Keppel’s RTW rides the waves

While the Clipper training was tough on everyone, four weeks of training away from Singapore seemed like a much longer time for Keppel’s RTW (Round-the-Worlder) Hizam Haiyon, who bravely faced up to sacrifices he and his family had to make during his absence from home.

Hizam worried about his wife, Ms Surianis Shukri, 29 years old, an ITE lecturer, as well as his two children aged four years and 11 months.

In an interview with Berita Harian, he shared, “At first it was difficult for them to accept but in the end they understood my decision.”

Another worry that weighed heavy on his heart was that his father was hospitalised because of high fever, just days before his departure for training. With the past history of his heart condition, his father was admitted for days as doctors had to perform a thorough check. Hizam had to depart for the United Kingdom before his father was fully recovered.

Worried he may be, but Hizam was not at any point wearied to the point of giving up.

“Having a career, being a family man and at the same time looking after my aging parents have never made me a pessimist for this journey and will not deter me from going round the world,” shared the Assistant Section Manager at Keppel FELS.

He added, “I have enjoyed very much the 11 years I’ve worked in Keppel. It is in this company that I have matured, excelled, got married, become a father, got a Bachelor Degree and recently achieved my Masters with Keppel’s generous sponsorship.

“After going through training, I now realise the importance of Keppel’s core values, and how relevant they are to our daily lives. Apart from integrity, global mindset, people and teamwork, innovations & learning, accountability, health, safety and more, I personally find “Can Do! with passion” as my main motivation.

“It is that extra passion and enthusiasm that helps one realise his or her dreams.”

Starting the 10-month long race on 16 September, Keppelite wishes Hizam all the best!