Ben Uzair

27/10/2023

Please support NASAM Sabah. Proud to part of their family.

10/07/2023

Let’s connect via Threads! 🧵See you there!
https://www.threads.net/.uzair

25/05/2023

Hey friends. I am so excited to collaborate in this amazing event, and would like to invite YOU! Please read the below and register. It is a free event, with a packed yet exciting programme. See you on the 19th of June! Stay tuned for more info!

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📢 Save the Date! 🗓️ 19 June!

🤩 Get ready to unlock the power of your personal brand and supercharge your career at the *Awesomebility UnConference: Your Personal Brand, Your Career Superpower!* 🚀

📍 Mark your calendars for *19 June 2023 from 9AM to 5PM at the luxurious Hilton Kota Kinabalu*, our official venue partner! 🏨

🙌🏼 This one-of-a-kind event is a social impact initiative created and produced by Ministry of Marketing.Asia in collaboration with Ben Uzair Events.

💼 Calling all *Corporate Decision Makers, HR Directors and Managers, as well as MSMEs business owners*! This UnConference is designed specifically for you, offering high-quality personal and professional development programs delivered by industry experts and players right here in Sabah!

📲 Register Your Interest Here: https://www.ministryofmarketing.asia/awesomebility
Or the link below!

🎯 Don't miss out on our exciting event lineup! From engaging workshops and insightful fireside discussions to an exclusive MSMEs showcase and thrilling activities, we have it all!

✨ Get ready to level up your skills, network with like-minded professionals, and discover new opportunities for growth and success. The Awesomebility UnConference is your ticket to unlocking your true potential! 💪🏻

🔜 Stay tuned for more updates and registration details. You won't want to miss this game-changing event that will transform your personal brand into your career superpower! 🚀

📲 *_Register Your Interest Here:_* https://www.ministryofmarketing.asia/awesomebility

On Awesomebility On Air, we talk about all things Personal Branding and Digital Presence with you. Hosted by our core trainers, Niney Chong, Yandaro Al-Amien and Adelina Adna, we go Live with industry experts and various personalities on LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube.

21/04/2023

Santap rendang Tok dan ketupat
Makan angin hingga ke Isnin
Ucapan hang untuk sahabat
Minal ‘Aidin wal-Faizin

02/03/2023

And so, it ends.

To recap my past work at KK12FM:

20/02/2023

I shall refrain from being too mushy, and I have kept this news for awhile, trying to find the right moment. I am announcing this, with a heavy heart.

February will be my final month as a broadcaster and lead announcer at KK12FM. It has been a true honour to sit in this chair, and to speak to you, as you welcome my voice in the comfort of your home, vehicle, workplace and beyond.

I believe in this radio station, its mission and unique pesona, as much as you do. As the future of this frequency remains uncertain, I am sure the next steps by the decision makers will be done in the best interest of the company.

To my colleagues, I shan’t forget those moments when we laughed, teared, or agreed to disagree. Please know, every second spent has made me a better person. To my boss Farish who agreed on the unconventional format of my radio show, and who gave me the chance to anchor it for the past 6 years— thank you for believing in me.

To my talk show guests, it is my wish radio remains an accessible medium to showcase your story and to share your journey to other Sabahans. It has always been about you; my job was to only ask the right (and occasionally, tough!) questions. Your answers remain an inspiration to our listeners. Thank you for lifting their hearts by narrating how you make it happen.

To you, our loyal listeners, you certainly know the work I showcase on MAKE IT HAPPEN and THE MORNING SHOW has always been to inform, educate and to inspire. While exuding that ethos, I, humbly, found myself being informed, educated and inspired by your encouraging words, immeasurable kindness and unconditional love. Thank you for always cheering me on, and for sharing your enriching life experiences

What’s next, you ask? While I patiently await a suitable platform to continue my broadcasting pursuits, you will find me passionately leading events behind a lectern, encouraging fitness enthusiasts at my newly revived gymnasium, diving under the sea appreciating our treasures, and of course, here, on social media updating you with my ongoings.

