19-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
#NST180years: NST published my first management article
IN July 2001, the New Straits Times (NST) published my first management article in a book titled Towards Organisational & Personal Excellence: The Malaysian Experience.
This milestone was not just a personal achievement, but also a testament to NST's enduring role as a platform that nurtures voices, inspires growth and shapes thought leadership in Malaysia.
For years, I had been a regular contributor to NST's Letters to the Editor section.
Yet, it was the management articles, especially the insightful series by Felix Abisheganaden, the revered public relations guru and journalist of the 1980s, that truly ignited my passion for writing.
Abisheganaden's weekly column on Wednesday was more than an article, it was also a masterclass in leadership, communication and organisational excellence.
So inspired was I that I created my very own scrapbook of all his articles. Every single one made me want to be like him even more.
Such a treasured volume this was, a trove which I still refer to, cherishing the wisdom of a man I have never met but deeply respect.
Motivated by Abisheganaden's example, I ventured into writing management articles myself.
To see my work published alongside Malaysia's great management thinkers, namely Heera Singh, Benedict Morais, Josef Eby Ruin, Ang Seng Chai and Ranjit Singh Malhi, was both humbling and exhilarating.
My articles, "Meeting Interview Requirement" and "Fostering Employee Relations" appeared in that 2001 collection, marking my formal entry into the realm of management discourse.
This achievement was more than a personal triumph. It was a reflection of NST's commitment to nurturing talent and providing a platform for meaningful dialogue on organisational and personal development.
The newspaper's polished editorial standards and dedication to quality journalism created fertile ground for writers like me to flourish.
But NST's influence on my life went far beyond the printed page. The confidence and recognition I gained from that first published article propelled me into wider arenas.
I have since represented Malaysia at numerous United Nations forums and international conferences, visiting countries such as India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand.
These engagements focused on critical themes like public relations, crisis communications, environmental, social and governance issues and youth empowerment.
One of the most rewarding chapters has been my role with the World Youth Foundation, which had consultative status at the UN Economic and Social Council.
I served as the foundation's special adviser and international forum chairman for over 20 conferences held in Melaka.
These forums united youth leaders and policymakers from around the world, fostering dialogues on sustainable development, peacebuilding and human rights.
Reflecting on this journey, I see a clear thread linking my humble beginnings as a letter writer to a recognised voice in Malaysia's management and public relations landscape.
NST transformed my potential into achievement, dreams into reality.
I am deeply grateful for the role it has played, not only in my life but also in the lives of countless Malaysians. I invite you to reflect on how NST has shaped your stories and inspired your dreams.
For me, the journey from a passionate reader and letter writer to a published author and international representative began with the pages of the NST, and it remains a journey I cherish every day.
Here's to 180 years of excellence, inspiration and the power of storytelling. May the NST continue to be a beacon for generations to come.
