13 Sep 2025
A Homegrown Legacy, 89 Years in the Making
3 September 2025, Wednesday — As Malaysia celebrates Merdeka and Malaysia Day, Caltex Malaysia also marks a huge milestone—its 89th anniversary. Serving as a time of reflection and renewal, the company is also taking this opportunity – as it does regularly – to honour the unwavering dedication of the people behind the brand who have helped to shape its legacy and community for almost nine decades.
“Simply put, Caltex’s history in Malaysia is a testament to excellence and innovation championed by our people,” says Leong Jee Wong, Country Chairman of Caltex Malaysia. “The team at Caltex Malaysia have always been regarded as family away from home, and we celebrate their milestones as our own.”
Today, the company reaffirms its commitment to its employees, partners, and customers, celebrating the passion and effort that have propelled the company forward. Amongst Caltex’s best are individuals who have exemplified the values of commitment, innovation, and family—hallmarks of Caltex Malaysia’s workplace culture.
Vitini Josak, Lead Coordinator for Logistics & Operations Support, International Integrated Supply Chain, Caltex Malaysia
Starting her career with Caltex as a fresh graduate at the age of 22, Vitini Josak has grown from being a nurtured employee to a leader who now fosters the growth of others. Today, she is the Lead Coordinator at Logistics & Operations Support in International Integrated Supply Chain (IISC).
At just 29 – a time when leadership roles were predominantly held by men – she defied the odds and made history by becoming the first female Terminal Manager in Caltex.
“I was grateful for the trust given to me to lead a team and manage a terminal. I was pleasantly surprised when some of the younger female colleagues approached me and shared that they were inspired by my role as a woman leader,” remarked Vitini.
Pioneering opportunities for more women in Caltex, Vitini also co-developed the Women in Operations program in 2022. The Diversity and Inclusion platform encouraged women to share experiences and encourage one another in a pod setting. It even attracted male participants to understand the dynamics of working with women, especially after only previously working with an all-male team.
Reflecting the spirit of Merdeka, her journey broke barriers, embraced diversity, and encouraged others to move forward with resilience.
Steven Ho, NFR Partnership Specialist, Caltex Malaysia
For Steven Ho, Caltex is as much a part of him as being Malaysian himself. Having started his journey in 1998, he has spent over 27 years growing within the company and after gaining expertise across different departments, he transitioned to the Non-Fuel Revenue (NFR) sector.
Steven developed advanced knowledge of Polymer Modified Asphalt (PMA) for the Malaysian market—a first in Caltex Malaysia’s history. This innovation was particularly significant for the country due to its hot and humid climate, which can cause standard asphalt to deteriorate more quickly.
He continues to drive innovative partnerships and revenue streams for the company as an NFR Specialist. But his drive goes beyond his work—his bond with the people of Caltex has been a cornerstone of his experience.
“Workplace has been very much like my second home,” said Ho. “My colleagues have been with me through thick and thin, in good times and bad times. Some of them are like a family to me.”
Hisham bin Abd. Rahman & Norazni binti Ali (Retail Partners)
For Hisham and Norazni, managing the Asmah Ketereh Caltex station is a family legacy. Established in 1969 by the late Cikgu Ali bin Muhammad, the station has been passed down through generations, with Hisham and Norazni taking the helm in 2006.
Through nearly two decades of industry evolution, the station has stood the test of time. Yet, amidst the changes of the fuel industry, the couple has remained steadfast in their mission. They have fostered a warm, close-knit community and upheld their legacy as the trusted, friendly neighborhood petrol station—establishing themselves as a symbol of togetherness in Malaysia.
“The workplace is where I can build relationships, learn and grow in the field of petrol station management,” said Hisham. “As a Caltex Malaysia business partner, the experience has certainly provided various valuable and life-changing experiences, both personally and professionally.”
Hisham fondly recalls a defining moment in his journey—being honoured with a prestigious 50-year partnership award at the Caltex Retail Convention in Sabah in 2019. Yet, despite this remarkable milestone, he and Norazni remain deeply committed to their everyday mission, focusing on running the station with the same passion and dedication that has defined their legacy.
Manimaran A/L Nallianna & Maninadarajan A/L Nallianna (Retail Partners)
Becoming official Caltex Retail Partners in 2011 was a leap of faith for the two brothers, Manimaran and Maninadarajan. Fortunately, over the years, that leap resulted in the expansion of 10 stations across Malaysia and has now become a family business.
“It has been a long journey,” shared Manimaran. “We came in with limited training and little to no knowledge of the industry. And thanks to Caltex, we have the next generation joining us to learn the ropes and take our business to the next level, and we’re happy to build something we’re all proud of.”
The brothers stress that their journey as Retail Partners was never easy. Operating in a high-risk environment for 24 hours, 365 days of the year in a heavily regulated industry comes with a fair set of challenges. Dealing with a wide range of customers can also be a daily challenge, and it can be a handful to keep finding ways to stay relevant as trends and adapt to customer needs.
However, it is the brothers’ resilience and creativity that has carried them through hard times—from rushing to the station in the middle of the night to handle emergencies to persevering through the pandemic.
“It gives us the ability to make a difference in people’s lives,” Manimaran continued. “Simple gestures like assisting in fuelling up or providing them with a clean toilet goes a long way. As Malaysians, we are proud to be the source of help to local communities, supporting schools and making an impact on people around us.”
For nearly nine decades, Caltex has stood alongside Malaysians through challenges and triumphs, fostering growth, resilience, and innovation—fueling lives, families, and communities across the nation. The company dedicates itself to empower its people through an inclusive and supportive workplace, and to build a legacy that reflects the strength of Malaysia itself.
“Our people are the driving force behind our success. This Merdeka and Malaysia Day, we recognise their passion, resilience, and commitment to drive within Caltex Malaysia. We will continue to invest in their growth, celebrate their milestones, and create opportunities for them to thrive,” adds Leong.
And as it looks to the future, Caltex Malaysia remains steadfast in its promise to Drive Happiness Further for generations to come.
A Homegrown Legacy, 89 Years in the Making