My final episode will broadcast Tuesday, February 28. You can still catch my shows this week on Tuesday and Thursday 7-9AM, and Sat & Sun 8-10AM.

Sincerely,
Ben Uzair

[What are your memories of MAKE IT HAPPEN and THE MORNING SHOW? Please share it here. Photos will be nice, too!]

21/01/2023

Early settlers and Bruneians would call this place “Buah Bakut”. The Kadazandusun word “Mamadakut” describes a process of gathering sago: a commodity in abundance in this sub-district known to Sabahans as Membakut.

If there is a railway heritage tour in existence, Membakut—albeit quiet and unsuspecting—would make an exquisite stop. One would find various produce in the twice-a-week Tamu grounds. (The frequency is uncommon to other much-more popular tamus.) The nearby Membakut River witnessed the fiercest of battles before the world wars. These vulnerable wooded shophouses built circa late 1920s in the old township are of few left in Sabah. (Look closely…the roofs have unique and ornate bargeboards.)

The people here are unique, too. I know a many Chinese residents here who speak fluent Malay, their mother tongue, even masters in kurapak Berunai. Them, the residents with Bruneian heritage, and the local Dusun overcame their many cultural and religious differences through the decades across the many villages and settlements.

The next time you head south of Sabah’s west coast to bigger towns like Beaufort or the borders, an impromptu stop at Membakut would make you feel time paused just for you. Much needed, I’d say, especially when we feel time ticked away too expeditiously.

Before we hop into the Year of the Rabbit, hope you will find some contemplative time this holiday season to stop, gaze, and leap in appreciation.

Gōng xǐ fā cái 🧧
Wàn shì rú yì 🍊
Huáng jīn mǎn de 🥢

31/12/2022

Your words of encouragement, as we enter 2023.
Go! 💬⬇️

24/12/2022

A PERSONAL CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

As my Christian friends celebrate Christmas to mark the birth of Jesus Christ (Peace Be Upon Him), Muslims like myself continue to be reminded and inspired by his chronicles in the Quran of his immense sacrifice, steadfast leadership, forgiveness and unconditional love.

My experiences in missionary school (staunch Heartian and Lasallian here) and in the United States (visited churches and learnt alot from friends who are Baptists, Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox) have taught me much about respect, love and acknowledgement.

Christmas offers a chance to reflect the past year and to be thankful for the blessings He has bestowed. I’d like to cherish those productive moments of 2022: a robust job schedule, great health, strengthened friendships, formed meaningful partnership…even received certification to dive and resurrected a business that is close to my heart. Thank you to all who have cheered me on, opened doors for me, and provided me with the unlikeliest of opportunities.

As we be jolly this holiday season, let us pause to remember those who might feel Christmas is different this year. Some may be celebrating amongst family with an empty chair; or pondering important life decisions; recovering from a health condition or mental trauma; or simply just trying to make it through. I hope we could keep them in our hearts this Christmas, and generously extend a helping hand when we can.

Both the Quran and Bible mention of acknowledgement. Imagine the wonders if we could acknowledge, in the name of fostering great relationships and to strengthen bonds.

In the Quran— “And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]”. Al Nisa 4:86.

In the Bible— "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". Luke 6:31.

As I gaze up this Christmas tree, may you be the light by continuing to give, to love and to spread joy. Let’s make it happen….lovingly, joyfully.

From the bottom of my heart, to yours: Merry Christmas 🎄♥️

Best wishes,
Ben Uzair

18/11/2022

EVE OF GE15

As I picked up a bag of sodas, the shopkeeper—who sold cold drinks underneath an escalator at Asia City—said something to me that made me ponder as I head back to the gym upstairs.

“We! Are the best!”

Those defiant words said out loud, with a smile and showed her index finger awaiting to be dipped in indelible ink in less than 24 hours.

