Possessing an educational background in agriculture, is not an obstacle for Tuan Haji Laili Ismail to start a career in a transportation field namely an express bus company. Now he is the Managing Director of Tiara Pesona and Chief Executive Officer of Ekspres Perdana. Ekspres Perdana began its operations seven years ago. In December 2016, it received the Best Operator for Bus Express Category Award by Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD), Malaysia. Obviously, this recognition gives a boost to the management and staff to remain efficient and competitive in order to provide the best service to users in the country.
Now, Ekspres Perdana has invested about RM60 million to buy 62 express buses within six years to strengthen the public transport operations that is provided by the company. “Prior to work in this field, I was a contractor. I guess my prayers every night so I can do business in areas other than construction finally granted by God”, he said. Determined to be serious in the land transport business, he and his wife, who was a teacher, willing to quit her work to focus entirely on this company.
No foundation, no experience or unskilled is no excuse for not trying. Fear of failure is usually the reason to avoid making changes in yourself. To Haji Laili, a person will fail if he refuses to change and does not want to accept the current changes. Therefore he adds, Ekspres Perdana will make a difference by changing the logo and body design of the new bus in line with the latest technological developments. With the theme of “Bas Warna Warni, Plat Ribu-ribu”, he believes this change could attract the attention of users/consumers.
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Article wrote by Nik Hafzaini Nik Hassan (Alumni Class 2006) for UPM Alumni Magazine "Serdang Sun", Volume 09, Issue 05 (Julai-Disember 2016).
Date of Input: 08/10/2017 | Updated: 31/08/2018 | hafzaini
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