BACK
As said by Pablo Picasso, “action is the foundational key to all success” and taking this close to his heart, Ahmad Fadzil Ali believes in letting his work speak for itself in order to gain success in his career. Serving as Coal Electrical, Control and Instrumentation (EC&I) Section Head at Tanjung Bin Power Plant (TBPP), Ahmad Fadzil Ali embodies perseverance and a deep passion for problem-solving especially when facing complications with his task. With experience of nearly two decades at one of Malakoff Corporation Berhad’s (Malakoff) premier thermal power plants, Ahmad Fadzil Ali’s journey has been marked by numerous challenges and trials. Rather than being deterred or viewing it as a stopping sign, Ahmad Fadzil Ali faced these challenges and used it to shape him into becoming a true expert in electrical, instrumentation, and control systems.
CAREER INSPIRATION
During his early years, Ahmad Fadzil found his career inspiration closer to home. Those years, he was fascinated with his father’s job as electrical engineer. Witnessing how his father works with colourful wires sparked his early interest in the field. His father’s choice of career became his guiding light in choosing the same career path.
Being not the only person inspired by the example shown by the father, Ahmad Fadzil’s eldest brother was also enticed in the same way and decided to jump into the same industry. Their career journey has become a norm in Ahmad Fadzil’s life and from it, he admits his choice in electrical engineering was inspired by his admiration towards their roles. Following their footsteps, Ahmad Fadzil then chose to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Unbeknownst to him, his choice was later snowballed to become a vision for his younger brother to continue in similar track.
With a family of electrical engineers, no problem is too complicated to be solved. When facing challenging problems, Ahmad Fadzil and the family often turn to each other for advice. This familial connection has been a constant source of motivation and growth throughout Ahmad Fadzil’s career.
CAREER INSPIRATION
Kicking off his career as an EC&I technician, Ahmad Fadzil’s journey started from being a Specialist, Supervisor, Engineer, and now a Section Head. For over the years he would have to attentively supervise every equipment in his care to ensure it works perfectly. His scope would even include planning and coordination of maintenance, monitors, measure and analyses operational activities.
In his daily schedule, Ahmad Fadzil starts the day with a detailed review of maintenance schedules and work orders. As the task involves a detailed review of maintenance schedules and work orders, Ahmad Fadzil’s keen eye is definitely an asset to it. In general, the detailed review is a process that involves proactive planning and resource allocation to minimise downtime and extend equipment lifespan. His task then followed with a walk-through of the facility to identify potential hazards or equipment issues.
Each day presents a fresh set of challenges for Ahmad Fadzil. Be it diagnosing electrical faults, troubleshooting Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) control issues, or managing unforeseen breakdowns. With high stakes and potential downtime threatening critical operations, Ahmad Fadzil not only faces pressure but excels in it, proving his resilience and expertise in the field. With each challenge, Ahmad Fadzil becoming more knowledgeable and confidence to navigate any problem.
A MASTER IN HIS FIELD
Throughout his journey, Ahmad Fadzil faced many challenges that have become his core memories. These memories are also an achievement he owned. Among his standout achievements, Ahmad Fadzil successfully tackled the long-standing issue of coal unloader reliability with remarkable success. Through innovative solutions, including upgrading critical components and refining PLC programming, he and his team not only minimised downtime but also slashed maintenance costs, saving more for the company. For Ahmad Fadzil, this accomplishment underscores the power of collaboration, ingenuity, and a forward-thinking approach to problem-solving.
Challenges are the inevitable part of the job, particularly dealing with scheduled maintenance shutdowns and ageing equipment which often uncover unexpected issues. Without experience, one could easily feel overwhelmed by the problems. Ahmad Fadzil recalls a particularly memorable instance where tight deadlines and mounting problems pushed his team to the limit. Stress and pressure are through the roof, but through clear communication and unwavering teamwork, they not only met the deadline but also demonstrated that even the most demanding situations can be conquered with the right strategy.
LIFE NEVER ENDS WITH WORK
Having to constantly monitor and maintain the performance of equipment in his workplace, Ahmad Fadzil never let his work define who he is as a person. While dedicated to his job, he also manages to divide his attention between his work and his passions for hobbies and sports. Ahmad Fadzil always finds time to engage in his favourite sports and hobbies, ensuring a healthy balance in his life.
Ahmad Fadzil’s scope of work includes planning and coordinating maintenance, as well as monitoring, measuring, and analysing operational activities.
Exposed to badminton and football from a young age, Ahmad Fadzil developed a deep passion for both sports. With the necessary skills and strategies to excel in these games, his enthusiasm has enabled him to become a skilled communicator and collaborator. Through sports, he learned the values of teamwork, perseverance, and the effort needed to shape it successfully.
On days when he isn’t on the field or court, Ahmad Fadzil prefers to spend quality time with his family and friends. Occasionally, you can find him enjoying a Liverpool FC match, his favourite football team. Sports have become a vital part of his daily routine, offering him a way to relax, recharge, and enhance his performance at work. In addition to his love for sports, Ahmad Fadzil is passionate about reading and learning, which helps him maintain balance, curiosity, and a positive outlook on life.
THE EVOLUTION OF HIS CAREER
Ahmad Fadzil's journey at TBPP is a powerful testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for his work. From his humble beginnings as a technician, he steadily rose through the ranks, honing his expertise and leadership skills along the way. Today, as the Section Head, he leads a team that ensures the plant’s seamless operation, overseeing complex systems and troubleshooting challenges in real-time. Ahmad Fadzil’s story is not just about a career; it’s about a deep commitment to his craft and a sense of purpose in everything he does. For Ahmad Fadzil, every challenge faced, and every problem solved is not merely a task, it is an opportunity to grow and to contribute to the success of TBPP.
His advice to aspiring professionals is simple yet profound: stay curious, embrace challenges, and never stop learning. He believes that continual learning, whether through formal education or hands-on experience, is the cornerstone of career advancement. For Ahmad Fadzil, each solved problem and every accomplishment is a step toward a brighter future, not only for himself but for the company he proudly serves. His work reflects the long-term vision of TBPP and Malakoff Corporation Berhad, contributing to the efficiency and reliability of Malaysia’s power sector.
What drives Ahmad Fadzil most is the satisfaction of problem-solving and the deep sense of accomplishment that comes from restoring a critical machine to its full function or identifying potential issues before they escalate into more significant problems. It’s this hands-on involvement with the systems he oversees that fuels his passion. Ahmad Fadzil’s technical expertise, combined with his ability to remain calm under pressure, allows him to make critical decisions that ensure the plant operates at its best.
Beyond the technical side, he also values the company culture at Malakoff, particularly its emphasis on safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Malakoff’s commitment to fostering a work environment where employees are encouraged to innovate and strive for excellence has been instrumental in Ahmad Fadzil's growth. The company’s training programs have not only enhanced his technical skills but have also provided him with valuable leadership tools, enabling him to excel in a demanding field. These learning opportunities have empowered him to take on more significant responsibilities and have prepared him to tackle the complexities of modern power plant operations. For Ahmad Fadzil, the continuous support of his colleagues and the emphasis on teamwork have played a crucial role in his development, allowing him to thrive both as a technical expert and a leader.
"I am truly grateful to my superiors for their continuous encouragement and the opportunities they've provided me to enhance my technical skills and further my education. Their unwavering support has been invaluable to both my personal and professional growth," said Ahmad Fadzil Ali.
