Employee Spotlight: Lee Xing Yang’s Journey Back

Lee Xing Yang studied petroleum engineering at the University of ​
​Malaya and was actively involved in the Society of Petroleum Engineers. ​
​But as it turns out, life had other plans. Instead of oil and gas, he ​
​found himself in the oils and fats industry.

Originally from Sungai Rambai, a small town in Melaka you’ve ​
​probably never heard of (it’s near Muar, Johor). Lee eventually made his
​​ way to Selangor for work, where his journey with JJ-Lurgi Engineering ​
​Malaysia began.

The Scroll That Changed Everything

Most of us scroll through Instagram, double-tap a nice photo and move on. Lee bought a plane ticket.

After seeing New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes fill his feed, ​
​he didn’t just daydream about them, he went. About a year and a half ​
​into his role at JJ-Lurgi, Lee decided to take a working holiday that ​
​would completely shift his perspective.

Far from the Drawing Board

New Zealand took Lee far away from process engineering. He started ​
​out doing agricultural work before eventually operating machinery at a ​
​kiwifruit packhouse. New country, new industry and plenty of new ​
​challenges.

The Kiwi accent? Nearly impossible to understand at first. No car ​
​while job hunting? He found a way, with help from friends. Through it ​
​all, Lee adapted and kept learning.

One lesson stuck with him:

“Time is your best teacher. The more you truly invest in something, the better you become.”

There were unforgettable moments, watching the Aurora Australis ​
​light up the southern sky, skydiving from 18,000 feet and quieter ​
​discoveries too. On weekends, Lee began baking, learning patience and ​
​precision in ways engineering school never quite taught him.

The Pull Home

After all that freedom and adventure, why come back?

“My colleagues and superiors,” Lee says without hesitation. “I actually missed them while I was there.”

There was also unfinished work waiting for him: a biodiesel plant ​
​commissioning in Indonesia and ongoing project engineering ​
​responsibilities. Lee had made commitments before leaving and he felt ​
​strongly about seeing them through.

“Finishing what I started before heading to New Zealand,” ​
​he explains. It wasn’t about ticking boxes. It was about keeping his ​
​word and being accountable to the people who were counting on him.

From Support to Leading the Line

Lee returned to a role with more responsibility.

“From a supportive role to one with accountability,” is ​
​how he puts it. He now makes critical decisions during commissioning ​
​phases, knowing that each one reflects JJ-Lurgi’s reputation with ​
​customers and partners.

Back on site in Indonesia, that commitment showed in very real ways:

• He volunteered for critical commissioning shifts, often staying late to avoid delays for the customer

• When issues arose, he documented them clearly and brought in the right people: no blame, just solutions

• He followed through on every issue until it was fully resolved

The result? A biodiesel plant handed over with confidence: one the client could genuinely trust.

What Commitment Really Looks Like

For Lee, commitment isn’t about big, dramatic gestures. It’s about doing the small things well, every day.

“People are usually more than happy to help when you ask, instead of staying silent,” he says. For him, real commitment means speaking up when you need clarity, so you can deliver on what you’ve promised.

Looking ahead, Lee hopes to continue building expertise and ​
​reliability: being someone customers, colleagues and partners know they ​
​can count on.

Why It Matters

Around the office and on project sites, Lee has built a clear ​
​reputation: he does what he says he’ll do, asks for help when needed and
​​ never walks away from unfinished work.

Not because it’s easy but because it matters.

That kind of quiet consistency builds trust. Trust with teammates ​
​who need to know you’ll show up. Trust with customers who expect the job
​​ to be done right. And trust with yourself, when you look back at what ​
​you’ve built.

Lee didn’t need a trip to New Zealand to understand commitment. But
​​ coming back to finish what he started? That’s when it truly took shape.

What does commitment look like in your role? We’d love to hear your story.