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I began learning how to tell stories—first through speeches, then through writing. Over time, storytelling became part of my daily life, not only as a writer, but also in my career as an engineer and an organizational manager. Stories helped me explain ideas, lead teams, and connect with people on a human level.
Over the years, I have collected thousands of stories—from the workplace, from remote sites, from leadership moments, from failure and growth. Many of these stories were never written down. They lived only in memory.
At one point in my life, I was also an archer. I owned more than ten bows and, through archery, gained friendships, fellowship, and unforgettable experiences. Those moments shaped who I am today.
I realized something important:
If I do not write, these stories will slowly disappear.
That is the real reason I love writing—not to be famous, but to preserve experiences, honor people I have met, and leave a trace of a life fully lived.
Writing is how stories survive.
#WritingJourney #Storytelling #Toastmasters #PersonalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #EngineeringLife #LifeLessons #ArcheryLife #Authenticity #WriteToRemember
“All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.”
—sounds simple, but it carries a profound lesson about truth, craft, and discipline in writing.
Hemingway is reminding writers that great writing does not begin with clever language or complex ideas. It begins with truth. A “true sentence” is one that is honest—emotionally, intellectually, and morally. It reflects something you genuinely know or have lived, not something borrowed or exaggerated.
Writing can feel overwhelming. Hemingway reduces the task to something manageable: one sentence. Not a perfect paragraph. Not a masterpiece. Just one sentence that is undeniably true. From that single honest sentence, the rest of the writing can grow naturally.
Hemingway believed that the strongest writing comes from direct experience—what you have seen, felt, suffered, or learned. Even if the subject is simple, if it is true, it carries weight. Readers can sense authenticity.
Once you write one true sentence, it becomes an anchor. You can trust it. Then you write the next sentence with the same honesty. This approach prevents empty writing and keeps you grounded, especially when doubt or fear appears.
This quote is not an excuse for minimal effort. It is a discipline. Writing the truest sentence you know requires courage—to face reality, admit uncertainty, and resist pretension.
Hemingway is saying:
Don’t try to impress.
Don’t try to perform.
Tell the truth—one sentence at a time.
That is how real writing begins, and how it endures.
Only a handful of writers had documented the industry over the years, such as Mahbob Abdullah and Leslie Davidson. Beyond their work, much of the daily reality of estate and mill life remained untold.
Yet, life in the estate is filled with memories, challenges, and unique experiences—stories worth preserving and sharing with the world.
There was a time when Malaysia was the world’s number one palm oil producer, before Indonesia overtook the position in 2003. The industry was built by dedicated people working quietly behind the scenes, often far from cities and recognition.
Palm oil is not an industry that Malaysians alone should appreciate. The world should recognize it too. Together, Malaysia and Indonesia contribute nearly 70% of the global palm oil supply, making palm oil one of the most important vegetable oils feeding and supporting the world today.
This blog is my way of sharing those stories—of people, places, and life in the palm oil industry—so they are not forgotten.
Cyril Connolly’s quote—
“Better to write for yourself and have no public, than write for the public and have no self.”
—speaks about authenticity, integrity, and the purpose of creative work.
When you write for yourself, you are guided by your inner voice—your values, beliefs, curiosity, and truth. Even if no one reads it, the writing still has meaning because it is honest. You remain whole as a person and as a thinker.
In this sense, writing becomes an act of self-discovery and self-respect, not a performance.
Writing purely to please an audience can slowly push you to:
Say what is popular, not what is true
Follow trends instead of convictions
Shape your voice to expectations rather than insight
Over time, this can lead to creative emptiness—you may gain readers, likes, or applause, but lose clarity about who you really are and what you actually believe.
Connolly is not saying that having an audience is bad. He is warning against sacrificing your inner compass for external approval. Fame, reach, and validation are fragile. Your inner voice is not.
A writer without a public still has a self.
A writer without a self has nothing solid to offer the public.
Ironically, the most powerful writing that reaches others often begins with radical honesty to oneself. When you write truthfully, readers who resonate with that truth will eventually find you.
Write to be real first.
Let the audience come second.
In short, Connolly reminds us that authenticity is more valuable than popularity, and that losing yourself is a far greater cost than being unread.
#Authenticity #Writing #LeadershipThoughts #PersonalGrowth #CreativeIntegrity #SelfReflection
#ThoughtLeadership #PurposeDriven #InnerVoice
Recently, I read a reflection shared by a fellow engineer about the health challenges he faced in 2025.
He worked tirelessly to protect plant safety—yet unknowingly neglected his own health.
Until one day, his body forced him to stop.
Health has no spare parts.
