Tan Soo Ling

President and Director

Interface Solution Sdn Bhd

machinery and equipment supply manufacturing

Malaysia

⭐ Leaders at a Glance

Leaders at a Glance

Stepping forward as President and Director of Interface Solution Sdn Bhd, Tan Soo Ling brings a dynamic, strategic vision to the corporate solutions sector in Malaysia. Bridging high-level operational leadership with modern enterprise frameworks, she cultivates environments that redefine stakeholder engagement, anchoring long-term growth and high standards of excellence across the board.

Name: Tan Soo Ling
Designation: President and Director
Company: Interface Solution Sdn Bhd
Industry: machinery and equipment supply manufacturing
Country: Malaysia

Tan Soo Ling-Visionary Women Leaders of Asia 2026

Businesses rarely lose relevance overnight. More often, they outgrow the thinking that once made them successful. Many leaders continue refining familiar models until the market forces them to change. A smaller number recognise those shifts early, question their own assumptions and choose to evolve before necessity leaves them with no other option. Tan Soo Ling, President and Director of Interface Solution Sdn. Bhd., belongs firmly in the latter group. Over nearly two decades, she has guided the company beyond its origins as a sourcing business, building it into a technology and engineering partner that serves the semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and renewable energy & storage sectors across Southeast Asia. Every stage of that journey reflects a leadership philosophy grounded in curiosity, disciplined thinking and continuous learning rather than comfort or convention. Pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration while leading a growing organisation further reflects her belief that experience alone should never become a substitute for fresh perspective. In this conversation with The Portfolio Magazine, Tan Soo Ling reflects on transformation, decision-making, innovation and the kind of leadership that creates lasting value by never assuming yesterday’s answers will solve tomorrow’s challenges.

Looking back, which decision changed your business and shaped you as a leader?

Building Interface Solution has been the defining journey of my career because it challenged me to rethink what real value looks like. We began as a sourcing company, helping customers identify products and coordinate suppliers. Growing customer expectations soon made it clear that supplying products alone would never be enough, as increasingly complex manufacturing environments demanded technical expertise and long-term support. Recognising that shift encouraged us to invest in engineering expertise, equipment modernisation, automation and lifecycle solutions, allowing us to become a trusted technology partner rather than simply a supplier. Every step of that transformation changed the way I lead. Experience has taught me that lasting growth depends on questioning familiar business models before market forces force you to change them. Real leadership begins when you are willing to rethink your own assumptions.

Helping customers improve their business has always been your priority. What philosophy has guided that journey?

Every customer challenge deserves to be understood before any solution is recommended because lasting results rarely come from selling the most expensive option. Conversations always begin by understanding where operational costs, production risks and long-term opportunities exist. Many organisations assume ageing equipment should be replaced immediately, yet careful evaluation often shows that upgrading controls, software or selected components delivers better value while reducing investment and production disruption. Seeing customers achieve stronger outcomes through practical decisions has reinforced one important lesson throughout my career. Trust grows when advice is driven by genuine business needs rather than sales targets, and profitable partnerships naturally follow when both sides focus on creating sustainable value instead of quick commercial wins.

“Leadership is not having absolute certainty. Leadership is creating clarity and direction when certainty is not possible.”

Uncertainty tests every leader. Which experience changed your leadership the most?

Periods of uncertainty reshaped my leadership more than any successful project ever could. Early in my career, I believed responsibility meant having all the answers and being closely involved in every decision. Experience gradually showed me that excessive control limits both people and organisations by slowing decision-making and discouraging initiative. Listening became far more important than directing, allowing different perspectives to strengthen every major decision. Important choices now begin by examining available evidence, identifying missing information and understanding whether the real problem is being addressed rather than simply reacting to immediate pressure. Confidence still matters, but humility matters just as much because no leader sees every angle. Strong leadership comes from creating clarity when complete certainty simply does not exist.

Technology is transforming manufacturing at an incredible pace. Which opportunity excites you most?

Artificial intelligence, advanced automation and intelligent energy management are opening remarkable opportunities across manufacturing and the semiconductor industry. Every innovation has the potential to improve productivity, reduce downtime and strengthen decision-making, yet successful implementation depends on much more than adopting new technology. Skilled people, reliable data, disciplined processes and strong cybersecurity determine whether those investments deliver meaningful results. Building partnerships with technology providers has become equally important, as collaboration often yields better solutions than working alone. Innovation should never be pursued simply because it is new. Lasting progress comes from applying technology responsibly, solving genuine operational challenges and creating measurable value for customers.

As your journey continues, what legacy do you hope your leadership leaves behind?

Continuous learning has become one of the most valuable influences on my leadership because every new experience challenges long-held assumptions and encourages better decisions. Pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration has strengthened that mindset by connecting academic thinking with practical business experience. Growth, however, has never been my ultimate goal. Building an organisation that continues creating value long after my own leadership journey ends remains far more meaningful. Interface Solution should be recognised for technical excellence, ethical leadership, and meaningful customer partnerships–particularly as we support the region’s transition towards sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing–while creating opportunities for future leaders to question, learn, and innovate with confidence. Seeing the next generation take the organisation further than I ever could would represent my greatest achievement because leadership is ultimately measured by the people you develop and the opportunities you leave behind, not simply by the business you build.