OPA Merit Awards Winner 2024
There were 11 Merit awards winners during the annual dinner. however, only 7 of the winners were present during the dinner. the other 3 weren’t able to attend the dinner and one merit award was received by his batchmate as the recipient has already passed away.
OP Abdul Aziz Abdullah (A Coy 70-73) : Merchant Navy Captain, distinguished leader, and mentor.
OP Abdul Aziz, a distinguished leader and role model, exemplifies the spirit of RMC. A former best cadet at the Harbour Pilot Training Academy in Karachi, where he earned the prestigious President of Pakistan Award, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership in the Merchant Navy. His dedication is further evidenced by his long-standing role as Secretary, and now President, of the Merchant Shipping Association. Notably, his mentorship helped our fallen brother Nordin Manan’s son Adam to excel as the best cadet. OP Captain Abdul Aziz’s unwavering commitment keeps the RMC flag flying high.
OP Yeo Keng Joon (E Coy 66-69) : Business leader and philanthropist.
OP Yeo Keng Joon, a beacon of generosity and dedication, has made an indelible mark on the lives of many. With a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry from the University of Malaya and an MBA from NUS, his contributions to alumni matters are unparalleled. Recognized with multiple awards from NUS, including the Distinguished and Eminent Alumni Special Award, his fundraising efforts have provided invaluable support to needy students. Notably, he spearheaded the establishment of endowed bursaries and student loan funds across NUS, Singapore Polytechnic, and UTAR, Malaysia, raising an impressive RM1.92 million. His efforts, celebrated by the President of Singapore, reflect his unwavering commitment to RMC and its legacy.
OP Azam Azman (G Coy 81-85) : Finance and Investment expert, advocate for education.
OP Azam Azman, a visionary leader and advocate for education, has made a lasting impact on RMC by establishing the Michael Loh Fund to enhance English proficiency among our boys. With a remarkable 32-year career in finance and investment, he is celebrated as a pioneer in Malaysia’s private equity sector. His dedication to both his profession and the betterment of RMC is a testament to his enduring commitment to excellence.
OP Razali bin Yacob (B Coy 74-77) : Merchant Navy Captain, educator, industry leader.
OP Dato’ Captain Razali Yaacob, a distinguished leader in maritime education, has dedicated over 40 years to the industry. With a Master’s in Maritime Education & Training from the World Maritime University in Sweden, he has excelled as a Master Mariner and has held key positions, including Senior Lecturer at ALAM and Marine Supervisor with Esso. As the Founder and Executive Chairman of the Netherlands Maritime Institute of Technology (NMIT), Dato’ Captain Razali has pioneered many educational programs and served as a consultant for national and international projects across Asia and the Middle East. His contributions have been invaluable to the maritime sector and beyond.
OP Ahmad Fadzil (E Coy 67-70) : Community organizer, athlete, mentor.: Community organizer, athlete, mentor.
OP Ahmad Fadzil Shamsuddin, affectionately known as CK or Chief Kutu, is a beloved figure across the OP Fraternity. As the founder of the ‘Kutus’ in 1998, CK has been a steadfast supporter of OPA, fostering camaraderie through activities like karaoke, running, swimming, and cycling. His leadership has inspired younger OPs to excel in marathons, duathlons, triathlons, and more, earning them admiration in these competitions. As the Executive Director of OBS, he infused the values and discipline of RMC into its philosophy. CK also established the OP Ampangshire Group, promoting brotherhood and charity among OPs. His leadership and character set a shining example for all. Congratulations, Sir!
OP Adrian Pereira (B Coy 96-97) : Human rights advocate, social justice leader, and activist.
OP Adrian Pereira has shown exceptional leadership as a champion of human rights and social justice. His tireless advocacy for marginalized communities across ASEAN and beyond has empowered countless migrant workers, refugees, and vulnerable groups. By holding businesses and governments accountable for human rights violations, OP Adrian has made significant strides in cleaning up the global supply chain from forced labor. His unwavering dedication to justice and solidarity is a beacon of hope and a testament to the values we hold dear.
OP Md Nor Azam Ariffin (D Coy 75-76) : Para athlete and military veteran, sports advocate.
OP Colonel Md Nor Azam bin Ariffin (R) exemplifies courage and dedication with 36 years of service to the country. Despite losing his leg to an unexploded bomb during his military career, he has remained a steadfast advocate for para sports over the past 25 years. His remarkable achievements include representing Malaysia as a national para badminton player and serving in various leadership roles, including Executive Council member of the Paralympic Council of Malaysia, Secretary-General of the ASEAN Para Sports Federation, and Chef de Mission for the 2021 ASEAN Para Games in Hanoi. OP Md Nor Azam’s resilience and leadership continue to inspire us all.
OP Tan Pau Son (C Coy 59-62) : Real estate leader, philanthropist.
OP Tan Pau Son, a distinguished leader and philanthropist, embodies the true spirit of RMC. Starting from humble beginnings, he rose through the ranks, becoming a Chartered Accountant while serving in the Army Ordnance Corp. After an exemplary military career, he transitioned to real estate, founding Tanming Berhad and achieving great success. OP Tan’s generosity extends far beyond his business, as he has provided jobs, contracts, and support to fellow OPs, while also donating generously to various causes. His love for RMC is evident in his long-standing traditions, such as his regular Wednesday lunches, which have fostered unity among OPs for over 25 years. His contributions, both financial and in spirit, have left an indelible mark on our community.
OP Wong Kien Keong (F Coy 68-71) : Legal expert, academic, and philanthropist.
OP Wong Kien Keong, a distinguished RMC alumnus, exemplifies excellence across multiple fields. As the SUO of F Coy and the first RMC graduate to enter MIT, he pursued degrees in Chemical Engineering, Management, and Law, earning a PhD from Imperial College and a law degree from Oxford. His legal career spans prestigious roles, including Barrister-at-law, founding partner of Wong & Leow and Wong & Partners, and Chairman at Baker & MacKenzie. His commitment to education is reflected in his generous contributions to the RMC Malaysian Community Bursary and support for poor students. OP Wong’s philanthropy extends to class functions and arbitration of welfare cases, showcasing his unwavering dedication to his alma mater and community.
OP Sofiyan Yahya (E Coy 72-73) : Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and mentor.
OP Sofiyan Yahya is a distinguished leader in the oil & gas industry, known for his business acumen and dedication to the OP community. As a founding member and former president of the Malaysian Oil & Gas Services Council (MOGSC), he has made significant contributions to the sector’s development. His commitment to mentoring fellow OPs is evident through his initiatives, including the inaugural OPs in Energy Forum and a dedicated oil & gas WhatsApp group, which have provided countless career opportunities. Founder of Koperasi Tenaga dan Petroleum, OP Sofiyan also supports RMC and the OPA through sports sponsorships and mentoring. A multitalented individual, he excels in diverse fields and is also an artist, cartoonist, and author. His creativity and leadership continue to inspire us all.
Arwah OP Mohd Abd Hafiz (F Coy 02-05) : Chemical Engineer, inspirational figure.
OP Hafiz, a true embodiment of strength and resilience, has inspired the OP community through his unwavering spirit. Despite being bedridden for the past 13 years, he never ceased to support his family, build a career, and contribute to those in need. His generosity and selflessness led to the formation of Ikatan Kasih Old Putera (IKOP), a testament to his enduring legacy of helping fellow OPs. Even in his most challenging times, he refused financial assistance, directing it to others in need instead. OP Hafiz was the reason we came together, and his legacy continues to unite and inspire us. May his spirit live on in our hearts. Al-Fatihah to arwah OP Hafiz.
