Pindah kerja

Pindah atau Lompat Kerja? Sebuah Dilema Kerjaya

Seorang rakan pernah mengadu kepada saya. Sudah beberapa tahun beliau bekerja di tempat yang sama, namun kenaikan gaji dan bonus seolah-olah terhenti. Lalu beliau bertanya kepada saya satu soalan yang sangat biasa didengar dalam dunia kerjaya:

“Lebih baik saya kekal di tempat kerja sekarang, atau lompat ke tempat lain? Atau mungkin berhenti dan mulakan perniagaan?”

Seperti biasa, saya memilih untuk tidak menjawab secara ringkas. Saya katakan kepadanya:

"Saya akan tulis satu perkongsian tentang perkara ini."

Selepas saya tamat pengajian, perjalanan kerjaya saya membawa saya merentasi pelbagai industri dan organisasi. Jika disenaraikan secara ringkas, inilah antara tempat kerja yang pernah saya lalui:

1. Kilang besi
2. Pusat jualan aircond
3. Kilang cakera media
4. Kilang sawit 1
5. Kilang sawit 2
6. Kilang sawit 3
7. Kilang sawit 4
8. Kilang sawit 5
9. Kilang penapis 1
10. Kilang sawit 6
11. Kilang penapis 2
12. Kilang penapis 3
13. Kilang penapis 4
14. Kilang penapis 5
15. Kilang penapis 6

Secara keseluruhannya, hampir lapan syarikat telah menjadi sebahagian daripada perjalanan kerjaya saya.

Jadi jika ditanya kepada saya tentang lompat kerja, saya mungkin antara orang yang sudah melakukannya berkali-kali. Bukan sekali dua berpindah tempat kerja dan kilang, tetapi berkali-kali sepanjang perjalanan kerjaya.

Lalu persoalannya:

Adakah lompat kerja itu baik?

Jawapannya mudah, tetapi juga kompleks.

Ya… dan juga tidak.

Segalanya bergantung kepada keadaan.

Hakikatnya, soalan ini menjadi lebih mudah dijawab apabila kita sudah mempunyai tawaran kerja sebagai pilihan. Tanpa pilihan, kita sebenarnya hanya berada dalam keadaan tidak puas hati, bukan membuat keputusan strategik.

Tentang pilihan memulakan perniagaan, saya akui secara jujur bahawa saya bukanlah pakar dalam bidang tersebut. Saya sendiri pernah cuba memulakan sebuah projek perniagaan, namun tidak berjaya seperti yang diharapkan. Akhirnya saya mengambil keputusan untuk memberi fokus sepenuhnya kepada membina kerjaya dalam bidang kejuruteraan.

Jika kita ingin berpindah kerja, kita tidak boleh membuat keputusan hanya berdasarkan emosi atau rasa tidak puas hati. Kita perlu melakukan kajian dan analisa yang mendalam.

Bandingkan secara menyeluruh antara pilihan yang ada.

Stay atau lompat?

Setiap pilihan mempunyai kelebihan dan kekurangan yang perlu dinilai secara holistik dan menyeluruh.

Sebagai contoh, jika kita ditawarkan pekerjaan di luar negara, pelbagai perkara perlu diambil kira:

• Struktur cukai negara tersebut
• Berapakah take-home pay sebenar selepas cukai
• Adakah cukai tersebut ditanggung oleh majikan
• Kemudahan simpanan hari tua atau pension
• Insurance kesihatan
• Kemudahan pengangkutan
• Perumahan
• Elaun pendidikan anak-anak

Semua ini perlu diambil kira.

Ia bukan sekadar gaji asas semata-mata.

Dalam pengalaman saya, industri kilang sawit sebenarnya menawarkan pelbagai kemudahan yang jarang ditemui dalam industri lain. Rumah, utiliti, kemudahan kesihatan dan komuniti kerja sering menjadi nilai tambah yang besar.

Namun selain kemudahan, satu perkara yang sering dilupakan ialah:

Budaya dan pengurusan syarikat.

Bagaimana gaya kepimpinan?
Bagaimana etika kerja?
Bagaimana hubungan antara pekerja dan pengurusan?

Semua ini memainkan peranan besar dalam kesejahteraan kerjaya jangka panjang.

Di tempat kerja sedia ada, kita sudah mengenali hampir semua orang. Kita memahami budaya kerja, rentak organisasi dan cara komunikasi antara jabatan.

Tetapi apabila kita berpindah ke tempat baru, segala-galanya bermula dari sifar.

Kita perlu menyesuaikan diri dengan suasana baru.
Membina hubungan dengan pihak atasan dan bawahan.
Memahami budaya organisasi.

Semua ini memerlukan masa, chemistry dan kemahiran interpersonal yang tinggi.

Akhirnya, keputusan untuk kekal, berpindah atau memulakan sesuatu yang baru bukanlah sekadar keputusan kerjaya.

Ia adalah keputusan tentang arah kehidupan.

Kadangkala keberanian untuk berpindah membuka peluang yang lebih besar.

Namun kadangkala juga, kesetiaan dan kesabaran di tempat yang sama membawa kita kepada kematangan dan kedudukan yang lebih tinggi.

