A world where the demand for ceramic products is steadily on the rise, it takes innovation, commitment, and most importantly, a dedicated team to navigate the challenges and lead a company to success. Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry Limited (FWCIL), has not only recognised this but also executed a vision that has propelled the company to new heights.
In an exclusive interview with Ceramic Bangladesh (CB), Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan shared his remarkable journey, the importance of teamwork, and the strategies he employed to make Fu-Wang Ceramic a major player in the industry.
From a Commercial Officer to CEO
Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan’s journey at Fu-Wang Ceramic began in 2000 when he joined as a Commercial Officer. His path from there to the CEO’s office is a testament to his dedication and the nurturing environment of Fu-Wang. Over the years, he steadily climbed the corporate ladder, serving in various capacities such as Senior Officer, Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and General Manager. He was not confined to a single department; he embraced the opportunity to work across different functions, including marketing and administration. This holistic experience laid the foundation for his leadership role as the CEO, which he assumed in 2018.
As CEO, Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan emphasised the importance of open communication and collaboration within the organisation. He conducts daily meetings with department heads and fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. This hands-on approach, combined with his extensive experience, has enabled Fu-Wang Ceramic to flourish and strengthen its presence in the market.
A Remarkable Success Story
Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan’s journey at Fu-Wang Ceramic has been marked by numerous achievements. In 2004, he was awarded “the best employee of the year” among several companies within the Fu-Wang group, a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. He embraced every challenge as an opportunity for growth and development, approaching his work with a well-defined roadmap, proper techniques, and determination. His ultimate goal is to establish Fu-Wang as the top ceramic brand in the country and expand its presence on the international stage in the coming years. He offers valuable advice to those considering a career in the ceramics industry. Completing a diploma in ceramics is a crucial step, given the industry’s expanding market and competitiveness.
While not all universities offer programmes in ceramics, graduates from various backgrounds can still find a place in the industry. What’s vital, he stressed, is a collaborative effort to support both personal and company development. Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan also highlights the challenge of excessive social media use by employees, which can affect productivity.
Obstacles and the Path Forward
One of the significant challenges faced by the ceramics industry in Bangladesh is the gap between academia and industry. Despite a large demographic dividend in the country, there is a shortage of skilled manpower in factories. To address this issue, Fu-Wang Ceramic offers students opportunities for internships at their factory, with job offers based on performance. This approach not only bridges the gap but also contributes to the creation of much-needed employment. Even though various initiatives have been taken from both public and private levels to come down the gap between industry and academia in recent times it is not adequate considering the current situation. Now job trend has been somewhat changed, thanks to fourth industrial revolution.
Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry has consistently achieved an impressive annual growth rate, manufacturing products for both the mass market and high-end segments, including industries, universities, shopping malls, apartments, hotels, and offices. The company has introduced high-quality brands such as Picasso guided by European and Asian technologists.
Tiles are generally used for covering and glazing roofs, floors, and walls of buildings and other establishments as well. Now the demand for the ceramic products is increasing day by day in both rural and urban areas due to change of people’s lifestyles and increase in per capita income. However, the Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry has created a good number of employments in the country. The company’s products are manufactured in the factory of Gazipur.
While the ceramic industry in Bangladesh has great potential, it faces several challenges. These include incoherent fiscal laws and practices, inconsistent gas pressure, erratic power supply, abnormal increases in gas prices, frequent electricity tariff hike, and a prevailing foreign exchange (dollar) crisis. Additionally, the global economic climate has impacted ceramic product sales. Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan has called for government support, including removal of Supplementary Duty (SD) on local ceramic products, uninterrupted gas supply, reliable electricity, and policies to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and enhance transparency in business operations to foster economic growth.
Role of Transparency and Accountability
Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan pointed out that many ceramic companies are absent from the stock market, emphasising that transparency and accountability are crucial when entering the stock market. Listing companies can attract foreign investments, which would contribute to the industry’s growth. To strengthen the presence in both local and international markets, the ceramic sector requires robust policy support. Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan expressed his ambition to expand Fu-Wang Ceramic’s reach and deliver innovative products to the market in the future.
The success of Fu-Wang Ceramic Industry Limited is a testament to the power of teamwork, innovation, and dedicated leadership. Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan’s journey, from a commercial officer to the CEO, serves as an inspiration for aspiring professionals in the ceramics industry. His commitment to excellence, open communication with the team, and determination to overcome challenges enabled Fu-Wang Ceramic to flourish in the country. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, Rafiquzzaman Bhuiyan’s vision and commitment are poised to make Fu-Wang Ceramic a global leader in the ceramic industry.
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