22 Apr, 2018

"One of a kind setup in Singapore"

* * * * *  current employee - anonymous employee in Singapore

Recommends

Positive Outlook

Approves of CEO

I have been working at DenseLight Semiconductors full-time (More than 5 years)

Pros

Holding a substantial number of years of experience with multiple MNC semicon / optronics / micro-optics organizations , having been in this organisation for a few years now , and having witnessed the positive changes in management after acquisition of Denselight by POET , I can easily say that this is one of the best organisations to work for in Singapore . Looking at some of the reviews below , I find it hard to agree with the negative perceptions . Seems to be coming from a very small number or possibly just a single individual , who is/are very naive and even immature about the way a predominantly R&D setup , which is poised to go into mass production , should function . The management themselves are all extremely brilliant , highly educated and qualified individuals bringing in a plethora of experience and expertise , and with a lot to offer , something one does not find in many other such organisations in Singapore . Their demeanor as well is pleasant and patient . They are highly motivated and driven individuals , with a constant hope of infusing the same into the rank and file .

Even the HR team is extremely friendly and takes notice of and addresses employee concerns , unlike many other organisations where approaching the HR is akin to asking for trouble or just facing indifference . They constantly concern themselves with the welfare of employees , and know each employee personally .

Denselight is a very small, organisation , just above 70 individuals , across all levels . Its a very diverse workgroup , with people from many different nationalities , cultures and backgrounds . Employees treat each other with a lot of respect . There's absolutely no sign of sly politics , factions , favoritism and backstabbing , which is very prevalent and pervasive in many other larger organisations of Singapore . Any such acts will be very evident and obvious , very soon , due to the small number of individuals . Furthermore , the contributions of each and every individual is also very quickly evident , and so is the slacking . The new management is trying to undo the damages of the previous management , overhaul the setup , and prepare it to leapfrog . They find it necessary to constantly remind individuals to ensure best practices , maintain records and documentation and streamline the system , something which was not sufficiently implemented and emphasized by the previous management , with unfortunate consequences .

The need for regular meetings is to ensure that individuals meet timelines and deadlines they commit to and can present the data they gather and involve in analysis that educates one and all , and moves the topic forward . But individuals are also free to excuse themselves from meetings if they can substitute their presence with a well made report / analysis / conclusion . Never once witnessed a formal meeting extend to much beyond office hours , although , rarely , there could be much smaller group discussions happening after office hours , which is not out of the norm at all . The management is very open-ears and responsive to the concerns and feedback from employees .

The work itself is very exciting , with a whole host of existing and upcoming products , and a lot to learn and contribute , on offer . There is a lot of opportunity for hands on learning . The learning curve depends on the level at which the individual joins .

Friendly atmosphere and amicable relationships exist among employees . Flexible work hours .

The management is constantly on the lookout for well qualified and determined and driven individuals to join the organisation and make a difference . They are very open to individuals who make sense and can bring in qualities that will effect a positive change .

Cons

I wouldn't entirely say this as a negative feedback of the organisation or the management , but the management really needs to clearly identify and stop holding onto certain individuals and let go of them . Unfortunately , the management is very kind and patient and chooses to repeatedly remind the very same individuals of the very same inconsistencies and breaches , instead of replacing such individuals with newer , better suited and equipped individuals . And the individuals themselves have no better options , so they find it easier to complain and lament , on forums such as these , incognito , than address their drawbacks or move to elsewhere where they see themselves happier . The management is not crazy or unoccupied , to keep highlighting shortcomings . Their expectations are very normal and industry standard . Such super-sensitive individuals , spreading negativity , are a bane to any organisation .

Advice to Management

Bring in more positive , driven and determined individuals . Recycle those spreading negativity , complaining and repeatedly falling short of expectations . Remind such people of industry standard practices and norms . They are being too protected here .

Good time to capture a bigger piece of the market pie , with our competitor unable to meet open market demand .

https://www.glassdoor.ca/Reviews/DenseLight-Semiconductors-Reviews-E15064.htm