Suresh Vaithilingam: A Tenacious Trailblazer Revolutionizing CNC Machining with Passion, Precision, and Purpose

Suresh Vaithilingam, CEO, Setsu Precision Technology

In the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship, success doesn’t come easy. It takes a heaping dose of hard work, a cup of determination, and a pinch of luck, all simmered over the heat of persistence. Along the way, you might burn a few attempts, and sometimes the flavor of failure is hard to swallow. Yet, those who think on their feet, adapt to changing tides, and keep pushing forward are the ones who ultimately savor the taste of victory. Sure, there will be curveballs, but a true entrepreneur rolls with the punches, learns the ropes, and turns setbacks into stepping stones toward success. One such tenacious entrepreneur whose indomitable spirit and ability to persevere through challenges sets him apart as a true leader in his field is Suresh Vaithilingam, the CEO of Setsu Precision Technology. 

Growing up in a humble household, Suresh learned early on that success doesn’t come on a silver platter. His mother, a strict disciplinarian who valued a solid educational foundation above all, instilled in him the values of diligence and perseverance. From a young age, Suresh was driven by a desire to excel and achieve what seemed impossible. This drive, combined with his love for sports and leadership spurred him to take on leadership roles such as President of the Form 6 Society and Assistant Head Prefect at a prominent school. Alongside these responsibilities, he excelled in sports, becoming a state middle-distance runner, captain of the school hockey team, and district tennis player. Balancing academics with athletic pursuits taught him the art of effective time management and nurtured personal growth. These experiences not only honed his leadership skills but also instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and commitment.

Despite coming from humble beginnings, Suresh refused to let poverty hold him back. Instead, he used these challenges as stepping stones, developing an iron will that strengthened his resolve to push boundaries. Suresh’s belief in the power of education and sports is something he has passed on to his children, who are now achieving even greater heights. “Witnessing their success reaffirms my belief that learning is power, and determination is the key to success. These principles have been instrumental in shaping my career and guiding me as a visionary leader,” asserts Suresh. 

A Prolific Journey with a Series Of Milestones 

Suresh’s passion for numbers and technical subjects led him to pursue a degree in engineering, a dream that he had nurtured since childhood. Graduating from UPM in 1996 with a 2nd Class Upper degree, he was recognized as a top student and received the prestigious UMW-Toyota Award. This enthusiasm for engineering, particularly advanced engineering, fueled his career. He commenced his professional journey as a Mechanical Designer at Sony, where he gained invaluable hands-on experience that further propelled him into roles such as Engineering Manager at Alcoa and later as Senior Operations Manager at IDS. During his tenure at IDS, Suresh pursued an MBA at the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. With each role, he honed his skills and deepened his industry knowledge, swiftly climbing up the corporate ladder within a decade. But, the desire to challenge himself and test his capabilities led Suresh to pursue a new dream: running his own company.  This ambition coupled with his deep-rooted passion for engineering ultimately led him to become the CEO of Setsu Precision Technology, where he continues to drive innovation and excellence.

Lessons from the Trenches

Over the past 25 years, Suresh has come to realize that people are the greatest asset an entrepreneur can have. A visionary leader doesn’t just identify talents but places individuals in roles where they can thrive and continuously work on their development. This human-centered approach has been pivotal in his leadership style, shaping his efforts to build a cohesive and motivated team at Setsu Precision Technology. Suresh’s path to success, however, was not without its share of hurdles and hard-learned lessons. Like many ambitious leaders, he initially fell into the trap of unrealistic expectations, anticipating immediate miracles from fresh recruits. This experience taught him a valuable lesson: talent, no matter how promising, needs careful nurturing to truly flourish.  “I realized that continuous motivation and education are essential for growth. It’s not enough to simply bring in talent; you must nurture and develop it consistently,” elaborates Suresh.

Another pivotal lesson came from a significant misstep: investing in technology without having robust processes, systems, and trained personnel in place. This approach proved disastrous, teaching him the value of perseverance and the necessity of building a strong foundation before embracing technological advancements.

Fostering A Culture Of Sustainability And Community Engagement

As a leader, Suresh firmly believes that corporate responsibility should extend beyond profit margins to embrace environmental stewardship and social impact. “Sustainability and community service are not just business strategies—they are a reflection of my core values and my commitment to leaving a positive impact on the world. Community service is the heartbeat of our corporate ethos. It reminds us daily that we’re not just a company, but a member of a larger community with responsibilities beyond our factory walls,” Suresh reflects. This philosophy is clearly evident in Setsu’s operations. In 2019, Setsu obtained ISO 14001:2015 certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental sustainability. To ensure that CNC machining, a resource-intensive process, remains environmentally friendly, it has implemented several key measures, including efficient resource utilization and comprehensive recycling programs. 