No backup system.
His story resonated deeply with me—because I have walked the same path.
In 2021, shortly after the COVID-19 period, I was diagnosed with a slip disc.
Long hours sitting in online meetings took their toll. I spent three days alone at Hospital Lahad Datu, unable to move, trapped in severe pain. Turning left or right was impossible. Walking was out of the question.
During treatment, I underwent lumbar traction with a 20kg load.
Only on the third day did the pain slowly subside—just enough for me to stand and walk to the bathroom.
That moment changed my life.
From then on, my daily routine shifted completely.
Work, then lie down.
Rest, then lie down again.
Fear controlled my movement.
I avoided activity, worried it would worsen the slip disc.
Throughout 2022 to early 2023, my weight increased, energy dropped, and my body weakened.
I realized something was wrong.
I needed a way out.
So I found a new interest.
Through Facebook, I joined motorcycle groups—especially touring communities. The idea of long-distance riding fascinated me. I dreamed of owning a QJ800, but budget reality led me to a second-hand Benelli TRK251 instead.
That decision changed everything.
I bought the bike from a teacher in Kudat, took a bus to Kota Kinabalu, and rode back to Lahad Datu—eight hours on the road.
My first long ride since university days.
Back then, I used to ride an EX5 from Pengkalan Chepa to USM Engineering Campus in Seri Iskandar, and later to Nibong Tebal—nearly 400km on challenging roads.
But riding a 180kg touring bike across Sabah was a completely new experience.
Painful? Yes.
Eye-opening? Absolutely.
That was the birth of Borneo Rider.
I began riding solo—weekend trips to Semporna and Tawau.
Joined Sabah motorcycle groups on WhatsApp and Facebook.
Attended Sabah Motor Day 2024, meeting riders who shared the same passion.
In 2023, I discovered another passion: camping.
I brought my family camping to places like SCCA, Taliwas, and Danum Valley. Bought our first tent. Then equipment—piece by piece—until a Hilux was fully loaded with camping gear.
We started with wild camping, slowly evolving into glamping.
Using whatever we had. Learning as we went.
I joined Lahad Datu Camp Meet 1.0, co-organized with Sabah Triton Xpedition (STX).
Camped in Taliwas, then SCCA.
In 2024, I joined the 2nd STX Jamboree to Long Pasia—a journey that fulfilled my determination to explore Sabah.
At the end of 2023, from 23 to 31 December, I completed a 9-day 360° Sabah journey with my sons—driving around the entire state, camping at beautiful locations.
A once-in-a-lifetime experience I never imagined possible.
The STX Jamboree to Long Pasia was another unforgettable chapter.
Despite driving a Hilux, we were warmly welcomed by the STX community, especially their president and members.
After nearly 15 years of driving 4WD, I realized there were still skills I had never learned.
On a slippery trail to Long Pasia, I got stuck—and friends taught me the correct way to engage 4WD.
That lesson saved us from a dangerous situation.
Looking back—from 2023 through 2025—so many meaningful moments happened.
Life was lived. Days were filled. Memories were created.
When I reflect, I can only say: Alhamdulillah.
So many blessings I never expected.
If I had continued lying down, worrying about pain, doing nothing—none of this would have happened.
Did the pain disappear?
Yes—because life became too full to focus on it.
Is the slip disc still there?
Yes.
And it serves as a reminder:
Life is not long. Appreciate every moment.
Live fully.
Give your best every day.
There is no time for endless pain, sorrow, or regret.
So—where are we heading in 2026?
Kembara 2026 begins.
With more journeys, more stories, and more unforgettable memories.
#LiveNow #HealthFirst #LifeReflection #EngineersLife #PersonalJourney #Resilience #FindYourWay
#MotorcycleLife #BorneoRider #CampingLife #4WDLife #FamilyAdventure #Kembara2026 #GratefulHeart #LifeWellLived
Here’s a clear explanation:
When you do what you love, your actions come from genuine passion, not obligation. People can feel authenticity:
Your enthusiasm is natural, not forced
Your commitment feels sincere
Your energy becomes contagious
Authentic passion resonates more strongly than words.
Choosing what you love often requires bravery:
Going against expectations
Taking a less popular path
Staying committed despite challenges
When others see someone living truthfully, it silently gives them permission to be themselves too.
People who love what they do tend to:
Go deeper in their work
Care about quality
Persist through difficulties
Excellence born from passion becomes a living example, inspiring others to raise their own standards.
Many people carry hidden dreams they’ve buried due to fear, routine, or responsibility.
Seeing someone pursue what they love can:
Remind them of forgotten ambitions
Spark reflection: “What do I truly care about?”