Yang penting bukan sekadar ke mana kita pergi, tetapi siapa kita sedang menjadi sepanjang perjalanan itu.

Kerana pada akhirnya, kerjaya bukan sekadar tentang gaji.

Ia tentang pertumbuhan, maruah, pengalaman dan makna kehidupan.

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#CareerJourney
#EngineeringLife
#CareerDecision
#JobHopping
#PalmOilIndustry
#ProfessionalGrowth
#LeadershipJourney
#EngineerLife
#CareerReflection
#LinkedInMalaysia

CEM Certified Energy Manager

To become a Certified Energy Manager (CEM), you need a combination of education, professional experience, training, and passing a certification exam. The most recognized certification globally is offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

Below is a clear step-by-step pathway.

1. Understand the Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

The Certified Energy Manager (CEM) is an internationally recognized certification for professionals responsible for energy efficiency, energy cost reduction, and sustainability management in industries and buildings.

CEM professionals typically work in:

Industrial plants

Power generation facilities

Manufacturing companies

Oil & gas facilities

Palm oil mills

Large commercial buildings

Many senior engineers, facility managers, and plant managers pursue this certification.

2. Meet the Eligibility Requirements

The Association of Energy Engineers requires both education and experience.

Typical requirements:

Education Work Experience Needed

Engineering Degree 3 years related experience

Technical Degree 4 years experience

Diploma 5 years experience

No degree 10 years experience

Your Mechanical Engineering background and industrial plant experience already meet the eligibility criteria.

3. Attend CEM Training (Recommended)

Candidates usually attend a CEM training program (about 5 days) before taking the exam.

Training covers:

Energy Management Fundamentals

Energy accounting

Energy performance indicators (EnPI)

Electrical Systems

Motors and drives

Power factor improvement

Electrical distribution

Mechanical Systems

Boilers

Steam systems

Pumps and fans

Compressed air systems

Thermal Systems

Combustion efficiency

Waste heat recovery

Insulation and heat loss

Building Energy Systems

HVAC

Lighting systems

Energy Economics

Life cycle cost analysis

Payback calculations

Energy project evaluation

For someone with boiler and plant experience like you, the steam and thermal sections will be very familiar.

4. Pass the CEM Examination

The exam is conducted by the Association of Energy Engineers.

Typical format:

4 hours exam

130 multiple choice questions

Passing score ~ 70%

Topics include:

Energy audits

Boilers and steam systems

Electrical energy management

HVAC systems

Renewable energy

Energy economics

5. Submit Certification Application

After passing the exam, you must submit:

Education documents

Professional experience details

Completed application form

Certification fee

Once approved, you officially become a:

Certified Energy Manager (CEM).

6. Maintain Certification

CEM must be renewed every 3 years by:

Continuing professional development

Energy-related work

Training or conferences

This ensures energy managers stay updated with new technologies.

7. Other Energy Manager Certifications (Malaysia)

If you plan to work in Malaysia, another important certification is:

Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM)

Under the Energy Commission Malaysia (Suruhanjaya Tenaga).

This is required for companies classified as Large Energy Consumers.

However:

REEM focuses more on electrical energy

CEM covers complete energy systems (thermal + electrical)

8. Industries That Need Energy Managers

Energy Managers are highly valued in industries such as:

Palm oil mills

Oleochemical plants

Petrochemical plants

Manufacturing plants

Data centers

Large commercial buildings

Your experience in boilers, utilities, and plant operations fits perfectly with industrial energy management.

9. Example Energy Manager Work in Palm Oil Plants

Typical energy optimization projects:

Boiler combustion optimization

Steam system balancing

Turbine efficiency improvement

Heat recovery systems

Reducing electrical consumption per ton of FFB

Energy managers often save companies millions in operational costs.

✅ My honest assessment for you

Based on your background as:

Mechanical engineer

Production manager

Head of facility

Boiler and steam system experience

You are already operating at 60–70% of the knowledge required for energy management.

Getting CEM certification would simply formalize your expertise.

Energy Manager

What Is an Energy Manager?

An Energy Manager is a professional responsible for monitoring, controlling, and optimizing energy use in an organization such as factories, buildings, plants, or large facilities. The main goal is to reduce energy consumption, lower operational costs, and improve energy efficiency without affecting productivity.

Energy managers are very important in industries with high energy consumption such as:

• Manufacturing plants
• Palm oil mills
• Refineries
• Commercial buildings
• Hospitals and universities

Since you have experience in industrial operations and facilities management, the role of Energy Manager is actually very close to your background.

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Main Responsibilities of an Energy Manager

1. Energy Monitoring

They track how energy is used across systems such as:

• Boilers
• Turbines
• Motors
• HVAC systems
• Lighting
• Compressed air systems

Example in industry:

• Monitoring steam consumption in boiler operations
• Tracking electricity use per ton of production

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2. Energy Efficiency Improvement

They identify opportunities to reduce energy waste.

Examples:

• Optimizing boiler combustion efficiency
• Installing variable speed drives (VSD) on motors
• Improving insulation on steam pipes
• Heat recovery systems

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3. Energy Audits

Conducting energy audits to identify where energy losses occur.

