“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Introduction

The journey of Dr. Rahmat Bin Abdullah @Ramesh is not one of privilege, wealth, or sudden success. It is the journey of a simple man who held firmly to the values of humility, discipline, and hard work, and who believed deeply in the power of education to change the course of life. His story is a reminder that greatness does not always come from grand gestures or dramatic breakthroughs—it can be built quietly, step by step, through perseverance, learning, and an unwavering sense of responsibility.

He is staying in Malaysia; Dr. Rahmat received his early education at Sekolah Menengah Sultan Ismail, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Like many young students of his time, he had dreams of building a stable future, but he knew that dreams alone were not enough. Opportunities were limited, resources were scarce, and success was not guaranteed. What he did have, however, was determination—and the quiet belief that with patience and steady effort, life would open doors.

In 1990, his path led him to Singapore, where he began working as a mechanical fitter in the shipyard’s dry-dock section. These early years were tough. The work was physically demanding, the hours were long, and the expectations were high. Yet, rather than being discouraged, he used those years as training grounds—not just for his hands, but for his spirit. He learned to endure, to pay attention to detail, and to carry out his duties with discipline. The shipyard years planted in him the resilience that would carry him forward for the rest of his career.

By 1992, he transitioned into the hospitality industry, joining the engineering and maintenance departments of hotels and resorts in Singapore. This was a turning point. Here, his role expanded beyond machines and technical systems—it now involved creating safe and welcoming environments for guests, managing manpower, and leading others with responsibility. He found himself balancing tasks like maintaining firefighting equipment, overseeing swimming pool facilities, ensuring energy efficiency, and handling emergency responses. It was no longer just about fixing things; it was about providing care, safety, and trust through his work. Over time, his dedication and reliability made him an indispensable part of every team he served.

Throughout these demanding years, education remained the heartbeat of his life. Dr. Rahmat never stopped learning. He enrolled at the Institute of Technical Education in Singapore, where he earned multiple certifications: from Building Services Technology to Plumbing and Maintenance, from Swimming Pool Maintenance to Energy Auditing, from Firefighting to Emergency Response training at the Civil Defence Academy. Each of these achievements came at a cost—hours of studying after long shifts, weekends spent in classrooms instead of resting, and sacrifices of comfort. Yet, to him, every new skill was an investment in his future and a promise of better service to those who depended on his work. His pursuit of knowledge even led him to the PSB Academy, where he trained as a Section Leader, preparing himself not just to work, but to guide and mentor others.

“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.”

Phase 1: Foundations of Curiosity and Determination

Dr. Rahmat Bin Abdullah’s story begins in the vibrant city of Penang, Malaysia. In his early childhood, his family had to move to another state, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. This move was due to his late father’s work in the government sector, where he served in a general hospital as Director of Dental Surgery, managing government hospitals across the state of Kelantan. Dr. Rahmat was born into a family that, though modest, carried a quiet determination to nurture curiosity, discipline, and resilience. His parents were a constant source of motivation, encouraging him to explore, learn, and grow. From an early age, Rahmat displayed a rare combination of curiosity and caution. He was the kind of child who observed carefully, asked questions that sometimes seemed too deep for his age, and approached the world with a mind eager to understand how things worked. This inquisitive nature, combined with the guidance and support of his parents, laid the foundation for a life built on learning and perseverance.

Even as a young boy, Rahmat was drawn to sports. Badminton, in particular, became a passion that did more than keep him active; it taught him discipline, patience, and the value of strategic thinking. Hours spent on the court, mastering techniques and competing with peers, instilled in him an understanding of effort, focus, and resilience that would later influence his professional life. These early experiences were a gentle training ground, preparing him to handle challenges with both skill and patience.

As he transitioned to secondary school at the age of thirteen, Rahmat’s fascination with mechanics and technical systems became more pronounced. He was captivated by the way machines worked—the subtle interplay of parts and functions, the logic behind each mechanism. He would often spend hours observing, dismantling, and experimenting simply to understand how things operated. Despite this interest, his formal education did not include technical subjects. The curriculum was focused on general academics, leaving him to satisfy his curiosity through observation, practice, and self-learning. Yet, this did not deter him.

“Difficulties in life don’t come to destroy you. They come to help you realize your hidden potential.”

Phase 2 : Initial Struggles and Aspirations

The early years of Dr. Rahmat Bin Abdullah’s professional journey were a mixture of excitement, challenge, and constant learning. Moving from Malaysia to Singapore as a young man, he stepped into an environment that was vibrant, fast-paced, and demanding. As a shift engineer working in the hospitality industry, his role required not only technical skill but also patience, adaptability, and the ability to deal with people—guests, colleagues, and contractors alike. Each day brought new challenges, many of which he could never have anticipated, and each challenge became a lesson that shaped him both professionally and personally.

