The Sabah Society

Rethinking Economic Development: Adapt Or Be Left Behind
2025-05-16 20:00 - 22:00 (Asia/Shanghai) | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
While other countries are reaping the benefits of new technologies and human resources, Sabahans are struggling to keep up. Too reliant on tourism, palm oil, and fossil fuel production as sources of state revenue, Augustine reimagines what economic policies will look like to enable sustainable development.

A Sabahan World Feeling and Its Outlook on Governmentality
2025-04-29 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Despite having formed Malaysia in 1963, Sabah has undergone several transitions of governmental systems. The last 500 years of history compels us ask how much of a world feeling does a Sabahan outlook draw upon? Adi answers these question in his upcoming talk with TSS.

Montfort Youth Training Centre - Real life & Real skills for youth | Thur 27 Mar
2025-03-27 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Mr Joseph Tek Choon Yee, Member of the Board of Governors of MYTC will talk on the history of MYTC and recount how MYTC equips youths from underprivileged backgrounds with skills gained through vocational training to make a better life for themselves.

Overriding MA63: The Malayan " Social Contract" | Datuk Dr Johan Ariffin
2025-03-13 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Author of ‘Unequal Partners’ and ‘Revisiting the Social Contract’ – Datuk Dr Johan Ariffin.
The concept of a ‘social contract’ has been manipulated by Peninsular politicians to override the provisions of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63). This notion, which was originally a quid pro quo arrangement among leaders of the three major communities (Malay, Chinese, Indians) during the formation of the Federation of Malaya, has been politically weaponized to pressure non-Malays, particularly those in Sabah and Sarawak, into compliance. However, the so-called social contract had no connection to the Borneo states. Over time, it has been misapplied to these regions, serving to entrench Malay hegemony under the guise of ‘Ketuanan Melayu.’ This distortion not only undermines the historical context but also perpetuates an inequitable narrative in Sabah and Sarawak.

THE SETTLEMENT OF A LOWER LABUK KAMPUNG 1925-1975 | Dr Elizabeth Koepping
2025-02-21 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Dr Elizabeth is an anthropologist who has studied and obtained cultural anthropology degrees from Edinburgh, Manchester and Queensland and is trained in theology from Oxford. She taught anthropology and education in Queensland and Melbourne and then in Heidelberg, Germany. Her PhD thesis was titled “Too Hot, Too Cold, Just Right: Social Relations in a Kadazan Village in Sabah, Malaysia.” Her work in Sabah focuses on the culture of natives as well as the relationships between people in a domestic setting.

Members Night | Thur 16 Jan 2025 @ 6.30PM
2025-01-16 18:30 - 20:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
It’s time to celebrate you! Join us on TSS Member’s Night for a santai makan as our President, Edwin Liew, will be sharing his journey through the Trans-Siberian Railway! There will be light meals prepared for everyone. Do come to the Sabah Society Secretariat this coming January 16, 2025, Thursday!

Let us know if you are joining so the food is enough ✨🙏🏽🫶🏼 013-8809850

The illegals in Sabah - My untold story | Tan Sri Datuk Chong Kah Kiat, former CM of Sabah
2025-01-09 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
SEAT RESERVATION CLOSE

SEAT RESERVATION CUT-OFF POINT

Dur to overwhelming response, to everyone who has reserved a seat for Tan Sri Datuk Chong Kah Kiat’s talk, please take note that TSS will hold the reserved seats onlu until 7.45PM. After this time, the seats will be opened to walk in guests.

How did it all begin, and why has Sabah, in particular, faced an influx of PTIs (Pendatang Tanpa Izin) over the years? I have taken steps to address this issue by personally entering the field (turun Padang) to engage directly with the community. Along the way, I encountered many challenges, experienced rewards, and faced some regrets. My story concludes with a reflection on what we, as Sabahans, can collectively do to tackle these ongoing issues.

Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat was the 13th Chief Minister of Sabah from March 2001 – March 2003. Tan Sri Chong’s short stint as Chief Minister was pre-occupied with the 3 challenges of his Chief Ministership namely [llegal immigrants, illegal loggings and illegal fish bombings in Sabah.

Tan Sri Chong retired from active politics since 2007 and will be sharing his story of his crusade in addressing the influx of illegal immigrants into Sabah when he was the Chief Minister of Sabah.

