[ITL People] Mr. Thomas An – Cargo Sales Executive, ITL Aviation Logistics

“After the time in Cambodia, I realize that: “Go far to grow” – when you step out of your comfort zone, you grow from within. For me, every step forward is not only a mark of personal growth, but also a way for me to actively accompany ITL and contribute to its long-term development journey.”

• It is known that you have spent a short time working in Cambodia. Looking back on this journey, what are you most proud of from the past year and what is the most valuable lesson you have learned?

My time working in Cambodia has marked a major turning point in my career. Despite facing many challenges, looking back, I feel proud that I haven’t let that opportunity pass me by. A completely new working environment has required me to overcome numerous difficulties, but that is also when I have learned the most. From the very first steps stepping out of my comfort zone, I have learned how to adapt, make independent decisions, and take responsibility like a true manager.

A prime example is the successful launch of our first shipment with Aztec Airways (AZ) from Cambodia. I have convinced our customer to use the Virtual Airline service while overcoming numerous challenges in operations, document handling, and processes related to finance and accounting, everything is new and demanding for me. However the result that I have achieved is the successful shipment that later has become a stable cargo flow for the AZ.

• Having been with ITL until now, how do you reflect on your career development journey? What has inspired you to keep pushing forward and stay committed to pursuing your goals to the very end?

As a member of ITL Management Trainee Program (MTP) HAN 2023, I have the opportunity to take part in various courses on mindset and soft skills, and more importantly, to challenge myself with tasks beyond my area of expertise. In addition, I have spent a year learning and growing with the AVS team, gaining experience with several Airline products within the team. These experiences have equipped me with a strong foundation to be ready to support ITL Aviation Cambodia team. I understand that opportunities don’t always come when we feel fully prepared. Sometimes, they arrive to test our readiness. And I choose to seize it.

Clear goals: From the very beginning, I have clearly defined what I want to achieve in Cambodia – from building SOPs, expanding product portfolios, to developing the customer base. Breaking down the goals into smaller, achievable steps has helped me stay on the right track. Whenever I face challenges, those goals become my anchor, motivating me to keep moving forward.

Determination: Once I set goals for each phase, I always strive to achieve them through my own initiative, along with the valuable guidance and support from my managers and colleagues.

Strategic planing: I have spent time to study the market, observe cargo flows, the agents in charge, analyze competitors’ strengths and weaknesses in order to better understand the position of the product I am developing. Once I have a clear picture of the overall landscape, I feel confident in building a plan and staying on the right track.

• After this milestone in Cambodia, what is the next goal you have set for yourself in terms of personal growth and your contributions to ITL?

After the time in Cambodia, I realize that: “Go far to grow” – when you step out of your comfort zone, you grow from within. I have not only gained a deeper understanding of my responsibilities but also reshaped  how I perceive and approach my work.

Therefore, my next personal goal is to develop myself more comprehensively, not only by deepening my professional knowledge but also by preparing and strengthening skills in other areas.  I believe that with a strong foundation, I can contribute effectively in any working environment at ITL.

As for ITL, I’m truly grateful, especially to the MTP for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to gain such a valuable experience. After the journey in Cambodia, I feel an even stronger desire to contribute more with everything I have. I’m always ready to take on any task or challenge the company entrusts me with.

For me, every step forward is not only a mark of personal growth, but also a way for me to actively accompany ITL and contribute to its long-term development journey.