“I learned the importance of people”

Vietnam’s new mega airport, Long Thanh International, is scheduled to open by the end of 2026. Expected to welcome 100 million passengers annually when it’s fully completed, it will be one of the largest airports in the world.

Earlier this year, ADB Safegate, a provider of integrated solutions to airports and airlines, won the contract to supply and install the site’s vital air traffic control (ATC) tower systems and equipment. 

During the tender stage, the company found itself light on personnel and asked Wong Kok Yoong CMgr MCMI, bid manager team lead, to step in to lead – to great success…

Taking off in Asia

Winning the contract – ADB Safegate’s first ATC business in Asia – was a big deal, not just for the company but for Kok Yoong himself. 

“It led to my promotion to team leader,” he says. “It’s definitely one of my career highlights. Management trusted me to handle a complex project and their decision to promote me in recognition of my achievement was a very proud moment.”

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It’s clearly a major milestone and worthy of celebration, but Kok Yoong can’t afford to put his feet up. He now has to ensure his team meets the project’s stated outcomes. Such projects are usually completed in 15-20 months, but the pressure is on for Long Thanh International to be ready in just 12. 

“They want the airport to start operating by the end of 2026, so that is when our project must be completed,” he says.