Besides this, Setsu actively contributes to the local community and Malaysia’s broader manufacturing ecosystem. The company organizes regular blood donation drives, encouraging team members to contribute to local healthcare needs. They’ve also taken up tree-planting projects to green their surroundings and promote environmental stewardship. Furthermore, Setsu supports nearby orphanage centres by donating and serving food, aiming to improve the lives of underprivileged children. “These efforts reflect our commitment to social responsibility and our belief in giving back to the community. By fostering a culture of sustainability and community engagement, Setsu aims to set an example within the industry and contribute positively to Malaysia’s manufacturing ecosystem,” opines Suresh.

Leadership Anchored in Values 

When it comes to leadership, Suresh embraces a bold inclusive approach with a strong focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). He dedicates 40% of his time to decision-making, actively steering Setsu Precision Technology toward its goals. His passion for leadership was ignited early on by John C. Maxwell’s “Leadership Within You,” a book that continues to inspire him today. Suresh emphasizes the importance of leading by example and working harder than anyone else to inspire others. “Over the years, my leadership has evolved to focus more on empowering my team and fostering a collaborative environment. I believe in clear communication and regularly share my vision with key team members to align our goals and build a cohesive unit,” states Suresh. 

His commitment extends beyond the boardroom; he often walks the production floor, engaging with workers in person to understand their perspectives. This hands-on approach helps him stay connected with every facet of the company. He also maintains a rigorous focus on deadlines and technological advancements, ensuring that Setsu remains at the forefront of innovation. For Suresh, integrity is non-negotiable. “Honoring my word is paramount to me; it builds credibility and trust, which are essential for effective leadership,” he adds. Always with an eye on the horizon, Suresh believes in continuous learning to stay ahead in the ever-changing business landscape. By living these values, he aims to inspire his team, drive excellence, and ensure sustainable growth for Setsu.

Balancing Professional Ambitions with Personal Pursuits

Striking a delicate equilibrium between professional ambitions and personal well-being is no easy feat, even for someone as driven as Suresh. Yet he manages to walk this tightrope with a blend of strategic mindfulness and ingenuity. His motivation and drive as CEO, particularly during challenging times, stem from a deep-rooted belief in DREAM, which stands for Divine Revelation Empowering A Man. Suresh finds inspiration in this philosophy and in seminal works like “The Magic of Thinking Big” by David J. Schwartz, which underscores the power of vision and positivity in overcoming obstacles—principles that Suresh has seamlessly woven into his leadership at Setsu. The book’s emphasis on the power of vision and positivity has not only helped Suresh overcome obstacles but has also been integrated into the company’s culture, inspiring his team to think big and push boundaries.

His genuine passion for Advanced Engineering keeps his drive alive, transforming challenges into stepping stones for growth. To maintain a balanced life amidst the demands of leadership, Suresh adopts a methodical approach. He meticulously manages his time with strategic multitasking—juggling calls during commutes, brainstorming ideas during workouts, and absorbing knowledge efficiently with tools like Blinkist during downtime. Outside of work, Suresh finds rejuvenation through his love for mountaineering, an activity that not only challenges him physically but also offers precious family time. He fondly remembers a recent hike up a tough mountain trail. The journey was tough but exhilarating, and the sense of achievement at the summit was even sweeter because he was sharing it with his family. As he prepares to climb Mount Fuji with his family, Suresh looks forward to another chance to blend his love for adventure with cherished family time.

Pioneering New Horizons with Ambitious Initiatives

Guided by Suresh’s visionary leadership, Setsu Precision Technology has reached significant milestones, driving innovation and growth on a global scale. Setsu proudly clinched the MSMA (Malaysia Smart Manufacturing Award 2023), solidifying its position as a leader in smart manufacturing. These accolades highlight Setsu’s commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology like OEE and AGV to advance in the CNC machining industry.

Looking ahead, Suresh is excited about several upcoming initiatives that align with his visionary goals for Setsu. One major objective is to achieve a “Dark Factory” status in the second shift by 2030. This ambitious plan involves automating production processes to such a degree that minimal human intervention is required, thus setting a new benchmark in manufacturing efficiency. He is steadfast in his commitment to advancing processes, systems, and multi-axis machines to achieve unmatched precision, aiming for components with 3 microns or lesser accuracy in a cleanroom environment. Alongside technical advancements, Suresh prioritizes fostering a supportive workplace culture that encourages growth and rewards dedication, ensuring Setsu’s team flourishes alongside the company’s success. Meanwhile, he also plans to explore new markets and expand Setsu’s global presence, bolstering financial stability through strategic investments.

As Suresh reflects on his journey so far, he acknowledges how past experiences have prepared him for the future challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “By aligning personal aspirations with these strategic goals, I aim to lead Setsu towards sustained success, driving innovation, and delivering exceptional value to all stakeholders,” shares Suresh.  As he leads Setsu towards a future of technological excellence and global expansion, he draws inspiration from the words of Winston Churchill: “The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty.” Suresh’s journey is a testament to this mindset, and he encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges with resilience and optimism, using each setback as a stepping stone to their next success.