Portrait of Truc LAM: International career in the railway field

Find out more about Truc Lam's experiences and background in the interview below 👇

1. First of all, can you introduce yourself in a few sentences?

French of Vietnamese origin, I am from Toulouse at heart. 

I did all my studies until my Bachelor's degree in Toulouse and then I went to the capital to get a Master's degree in apprenticeship which allowed me to live a professional experience of 15 years in China, in Shanghai.

2. You work as an "Electronics Regional commodity leader", can you explain to us what your job is?

I work for Wabtec, a railway equipment manufacturer. We supply all transit passenger equipment such as doors, air conditioning, brakes, ... but also freight equipment such as a locomotive entirely for the American market.

On all these products, it is necessary to integrate the brain of the equipment which is an electronic card that controls everything. 

I manage the purchasing strategy for this category of electronics (strategy/panel definition/business award/negotiation of prices, contracts, etc.)

3. You studied during your Bachelor in TBS Education, what did the school teach you to get to where you are today ?

After graduating, I wanted a more concrete and professional training with internships. In fact, following a sales internship, I continued to work in this company throughout my training during the weekend. I acquired theoretical bases, application internships and learned the value and meaning of work.

4. You have worked both in France and in China, can you briefly describe the differences between the French and Chinese working methods?

We are talking about different cultures, different ways of working, different work efficiencies but each one works in its own way.

You have to know how to adapt and to the cultures but also to the people because you shouldn't generalize either 😉

5. In your career you had to adapt to different functionings, what quality according to you is essential to successfully integrate in a different culture/functioning?

You have to be flexible, stay curious and be interested in a caring way. 

I learned to speak Chinese fluently on the spot and to learn the rites and customs which allowed me to integrate better.

6. Do you have an anecdote to tell us about this ?

To close the chapter of integration in Shanghai, and thanks to the help of the TBS network, I was able to organize an event in the house of the Consul in Shanghai to promote Occitania: business schools, engineering schools and other associations represented in Occitania, we were able to gather a hundred people to talk about the integration of our community in Shanghai.

7. You are now a member of the TBSA board of directors, what made you decide to apply? And how does the network help you on a daily basis?

I have been involved in the Shanghai Chapter since 2015 and it is in the continuity that I wanted to get more involved by returning to France. The network helps us to feel supported, helped, and above all it is benevolent! I love meeting new people, and the network has allowed me to expand my network on a personal and professional level. For a trivial or strategic question, there is always someone to help you! 

8. Do you have a last word for our readers?

It can be discreet, present, latent or active, the Alumni network is always there to help!

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