Types:

• Walk-through audit
• Detailed technical audit
• Investment-grade audit

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4. Energy Policy and Strategy

Developing a long-term energy management plan, including:

• Energy targets
• Carbon reduction strategies
• Sustainability initiatives

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5. Compliance and Reporting

Ensuring the company complies with regulations such as:

• Energy Efficiency regulations
• Carbon emission reporting
• Sustainability reporting

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Skills Needed to Be an Energy Manager

Typical skills include:

Technical Skills

• Thermodynamics
• Heat transfer
• Electrical systems
• Boiler and steam systems
• HVAC systems
• Energy monitoring systems

Analytical Skills

• Energy data analysis
• Energy performance indicators (EnPI)
• Cost-benefit analysis

Management Skills

• Project management
• Energy policy development
• Sustainability planning

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Certification for Energy Manager

Many countries have formal certification programs.

Common examples:

1. Certified Energy Manager (CEM)
   Offered by the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE).

2. Registered Electrical Energy Manager (REEM)
   Used in some Asian countries.

3. ISO 50001 Energy Management System Lead Implementer

4. Government energy manager certifications depending on the country.

In Malaysia, many companies require Energy Manager certification under energy efficiency regulations for large energy users.

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Can You Become an Energy Manager?

Based on your background (mechanical engineering, production manager, facility head in palm oil industry), yes — you are actually very suitable.

Your experience likely already involves:

• Boiler operations
• Steam systems
• Power generation
• Industrial utilities
• Plant efficiency

These are core energy management areas.

In fact, many energy managers come from mechanical engineers in plant operations.

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Example Energy Projects in Palm Oil Industry

Typical projects you might manage:

• Boiler efficiency improvement
• Turbine optimization
• Steam trap inspection program
• Waste heat recovery
• Biomass energy optimization (EFB, fiber, shell)
• Reducing electricity consumption in mills

Palm oil mills are actually energy self-sufficient plants, making them perfect environments for energy managers.

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Benefits of Becoming an Energy Manager

Career Advantages

• High demand globally
• Important role in sustainability
• Opportunities in large industries

Financial Benefits for Companies

Energy managers can reduce 10–30% energy costs.

For example:

• If a plant spends RM10 million/year on energy
• A 10% saving = RM1 million saved annually

That is why companies value this role.

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My Honest Opinion (Based on Your Profile)

With your background in:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Boiler & superheater systems
• Industrial operations
• Production management

You could become not just an Energy Manager, but potentially a Chief Energy Manager or Sustainability Leader in an industrial group.

Especially in industries like:

• Palm oil mills
• Oleochemical plants
• Refineries
• Large manufacturing facility

Balik Kampung Mana?

Balik Kampung Raya – Antara Hati, Jarak dan Kemampuan

Setiap kali menjelang Hari Raya, satu soalan yang sering muncul dalam keluarga kami: “Tahun ini balik kampung mana?”

Saya orang Kelantan, isteri pula berasal dari Tuaran, Sabah. Sepanjang perjalanan kerjaya, kami pernah menetap di pelbagai tempat — Lahad Datu, Miri, Sandakan, Nilai, Pasir Gudang, dan akhirnya kembali semula ke Sabah. Kini keluarga menetap di Negeri Sembilan.

Jadi, setiap kali raya menjelma, persoalan pulang ke kampung bukan sekadar soal pilihan… tetapi soal jarak, masa dan kemampuan.

Semasa awal perkahwinan, ketika kami masih berdua, saya pernah berkata:
“Senang saja… kita balik kampung ikut giliran.”

Tetapi realitinya tidak semudah kata-kata.

Apabila jarak memisahkan Semenanjung Malaysia dan Sabah, kos perjalanan bukan lagi ratusan ringgit — tetapi boleh mencecah ribuan ringgit. Tambahan pula apabila anak semakin bertambah, dari seorang ke dua, dari dua ke tiga… harga tiket kapal terbang juga semakin “membesar” bersama mereka.

Lebih mencabar, penerbangan pula jarang direct dari Lahad Datu ke Kelantan. Kadang-kadang perlu transit di Kuala Lumpur. Walaupun tiket ditempah awal, harga tetap boleh melonjak dua atau tiga kali ganda menjelang musim raya.

Akhirnya, balik kampung setiap kali raya menjadi satu keputusan yang perlu difikirkan dengan sangat teliti.

Ada masa saya menggunakan peruntukan perjalanan syarikat untuk pulang beraya kerana kosnya yang sangat tinggi. Namun ada juga ketika harga tiket terlalu mahal sehingga saya sendiri tidak sanggup untuk pulang.

Jika berada di Sabah, biasanya kami akan balik ke Tuaran, kerana perjalanan darat lebih murah berbanding terbang merentas Laut China Selatan.

Ada juga tahun-tahun tertentu, kerana kekangan kerja, kami tidak pulang ke mana-mana. Raya disambut sederhana di Lahad Datu bersama keluarga kecil kami. Hari raya diisi dengan menziarahi rakan-rakan dan kenalan di sana.

Tahun ini, memandangkan keluarga menetap di Negeri Sembilan, besar kemungkinan kami akan pulang ke Kota Bharu. Untuk pulang ke Tuaran pula, bajet masih belum mengizinkan.