One of the biggest realities he had to face early on was that in hospitality, no problem exists in isolation. A small technical glitch—a malfunctioning air conditioner, a leaking tap, or a faulty plumbing system—was never just a technical problem; it affected the comfort of a guest, the reputation of the hotel, and often the mood of his colleagues. He vividly remembered a particular evening when a guest repeatedly complained about the air conditioning in their room. What seemed like a simple repair task quickly turned into a complex challenge, requiring coordination with contractors, late-night troubleshooting, and careful inspection of the system. That night, he realized that his work was not only about fixing machines but also about ensuring comfort, creating trust, and managing expectations. He had to remain calm even when tensions ran high, a skill that no classroom could have taught him.

Interactions with colleagues added another dimension to the learning curve. Front office managers, who dealt directly with guests, often approached him with urgent complaints or requests. One front office manager, in particular, was very exacting, known for bringing even minor issues to his attention with urgency and intensity. Learning to handle such interactions with grace was essential. He had to balance technical solutions with human understanding, realizing that empathy and communication were as crucial as knowledge and skill. At times, it was stressful, but these experiences slowly strengthened his confidence and taught him the value of patience and professional diplomacy.

“The only way to achieve the impossible is to believe it is possible.”

Phase 3 : Journey of Professional Growth and Milestones

The journey of Dr. Rahmat Bin Abdullah @Ramesh from a young mechanical fitter to a respected professional in the hospitality and facilities management industry is a story of persistence, learning, and steady growth. Each step of his career was marked by dedication, attention to detail, and a continuous desire to improve both technically and professionally. His rise through the ranks reflects not only his expertise but also his ability to adapt, lead, and inspire others around him.

Starting as a mechanical fitter at Keppel Singmarine in 1990, Rahmat was entrusted with responsibilities that required precision, skill, and problem-solving in a demanding environment. This early role, though modest in title, offered him invaluable exposure to technical systems and machinery. It was here that he learned the importance of discipline, the necessity of meticulous work, and the value of persistence. Working in the shipyard involved long hours and sometimes physically exhausting tasks, but each challenge contributed to his understanding of mechanical operations and laid a foundation for his future endeavors.

In 1992, he transitioned to Le Meridien Changi as a shift leader, marking his entry into the hospitality industry. This change represented a shift not only in his work environment but also in the complexity of his responsibilities. No longer confined to technical tasks alone, Rahmat was now part of a team that interacted indirectly with guests and coordinated with multiple departments to maintain smooth operations. Over a decade at Le Meridien, he honed his skills in facility management, problem-solving, and team leadership. His commitment to excellence was consistently recognized, and he developed a reputation as someone reliable, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure seamless operations. The experience also taught him valuable lessons in people management, as he had to guide staff, communicate effectively, and foster a collaborative work environment.

Note of Thanks

Dr. Rahmat Bin Abdullah extends heartfelt appreciation for two remarkable colleagues whose leadership, perseverance, and inspiration have profoundly shaped his perspective and professional growth.

Ms. Carol Lim, Hotel Director at LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort, has been a powerful source of motivation since they first crossed paths in 2019. Despite the demanding nature of her role—overseeing hotel projects and ensuring smooth daily operations—she pursued a Master’s degree in Hotel Management, completing it with honors. Remarkably, Ms. Lim financed her entire course through her own resources, a testament to her self-reliance and unwavering determination. Her achievement is inspiring not only for what it represents intellectually but also for the courage and dedication it required. Ms. Lim consistently encourages all members of her team to pursue further education and personal development, fostering a culture of continuous learning. Dr. Rahmat admires her not just for her professional accomplishments, but for the bold example she sets every day.

Ms. Viki, Resident Manager at Somerset Medini, has equally left a lasting impression since joining Dr. Rahmat’s circle in 2020. Transitioning from her successful position as Director of Sales into this new leadership role was no small feat, yet she embraced it with remarkable effort and grace. Ms. Viki demonstrated not only her ability to excel in sales—continuously delivering results—but also her capacity to lead and manage a cohort of professionals in an entirely new context. Her promotion speaks to her effectiveness and impact. Beyond metrics and targets, her words resonate most deeply: “If you’re passionate about your work, then do it with sincerity and a positive mindset.” These simple yet profound words have galvanized Dr. Rahmat and many others to approach their work with both authenticity and optimism.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Thank You
– Dr. Rahmat Bin Abdullah