our1st ever Integrated StakeHolders Day

Our creative booth during the recent Integrated Stakeholders Day 2012. It won us the 'Most Creative Informative' booth, which had actually created unexpected controversy by those who envied the set-up.

just another REMINDER for me to move on

Quoted from one of my favorites prominent figure of Malaysian's Oil & Gas giant during his recent townhall meeting.

The tragedy of life does not lie in not reaching our goal. The Tragedy lies in having no goal to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream.
Nothing worthwhile comes easily. Half efforts do not produce half results. It produces no result. Work, continuous work and hard work is the only way to accomplish results that last. It is not the strongest that survives, nor the most intelligent. It is the one that is most adaptable to change that survive successfully.

Whatever it is, our prayer answered; we got 5 months....

O Allah...please Grant us at least 5 months bonus

O Allah swt, the Most Compassionate and Most Merciful, we raise our hands before you seeking your Grace and Blessing. Please grant us good salary increment and bonus this year so that we can be closer to You as demonstrated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad saw (peace be upon him)...Amiin.

Excerp from the Star: "Petroliam Nasional Bhd (PETRONAS) posted a 29.6% jump in net profit of RM55.6 billion for the nine months ended Dec 31, 2011 compared to the same period a year ago on higher margins.
Revenue for the period under review rose 26.9% on higher realised prices and improved liquefied natural gas sales volume.
PETRONAS president and chief executive officer Datuk Shamsul Azhar Abbas said at a media briefing that crude oil prices would be under pressure this year despite the elevated prices in recent weeks.
“There's a lot of uncertainty in the business environment and we don't know for how long the fear factor which is fuelling the rise of prices will last but we reckon not too long,” he said"

....the trip that will bring us to another height::Karambunai Protocol

After months of preparation, propagation and deferment, finally on the 17th of February 2012 at around 09:10 hours, 13 (Vicky, Julie and Mai arrived a day earlier, while our MD was flying directly from KL in the evening) of us – the Think-Tank of the 2nd largest LNG producer at single site were flown directly by MASWings from Bintulu to Kota Kinabalu (KK). Arrived at the new KK international airport (better than any airports in Sarawak) around 10:20 hours, Vicky has waited for us with a 32 seats air-conditioned bus
After a very smooth 45 minutes trip to Nexus Karambunai, with tour guide explaining to us what KK has to offer us, we finally arrived and was given a warmth welcome by the staff. We were very exciting and grateful. However, the anti-climax was when we were told that the room is not ready for us. Being the chief Facilitator of the workshop, I have told my team to have a seamless check-in and they have informed the hotel weeks before regarding the arrangement. But, what upset me, the hotel was not discipline enough to ‘kick out’ the foreign guests, I guessed!! Vicky was trying to closely get in touched with the receptionist but they seemed to be helpless with the outgoing guests.
We were entertained with a welcoming drink at the lounge and 10 minutes, there was no sign of rooms made ready for us?! The Administrator suggested us to take early lunch (I mean before the Penyu Restaurant actually ready with the buffet). We were spoilt by varieties of foods and the service was superb.
However, we (Dzafri, Kabir, Zul, Major Ramlee, Ahmad Hussein, Kamari and me) have to cut short our lunch for our Friday prayer. We were supposed to perform our prayer at the nearest masjid at KKIP (Couldn’t recall the full name of this place) but instead the kind driver, brought us to one of the beautiful Masjids in Sabah – the University Malaysia Sabah’s Masjid. We managed to perform 2 raka’at solat ‘tahiyatul masjid’ just in time before the Khatib went up to the ‘mimbar’ or pulpit to recite the Friday sermon. Unlucky Dzafri, after the prayer, somebody by mistake (I think) took his pair of shoes away from the shoe rack.

In the second episode, upon our arrival at the hotel around 13:50 hours (10 minutes before our workshop start), we were informed that the rooms for Major Ramlee, Ahmad Hussein, Hj Kamari and me were still not ready?! What a standard for the so called 5-Star reputable hotel. All this while, I gave a very high regards to this Nexus chain of hotel, a place that I must visit. But with this kind of treatment to the local guest, like us, dejected and disheartened me! Lucky, Vicky quickly bounced back; he changed the start time to 14:30 hours.
Sharp at 14:30 hours, we resumed our facilitation at the Magibah I ball room of the Nexus Resort and SPA, Karambunai.