It took me back to conversations I had with individuals who were not privileged to be bestowed this right. Refugees I met in the U.S. at my former workplace—a person from Kosovo and another from Somalia—would profusely encourage their American counterparts to go out and vote in the presidential and mid-term elections. I realised, later on, the Kosovan and the Somalian were not able to do so at their former homeland before emigrating to the Land of the Free.

However, WE…the great and best (as the shopkeeper said of us) people of Malaysia, could.

No matter your informed and educated choice to govern this great country of ours, I hope WE, The People will dress our best on Election Day and exercise our right. To make elections and democracy work, YOU—the great people of Malaysia—must participate.

I sincerely do hope you (and your family and friends!) will go out in full force to vote.

One vote will make a difference.
One seat will make a difference.
One election will make a difference.

Whilst we wait for the votes to be tabulated and the results announced, We the People too need to ask: what can we do as Malaysians to contribute to the betterment of Negaraku?

Let our best of hands decide.

Yours truly,
Ben Uzair 🇲🇾

11/11/2022

Dirgahayu Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di-Pertua Negeri Sabah, Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr.) Haji Juhar bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin, sempena sambutan hari jadi rasmi ke 69.

Honoured to be conferred the Ahli Darjah Kinabalu—Member of the Order of Kinabalu—by His Excellency the Yang Di-Pertua Negeri of Sabah in conjunction with his official birthday.

Such a joyous occasion to have my dear mother—the ultimate cheerleader in my pursuit for success—as my plus-one and witness during the investiture ceremony at Istana Seri Kinabalu on Wednesday, November 9th 2022.

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to express my appreciation and gratitude to all who took the time to send me congratulatory wishes.

Saya akan terus berkhidmat dan berbakti kepada negeri Sabah, dan Negaraku Malaysia. 🇲🇾 Terima kasih kepada Kerajaan Negeri Sabah atas pengiktirafan ini. Terima Kasih juga atas doa kalian; saya amat menghargainya.

Semoga kita terus maju dan jaya dalam apa jua bidang yang kita ceburi, demi memartabatkan nama negeri Sabah yang kita cintai ini.

At your service,
Benreza H. Uzair. ADK, SK.

📸 Unofficial portrait by Jabatan Penerangan Sabah. Thank you!

26/10/2022

Be proud, Sabahans! The Hyatt Centric brand debuts in Southeast Asia and Malaysia, and has chosen KOTA KINABALU as its first destination.

My two-night stay has been nothing but spectacular. The dramatic louvres and eaves that wrap the interior and exterior of Hyatt Centric KK’s blissful building are just some of the genius architecture designed by Kengo Kuma. (I am an admirer of his work, particularly the National Stadium in Tokyo, The Exchange in Sydney, and the V&A in Dundee). It provided me with much pondering, and appreciating architecture and design even more. Some corners of the hotel did made me tremble in excitement.

I am tickled by the little details: The word “KAWAN” emblazoned on the housekeeper’s Melinda Looi-designed uniform. Origami paper as a note pad in our gorgeous sea-view suite. A night floor light in the suite’s water closet—a life saver. Freshly-pressed orange juice (my pre-requisite to luxury!) at the breakfast buffet. Even the unsuspecting security personnel addressed me by name.

As I enjoy dinner at ON22 restaurant and libations at the impressive sky bar ON23, (with sweeping views of both the South China Sea and Signal Hill), a deep thought gushed through my mind that Hyatt Centric could be a catalyst to growing a new breed of experetial and savvy travelers.

Whilst there, it was lovely to meet team members like Ken, Maira, and Shane at the Front Desk; Chef Jun, Syukor, Kenneth and Arion at the F&B outlets; Lillian and Izza in Sales. Their smiles, graciousness and their unique art in anticipation are great reminders that, at the end of the day, service still matters to the global traveler.

I can’t wait to experience and to be inspired more by this new kid on the block in the coming months and years. So much to write and so many photo ops to create! Perhaps, it is time for me to climb the ranks of World of Hyatt loyalty programme? Persuade me no more ; I think I found a new playground!