There are moments in life we never forget. Moments that define us, shape us, and remind us why we do what we do. For me, the Soft Launching of BAS.MY Kota Kinabalu in Sabah was one of those rare milestones — one I will cherish forever, and one I look forward to sharing with my children when they grow up.
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| Photo with Tuan Dairin, The Head of LPKP Sabah duirng the final presentation of the event at LPKP Office in Sabah. |
I may not be a Malaysian, but being entrusted to help shape a new chapter in Sabah’s transportation landscape feels deeply personal. Sabah is close to my homeland, and standing here, I felt a sense of belonging and purpose. 🇵🇭🤝🇲🇾
The Sabah International Convention Centre welcomed us warmly, becoming the foundation for our plans. The KK Sentral Terminal showed unwavering support. Slowly, what began as an idea turned into reality.
But the truth is, behind the curtain, it wasn’t easy. The planning started with only a handful of us: myself (taking on most of the event work, story line foundations, including the promotional concept), my project overseer (a dear friend I’ll always treasure), a colleague from our sister company involved in GPS installation, one staff from Jaguh Bayu, and a member of my marketing team. A small team, but filled with determination.
Despite the challenges, the results exceeded all expectations. Our efforts generated over 535,000 PR value (more than 38 publicities), tracked through Meltwater — proof that great impact doesn’t always require a big team, but rather, a big heart and strong collaboration.
This milestone was only possible because of the trust my management placed in me, the cooperation of government agencies, the support of partners both local and overseas, and the dedication of the LPKP team, whose teamwork made everything smoother. I am also deeply grateful to my director from Semenanjung for her guidance and encouragement throughout the process.
The highlight for me was seeing my longtime bus suppliers from overseas present during this historic moment. It wasn’t just business — it was a personal bond that made the day even more meaningful. 🚌💙
I remember one session with government partners where someone said:
“Yes, he is a Filipino, and he is the one behind the scenes helping to shape the storyline, the narratives, and the press releases.”
And I replied with a smile, “I am half Malaysian since I am married to a Malaysian spouse and blessed with two beautiful Malaysian children.”
That moment reminded me why I do what I do. I want my children to see that making history doesn’t always mean being in the spotlight — sometimes it’s about working quietly behind the scenes, connecting people, and building something that benefits the community.
I still remember my boss — (She is actually from the Top Management Level) who has trusted me since I joined the company in 2016 — telling me over the 30-minutes phone call just days before the event:
“Sonny, I believe in you. Your dedication is clear, and I know you can deliver this.”
She couldn’t attend the event due to other commitments, but her words stayed with me. They became my fuel during the final stretch of preparation.
This wasn’t just about launching a bus service. It was a story of resilience, teamwork, and believing that with the right people, anything is possible. Even if I was behind the scenes, I know there were people who saw, appreciated, and valued the effort. And for that, I will always be grateful.
One day, when my children are old enough to understand, I will tell them this story. Not just about buses, events, or PR values — but about how their father once stood in Sabah and helped create history.
Because in the end, some milestones aren’t just achievements… they are legacies.