Hakikatnya, tidak semua yang kita inginkan mampu kita tunaikan.
Faktor kewangan dan kekangan kerja sering menjadi penentu kepada setiap keputusan.

Namun satu perkara yang pasti…

Kedua-dua belah keluarga sentiasa menantikan kepulangan kami.

Apabila kami pulang, suasana rumah berubah menjadi lebih meriah. Bukan kerana kami istimewa, tetapi kerana kami yang paling jauh dari mereka semua.

Anak-anak pula pastinya paling gembira — dapat bertemu sepupu sepapat, bermain tanpa henti dari pagi hingga malam.

Dan yang paling bahagia tentunya ibu dan ayah, apabila dapat melihat anak cucu pulang memeriahkan Hari Raya.

Jadi jika ditanya lagi:
“Tahun ini balik kampung mana?”

Jawapannya mudah.

Tanya dulu duit dalam poket.

Kalau tak cukup, tak perlu paksa diri untuk balik mana-mana.
Kalau ada rezeki lebih, baliklah ikut giliran.
Kalau bajet sekadar cukup makan, pulanglah ke kampung yang paling dekat.

Panduan ini khas untuk pasangan yang dipisahkan oleh Semenanjung Malaysia dan Kepulauan Borneo.

Kalau duduk sebelah rumah pun masih bergaduh nak balik kampung mana…

Memang kena hempuk dengan alu lesung lah jawabnya. 😄

#BalikKampungRaya
#CeritaPerantau
#KeluargaDanPengorbanan
#RayaDiPerantauan
#SabahKelantan
#AnakPerantau
#RealitiKehidupan
#SyukurApaAdanya
#KeluargaBahagia
#Aidilfitri

Going Home for Raya

Going Home for Raya – Between Distance, Heart and Reality

Every time Hari Raya approaches, the same question appears in our family:

“Which hometown are we going back to this year?”

I am from Kelantan, while my wife is from Tuaran, Sabah. Throughout my career, we have lived in many places — Lahad Datu, Miri, Sandakan, Nilai, and Pasir Gudang — before eventually returning to Sabah. Now our family is settled in Negeri Sembilan.

So every time Raya comes, the question of going back to our hometown is not just about choice. It is about distance, time, and affordability.

In the early days of our marriage, when it was just the two of us, I once said:

“Simple… we’ll just take turns going back to our hometowns.”

But reality is never that simple.

When your families are separated by the South China Sea, travel costs are no longer hundreds of ringgit — they can easily reach thousands. As our children grew from one to two, and then more, the cost of flight tickets seemed to grow along with them.

To make things even more challenging, flights are rarely direct from Lahad Datu to Kelantan. Most of the time we have to transit in Kuala Lumpur. Even when tickets are booked early, prices can still jump two or three times higher as the festive season approaches.

Because of that, going back for Raya often becomes a decision that requires careful thought.

There were times when I used company travel budgets to return home for Raya because the costs were simply too high. But there were also years when ticket prices were so expensive that I chose not to go back at all.

When we were in Sabah, we usually returned to Tuaran, since traveling by road is far cheaper than flying across the South China Sea.

There were also years when work commitments made it impossible to travel anywhere. During those times, we celebrated Raya quietly in Lahad Datu with our small family. We spent the day visiting friends and colleagues who were also far from their hometowns.

This year, since our family is based in Negeri Sembilan, we will most likely return to Kota Bharu. Going back to Tuaran this time may have to wait, as the budget does not allow it yet.

The truth is, not everything we wish for is something we can afford to do.

Financial realities and work commitments often shape the decisions we make.

But one thing is certain.

Both sides of our families always look forward to our return.

When we do come home, it brings a special joy to everyone. Not because we are special, but because we are the ones living the farthest away.

The children, of course, are the happiest. They finally get to meet their cousins, play together endlessly, and create memories they will remember for years.

And most importantly, our parents feel the greatest joy, seeing their children and grandchildren returning home to brighten the celebration of Hari Raya.

So if someone asks again:

“Which hometown are you going back to this year?”

The answer is simple.

First, ask the money in your pocket.

If it’s not enough, don’t force yourself to go anywhere.
If you are blessed with extra, then follow the turn-taking plan.
If the budget is just enough, go to the closest hometown.

This little guide is especially for couples separated by Peninsular Malaysia and the island of Borneo.

But if you live next door to both families and still argue about where to go…

Well… maybe you deserve a friendly “alu lesung” reminder. 😄

#BalikKampung
#RayaJourney
#LifeOfAMigrant
#FamilyFirst
#RayaStories
#SabahToKelantan
#HariRayaReflections
#GratefulHeart
#FamilyMoments
#Aidilfitri

Wanita dalam Al Quran

Dalam Al-Quran, banyak surah yang menyentuh secara khusus atau kuat tentang wanita – kedudukan mereka, hak, tanggungjawab, maruah dan kisah teladan wanita solehah. Antara surah yang paling menekankan perihal wanita ialah:

1. Surah An-Nisa’ (Wanita)

Ini adalah surah yang paling banyak membincangkan tentang wanita.

