remain competitive. Automation and robotic industry in Malaysia has been implemented since 1983 with the establishment of Proton as the national car company. The KUKA Robot Automation (KUKA) and ABB Robot Automation (ABB) have influenced the idea of Industry 4.0 in Malaysia. Further development in robotics is necessary as it facilitates the Malaysian automotive industry in the areas of customisation, productivity, flexibility, production and improvement on product quality, all which are prerequisites for the Malaysian automotive export market.

Currently, about 70%-80% of the industries in Malaysia are labour intensive, and Malaysia is still in Industry 2.0. The high cost of adopting IR 4.0 is the main hurdle to its adaption by the SME’s in Malaysia. Companies rather hire and keep their cheap foreign labours than invest in IR 4.0 initiatives.

Industry leaders are predicting that by year 2040, new vehicles are targeted to be produced in the following percentages: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) at 26%, Fuel Cell and Electric Vehicles (FCEV) at 25%, Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles (ICEV) at 25% and hybrid vehicles at 24%.

On the other hand, consumer surveys indicate 20% would choose BEV vehicles, 9% would choose FCEV vehicles, 21% would choose ICEV vehicles, and 49% would choose hybrid vehicles. The other future trend would be connectivity and digitalisation designed to provide seamless human-machine interface inside the vehicle. The OEM’s would need to make use of their technological advancement and make automation around IR 4.0 and digital labour for their continued business sustainability.

With the establishment of national car projects, Proton and Perodua, it has transformed Malaysia into full-fledged designers, assemblers and manufactures of motor vehicles. The assembly and manufacturing plants of Proton in Shah Alam and Tanjung Malim and of Perodua in Rawang are partially automated, using robotic technology, and able to handle high volume production and lean manufacturing processes.


Conquering the Challenges of IR 4.0 in Malaysia

Malaysia has formulated a national policy framework on the fourth Industrial Revolution to promote innovation, creativity and competitiveness to embrace the digital revolution that would increase productivity and sustainability of the manufacturing sector.

The Government too has revamped its education curriculum with the implementation of Higher Education Framework 4.0 (My HE 4.0) to address the issues and challenges of IR 4.0 in preparing its citizens for the future job market. The framework is more specific than the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025.

The Malaysian Government has identified a total of 9 pillars, as the technological drivers of IR 4.0, (shown in the figure below). Industry experts have predicted that Malaysia would be able to achieve IR 4.0 status within the next 5 to 10 years with the aid of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to speed up the process.

Technologies in IR 4.0

Horizontal & Vertical
System Integration

The Internet of Things

Cybersecurity

Cloud Computing

Big Data Analytics

Simulation

Additive Manufacturing

Augmented Reality

Autonomous Robots

Global Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Automotive Industry

While China, the world’s largest automotive market, works towards recovery with some bounce back seen in vehicle sales in March, other regions around the world continue to face a worsening COVID-19 situation every day.

With lockdowns being administered by most countries to prevent the spread of the virus, auto OEMs and suppliers across North America, Europe and parts of Asia have progressively suspended operations at a number of their production locations. Under the revised global vehicle outlook 2020, a total of almost 8 million units being dropped from leading three markets, which are China, North America and Europe.

CountryVehicle Sales% Change (E)
2019 (M Units)2020E (M Units)
China25.723.2-9.7
US17.614.6-17.0
Europe18.316.0-12.6
Rest of the World28.426.9-5.3
Total90.080.7-10.3

Source: Auto.com

According to Datuk Aishah Ahmad, the President, the 2019’s Total Industry Volume (TIV) increased from 0.95% to 604,287 vehicles from 598,598 units in 2018. The report from Affin Hwang Investment Bank Bhd anticipates that Malaysia’s TIV to fall 20% to about 485,000 units from a year earlier. This decline is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which halts car production and causes supply and demand shocks. Market research notes that most auto players have temporarily ceased operations in compliance with the Malaysian Government’s Movement Control Order (MCO).

According to Dato’ Madani Sahari, the Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysia Automotive Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii), the damaging impacts of COVID-19 calls for the urgent need for increased technology adoption in the Malaysian automotive industry.

The COVID-19 episode should provide an impetus for the industry to expedite its adoption for automation and new manufacturing technologies that is very much in line with IR 4.0.

References

  • Aulbur, W., CJ, A., & Bigghe, R. (2016). Skill development for Industry 4.0: BRICS skill development working group. Roland Berger GMBH.
  • Boston Consulting Group. (n.d.). Automotive & Mobility. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.bcg.com/industries/automotive/default.aspx
  • Dahlan, M., Sani, L., & Jansar, M. (n.d.). Industry 4.0 And It Effects Toward Industry. Retrieved from http://aplikasi04.polisas.edu.my/proceeding/index.php/menu-styless/neriec?download=33:industry-4-0-and-it-effects-toward-industry
  • Jaafar, S. (2020, April 02). Affin Hwang cuts Malaysia automotive TIV as Covid-19 wreaks havoc. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/affin-hwang-cuts-malaysia-automotive-tiv-covid19-wreaks-havoc
  • KPMG, S. (2018). KPMG’s Global Automotive Executive Survey 2018. KPMG.
  • Malay Mail. (2018, September 26). MAI: Third national car project will boost automotive industry: Malay Mail. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2018/09/26/mai-third-national-car-project-will-boost-automotive-industry/1676511
  • Masters, K. (n.d.). The Impact of Industry 4.0 on the Automotive Industry. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://blog.flexis.com/the-impact-of-industry-4.0-on-the-automotive-industry
  • Mustafa, Z. (2018, May 16). Asean experience for IR 4.0: New Straits Times. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.nst.com.my/education/2018/05/369959/asean-experience-ir-40
  • Pandiyan, M. (1969, December 31). Industry 4.0: The future is here. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/along-the-watchtower/2017/09/06/industry-40-the-future-is-here-malaysia-cannot-afford-to-lag-in-a-world-facing-swift-exponential-cha
  • PwC. (2018). The Outlook for Electric Vehicles: Selected Themes and Trends. Retrieved from https://events.pwc.com/uk/eventsmss/v2-1/eventsol2.nsf/lkp_ImageById/UKWE-B24EJZ/$file/Outlook%20for%20Electric%20Vehicles_PwC%20Website.pdf
  • Rojko, A. (2017). Industry 4.0 concept: background and overview. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies (iJIM), 11(5), 77-90.
  • SME Corp, S. (2017). Industry 4.0 and Its Implications to SME’s [PDF]. SME Corp.
  • Shankar, A. (2020, January 22). MAA sees car sales volume rise after 2019 TIV tops 600,000. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/maa-sees-car-sales-volume-rise-after-2019-tiv-tops-600000
  • Teng, L. (2020, March 24). Covid-19 a wake-up call for local automotive players. Retrieved September 18, 2020, from https://www.theedgemarkets.com/article/covid19-wakeup-call-local-automotive-players

Written By :
Hj. Mohamad Idrakisyah,
Associate Trainer/Consultant,
VIHETHI Training & Consultancy (M) Sdn Bhd

* The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not reflect the official policy or position of HRD Corp.

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