Malaysia Trip

The Day We Launched BAS.MY Johor Bahru — A Story of Faith, Pressure, and Purpose


There are moments in your career that you never forget — not because everything went perfectly smooth, but because somehow. Despite the chaos behind the scenes, everything still aligned and became meaningful.

November 3 was one of those days. That was the day we officially launched BAS.MY Johor Bahru at Sutera Mall in Johor Bahru. A brand new chapter for Johor’s public transportation began — and I am blessed to have been part of the backbone that helped make this milestone happen.


It all started with a very Abrupt Call This launch wasn’t planned for months. This wasn’t something with long preparation timelines. This was a sudden call and we only had four working days to get everything ready.

As a Senior PR & Marketing Executive, this was one of those moments where there was no room for slow planning. You just execute. Decide. Move. Trust. You lead with instinct, and you believe in your team.


We prepared door gifts, the Minister’s souvenir, event flow, rehearsals, and briefing materials all within a tight window. I am lucky that the replica that need to be painted was all done and I was bring back from a supplier in Sabah to Johor Bahru. But despite the rush, I somehow felt less pressure this time because we had a strong support system around me colleagues from various departments who worked hand-in-hand to make this happen.


I still remember sitting inside the aircraft, laptop open, structuring the event plan mid-flight. There was simply no other choice. I was dizzy and I had colleague (my staff) seated beside me also and he noticed what I’m doing.  Time was literally flying and so was I.

We reached out to different EOs but some declined because of the last-minute nature. In the end, I informed my director that we had to proceed with the EO we normally used. This time, leadership wasn’t about perfection it was about making fast, bold decisions. I have to skip the 3 quotations policy (which i informed to my boss right away).


I also remember that I have to pass the phone number  of our EO to our Chairman to discuss on the cost as its really quite expensive. For this, we don’t have a choice but to be also understanding to the EO. In the end my big boss  says "it’s okay Sonny, what to do its very last minute." I just try to minimize the cost by cutting some options.

The day before the launch, it rained heavily the entire afternoon, but the rehearsal continued because the flow MUST be finalized and everyone needed clarity.


Then on the morning of the event itself, it rained again. But one hour before the program started, the rain slowly stopped creating a perfect weather balance comfortable for an outdoor event, not too hot, not too humid.

There were still many uncertainties. The montage wasn’t finalized. The gimmick flow needed adjustments. Even the electrical capacity became a question. As backup, we arranged our exhibition bus with generator standby just in case. Thankfully, Sutera Mall assisted us fast and provided the three-phase support needed.


One memorable highlight was when we showcased the miniature diecast BAS.MY bus replica and the Minister personally liked it. We even captured a touching moment where he stood up, held the replica, and presented it to the children just like a father giving a gift to his son. That moment was emotional, heartwarming, and inspiring.


This launch wasn’t just branding. It was a message for the future generation. A reminder that mobility shapes opportunities.

When the Minister looked at me and said, “I saw you again,” I just smiled and replied that this was part of my deliverables — but inside, I felt a quiet sense of pride.


As a Filipino Permanent Resident in Malaysia, being part of several historical moments in Malaysia’s transport evolution from BAS.MY Melaka, BAS.MY Kota Kinabalu, JPJ e-Plate in Cyberjaya, and now BAS.MY Johor Bahru is something deeply meaningful. These are chapters I’ve contributed to in a country I now proudly call my second home.

The most impactful moment was when the Minister officially announced the reduction of Kad 30 Hari pricing — from RM50 to RM30. Even my children will benefit from it.


That RM20 savings every month means a lot to thousands of daily commuters. Soon, my team and I will be on the ground running campaigns to promote this benefit even further.
This is public transport with impact. This is transportation with heart.

When the event ended, we all returned to the office feeling fulfilled. Media coverage was positive. Feedback was meaningful and supportive.

Despite the rush, the pressure, the limited time… this became one of the most unforgettable learning experiences in my career. This launch wasn’t just another corporate milestone — it is a historical shift in Malaysia’s transportation landscape.

And I am grateful I was there. Grateful for a team that fought together. Grateful that this becomes part of my journey. This is indeed a good discovery by Jomtaralets — the foodie and travel blogger you can trust.
 

Zougarty

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