Perkara yang dibincangkan:

Hak wanita dalam perkahwinan

Hak wanita dalam pembahagian harta pusaka

Perlindungan terhadap anak yatim perempuan

Keadilan dalam poligami

Tanggungjawab suami terhadap isteri

Contoh ayat penting:

“Dan bergaullah dengan mereka (isteri-isteri) dengan cara yang baik.”

(Surah An-Nisa’ 4:19)

Surah ini menunjukkan bahawa Islam memberi hak dan perlindungan kepada wanita, terutama dalam keluarga.

2. Surah An-Nur

Surah ini sangat menekankan maruah dan kehormatan wanita.

Antara perkara utama:

Larangan zina

Hukuman terhadap fitnah zina

Adab berpakaian dan menutup aurat

Perintah menundukkan pandangan

Fitnah terhadap Saidatina Aisyah

Ayat penting:

“Dan katakanlah kepada perempuan yang beriman agar mereka menjaga pandangan dan memelihara kehormatan mereka…”

(Surah An-Nur 24:31)

Surah ini menjadi panduan akhlak dan adab sosial dalam masyarakat.

3. Surah Al-Ahzab

Surah ini juga banyak membicarakan kedudukan wanita Muslimah.

Antara isi penting:

Adab wanita Islam

Kedudukan isteri-isteri Nabi

Perintah menutup aurat dengan sempurna

Nilai kesucian dan kehormatan wanita

Ayat terkenal:

“Wahai Nabi, katakanlah kepada isteri-isterimu, anak-anak perempuanmu dan wanita-wanita mukmin supaya mereka melabuhkan jilbab mereka.”

(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:59)

4. Surah Maryam

Surah ini menampilkan kisah wanita paling suci dalam sejarah – Maryam binti Imran.

Pengajaran utama:

Kesucian diri

Keimanan yang kuat

Kesabaran menghadapi fitnah masyarakat

Kekuatan wanita menghadapi ujian

Maryam adalah antara wanita paling dimuliakan dalam Al-Quran.

5. Surah At-Tahrim

Dalam surah ini terdapat contoh wanita yang baik dan wanita yang ingkar.

Allah menyebut:

Isteri Nabi Nuh dan Nabi Lut sebagai contoh wanita yang kufur

Isteri Firaun (Asiyah) sebagai contoh wanita beriman

Maryam sebagai wanita suci

Ini menunjukkan bahawa nilai seseorang wanita dinilai melalui iman, bukan kedudukan atau suaminya.

6. Surah Al-Mujadilah

Surah ini bermula dengan kisah seorang wanita yang mengadu kepada Nabi tentang suaminya.

Allah berfirman:

“Sesungguhnya Allah telah mendengar perkataan wanita yang mengajukan gugatan kepada engkau tentang suaminya…”

(Surah Al-Mujadilah 58:1)

Ini menunjukkan bahawa Islam memberi ruang kepada wanita untuk menuntut keadilan.

✅ Kesimpulan

Antara surah utama yang menekankan perihal wanita dalam Al-Quran ialah:

Surah An-Nisa’ – hak dan hukum wanita

Surah An-Nur – maruah dan akhlak wanita

Surah Al-Ahzab – adab dan identiti wanita Muslimah

Surah Maryam – teladan wanita suci

Surah At-Tahrim – contoh wanita beriman dan kufur

Surah Al-Mujadilah – wanita menuntut keadilan

Kesemua surah ini menunjukkan bahawa Islam sangat menitikberatkan martabat, perlindungan dan peranan wanita dalam masyarakat.

#muslimah #muslim #islam

Jangan Undur: Setiap Cabaran Adalah Latihan Memimpin

Baru-baru ini isteri saya memaklumkan bahawa anak kami ingin melepaskan jawatannya sebagai pengawas sekolah. Dia kini di Tingkatan Lima dan bakal menghadapi peperiksaan SPM tahun ini. Tekanan yang dirasainya mungkin datang daripada kekecewaan kerana tidak mendapat keputusan 4.0 pada semester lepas. Peluang ganjaran lawatan ke luar negara yang ditawarkan oleh pihak sekolah juga terlepas.

Tahun sebelumnya dia berjaya mendapat ganjaran tersebut dan berpeluang melawat Batam, Indonesia. Kali ini, rasa kecewa dan tekanan membuatkan dia mahu melepaskan jawatan sebagai Timbalan Lembaga Disiplin Pelajar.

Saya memahami perasaan itu.

Sebelum ini saya pernah berpesan kepadanya: dalam hidup, kita perlu bersedia menghadapi ujian ketika apa yang kita inginkan tidak menjadi rezeki kita. Itulah latihan sebenar kehidupan. Di luar sana nanti, cabaran seperti ini akan datang berkali-kali.

Saya sendiri dahulu seorang yang agak introvert. Dari zaman kanak-kanak sehingga dewasa, saya lebih selesa bersendirian. Namun perjalanan hidup mengubah saya. Kini mungkin saya seorang ambivert — ada masa suka bersendirian, ada masa perlu bersosial.

Apabila saya pertama kali dilantik menjadi pengurus pada usia 27 tahun, cabaran yang saya hadapi sangat besar. Saya perlu menguruskan lebih 120 orang pekerja. Enam bulan pertama benar-benar menguji diri.