One of our Day 1 activities was a Vision Hunting at the One Borneo Mall. We went there at 16:30 hours after 15 minutes, the bus dropped at the main entrance of the so called largest Mall in Borneo (as claimed). I do not think so though coz’ there are many biggest malls (much bigger than it) in Jakarta Indonesia. True enough, after few hobbling steps into the mall, I did not feel the ‘wow’ factor. Well, nothing much to see and less to offer though as heard by my relatives and friends who had been there before. After less than one hour strolling along the corridor and window-shop the mall, we decided to wait for the bus for our next agenda – dinner at Nelayan Village.

We arrived 10 minutes before 19:00 hours. Though we made it before the expected time, but our beloved MD/CEO arrived 10 minutes earlier than us. Our dinner was quite private and exclusive, served by two locals Ruth and Amirah on a boat called Putri. The foods were not that I’ve expected for a well propagated restaurant. I mean not the scrumptious as I thought though the prawn and grouper were fresh from the aquarium. At 22:55 hours, we called it a day.

In the nutshell, the objective of the above workshop, which we called ‘Breakaway’, among others, is to revisit our Vision; Mission; our Roadmap –KITE that is due to expire by 2013 and also to look into short/long term interventions to address some of the issues that were surfaced through the recent POCS.

C1::1st ever BORNEO level conference

The 5th Borneo LNG Conference was my first ever Borneo level conference I have ever attended. I’m relatively new in this LNG business anyway! It was held at Pullman Hotel in Kuching from 29 – 30 January 2012. Participated by the world top 10 LNG players – Indonesia’s PT Badak, Brunei LNG and Malaysia LNG (who is the second largest LNG plant in one single location after Qatar LNG), the two days conference had given me the chance to learn more about LNG plant and its related technical issues as well as best practices. What had made it more interesting and memorable to me was the role that the organizer entrusted me to shoulder – the Chairman of the first plenary session immediately after the launching speech by our MD/CEO. Alhamdullillah, it went well! But, I must say, playing the pace-setting role though was a bit scary to me in the beginning. Thank you to the Management and the Organiser for giving me the challenge. A bit about the objective of the conference was among others, providing platform for the three LNG players to share and exchange their best practices, lessons learnt and enhancing rapport/networking.

C2::1st ever BORNEO level conference

The Welcoming Dinner was held on the deck of the ‘Equatorial cruise’ cruising the famous Sarawak River. And, I am not shy to say, it was first ever Sarawak river cruise. The service and the ambience were superb! The food however, was relatively average – for Kuching standard. All the participants / dinners had fun but the anticlimax was the sound season – humming and below par! Nevertheless, it was indeed a wonderful experience watching the old nostalgic Kuching river side at night!!

PullMan::my first ever xprience.

After more than 10 years, 28.1.2012 was my return to my home town Kuching. I was born here and grown up until December 1977, when I moved to Miri after the departure of my beloved late mom from this temporary world. Definitely, over the period Kuching has transformed dramatically in many aspects; the road system, the geographical landscape has been extended as far as Samarahan, Kota Sentosa, etc..; more new 5 star hotels and shopping Malls; and more people. But honestly, Kuching has less to offer to foreigner if compare with KK.

During the visit, I stayed for the first time at Pullman Hotel, which is just about 500 meters to the water front. The above photo was taken from the 6th floor of the hotel at around 16:04 hours. I think the backdrop was the Kuching South’s sky.

my Damai beach xperience

The last time I went to this Santubong was in 1996 when we conducted 2 series of a teambuilding session for our potential supervisors – that was 15 years ago. And now, except for one or two more resorts built by probably the same person, nothing much to see really! I must say, the beach is well managed and preserved. For those who love jungle trekking, mountain climbing and those who seldom experience beach life, this could be the place worth visiting. About 30 km away from the hustle and bustle of Kuching city, facilitated by one of Malaysian prominent motivator – Dato’ Dr. Hj Fadhilah Kamsah, we spent 3 days and two nights in one of the resorts – Damai Beach & SPA resort refreshing, recharging and rejuvenating.
One of our Day 2 program was beach volleyball; our team lost one match and won one. It was indeed fun when all leaders from various departments join hands forming team and demonstrating their ‘spiking’ skills!

