NovoStory - William Choo

Today, we have the pleasure of talking with William Choo, a Senior Project Manager at Novotech. Based in Singapore, William has been with us for four years and was recently awarded the NovoWay Award for his outstanding contributions. We're excited to learn more about his journey and experiences at Novotech.

William, to start, what initially attracted you to work at Novotech?

I joined about four years ago, just before COVID. At the time, there wasn't a work-from-home policy, but since the Singapore office didn't have a physical location, the flexibility to work from home was a big attraction. It also aligned with my goals for career growth and taking on a regional role. Flexibility was key for balancing work with family care, and that's how I came to join Novotech.

Flexibility is a big draw, especially when balancing family and work. Reflecting on your time here, what would you say has been a memorable moment?

One memorable moment was when I first started. Novotech was a smaller, more regional company back then, and there was a steep learning curve. I worked closely with teams across different countries, which I really enjoyed. That regional exposure and the close teamwork stand out as highlights from those early days. Even as the company has grown and merged, those initial experiences shaped my journey here.

That sounds like a formative time for you. Moving on, how do you feel your work has positively impacted clinical trials and patient outcomes?

A lot of my work has focused on rare disease studies. One example is a project on paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH). Although that study was terminated early, we received feedback from investigators who were disappointed because they saw the product helping patients. In clinical trials, it often takes 10 to 15 years for a product to be commercialized, so you don't always see the immediate impact. Hearing that the investigators noticed improvements in patients was encouraging and a reminder that our day-to-day work can have a real effect, even in the short term.

That’s a significant impact. Could you briefly explain what PNH is?

Sure. PNH is a rare condition where red blood cells break down. Patients often notice dark urine in the morning due to hemolysis, which is the breakdown of those red blood cells. It's a serious condition, and our study aimed to explore potential treatments.

Thanks for that context. How far along was the PNH study when it was shut down?

It was a phase 2 study, and we'd been working on it since mid-2021. The sponsor decided to shift focus to another, more promising product. So, while that particular study ended, we transitioned to working on the new product, still under the same sponsor.

It's good to see that even with changes, your team remains involved in impactful work. Speaking of teams, how important is team support in your role?

Team support is essential. As a project manager, I can do all the planning, but it's the local teams in each country who execute those plans. You can have the best strategy, but without effective execution, it won't succeed. Achievements come from the team, and when everyone aligns and performs well, it makes my job much easier. If the team doesn't perform, it leads to communication issues, escalations, and potential trust problems with clients. So, I rely heavily on the team's performance.

Team alignment is clearly crucial. How has Novotech supported your personal growth during your time here?

My line managers have been very supportive of my growth. Even though I've had a few different managers over the years, they've all trusted me to make decisions and grow in my role. The flexibility and trust they've given me have been instrumental in helping me develop both personally and professionally.

It's great to hear that Novotech has supported you throughout your journey. Lastly, can you share a fun fact about your experience here?

A fun fact ties back to the flexibility of working at Novotech. I have two young kids, and being able to work from home allows me to manage both my personal and professional responsibilities. That flexibility has made it possible for me to pursue my career while also being present for my family, which I truly appreciate.

That's wonderful, William. Flexibility and growth seem to be recurring themes in your journey. Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights. Congratulations again on your NovoWay Award, and we look forward to seeing your continued impact at Novotech.

Interview by Renato Gonzalez