It will be held at The Secretariat The Sabah Society, Damai Plaza. To secure your seats please contact 013-8809850 or at email sabahsoc@gmail.com

Book - The illegals in Sabah my untold story
2025-01-09 20:00 - 21:00 | Sabah
We have on sale the above book at RM50 per copy in both languages English and BM. It will be signed by author TS Datuk Chong Kah Kiat himself. You can pre book your copy here 013 8809850

NB WW2 History: Selected bombing mission by the Allied forces | Avtar Singh
2024-12-05 20:00 - 21:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
In May and June 1945 during the Second World War, specific bombing and strafing missions were carried out by allied forces against several district namely Kota Belud, Kudat, Ranau, Inanam, Jesselton, Pensiangan, Tenom, and Kinarut in North Borneo/ Sabah.

These missions were planned according to allied intelligence information.

I will be sharing never been seen before mission reports and photographs of the actual bombings/strafing’s of these towns from those who participated in these missions, including estimated battle damage on structures and buildings.

This will give the audience a better understanding of why missions and targets were selected and what transpired in a small number of flight operations over North Borneo/Sabah and how North Borneo/ Sabah ultimately became the most heavily bombed British territory in Malaya and Borneo.

Gaya Street ~ Doing it in style | Team Bergaya (Rosemary Chin) | 26 Nov
2024-11-26 20:00 - 22:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
If you think you know Gaya Street, then think again!

Walk with us around the corners, and through the alleys, and up the stairs, and down again.

Join us on a magical mystery tour. We promise you won’t be disappointed.

The diaries of Alexander Rankin Johnstone Dunlop, 1897 - 1907 | Stella Moo-Tan
2024-11-20 20:00 - 21:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Arguably the youngest cadet to serve in the British North Borneo Chartered Company, AR Dunlop’s life and 46-year career in British North Borneo is extraordinary to say the least. His diaries give us a glimpse of the early part of the British administration where among other things, he was involved in the pursuit of Mat Salleh who posed the most serious challenge to British rule.

His diaries are also infused with sketches of many local people and places, showing Dunlop’s artistic talent.

The Artistic legacy of William Pretyman | Mohd Shari
2024-10-17 20:00 - 21:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
The collections of scenic pencil sketches and watercolour of North Borneo made by William Pretyman, the West Coast Resident at Tampasuk in the late 19th century (1878-1880).

Pictures are for sale on that night

Annual General Meeting 2024
2024-10-17 18:30 - 21:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Dear members,

Kindly please take note of our AGM which is on Thursday 17 Oct 2024 at 6.30pm. This will be followed by a talk at 8pm. More details on talk will be out soon.

Your attendance is much appreciated as this will ensure that the Society will be able to move forward.

A gentle reminder to all members to please renew your membership fees RM75 for voting eligibility.

See you.

Rachel Yee

Honorary Secretary 2023-2024

Searching for Borneo in British Museums | Dr Jennifer Morris
2024-09-10 20:00 - 21:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Dr Jennifer R. Morris is the Borneo Early Career Research Fellow in the Department of Asia at the British Museum. She is a historian and museologist trained at the universities of Cambridge, Leicester and Singapore, and specialises in the history of museums and collecting in Borneo. She has previously contributed towards the development of the Borneo Cultures Museum in Kuching as part of the Sarawak Museum Fellowship Programme, and curated the virtual exhibition ‘Plant People: Unearthing Botany in Sarawak’ for the Friends of Sarawak Museum.t

Podcast - What's the story of our History? | Sat 17 Aug 2024 | 4-6PM
2024-08-17 16:00 - 18:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Podcast launch and live podcast recording!

Host – Chris Pereira

Guests – Mohd Shari and Avtar Singh

Episode 1 – The historical aspect of the Sulu claim

Limited to 20 paxs

Canon photography sharing | Alric Goh | 16 Aug 2024 | 8PM
2024-08-16 20:00 - 21:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Are you a beginner in photography? Which DSLR camera should I use? Together lets learn from Alric Goh as he shares his experience in digital photography.

See you at The Sabah Society Secretariat in Damai Plaza on Friday 16 August 2024 at 8PM.

From Logged over denuded forest to Eden Garden | Datuk Dr. Richard Gunting
2024-07-25 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
See you this Thursday at 8PM at The Secretariat Sabah Society.

Uncovering Syed Kechik's Secret History
2024-06-07 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
The Sabah Society presents a historical talk on another aspect of Sabah history that has long been forgotten about and that is Syed Kechik.

The historical talk discusses who he was, and how did he become de-facto Chief Minister of Sabah in the early 1970s as well as what was his role in changing the landscape of Sabah politics and economy forever.

We refer to this period historically as a period of the growth of federalism in Sabah.

Avtar Singh presents his 2nd talk on Syed Kechik from a historical perspective and presents historical observations of the time from 1965 to 1976.