Salah satu cabaran terbesar datang daripada seorang pekerja bawahan yang jauh lebih berusia daripada saya. Ketika itu saya baru setahun jagung dalam industri, sedangkan beliau mempunyai hampir 15 tahun pengalaman. Disebabkan faktor usia dan pengalaman, beliau sering menguji kepimpinan saya. Ada arahan yang tidak diikuti, dan tekanan mula terasa.

Saya pernah mengadu kepada pihak atasan dan meminta tindakan dikenakan. Namun mereka melihat perkara itu dari sudut yang lebih luas dan tidak mengambil tindakan seperti yang saya harapkan.

Malam itu saya pulang ke rumah dan berfikir panjang.

Saya teringat pesan seorang bos:
“Jika kejuruteraan itu sains, pengurusan manusia juga satu sains — dan juga seni.”

Sejak saat itu saya mula mendalami ilmu pengurusan, komunikasi, kepimpinan dan kemahiran insaniah. Perjalanan itu tidak berlaku dalam sehari. Ia mengambil masa bertahun-tahun. Dari satu kilang ke kilang yang lain, dari satu syarikat ke syarikat yang lain.

Kini sudah lebih 21 tahun saya mengurus manusia.

Tekanan? Ya, memang banyak. Tetapi kerana keperluan kerjaya dan kehidupan, saya sentiasa mencari ilmu dan belajar daripada orang lain.

Saya mencari mentor — terutama pengurus kilang dan pengurus ladang yang lebih senior. Saya sering meminta nasihat dan pandangan mereka apabila berdepan masalah.

Saya pernah mempunyai seorang pembantu yang sangat berpengalaman. Walaupun sudah hampir umur pencen, beliau sentiasa tenang dan suka tersenyum. Setiap masalah yang saya bawa kepadanya pasti ada jalan penyelesaian. Dari situ saya belajar bahawa ketenangan dan pengalaman adalah kekuatan sebenar seorang pemimpin.

Saya juga pernah mengenali seorang pengurus ladang sawit yang sangat unik. Beliau mempunyai sense of humor yang tinggi dan kemahiran komunikasi yang luar biasa. Beliau mampu menyampaikan isu kepada pihak atasan dengan cara santai tetapi berkesan. Dari beliau saya belajar bahawa kepimpinan bukan sekadar bersuara lantang, tetapi bagaimana menyampaikan mesej dengan hikmah.

Sepanjang perjalanan ini, saya juga melakukan banyak kesilapan. Namun setiap kesilapan menjadi guru terbaik.

Menyedari pentingnya ilmu pengurusan, saya menyambung pengajian MBA pada tahun 2011 setelah menamatkan pelbagai peperiksaan profesional kejuruteraan. Pengajian itu membuka perspektif baharu tentang pengurusan organisasi, terutamanya dalam aspek Strategic Management dan komunikasi berkesan.

Selepas tamat MBA, saya ingin menguji kemampuan dalam persekitaran antarabangsa. Saya menyertai sebuah syarikat di mana pengurusan dan pekerjanya datang dari pelbagai negara. Ia sangat berbeza daripada pengalaman saya sebelum ini yang lebih tertumpu kepada organisasi tempatan.

Di situ saya belajar satu perkara penting:
Menguruskan orang bawahan mungkin mencabar, tetapi menguruskan pihak atasan sebenarnya jauh lebih sukar. Ia memerlukan kemahiran komunikasi, diplomasi dan kebijaksanaan yang lebih halus.

Hakikatnya, mengurus manusia memang sukar. Ia penuh tekanan, emosi dan kepelbagaian sikap. Tetapi jika kita sabar menimba ilmu, terus belajar dan berpegang kepada nilai agama serta teladan sirah Nabi Muhammad SAW, kepimpinan itu akhirnya menjadi satu perjalanan yang sangat bermakna.

Bukan semua orang diberi peluang untuk memimpin.

Kita dilahirkan di dunia ini sebagai khalifah. Maka tugas kita adalah berusaha menjadi pemimpin yang memberi manfaat dan diredhai Allah.

Semasa latihan PALAPES dahulu, motto kami ialah:

“Sentiasa Memimpin.”

Itulah prinsip yang membentuk saya hingga hari ini.

Dan kepada anak saya, pesanan saya hanya satu:

Jangan undur ke belakang.
Ambil setiap cabaran sebagai latihan untuk memimpin.
Perjalanan hidup masih panjang.
Banyak lagi ujian yang akan datang.

Anggaplah semua ini sebagai persediaan untuk sesuatu yang lebih besar pada masa hadapan.

#KembaraInsan
#SentiasaMemimpin
#LeadershipJourney
#BelajarSepanjangHayat
#DidikanKehidupan
#InspirasiAnak
#PengurusanManusia
#LifeLessons
#MotivasiKehidupan

Do Not Step Back: Every Challenge Is Training for Leadership

Recently my wife informed me that our child is considering stepping down from a role as a school prefect. This year is an important year, as the SPM examination awaits. The pressure is real, and perhaps the disappointment of not achieving a 4.0 pointer last semester has weighed heavily on the mind. Because of that result, the reward offered by the school — an overseas educational trip — slipped away.

