Nexgen Solutions Sdn Bhd (Nexgen Solutions) is a company specialising in turnkey solutions for electrical engineering, supply of electrical and components, and providing services to onshore and offshore oil & gas, as well as to non-oil & gas sectors. The brainchild of Rimi Masputeria Mohari and a partner, the company was co-founded in 2021. Since then, there has been steadfast growth amidst significant success stories despite the numerous challenges and tribulations. Through a combination of strategic business and technical acumen plus determination and dedication, Rimi has been successful in steering the company towards the realisation of bigger dreams. In an interview with NiagaTimes, Rimi, the Managing Director of Nexgen Solutions, talks about her personal goals, career choices, future plans and the ultimate desire to leave a legacy behind.
An electrical engineer by profession, Rimi Masputeria Mohari has taken a different route towards the achievement of her goals as compared to her peers in the industry. “I have been hugely inspired by my parents who were senior civil servants and they were adamant on the principles of self-independence and the need to build assets. In other words, you are solely responsible for your actions,” says Rimi.
A very petite and soft-spoken demeanour belies the possession of inner strength and determination that has helped Rimi gain self-independence and sustainable success in both her personal and professional roles.
“My career strategy has been to gain exposure within the technical and business side as both go hand-in-hand. I initially started on the technical side before moving into the business side, which is handling business development and working on contracts,” says Rimi.
“My first career role was as a sales engineer after graduation from Universiti Tenaga Nasional Malaysia (UNITEN) in 2002,” recollects Rimi. “I started at the bottom rung as I planned to climb the ladder by gaining knowledge, exposure and building collaborative networks,” explains Rimi. “From there it was a steady rise, gaining exposure in various roles ranging from technical and financial operations to project management within the technical and non-technical areas.”
Rimi started her career in the manufacturing sector. “I then moved to vendor, contractor and client-based companies. These are companies positioned to provide integrated engineering solutions to corporations that include Petronas subsidiaries,” explains Rimi.
“I started Nexgen Solutions in 2021 as I had learnt all I could from my exposure in the industry and knew the networks besides having gained sufficient hands-on experience,” says Rimi succinctly. “I was ready to start my own electrical engineering company to further develop myself and to leave a legacy after having been on my 20-year career path.”
The strategies utilised for contract management begin with an overall understanding of the contract. “My hands-on exposure from the ground up within the industry has facilitated the effective management of contracts,” explains Rimi. “Collaborative teamwork with significant stakeholders is important. All issues have to be resolved through frequent effective communications,” she adds.
The main motivation for co-founding Nexgen Solutions is to build a notable brand and to leave a legacy. “I have a passion for undertaking challenging ventures and I dream big. That is the reason I am in the engineering field as it challenges me,” says Rimi. “The keynote is to strike a balance between success and failure.”
“I have a strong support system provided by my family, friends and colleagues that sustains my motivation,” Rimi further elaborates. “In addition, my partner and I have the correct combined technical and business skills suitable for the growth of Nexgen Solutions.”
“My dream for Nexgen Solutions is to be a successful turnkey engineering solutions provider is aligned to my experience in the oil and gas section,” adds Rimi.
The leadership style at Nexgen Solutions focuses on coaching and empowerment. “I encourage and coach my staff to learn and to build perseverance. There are no shortcuts to success in life and one will certainly need to have diligence and perseverance,” explains Rimi. “The opportunity to learn and possess in-depth knowledge of a particular issue will be lost through the taking of shortcuts which will lead to great setbacks.”
“With coaching, there is the leeway for empowerment. We provide guidance but simultaneously provide empowerment to staff to accomplish tasks on their own for which they can take pride in while taking ownership as well,” says Rimi.
“For successful entrepreneurship, there should be a combination of a strong support system and in-depth knowledge of the industry,” says Rimi. “Starting a company requires multi-fold expertise, cooperation and knowledge. Learn consistently and build networks.”
“We are very focused on our target market and customers. Now we are diversifying into the non-oil and gas industry as we see the potential there,” says Rimi denoting the need for flexibility and to be able to adapt fast to industry changes.
There were many challenges faced when establishing Nexgen Solutions. Although most have been resolved, the three most significant current ones are intense competition, resourcing and financial considerations.
“The industry is competitive with so many established competitors to begin with. As such, in order to enter the market and build our track records, one of the hardest decision that we took was to enter the market with lower margin without jeopardising our services,” explains Rimi.
“The hiring of suitable employees is another big challenge faced by us. Most of them are not keen to start from the ground and work their way up. Work attitude is another problem,” says Rimi.
“However, that being said, we have managed to stabilise our staff turnover volatility through intense coaching and empowerment.”
“Funding is another major challenge. We started the company with our own funds together with assistance from MARA and as an SME company, we are seeking other avenues for obtaining financial assistance enabling us to take up bigger project value,” says Rimi
“The two main factors that have contributed to the success of the company are determination and dedication. The determination to surmount challenges and to push the company to greater heights combined with a dedicated team has resulted in a successful company,” says Rimi.
“I envision Nexgen Solutions as a preferred service provider of the total engineering solutions specialising in electrical packages that emphasise on safety and reducing power consumption through effective engineering solutions. Although we are a relatively new player, our direction is towards innovation and sustainability practices.”
“Our goals and aspirations in the coming years are geared towards becoming a regional hub in South East Asia,” explains Rimi. “As for plans to achieve this, we intend to engage with locally appointed contractors. We are the sole distributor for PEARL Electric Co., Ltd. transformers and İnform Elektronik UPS systems,” she adds.
A mother of four children, Rimi elaborates on the defined boundaries between home and office. “Even though I am full to the brim with office issues, the focus is solely on the family when I reach home. I prepare all my children’s meals every morning from 4 am. The love and care that Rimi showers on children have proven fruitful. “They have all done well in their studies and it is worth all the effort that I have given for them,” beams Rimi proudly.
“Be the best version of yourself when you are at work or home. Also, have your own time to reflect and consolidate thoughts,” says Rimi, “By being involved with the family, office and the community we expand our social consciousness.”
As for young people just starting in business, Rimi has this to say, “It is not an easy journey to enter into entrepreneurship. The correct mindset including determination and dedication are crucial factors but nonetheless, always dream big and make it happen.”
