For Khairul, every day at the plant starts with precision and collaboration — morning toolbox briefings, sales alignment discussions, and cross-departmental reviews that keep production running smoothly. His role is not just about managing machines, but about orchestrating people, processes, and performance to ensure the timely delivery of quality lubricants that meet customer demands. When asked what keeps his work exciting, Khairul smiles: “There have been many challenges, twists and turns — but that’s what makes it interesting. I learn something new every day.” His approach to challenges echoes his boss’s mantra: “That’s why we are here — to solve problems.”

Among his proudest achievements is the successful launch of UMW Lubetech’s new automated blending plant, which introduced advanced piping and pigging systems and streamlined workflows. “Kudos to the team who made it happen,” he adds, crediting teamwork as the cornerstone of operational success.

Working under Sime UMW has, in his words, been pivotal to his professional growth — sharpening his strategic thinking, operational excellence, and leadership maturity. He appreciates the organisation’s balance of empowerment and accountability: “The combination of leadership trust, strong team synergy, and structured development has been the most valuable part of my experience here.” For Khairul, Sime UMW’s uniqueness lies in its blend of legacy and modern agility — “a strong foundation backed by two industry giants, a fast-growing business, and a people-centric culture that values collaboration and respect.”

As a leader, Khairul believes that listening is his greatest strength. “Failure to listen causes communication breakdowns. When people are part of the solution, they feel ownership.” Whether it’s acknowledging small wins, removing obstacles, or offering support, he leads with empathy and engagement — fostering a culture where morale remains high even under pressure.

His motivation stems from his team: “Leading means setting the example. If I stay committed to excellence, it sets the tone for everyone else.” Decision-making, he notes, is best guided by logic and structure — understanding issues deeply, identifying root causes, and applying the Plan-Do-Check-Act philosophy.

Reflecting on his years in operations, Khairul sums up his biggest lesson simply: “People are the heart of operations.” Advanced systems and automation may enhance efficiency, but it’s the human element — skill, discipline, and teamwork — that drives true excellence. To aspiring operations leaders, he advises: “Master your processes and equipment, communicate clearly, take initiative, and stay calm under pressure. Leadership in operations isn’t just about solving problems — it’s about building a team that can solve problems together.” Looking ahead, Khairul envisions UMW Lubetech’s operations as a benchmark for operational excellence in the industry — agile, data-driven, and continuously improving. His own leadership goal is to nurture a resilient, high-performing team ready to embrace innovation and automation for the future.

Outside work, he finds balance through rugby — both playing and coaching — a sport that mirrors his professional values of teamwork, strategy, and resilience. And when asked to describe his journey at UMW in three words, his answer says it all: “Warmth. Agile. Future.”