Before our moonlight grand dinner, the organizer spoilt us with the king of the fruit - durian, rambutan and langsat.

..my first attempt@Recharge::Refresh::Rejuvenate workShop

Change is the only constant”-Heraclitus, Greek philosopher
MLNG’s Roadmap was launched on 6 January 2009 as a 5 year ‘change’ journey to ensure we become a Superior Performing Asset by 2013. Since then, many parameters have changed & as an organisation, we have been constantly adapting ourselves to face new challenges and take positive steps towards the right direction.
Communication is one of the key ingredients that make the Roadmap resonate within the hearts and minds of staff. To tackle this, OPI (as part of its OPI Transformation initiative) has formulated a workshop to drive the importance of communication of the MLNG Roadmap/KITE and its relevance to staff. This is done via the Refresh :: Recharge :: Rejuvenate series of workshops.
This 3-hour workshop is targeted at all leaders in MLNG with the aim of providing:
•a refresher on the Roadmap history, journey, purpose & aspirations
•some tips on how to communicate the Roadmap in an engaging, exciting and meaningful manner


Two sessions have been successfully conducted, on 27th & 31st October 2011. A further three sessions are planned for inNovember (8th, 15th & 21st). So far the feedback from the attendees has been very positive, indicating that this workshop is timely for MLNG.
During the workshop, the Roadmap message is shared via lively discussions, candid leader-to-leader conversations, practical exercises & engaging videos. A key take-away for all the participants is ‘context’, i.e. the need to tailor the Roadmap to various levels of staff from various functions/departments.Based on the enthusiasm shown by the participants, we hope that the Roadmap message is better cascaded to staff, therefore improving understanding & conviction at all levels; with the end objective being ‘to increase organisational energy to bring MLNG to greater heights’.

my 1st ever high level function@Egypt

The photo was taken by one of the PICL staff in Egypt. It was my first ever high level function I ever attended during my first Egypt visit in August 2006. The function, organized by our Malaysian Embassy at Egypt hosted by His Excellency, TYT Datuk Zainal, Malaysian Ambassador to Egypt in commemorating Malaysia 49th Independence anniversary. The dinner with all Ambassadors in Egypt was held at El-Soraya, a floating restaurant on the Nile River.

'Ziarah Ramadan'@Ramadan Visit by PAO&JKIM

Jointly organized by Public Affair and JKIM MLNG, this was the second ‘Ziarah Ramadan’ or Ramadan Visit to Masjid, Surah and Islamic Schools around Bintulu division. And, it was my first ever participation in this very noble initiative. The objective is basically to create better rapport and to share our ‘cakes’ with the Muslim communities around Bintulu. This year, we went to 37 places and a total number of around 150 MLNG key personnel, executives, managers and senior managers representing the company participating in this visit. As for myself and few others – Hj Karammudin, Hj Abg Kiprawi went to Masjid Darul Hidayah and Institut Tahfiz Bintulu. I would strongly suggest all organizations to collaborate in organising this noble effort not only during the holy month of Ramadan but to do it throughout the year.

