I once worked as Abang Zul’s personal driver. I never imagined that those trips on work errands would become some of my first steps into the world of property.
My Life Journey • Episode 08
After a month as a delivery driver, I was still looking for suitable work to continue my life on land.
My fiancée suggested that I try SSF Corporation, a property developer in Ipoh, Perak.
I applied, attended an interview and, praise be to God, got the job.
That was where I first got to know Abang Zul.
He had not yet received the title of Dato’. I joined as an Office Coordinator, before entering government service at the Ministry of Housing and Local Government towards the end of 2004.
My job title sounded like office work. But my duties varied widely.
Sometimes I was Abang Zul’s personal driver. Sometimes I went to the Land Office to follow up on company matters. At other times, I helped promote house sales.
After life at sea, I was now learning to deal with people, offices and the housing industry.
There was so much I didn’t know. I had to learn.
When I look back today, I think:
“If I had only paid attention to my job title, I might have missed the learning opportunities right in front of me.”
Back then, I didn’t yet have a clear dream of owning a construction company.
I simply wanted to earn a living on land, stay close to my family and fulfil the responsibilities I was given as well as I could.
Those experiences turned out to be valuable.
Following up on matters at the Land Office introduced me to the processes involved in property development.
Helping to promote homes gave me a chance to understand some of a developer’s day-to-day business.
It was an early introduction. There was still much more for me to learn afterwards.
Today, as I lead AHB Group and help clients build homes on their own land, I appreciate those early opportunities even more.
I know what it feels like to be someone who is just beginning to learn.
That is also why, when I see someone carrying out a small task, I try to remember myself at that stage.
The people who follow up, deliver documents or help with everyday matters are also fulfilling a responsibility entrusted to them. Their work affects the work of others.
If you are working and wondering, “Where is this job actually taking me?”, I understand that feeling.
We don’t always see the answer straight away.
But consider this: what do we know today that we didn’t know when we first started working?
Perhaps we are more confident speaking to people, more careful with documents or better at getting things done.
That is progress too.
Keep those experiences with you. Ask when you don’t understand. And consider whether the job still gives you room to grow.
Changing jobs can be a step forward. So can making a serious effort to learn where we are now.
Thank you, Abang Zul, for the opportunity you gave me.
I used to drive him to work appointments. Today, that memory reminds me to appreciate everyone who has helped me along the way.
A responsibility remains a responsibility, whether I am holding a steering wheel or leading a company.
Have you ever done a job and only realised years later how much it taught you?
— PMr. Mohd Hawarie Bin Tan Muzi
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