Today, as I drive back to Johor Bahru, I’m reminded of the power of reflection. Thanks to modern tools like Otter, I’ve been able to turn two voice memos into blog posts in a single day—helping me bridge the gap between previous articles and keep my thoughts flowing.
Earlier, I spent three hours in meetings with bankers and investors, enduring eight hours of traffic for what some might consider a questionable trade-off. Was it worth it? Some would argue that traveling eight hours for a three-hour meeting isn’t justified. But for me, it’s not about the quantity of time spent; it’s about the potential impact of those moments.
Over the past eight years, I’ve made the journey between JB and KL countless times, except during the pandemic. This consistent travel has broadened my network and exposure beyond Johor Bahru, a town I love for its peaceful simplicity and beautiful community. However, to rise above the standard here, one must seek opportunities beyond the comforts of this lovely town. Exposure to different environments has made many seemingly impossible things possible.
At the intersection of JB and KL, I’ve found the best of both worlds. I understand the business environment in Johor Bahru, while also gaining insight into future possibilities from Kuala Lumpur. Some might ask why I don’t just turn to Singapore, a city right next door, far more advanced than KL. The answer lies in a deeper analysis. While Singapore is nearer and more developed, the business environment there is vastly different from Malaysia’s. What works in Singapore doesn’t necessarily translate to success in Johor Bahru. On the other hand, the business context in KL is more relatable and applicable to our operations in JB.
On my way back, Yvonne called to check on me and asked, “How was your day?” That’s an interesting question. How my day was isn’t as important as how I perceive it. I’ve learned that my perspective shapes my experience.
During one of my meetings, a banker, focused on an investor in the room, asked me what I do. I shared that I run an international school and plan to develop more. He suggested I use an established brand instead of building my own from scratch, emphasizing how difficult it would be. If you had asked me five years ago how my day was after hearing that, I might have said it was terrible. But today, I see it differently. The difference lies in my expectations. Years ago, I naively believed that things would always go as planned, that people would naturally support me. Reality, however, taught me otherwise.
Over the years, I’ve learned to approach challenges with resilience, to think about the value I bring to the table before anything else. My first venture into something 10 times bigger—expanding Stellar Preschool into Stellar International School—was a major leap for us. Now, six years later, we’re embarking on another significant expansion, moving from a city campus to a purpose-built campus. It’s a whole new level of challenge, and I’m prepared for it. Whether I succeed or learn valuable lessons, the process itself is sharpening my skills and resilience.
Being born and raised in Johor Bahru, I’ve always believed that my roots here are part of a greater purpose. Today’s journey was great, not because everything went smoothly, but because I made the most of every moment. From co-meetings with my top management on the way to KL, to recording these thoughts on the way back, nothing was wasted. My frequent trips to KL, while others might visit quarterly, have exposed me to invaluable connections, wisdom, and skills from people far more experienced than I am.
My mission remains clear: I travel to KL to acquire knowledge and wisdom and bring it back to serve Johor Bahru, my base. And that, to me, makes today a great day—indeed.
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