These historical observations are meant to stimulate greater discussion and further research on the period between 1967 till 1976 to better understand our own history.

WHO IS AVTAR SINGH?

Avtar Singh spent 24 years in the retail industry as a sponsorship manager and events manager for a major international sporting brand for the Borneo region. He trained as a retail and operations manager before leaving the industry to start a small enterprise to help struggling SME’s conduct business turn-arounds for SMEs in distress.

He began his work and research in history in 2015 and published his first historical book in 2017 on the history of Indian’s serving in the German Army during WW2.

He has since presented talks on the Battle of Midway, the False Narratives of the Sulu Sultanate over Sabah, Piracy, Kidnapping and Slavery of North Borneo Natives by the Sulu Sultanate as well as early Sikh history in North Borneo.

He is the great-great grandson of Bhagat Singh, the first Sikh to have arrived in North Borneo as a policeman in 1868 and is a 5th generation Sabahan.

Born in Kota Kinabalu and having lived overseas in Singapore, Australia and the United States, he is now currently a project researcher with the Goethe Institute of Germany on a project called ‘Borneo Perantis.’

Kabulongou Community-Based Development 3D/2N
2024-05-06 - 2024-05-08 | Sabah
Kabulongou is in Nabawan – about 180km from Kota Kinabalu. The drive will take about 3 hours.

The package is inclusive of: 2 lunches, 2 dinners, 2 breakfast, 2 coffee/tea breaks, community guides, community cooks, 25 fruit seedlings, selected tree seedlings, rooms, farm tour at Munor Aulai Farm, cultural activities/performance by the children from the Romol Village, and some internal logistics.

The package does not include transportation from KK-Nabawan-KK.

For bookings or more information, please do contact us at 013 – 880 9850 (Monica)

Medicinal Plants of North Borneo | Thur 29 Feb 2024
2024-02-29 20:00 - 21:30 | Sabah
Did you know that on the Island of Borneo and specifically here in Sabah we have medicinal plants used by different indigenious ethnic groups for the purpose of public health and to boost local economy?

Associate Prof Christophe Wlart of Institute of Tropical Biology and Conservation, UMS will be here on Thur 29 Feb 2024 to share his vast experience and knowledge on this subject.

Forum | Children’s Rights & Statelessness woes in Sabah
2024-01-18 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Three knowledgeable speakers – Mary Anne Baltazar, founder of ANAK, Dr Elaine Kong, Unicef Malaysia Sabah and Senior lawyer Priscilla Ruth Marcus will speak on the current issues and solutions to problems.

Mary Anne Baltazar will explain the proposed 2024 Federal Constitution amendment on citizenship that was announced by Home Minister that will adversely affect children of the Indigenous peoples of Sabah and Sarawak who are still stateless or hold the MyPr instead of MyKad.

Dr Elaine Kong will highlight children’s right, well being and participation.

Priscilla Ruth Marcus an expert on Family Law in the context of Sabah will clarify any pertinent legal administrative process from her decades of law pracrise experience.

Members Night
2024-01-18 18:30 - 19:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Don’t forget, we have a Fellowship Night & the launching of the 39th TSS Journal on the 18th January 2024

The programme will be as follows:
6:30pm – Arrival & Dinner
7:30pm – Journal Launch
8:00pm – Forum: Children’s Rights & Stateless Woes in Sabah

10 talking points from the secret Australian government files on North Borneo & the formation of Malaysia | Avtar Singh | Thur, 7 Dec 2023 | 8PM
2023-12-07 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Towards the end of the 1950s, secret discussions were held within the British government and their allies (Australia & the United States) on the possibilities of some form of a union of Malaya, Singapore and the Borneo Territories.

Colonial Officers privately suggested a union of the Borneo Territories only. However, the negotiations of any union were complicated, fraught with distrust, and a complete misunderstanding of the people of Borneo, their cultures and how they lived their lives.

By 1961, due to external pressures from the United Nations and the spread of communism within South East Asia, the British Government had no choice but to force a union which the people of North Borneo clearly did not want.

But what made the representatives of the people of North Borneo (and Sarawak) change their minds and what central role did the United Nations play in forcing this union?

Avtar Singh has been researching secret Australian diplomatic documents and files since January 2023 and has completed the reading of over 9,000 pages of documents over the past 9 months and has selected 10 key talking points not previously known or acknowledged as being central to the reasons why North Borneo had no choice but to participate in the union that led to the formation of Malaysia.

His research also coincides with a book he is currently writing titled “The Thomas Jayasuria Interviews” which will be published in late 2024.