The Eve of Syawal 2011 by JKIM

Alhamdullillah, after successfully launched the Road to Lalitul Qadar (R2LQ) campaign a month back, we managed to organize another R2LQ agenda that we called the Eve of Syawal (EoS). The idea is to promote the change of mindset of our people when entering the last 10 days of Ramadhan and subsequently celebrating Eid el Fitr. Apart from that, it was in a way providing opportunities for staff to refresh and clarify their thoughts about the relevance of Ramadan, Syawal, etc. Moderated by Abg Zayd, the EoS was attended by almost 100 staff during the lunch break inside the complex. What we had learnt from the two prominent figures Sheikh Ahamd Mukkarom and his X Student Sheikh Ariffin during the dialogue, were basically Ramadan has made us to become more disciplined person in term of time management, compliance to rules and guidelines, and patience-tolerable; educated us on the importance of managing our ‘nafs’ or desire – since all the devils were jailed, besides our character, it is always our ‘nafs’ or desire that influence us to do bad things; Ramadan had also made us realized how the less fortunate people survived this worldly life and how Allah swt has Blessed us with all the wealth and health for us help each other; Ramadan is a month where Allah swt opened His Jannah or Heaven, Listen to our prayers and repentant, is a month in my language cleansing up our sins. During the last 10 days of Ramadhan, we were supposed to put our maximum efforts and full gear to seek and gain Allah swt’s Blessing, Rahmah and Baraqah that He promised us…and, Allah swt will always fulfill His Promise. However, unfortunately, sad to say, most of us when come to the last phase of Ramadan, all the good efforts or deeds were gradually slowed down and people were started focusing on something that are not even specify in our religious requirement. It is very much different when people (or when the same person) involve in sport activities, business deal, or other worldly routines, when come to last phase of the race, for example, cycling, 100 meters sprint or swimming, everyone will exert their full energy mentally and physically to beat others or at least their own best time or score. O Almighty Allah Rabbul Jalil, grant us the strength and will to observe your rules and requirement for us to smoothly continue our journey before we reach the aimed destination.

Energy Receive Energy Return::Aspiring Others Everywhere

As usual, in collaboration with Masjid Assyakirin Bintulu, PETRONAS once again organised this noble event - Majlis Berbuka Puasa PETRONAS 2011 on Friday 12th August 2011. Two Gas & Power Business (GPB) Top Guns - the Executive Vice President of GPB, Datuk Anuar Ahmad and Vice President Global LNG, Adnan Zainal Abidin were presence showing their sincere support.
MLNG were represented by the Senior General Manager, Hj Zakaria Kasah. It was indeed an excellent evening, breaking fast with PETRONAS Top Guns and other prominent people of Bintulu. Taking photo with the SGM and the organising committee members was another opportunity that one would never want to miss.

Thank you PETRONAS. Proud to be one of you. Ramadan 2011

MTAQ 2011::Attawazun as a Catalyst of Excellent

Alhamdullillah, I was asked by my boss, Senior General Manager Plant Division MLNG to represent MLNG in the year Majlis Tilawah Al Quran Peringkat Sabah, Sarawak, dan WP Labuan 2011. This year, the event was hosted by Carigali Miri, Sarawak. MLNG lead by Hj Bahrain managed to secure 1st runner. Well, what is most important was the participation.
Note: the above photos were taken by non professional photographer using iPad. Hence the quality is not very satisfactory.

My Last day at Level 54 of the world tallest Twin Tower

Today is my last day sitting at my corner-lot office of L54 of the world tallest Twin Tower, tower 1 KL. My last day of my two months assignment with the second man of the Malaysian Oil and Gas giant, one and only fortune 400 companies – the Executive Price President (EVP), Gas and Power Business of Petronas. The opportunity or rather privilege serving the EPVs, VPs and other prominent top management team was indeed a wonderful and a very challenging experience that had made me another better person. The two months stint had taught me about what ‘corporate world’ is all about and being a ‘brain’ or thinker of the business is not an easy task as what most of the people perceived or envied. Not all people fit the team and if one thinks that he is the possible candidate, he must possess certain characters, knowledge, experience (if I want to add in the list) and also, not only mentally but physically fit. As for myself, at this age, I have conform to the above prerequisite except for the physical part of me, hence I gentlemanly withdraw myself from the game to give way to young, dynamic and talented executive. Also, I want to be fair to the business and the team. Millions if not zillion of thanks for accommodating my two months stay here in GPBU; sharing and teaching me the ‘corporate world’. Despite the short span of time, I can feel the camaraderie that we had built together had made me another better Saiful. My departure is just a physical part of me, my heart and soul will surely be with you forever after. Hopefully, God willing, we will cross path again in future tour of duty. Last but not least, as a mere humble imperfect human being; please accept my apologies for all my shortcomings and wrong doings on my part during my many encounters and interactions with you, especially while performing my duties.