Reignite hope and curiosity
Your journey becomes a mirror for theirs.
Inspiration is not about fame or recognition. It’s about impact:
A colleague becomes more motivated
A junior gains confidence
Someone chooses growth over comfort
You may never know who you inspire — but your sincerity travels further than you realize.
#DoWhatYouLove #PurposeDriven #PassionWithPurpose #MeaningfulWork #InspireOthers #LeadByExample #PositiveImpact #AwakenHearts #GrowthMindset #PersonalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #AuthenticLiving #LeadershipJourney #ProfessionalGrowth #CareerWithPurpose #IntentionalLiving
“Live your life to the fullest potential” means choosing to live intentionally, courageously, and meaningfully, rather than passively letting life happen.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what it truly implies:
Every person has unique strengths, talents, experiences, and perspectives. Living to your fullest potential starts with self-awareness:
What are you naturally good at?
What values matter most to you?
What kind of impact do you want to leave?
Potential is not about comparison with others — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself.
Living fully means owning your choices:
Accepting that your decisions shape your future
Stopping the habit of blaming circumstances, people, or the past
Choosing growth even when it’s uncomfortable
Responsibility is empowering — it gives you control.
Growth happens where fear and excitement meet:
Trying new things
Taking calculated risks
Accepting failure as feedback, not defeat
A comfortable life may feel safe, but a meaningful life requires courage.
Living to your fullest potential means committing to lifelong learning:
Improving skills
Expanding knowledge
Strengthening emotional and mental resilience
Growth is not a destination — it’s a daily practice.
A full life isn’t measured by wealth or status alone, but by meaning:
Doing work that matters
Contributing to others
Living according to your values
When actions align with purpose, fulfillment follows naturally.
Human connection gives life depth:
Be present with family and friends
Give more than you take
Learn from others’ perspectives
Success feels empty when it’s not shared.
Living fully doesn’t mean chasing nonstop achievement:
Be grateful for where you are
Celebrate small wins
Find joy in simple moments
The future is shaped today, but life is lived now.
ia menjadi satu pegangan dan kepercayaan yang tidak boleh dikompromi.
Standard yang diperkenalkan amat tinggi.
Jauh lebih tinggi daripada apa yang biasa diamalkan oleh industri tempatan.
Dan pematuhan bukan satu pilihan — ia satu kewajipan mutlak.
Antara keperluan utama ialah memastikan semua pembekal dan kontraktor
kompeten, diperakui, dan patuh sepenuhnya kepada standard keselamatan yang ketat.
Bagi kami di Lahad Datu, ini bukan cabaran biasa.
Ia adalah cabaran struktur dan ekosistem.
Lahad Datu bukan bandar industri petroleum seperti Kota Kinabalu atau Sipitang.
Realitinya:
• Pembekal bertauliah sangat terhad
• Rigger bertauliah hampir tiada
• Penyelia angkat (lifting supervisor) sukar ditemui
• Peralatan khas amat terhad
• Jarak jauh dan logistik mencabar
• Kos sangat tinggi
Namun, keselamatan tidak berunding dengan geografi.
Dan ia tidak tunduk kepada keselesaan.
Maka, perjalanan transformasi pun bermula.
Kami tidak bermula dengan ugutan atau menamatkan kontrak.
Kami bermula dengan pemahaman dan pembinaan keupayaan.
Semua pembekal dan kontraktor dipanggil.
Kami jelaskan secara terbuka dan jelas apakah keperluan keselamatan baharu — dan mengapa ia penting.
Kami tidak sekadar menuntut pematuhan.
Kami membantu mereka mencapainya.
Jika mereka tiada pakaian perlindungan tahan api — kami pinjamkan.
Jika mereka tidak tahu di mana mendapatkan PPE yang patuh — kami tunjukkan.
Apabila rigger dan penyelia angkat bertauliah diperlukan —
kami membawa jurulatih dari Kota Kinabalu dan menjalankan latihan rigging dalaman.
Kami menghantar jurutera kami sendiri ke Terengganu —
bukan untuk prestij,
tetapi untuk menjadi penyelia angkat yang diperakui.
Pelan angkatan (lifting plan) rasmi diwajibkan.
Setiap angkatan direka secara kejuruteraan.
Setiap kren diperiksa tanpa kompromi.
Tiada pengecualian.
Ada ketika kami terpaksa menggerakkan satu daripada hanya dua kren khas di seluruh Sabah
hanya untuk menjalankan pemeriksaan ketebalan pada cerobong dandang setinggi 42 meter.
Kosnya sangat tinggi.