Malaysian Politics in 2023 - Options for The Unity Government | Monday, 13 Nov | Prof James Chin | 11AM
2023-11-13 11:00 - 12:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Kindly take note on the time – 11AM

James Chin is Professor of Asian Studies and the inaugural Director of the Asia Institute at the University of Tasmania. He is also a Senior Fellow, Jeffrey Cheah Institute, Malaysia; Vice-President, Australian Institute of International Affairs (Tas). He was previously Senior Visiting Research Fellow, Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS); Salzburg Global Freeman Fellow (US & Austria) and Australia-ASEAN Fellow. Prior to an academic career, he worked as a journalist in Malaysia and Singapore. Prof Chin is the leading scholar on contemporary Sabah and Sarawak, and his views on Malaysia and the surrounding region are sought by leading news agencies like The Economist, CNN, BBC World TV, CNBC, Bloomberg TV, The New York Times, Financial Times, South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia (CNA)

Hopes & Vision: Tg Aru's Development | Thur 9 Nov | 8PM
2023-11-09 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Lets hear our local Tanjung Aru State Assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong Hong Jun on November 9, 2023 at 8PM who will speak his mind on his vision for the oldest recreational part of the State capital – the future development of Tanjung Aru, its people, homes, economy, beach, parks, township, schools, and TAED issues.

Tanjung Aru Beach has a renowned reputation as an ideal location to view some of the most beautiful sunset panoramas in the world and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the international main gateway into Sabah. Visitors throng hotels, a resort, golf course, clubs, contributing to weekend traffic access and parking congestion.

Balancing Tourism and Environmental Protection — Alexander Yee
2023-11-03 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Let’s join our next talk with Guest Speaker – Alexander Yee, President of KiTA (Kinabatangan-Corridor of Life Tourism Operator Association).

The Kinabatangan floodplain is the largest and most important freshwater wetland in Sabah and it is one of the last remaining habitats in the State for iconic wildlife populations such as the Borneo form of the Asian elephant (popularly known as the Borneo Pygmy elephant), Bornean orang-utan, and Proboscis monkeys.

This floodplain harbours over 250 species of birds, 90 species of mammals, 90 freshwater fish species (the richest freshwater fishery in Sabah), 20 species of reptiles and at least 15 amphibian species (WWF, 2015).

With over 20 tourism operators varying from 5-star accommodation to homestay facilities, how do the tourism operators plan to strike balance between conservation and protection of the fragile area with tourism activities? Is there a way forward?

Carbon Trading: An Idea Whose Time Has Come
2023-10-04 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Carbon Trading- An Idea Whose Time Has Come

The state government of Sabah has taken sustainable development to the whole new level. Nature Conservation Agreement (NCA) between the State of Sabah and Hoch Standard PTE LTD that was signed on 28 October 2021 aim to selling forest carbon storage and sequestration and its other ecological services to companies interested in buying credits to offset their CO2 emissions. It would include more than two million ha of forest, supposedly to restore it from mining, logging and industrial agriculture for the next 100 years or so. Against this background, this paper discussed the essence of carbon trading. Drawing examples from carbon deals around the world, we examined the prevailing conventional wisdom or the forgone conclusion that keeping trees standing is better than cutting them down. What are the advantages and disadvantages of trading forest carbon storage and sequestration? Who would gain and who would lose?

Speaker – Dr. James Alin
Member of the Faculty of Business, Economics and Accountancy, Universiti Malaysia Sabah since 2003. Publications related mostly to economics of conserving wildlife and natural areas. Holder of external positions; as Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Local Government, University New England-Business School, Australia; Senior Research Fellow and Adjunct Professor, Center for Strategic Policy and Governance, Palawan State University, Philippines and Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Deponegoro, Republic Indonesia. He co-authored with Mr. Alex Yee (2022) A Tale of 30 Thousand Turtles. Also occasionally writes for local newspapers and internet news portals.

AGM | Wed 4 Oct 2023 | 7PM
2023-10-04 19:00 - 20:00 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Dear Members,

Notice is hereby given to all members that the Annual General Meeting of The Sabah Society will be held per the following detail:

Date : 04 October 2023
Time : 7:00 pm
Venue : The Sabah Society Secretariat, Plaza Damai

AGENDA
1. Establishment of quorum
2. President’s Report
3. Honorary Treasurer’s Report
4. Adoption of previous AGM minutes
5. Auditor’s report
6. Election of new committee 2023/2024
7. Any Other Business

Kindly renew annual membership to ensure voting rights to participate in the voting of the new 2023/2024 committee.