my 'house' in KL

This is the place I stay or my ‘house’ since I moved to KL on February 6 2011 for my special assignment –Impiana KLCC. Nestled right in the heart of the city, the hotel is positioned among prominent landmarks without exception the splendid PETRONAS Twin Towers and the ultra modern Kuala Lumpur Convention Center aka KL Convex. Recently, KLCC Holdings, the owner of this property launched an air-conditioned and weather proof elevated 183 meters walkway that links the hotel with the KL Convex, which provides convenience to not only the hotel guests but all city folks from all walks of life.

first ever experience@ the Landmark Bangkok

I flew to Bangkok on February 13 attending my first ever business meeting with our Thailand partner. I took a cab to KLIA around 06:06 hours and spent about 15 minutes in the queue before I checked in to MH 784. We arrived at 10:05 hours (local time) and took a 20 minutes taxi ride to the Landmark Bangkok hotel along the popular – tourist spot Sukhumvit street. Before performing my Dhuhur-‘Asar prayer, I took these photos – the view from 1504.

The above photo - the Rendezvous Ceiling - was taken while enjoying the welcoming drink provided by the amazing Landmark of Bangkok, not only for its strategic location and physical appearance but its superb services.

my amazing February calendar

The month of February just passed the mid 14 and I have just been 12 days or rather 8 days (minus the weekend and public holiday) in the office....but the days are fully tight!! And, since moving to this L54 of PETT1, my working hours is at average of 10 hours a day!! Amazing isn't it?..I've asked myself; what do you want in life?

5th TOUR of DUTY

On February 6, 2011, AirAsia flight no. AK5164 witnessed the transition of the 5th chapter of my life or rather the 5th point of my Tour-Of-Duty. At 16:20 hours sharp, the Malaysian pioneer of a low cost flight service popular known for its catchy tag-line “Now Everyone Can Fly”, bridged my special assignment from the 2nd world largest LNG Complex to the unchallengeable world tallest twin tower. It was really a mixed feeling: as an imperfect human being, the sense of pride aroused when I was called to carry out a special assignment at the Executive Vice President office of the Malaysian Oil & Gas Giant – one of the Fortune 400 companies, but on the other hand, facing new challenges within the hectic and demanding KL’s life is going to be a strenuous episode of my life. One has to be disciplined and always at constant speed to catch up with the arduous laborious lifestyle of any big developed city, such as KL. Well, what choice do I have? Either you eject yourself out from the system or join it. I was not given a chance to exercise my right; I mean to allow me to wisely think before suggesting any decision. Again, who am I to do so? May Allah swt give me strength, determination and health to persevere the 5th chapter of my life.

my last day@D 2nd Largest LNG Complex in d world

To my OPI team: Since most of you are not in the office (with all good reasons) and due to the abruptness of the arrangement, I’ve decided to make this announcement through this email (It is never my intention and not to my favor though).I really don’t know where to start! But let me try this way: Today is probably my last day in this 2nd largest LNG Complex in the world and probably my ever shortest stint throughout my career with Petronas. It is quite difficult and sad for me to convey this kind of message, especially when I have a lot dreams that I’ve really wanted to realise together with you all……but, this is what you call life – full of colors and shapes.

I will be taking up (special assignment) another challenge at Gas & Power Business, EVP Office effective February 1, 2011. However, I will resume the office on February 7, 2011 as mutually agreed by all relevant parties.
In relation to that, as agreed by the Management, M ZA will be covering for the Senior Manager OPI position with full authorities effective February 7, 2011 and please give your usual fullest cooperation to him.
Millions if not zillion of thanks for the sharing and teaching that you had relentlessly rendered to me since I joined MLNG. Despite the short span of time that we had went through, I can feel the camaraderie that we had built together had made me another better Saiful. There were many font memories – but the teambuilding in Miri will surely be cherished forever in my MLNG history book.
My departure is just a physical part of me, my heart and soul will surely be with you forever after. And as much as you know, the world of communication today is fenceless. Hopefully, God willing, we will cross path again in future tour of duty.
Last but not least, as a mere humble imperfect human being, please accept my apologies for all my shortcomings and wrong doings on my part during my many encounters and interactions with you, especially while performing my duties.