- When you were at Brighton College, what did you want to be when you ‘grew-up’?
I had wanted to folllow my father's footsteps and become an Ambassador. As one of the criteria to enter the diplomatic service, at that time, was to have the local secondary educational exam in Malay, and since I had been away from Malaysia most of my life, it was a requirement which I did not pursue. - What do you do now, and what does your job involve?
I have been involved in the Corporate Communications of many companies ranging from Government Linked Companies to Multi National Corporations in various sectors for more than 20 years. These include aviation, automotive, hospitality, banking, building materials and agribusiness. I now have the opportunity to expand my career in the Sustainability & Environment division at Malaysia's leading agribusiness conglomerate. - What are the most rewarding and challenging parts of your job?
The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that I have somehow made a difference in most of the places I have worked with. eg. I managed to bring animals such as the gibbon, python, parrot onto a remote island in Malaysia by ferry for the Sports Illustrated photoshoot with Heidi Klum, Danielle Pestova amongst other international models.
Another rewarding part of my job is having had the privilege to bring a media group to Toulouse, France to see the progress of Malaysia's first Airbus A380 aircraft before it was launched in Malaysia. This was together with the Minister of Transport, Malaysia.
One of the most challenging parts of my job is to "expect the unexpected". eg. when I was handling the official opening of Malaysia's first foreign Islamic bank, the day before the event the Office of the Prime Minister of Malaysia had notified us that the Prime Minister was unable to officiate the bank. The Finance Minister was asked to represent the Prime Minister instead. On the actual day itself, after the official ceremony with the ribbon cutting having taken place, we were informed that the Prime Minister wanted to join the event. As such we had to repeat the ribbon cutting and signing of the plaque at a moment's notice. Luckily everything went like clockwork. Never before has corporate Malaysia seen an organisation being officiated twice by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance on the same day. - What are you are most proud of so far?
Having been bestowed the "Datukship" title by His Royal Highness Sultan of Perak, for my achievements towards the country's development is one of my proudest moments. The "Datukship" can be equivalent to "Dame'' (female) or "Sir" (male) I guess. - What is your fondest memory of school?
Going to my favourite chips shop at Kemp Town -French fries with mayonnaise every weekend.... - Who was your favourite teacher and why?
My French Teacher -Mr Ridler. He had a very humourous way of teaching and brought alot fun to the class. - What was the best piece of advice you were given whilst at Brighton?
Advice from my parents -just do your best, and never give up! - What advice would you give to your 18-year old self?
You must believe in yourself and reach for your dreams! - Is there a book, song, or film that changed your life?
The Holy Quran as this guides me and makes me understand the purpose of life.