Per the Constitution, Life member (RM1000) and Ordinary member (RM75) are eligible for voting. Student membership (RM30) may only observe the AGM. As members, you are entitled to subsidized fieldtrips and usage of the Sabah Society library at the Secretariat and excess to digital Sabah Society Journals.

Your attendance is important to us and we greatly appreciate your continuous support for The Sabah Society to live up to its motto ‘To Get to Know Sabah’.

Rachel Yee
Hon. Secretary 2022 – 2023

The Innovation of A Coastal Reservoir in Sabah
2023-09-15 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Coastal Reservoir is a technology that develops river water in the sea near a river mouth. It is a paradigm shift in water resources development from storing water in mountainous dams to storing freshwater by the coast.

The mountainous dams in upstream become “sword of Damocles” to downstream people. CR technology can act as barrier to protect coast from earthquake. CR also can be developed into freshwater agriculture farm, energy and tourism. CR has potential to transform neglected and polluted coastal area into a sustainable freshwater township.

Malaysia is a tropical Southeast Asian country with a steady annual rainfall and river flow pattern. The enormous river networks provide enough supply to build a coastal reservoir

According to this research, embankment design and reservoir operation must account for climate change implications such as rising groundwater level, changing streamflow discharge during intense and extended droughts, floods, and water quality issues.

For more information, please do contact us at 013-880 9850 or email sabahsoc@gmail.com

Speaker bio data – Datuk Ir. Ts. Dr. Amarjit Singh

Qualifications : PhD (Engineering Education), UNIRAZAK(2021) : MSc (Water Engineering), UPM (2005) : BEng (Civil Engineering), UNIMAS (1997) : Diploma (Civil Engineering), UTM(1994) : Certificate (Construction Eng.), Polytechnic (1992)

Professional Membership : Professional Engineer, Board of Engineers Malaysia (PE no. 11848) : Corporate Member, Institute Engineers Malaysia (MIEM no.20953) : Professional Technologist, Board Malaysia (MBOT) : Asean Chartered Professional Engineer (ACPE) : Associate Asean Engineer, (AAE 3728) Associate Value Specialist (CVS 910507), SAVEInternational : Member, Malaysia Water Association (OM1123) : Member, International Association For Contracts &Commercial Management (MIACCM) : IEM Sabah ExCo member – Sabah Branch : ACEM Sabah ExCo member – Sabah Branch : CIDB Panel Interview For Site Supervisors

Professional Titles/Honour : Professional Engineer Board of Engineers, Malaysia (2004) : Professional Technologist, Board of Technologist Malaysia (2021) : Bintang Setia Kinabalu, BSK (2016), Ahli Darjah Kinabalu, ADK (2018), Panglima Gagah Darjah Gemilang, PGDK (2019)

Key Experience : Monitoring water treatment plants daily production : Monitoring daily dam storages : In charge of operations of water production anddistribution : Experience in preparing reports to top management onthe operation status i.e. monthly meetings : Preparation of board papers for top management : Preparation for payment certificates for water Concessionaires : Design of water treatment plant and distribution system : Experience in preparing water related proposals i.e. distribution network for optimize flow : Site supervision and management : Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and Microsoft Project : Strong interpersonal and communication skill : Leadership qualities, team player and self-starter : Liaising with local authorities, clients and contractors : Experience in testing equipment’s at the factory i.e. sluice valves, butterfly valves, check valves : Able to coordinate between civil and mechanical &electrical works : Able to work under extreme pressure, dynamic, enthusiastic and result oriented

Oil Palm Transitioning to Precision Agriculture
2023-09-05 20:00 - 21:30 | The Sabah Society Secretariat, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88450, Malaysia
Michel A. Gilmour

A 1st generation entrepreneur, Michel, at core, is a talent and technology scout. He spent 12 years in Chemicals & Oil Palm with, in between, 30 years in Executive Search.

Born in Africa, after business studies in France and the UK, Michel started his career with France’s main chemical company, first in India then as GM Indonesia. He transitioned to a 30 years headhunting spell across Europe, America & Asia.

He ventured into Oil Palm in Sabah in 2009 by investing first in Sandakan in a first precision agriculture solution. COVID led to the setting up of the PalmINNOV study group. PalmINNOV is today delivering the first fully operational Precision Agriculture harvesting system. Along the way he volunteered with PONGO, an alliance of oil palm growers & NGOs aiming at improving the protection of wildlife in/around plantations.

French & British, Michel’s multicultural family lives in Europe, Malaysia, Indonesia & Polynesia. His Malaysian wife Soraya set up 12 years back several private schools for Rohingya children in Johor. She is concurrently UNHCR representative for Southern Malaysia Peninsula.