Last year, there was an opportunity to travel to Batam, Indonesia as part of that reward. This year, missing that opportunity has brought disappointment and pressure, leading to the thought of letting go of the responsibility as Deputy Head of the Student Discipline Board.

As a father, I understand that feeling.

Before this, I reminded my child that in life we must be prepared to face tests when what we hope for is not written as our sustenance. These moments are part of life’s training. In the real world ahead, similar challenges will appear again and again.

I myself was once someone who did not enjoy social interaction very much. From childhood until adulthood, I leaned strongly toward being an introvert. Over time, however, life shaped me differently. Today, I may be closer to an ambivert — sometimes enjoying solitude, and sometimes embracing social interaction.

When I was first appointed as a manager at the age of 27, the challenge was immense. I was responsible for managing more than 120 employees. The first six months were particularly testing.

One of the biggest challenges came from a subordinate who was much older than me. At that time, I was still very new in the industry, while he had nearly 15 years of experience. Because of the age and experience gap, he often tested my leadership. Some of my instructions were not followed, and the pressure slowly built up.

I once brought the matter to my superiors and requested disciplinary action. However, they chose to see the issue from a broader perspective and did not respond in the way I expected.

That evening, I returned home and reflected deeply.

I remembered something one of my bosses once told me:
“If engineering is a science, management is also a science — and an art.”

From that moment on, I began to immerse myself in the study of management, communication, leadership, and soft skills. It did not happen overnight. It took years. From one factory to another, from one company to the next.

Today, it has been more than 21 years of managing people.

Pressure? Of course. There has been plenty of it. But because of career demands and personal growth, I constantly searched for knowledge and guidance.

I sought mentors — especially senior factory managers and plantation managers. Whenever I faced difficult issues, I would consult them and ask for advice.

At one point, I had an assistant who was extremely experienced. He was already near retirement age, yet he always carried a calm smile. No matter what problem I presented, he would always offer a thoughtful solution. Observing him taught me that calmness and experience are powerful leadership traits.

I also once worked with a senior plantation manager who had a very unique personality. He possessed a remarkable sense of humor and outstanding communication skills. He could present issues to upper management in a relaxed yet effective way. From him, I learned that leadership is not just about being outspoken, but about delivering messages with wisdom and timing.

Throughout this journey, I have made many mistakes. But every mistake became a lesson.

Recognizing the importance of management knowledge, I decided to pursue a Master of Business Administration in 2011 after completing several professional engineering certifications. The MBA exposed me to new perspectives on managing organizations, especially in areas such as Strategic Management and effective communication.

After completing my MBA, I wanted to test my abilities in an international environment. I joined a company where both the management and employees came from different countries. It was very different from my previous decade of experience working within local organizations.

There, I learned another important truth:
Managing subordinates can be challenging, but managing those above you can be even more complex. It requires diplomacy, communication skills, and maturity that only experience can develop.

The truth is, managing people is never easy. It involves emotions, personalities, attitudes, and diverse perspectives. It requires patience, continuous learning, resilience, and guidance from faith — especially the examples found in the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Yet when we begin to understand it, leadership becomes something deeply meaningful.

Not everyone is given the opportunity to lead.

We were created as stewards on this earth, and it is our responsibility to strive to become leaders who bring benefit and earn the pleasure of Allah.

During my PALAPES training days, our motto was simple:

“Always Lead.”

That principle continues to shape who I am today.

And to my child, my message is this:

Do not step back.
Treat every challenge as training for leadership.
Your journey is still long, and many challenges lie ahead.

See them not as obstacles, but as preparation for something greater in the future.

#KembaraInsan
#AlwaysLead
#LeadershipJourney
#LifeLessons
#LearningNeverStops
#FutureLeaders
#CharacterBuilding
#ParentingReflections
#LeadershipMatters

Preparing for the Professional Engineer with Practising Certificate (PEPC) interview under the Board of Engineers Malaysia is different from the Professional Interview for Ir. The panel focuses heavily on professional responsibility, legal accountability, and engineering judgment.

Below are common PEPC interview questions grouped by theme.

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Common PEPC Interview Questions

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1️⃣ Professional Responsibility & Legal Awareness

These questions test your understanding of engineering law and Act 138.

Typical questions:

• What is the difference between Ir. and PEPC?

• What responsibilities come with holding a Practising Certificate?

• What does your professional seal represent?

• What is your legal liability when you sign a drawing?

• What would happen if your design fails?

• What is meant by duty of care?

Panel expectation:
They want to see that you understand legal accountability and public safety responsibility.

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2️⃣ Ethical Scenarios

These are extremely common in PEPC interviews.

Examples:

Scenario 1

A client pressures you to reduce safety factors to reduce cost. What will you do?

Expected approach:

• Refer to engineering standards

• Explain safety implications

• Refuse if unsafe

• Document the decision

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Scenario 2

Your employer asks you to sign drawings prepared by another engineer that you have not reviewed.

Correct answer:

• Refuse to sign

• Review the documents first

• Ensure compliance before certifying

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Scenario 3

A contractor deviates from the approved design without informing you.

