PRAXEDES JOHN MATAYUN @ FELICIA

Senior Group Manager

Accounts & Finance Services Division (YS/ICSB) PRAXEDES JOHN MATAYUN @ FELICIA Senior Group Manager Accounts & Finance Services Division (YS/ICSB)

“My story with Yayasan Sabah began on 2 September 1985. I graduated from UiTM when Yayasan Sabah Group offered me the post of Accounts Officer. Fast forward to 2017, the then Senior Group Manager, Human Resources & Corporate Services (YS/ICSB), Datuk Hajah Rosmawati Haji Lasuki, approached me to be appointed as the Group Manager, Accounts & Finance Services Division (Yayasan Sabah). I was stunned because I was more junior than the other three senior account officers before me, but I took the opportunity and challenge. So, I told Datuk Hajah Rosmawati that I would try my best to carry the huge responsibilities.

I am blessed to have had a dedicated Accounts & Finance Services Division team all these years. With solid teamwork, we were able to conquer the job challenges! I am proud to say the whole staff in Yayasan Sabah Group are very committed to contributing towards the Group’s vision and mission.

There are ups and down. It is not easy to find the balance between being firm and at the same time empathising with our staff situations. Along the way, being the head of the division with 67 staff (TBC) to supervise can be a headache too! But I accept it as part and parcel of my job. It can be stressful managing our team, but whenever I feel overwhelmed, I pray to God to give me the strength and wisdom to carry out my duties.

The most challenging task is consolidating the Group’s account for the Account General Department (AGD) because it involves getting financial reports from more than 77 subsidiaries! For years we were unable to meet the AGD’s deadline, but after 2017 I am pleased to say that we managed to meet the deadline. Of course, we have to reorganise our workflow and be more proactive in getting the financial reports from our subsidiaries.

I have so many sweet memories with the Group. My most fond memories were during my younger days when I was active in netball sport and represented the Group in Pesta Sukan Antara Negeri SeMalaysia (PESAYA). I enjoyed the game and the friendship. Back then, the Group sportsmanship was outstanding! We emerged PESAYA champions eight times! Every time we win PESAYA, I feel so proud to be the staff of Yayasan Sabah Group. I hope the Group will bring back the glory in sports with the upcoming PESAYA 2023. The Management should organise more sports tournaments to scout new talent among our younger staff.

Having been with Yayasan Sabah Group for more than 37 years, I will miss working with the team, but at the same time, I am looking forward to retirement. Travelling has always been my passion, and I plan to start travelling again after retiring, especially now that COVID-19 is under control. I plan to travel to Eastern Europe and catch up with my family this time. I will take my time, slow down my pace and then once I am ready, I may start small businesses to occupy my time. After retiring, I will take one step at a time. I want to enjoy my retirement.

I advise all Yayasan Sabah Group staff to do their work with discipline and dedication. Understand your job requirement because each of you plays a vital role as a team in achieving the Group’s vision and mission. It’s a team effort. Remember, we are paid to do the work. Be thankful for the job, and make do with what we have. Yayasan Sabah Group will flourish if we play the part with commitment.”