Logistiknya melelahkan.
Namun kami tidak pernah ragu.
Kerana keselamatan tidak pernah mahal —
kemalanganlah yang sebenarnya mahal.
Tahun pertama amat mencabar.
Kemajuan perlahan.
Tentangan wujud.
Ada yang mengatakan standard ini tidak realistik.
Ada yang percaya ia mustahil dilaksanakan di Lahad Datu.
Namun konsistensi mengatasi tentangan.
Selepas lebih dua tahun transformasi berterusan, perubahan mula kelihatan dengan jelas.
• Pembekal kompeten kini tersedia
• Kontraktor tempatan telah berkembang
• Budaya keselamatan tidak lagi bersifat projek — ia telah berakar
Mereka tidak bekerja selamat hanya apabila bersama kami.
Mereka membawa budaya keselamatan yang sama ke mana sahaja mereka pergi.
Standard tinggi kami menjadi dikenali — bermula di Lahad Datu, kemudian ke seluruh Sabah.
“Above the industry standard” bukan lagi slogan.
Ia menjadi identiti kami.
Reputasi inilah yang menyumbang kepada penerimaan Golden Hat Award pertama dalam syarikat.
Namun anugerah bukan matlamat utama.
Pencapaian sebenar adalah ini:
Sejak akhir 2022, kami merekodkan
Sifar kemalangan.
Sifar kecederaan.
Sifar kehilangan masa bekerja (LTI).
Pekerja bekerja dengan lebih yakin.
Kepercayaan terhadap sistem semakin kukuh.
Pemilikan keselamatan wujud di setiap peringkat.
Dan itulah kejayaan sebenar.
Kerana kejayaan keselamatan yang hakiki bukan trofi atau pengiktirafan.
Bukan audit atau sijil.
Ia adalah apabila setiap insan pulang ke rumah dengan selamat — setiap hari.
Itulah kepimpinan.
Itulah budaya.
Itulah legasi.
#KepimpinanKeselamatan #TransformasiKeselamatan #AboveIndustryStandard #SifarKemalangan
#KecemerlanganOperasi #KeselamatanKontraktor
#KepimpinanKejuruteraan #StandardMinyakDanGas
#KeselamatanIndustri #BudayaKeselamatan
#PenambahbaikanBerterusan #HSELeadership
#MembinaKeupayaanTempatan #KeselamatanSebagaiNilai
One of the key requirements was ensuring that all suppliers and contractors were competent, certified, and fully compliant with strict safety standards.
For us in Lahad Datu, this was a major challenge.
Lahad Datu is not a petroleum-based industrial town like Kota Kinabalu or Sipitang. Qualified vendors, competent contractors, certified riggers, lifting supervisors, and specialized equipment were limited. Distances were far, logistics were difficult, and costs were high.
But safety does not negotiate with geography.
So the journey began.
We called in every supplier and contractor. We explained clearly what the new safety requirements were—and what level they needed to reach. We didn’t just demand compliance; we provided support.
If they didn’t have fire-retardant coveralls, we loaned them ours.
We shared where to purchase compliant PPE.
When competent riggers and lifting supervisors were required, we brought trainers from Kota Kinabalu and conducted in-house rigging training.
We sent our engineers all the way to Terengganu to be certified as lifting supervisors.
We began implementing formal lifting plans.
Every crane had to meet the required safety standards—no exceptions.
There were times when we had to mobilize one of only two specialized cranes available in Sabah just to perform thickness inspection on a 42-meter boiler chimney. The cost was extremely high.
But we never hesitated.
Because safety was worth it.
The first year was tough. Finding vendors who could meet our safety expectations was difficult. Progress was slow, and resistance was real.
But after more than two years of consistent transformation, the change became visible.
Today, competent vendors are available.
Local contractors have grown with us.
They are no longer compliant only when working with us—but carry the same safety culture wherever they go.
Our high safety standards became known within Lahad Datu and across Sabah.
They became our identity.
That reputation played a role in us receiving our first Golden Hat Award within the company.
Our guiding principle has always been clear:
“Above the industry standard.”
And most importantly—since the end of 2022, we have recorded zero accidents.
No injuries.
No lost time incidents.
People work with greater confidence.
Trust in the system has grown.
And that, above all, is the greatest achievement.
Because true safety success is not awards or recognition—
It is when everyone goes home safe.
#SafetyLeadership #SafetyTransformation #AboveIndustryStandard #ZeroAccident #OperationalExcellence #ContractorSafety #EngineeringLeadership #OilAndGasStandards #IndustrialSafety #LeadershipInAction #SafetyCulture #ContinuousImprovement