Expected response:

• Stop work if necessary

• Investigate deviation

• Ensure compliance

• Issue instruction or corrective action

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3️⃣ Engineering Judgment Questions

The panel may ask you to explain real engineering decisions you have made.

Examples:

• Tell us about a major engineering decision you made.

• How did you assess the safety of your design?

• What standards did you use?

• How did you determine safety factors?

• What was the biggest technical challenge you faced?

Panel focus:

• Analytical thinking

• Decision-making process

• Technical justification

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4️⃣ Risk and Safety Management

Typical questions:

• How do you ensure safety in engineering design?

• What risk assessment methods do you use?

• How do you deal with equipment failure?

• Describe a situation where you prevented a major failure.

They want to see proactive safety thinking.

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5️⃣ Professional Practice Questions

These questions relate to operating as an independent engineer.

Examples:

• What is an Engineering Consultancy Practice (ECP)?

• How do you manage professional liability?

• What is professional indemnity insurance?

• How do you manage conflicts of interest?

• How do you protect client confidentiality?

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6️⃣ Technical Fundamentals

Although PEPC is not a purely technical exam, the panel may test basic knowledge.

Examples:

• Explain a calculation relevant to your project.

• What engineering codes did you apply?

• How do you verify design adequacy?

• What safety margins did you use?

They want to confirm technical competence and confidence.

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How the Panel Evaluates You

The panel is assessing whether you are ready to become:

An engineer who can independently protect public safety.

They evaluate:

• Professional maturity

• Ethical integrity

• Confidence in decision-making

• Legal awareness

• Technical competence

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Key Advice for PEPC Interview

Good candidates always:

✔ Answer clearly and confidently
✔ Refer to engineering standards
✔ Emphasize safety and ethics
✔ Demonstrate real experience
✔ Show independent judgment

Avoid:

❌ Overly theoretical answers
❌ Blaming others
❌ Saying “I just follow instructions”

PEPC candidates must show leadership and accountability.

#PEPC #ProfessionalEngineer #BEM #EngineeringLeadership #EngineeringEthics #Act138 #EngineeringCareer

Code of Professional Conduct under Act 138

The Code of Professional Conduct under Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) sets the ethical and professional standards that every Professional Engineer (Ir.) — especially those applying for PEPC — must uphold.

It is rooted in the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Act 138) and its accompanying regulations.

Below is a structured explanation in practical terms.

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🔎 Core Principles of the Code of Professional Conduct

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1️⃣ Paramountcy of Public Safety

Engineers must hold the safety, health, and welfare of the public above all else.

This means:

• You must reject unsafe designs.

• You cannot compromise safety for cost savings.

• You must stop work if there is serious danger.

• You must report hazards if necessary.

👉 In PEPC interviews, this is the most important principle.

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2️⃣ Competence & Due Care

You must:

• Only undertake work within your area of competence.

• Apply proper engineering knowledge and judgment.

• Exercise due diligence and reasonable care.

Signing a document outside your expertise is a serious breach.

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3️⃣ Integrity & Honesty

Engineers must:

• Be truthful in reports and certifications.

• Avoid misrepresentation.

• Not falsify calculations or documents.

• Avoid misleading statements.

Your professional opinion must be independent and honest.

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4️⃣ Avoid Conflict of Interest

You must:

• Disclose any personal or financial interest.

• Not accept gifts or benefits that influence decisions.

• Not favor suppliers for personal gain.

Professional decisions must remain objective.

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5️⃣ Confidentiality

You must:

• Protect client information.

• Not disclose proprietary data without permission.

• Maintain professional discretion.

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6️⃣ Professional Responsibility & Accountability

• Your signature carries legal liability.

• You are responsible for work done under your supervision.

• You must not lend your name to unqualified persons.

“Rubber-stamping” documents without proper review is a disciplinary offence.

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7️⃣ Fair Competition & Professional Respect

Engineers must:

• Not undercut unethically.

• Not discredit other engineers unfairly.

• Compete fairly and professionally.

• Respect intellectual property.

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⚖️ Legal Consequences of Breach

Violations may lead to:

• Disciplinary action by BEM

• Suspension of registration

• Revocation of Practising Certificate

• Legal liability (civil claims for negligence)

For PEPC holders, consequences are more severe because they sign and seal documents.

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🎯 What PEPC Panel Looks For

During interview, they assess:

• Do you understand duty of care?

• Will you resist client pressure?

• Are you ethically firm?

• Do you understand your legal exposure?

• Can you make independent professional decisions?

They are not testing memorization — they are testing maturity.

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💡 Practical Example

If a client asks:

“Can we reduce wall thickness to save cost?”

An ethical engineer must:

1. Recalculate safety margins.

2. Refer to applicable standards.

3. Assess risk.

4. Reject if it compromises safety.

5. Document the decision.

Public safety always comes first.

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🏁 Final Thought

The Code of Professional Conduct transforms you from:

“An employee engineer”

into

“A professional guardian of public safety.”

That is why PEPC is not just technical — it is moral and legal responsibility.

#CodeOfProfessionalConduct #BEM #PEPC #ProfessionalEngineer #EngineeringEthics #PublicSafety #IrJourney