44 / 276
42
Borneo Bulletin Yearbook 2023
Asked what “Building the Future”
means to him, Keeran said achieving
success requires working with people
who share the same vision. “There are
two ways of elevating yourself. One is
by pushing down the people around
you – but that’s only ‘perceived’
elevation, you don’t actually move or
improve. The other way, true elevation,
comes when everyone helps each
other upward.” He added that people
should gain new experience and bring
something unique to the table when
working with others, which is more
important than any individual skill.
For Keeran, the key to overcoming
challenges in building the future is
perserverance and staying true to what
one sets out to do in the first place.
While it’s important to adapt and revise
goals, he also highlighted the difference
between adapting and quitting too early.
“Level yourself up to a point where you
are confident in taking risks, comfortable
with accepting failures and then carry
on. Surround yourself with like-minded
people and help each other out.”
Imparting some advice for the country’s
youth, he said to take opportunities
that are available such as furthering
one’s education, especially overseas.
“Travel, work in a foreign land, mix with
people outside of what you’re used to,
listen and learn from the things they
have to say. Come back wiser.”
Meanwhile, Captain Abdul Mateen bin
Abdurrahman Liew @ Martin joined
Brunei Gas Carriers Sdn Bhd (BGC) as
one of the first deck cadets for Brunei
Shell Tankers in 2000. He is currently
BGC’s managing director.
For Captain Abdul Mateen, building the
futuremeansprovidinga future for young
people in terms of employment, skill
development and career progression.
“It’s about giving gainful employment to
competent people,” he said.
Asked what is key to overcoming
challenges in “Building the Future”, he
said it comes in two ways: internally and
externally. “Internally, you drive yourself.
The other one is the people around you,
the environment. It has to be suitable
enough to enable you to fly.” He added
that collaborative efforts are needed.
This way, both the individual and the
company can come together to enable
the person to take flight and set sail.
Captain Abdul Mateen also advised
youth not to be picky with their jobs. “The
job is always fun if youmake it fun. I keep
Dato Paduka Timothy Ong
Teck Mong
Keeran Janin
Sharifah Adila Surya @ Malai Adila
Surya binti Malai Haji Abdullah
Captain Abdul Mateen bin
Abdurrahman Liew @ Martin