To be acknowledged by your boss for a job well done is a usual thing to be proud of, but to be praised by your boss in a speech in front of a crowd… that’s something more!

Surprisingly, Ms Agudo's speech did not end there. She actually mentioned the names of her commendable employees who play a big part in the development of the entire company. One of the Hyundai staff who received such sweet affirmation was Samantha Shelley Chua.

                                                                           Hyundai CEO and President, Ms. Fe Agudo

In college, Sam was your typical student-athlete who would go straight to the court right after class to play football.  As the captain ball of the football team, Sam considered playing for her University the highlight of her college life.  She was also a competent member of the UA&P Womens’ Futsal Team, which represents the University in the Women's National Collegiate Athletic Association.

But despite juggling time for sports and school work, Sam never lost focus on her real business in school.  “Sam is a versatile student,” says Ms. Jodie Ngo, Sam’s professor in Finance.  “She did well in her academics and played futsal really well.”   Aiming to get a firm background on management in the corporate world, Sam knew there was so much for her to learn in UA&P.  Dividing her time for two things she loved -- sports and studies-- trained this young athlete to efficiently divide her attention without sacrificing the quality of her outputs.

On her 5th year in the Master of Science in Management program, Sam underwent internship at Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc., the official distributor of Hyundai vehicles in the Philippines.  Little did she know that this internship would grant her a career even before getting her diploma in 2010.   “We were 3 interns and all of us were absorbed,” recalls Sam.  “Intern pa lang, siya (Ms. Agudo)  na nag-interview sa amin, and then she chose the three of us. She already outlined kung anong gusto nyang ipagawa sa amin.”

Anyone who needs to talk to the CEO of Hyundai Asia needs to first deal with Sam, the soft-spoken and organized Executive Assistant of Ms.Agudo.  “My main task is to handle her time, her schedule,” says Sam of the position she‘s been holding since July 2010. “I also help her in gathering info, making reports…I relay info from different managers to her.  Mainly, the middleman.”

When Sam was absorbed by Hyundai, she was first assigned in the Corporate Communications division of the company.  The passion and efficiency she exuded while helping out in the development of Hyundai’s loyalty program were seen and valued by the Hyundai CEO.  After three months, Ms. Agudo handpicked Sam to be her Executive Assistant.

 “If there’s an event, I usually accompany the President,” shares Sam. “During a car launch, for example, or the Hyundai Run.  When there’s a party for our beneficiaries, I usually go with her.”   Sam’s work entails a lot of dealing with the public, and she is thankful that UA&P developed her presentation skills and trained her to carry herself in a decent way during socials. 

Aside from the fact that UA&P is nearest to where she lives, Sam still clearly remembers why she considered her mother’s opinion in carefully choosing her University.  “My Mom also wanted UA&P,” recalls Sam.  And until today she believes that the holistic nature of UA&P education is something she will forever value. “It teaches you a lot of things,” says the proud alumna. “It teaches you a little something about everything.”

There’s a big room for growth awaiting our young alumna’s blossoming career.  Having been blessed with a good start in a big company and the right attitude towards work, there’s no doubt Sam is on the right track. 

As her Finance professor puts it, “The CEO and President of Hyundai is very much proud of her and so is UA&P.”