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Rasheed Doad
Director - Business Development & Strategic Alliances
In the dynamic landscape of business, a leader plays a pivotal role in steering the organization towards success. A business leader is responsible for setting the vision, providing strategic direction, and fostering a culture that empowers and motivates the team to achieve their goals. They must possess a combination of vision, adaptability, and effective communication skills to navigate the challenges of the business world.
Now, let's introduce Rasheed Doad, the Director of Business Development & Strategic Alliances at Singapore First Aid Training Centre. Rasheed's journey began as a paramedic with the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), where he honed his skills responding to various emergency medical calls across Singapore. Notably, he was selected as one of the pioneers for the Fast Response Paramedic program, showcasing his dedication and capability in handling critical situations.
After six years on the front lines, Rasheed recognized the pressing need for public awareness on emergency response and first aid. This realization fueled his decision to transition into the training domain, where he could actively contribute to spreading life-saving knowledge. Leaving the SCDF behind, Rasheed took on the role of Director at the Singapore First Aid Training Centre.
In his capacity as a business leader, Rasheed has played a crucial role in steering the growth and success of the training center. Under his guidance, the center annually trains over 25,000 individuals from Singapore and across Asia. Expanding the reach of their expertise, the organization has ventured into Malaysia with the brand '1 Accelerate,' primarily serving the healthcare sector by delivering internationally recognized certification courses for hospitals and prehospital care.
Rasheed's leadership extends beyond the healthcare sector, encompassing non-healthcare industries such as offshore, oil & gas, education, & more, where first aid & life support certifications are essential
Rasheed's leadership extends beyond the healthcare sector, encompassing non-healthcare industries such as offshore, oil and gas, education, and more, where first aid and life support certifications are essential. Through his strategic vision and commitment to spreading knowledge, Rasheed has transformed the Singapore First Aid Training Centre into a beacon of excellence, making a significant impact on both individuals and organizations seeking essential life-saving skills. Let’s hear from him.
Could you share with us the distinctive experiences that Curtin University provides, and what insights did you gain from the campus that go beyond academic learning?
As a well-established institution, Curtin University attracts students of exceptional caliber, including those with professional experience. I was fortunate to be part of a cohort that included such individuals. Beyond the academic knowledge acquired, I had the privilege of tapping into the diverse experiences of my fellow cohort members. This exposure provided valuable insights into how the lessons learned in the classroom could be applied in real-life situations. For a young Rasheed, this experience was truly enlightening and remains one of the most significant takeaways from my educational journey at Curtin University.
The lecturers at Curtin University played a crucial role in enhancing our critical thinking and problem-solving skills through various class assignments. The abilities developed through these assignments proved exceptionally beneficial when tackling challenging issues, both during my tenure in the SCDF and in managing my businesses.
How would you characterize Singapore First Aid Training Centre as an organization and its current standing in the market?
We aspire to be the industry leaders in first aid training and take pride in consistently spearheading various initiatives. Our track record is marked by several pioneering achievements: we hold the record for the first mass CPR training in 2010, became the inaugural American Heart Association training center in Singapore in 2008, secured the first private training center certification by the Singapore Resuscitation and First Aid Council in Basic Cardiac Life Support program (2006), Automated External Defibrillator program (2007), and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Program (2011). We were also the first ITLS training center in Singapore (2012), the inaugural Marine Port Authority-approved training center for STCW Medical Care Onboard Ship courses (2013), and the first National Safety Council training center in Singapore (2023). In this vein, we consistently strive not only to excel within the industry but also to provide comprehensive training solutions for various sectors requiring first aid, emergency response, and medical training.
My personal background has acquainted me with the fragility of life and the swift changes that can occur in a split second. Having dealt with life-and-death situations firsthand has shaped the person I am today. Consequently, at Singapore First Aid Training Centre, our perspective on saving lives stems from a profound understanding of these realities. We take immense pride in being dedicated to the business of saving lives. Every facet of our organizational efforts revolves around making a tangible impact through training and creating a difference. While it only takes saving one life to make it all worthwhile, we are privileged to have numerous real-life success stories where our learners and students share their 'save' experiences. Our team is deeply committed to this mission, consistently inspiring one another to amplify the positive impact we make through our training programs.
Share with us your approach to leadership. What principles or methodologies guide your leadership style?
My 26 years of experience in the workforce have underscored the importance of versatility in leadership, particularly in the contemporary landscape. At Singapore First Aid Training Centre, our team comprises individuals from various generations, necessitating the application of diverse leadership styles. I continuously adapt and make adjustments to ensure that my leadership approach remains relevant to the entire team.
While I acknowledge that I am not perfect and am consistently learning, there are certain qualities that I have consistently upheld over the years. These include authenticity, transparency, a commitment to always telling the truth regardless of difficulty, respecting every team member, being readily available to assist them, maintaining a hands-on approach, not hesitating to get involved in tasks alongside the team, and ensuring that every day provides a reason for the team to smile. I firmly believe that when people have faith in their leader, they will walk alongside them and give their best.
What is the ultimate destination you are aiming for in the future?
In the midst of the AI era, where technology knows no limits, I perceive numerous significant opportunities. My vision extends beyond merely expanding training outreach; it involves leveraging technology to impact more individuals in less time. This period is particularly thrilling for us as we actively explore diverse avenues to create innovative learning aids and tools, aiming to revolutionize our approach to training in the very near future.
Given your extensive experience in the industry, what counsel would you offer to emerging leaders?
Prioritize continuous self-improvement. Maintain both physical and mental well-being. Set an example through your actions. Earn the trust of your team authentically. Show genuine care for their well-being. Provide sincere support, motivation, and keep their enthusiasm alive. Your team relies on your leadership. Strive to be the kind of leader that others are willing to follow in any challenging situation.
Rasheed Doad, Director - Business Development & Strategic Alliances, Singapore First Aid Training Centre
Rasheed, a paramedic, trainer, business owner, leader, marketer, speaker, writer, inventor, auditor, course developer, and family driver cum handyman, resides with his remarkable family of nine, including himself, his wife, five children, and his mother and aunt. A notable detail about him is that he previously resided in Malaysia for nearly seven years when expanding the office to Kuala Lumpur. However, he resettled in Singapore in 2020, precisely one week before the Circuit Breaker (lockdown) took effect.