MUHAMMAD AKIF NAQIUDDIN ZAHAR – SHELL MALAYSIA

Edited by Ts ChM Dr Suriani Sani

Building the Foundation at UTM

Akif’s journey began at UTM’s Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM), where he developed a fascination for how machines solve real-world problems. While subjects like Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics formed his technical backbone, the “sleepless nights” of projects and labs taught him something equally vital: discipline and mental endurance. Beyond the lecture halls, Akif was a fixture in university life. He served as the University Chess Captain and held leadership roles in SRM, PERMATA, and SASC. Balancing high-level competitive sports with a minor in Energy wasn’t easy. Still, it sharpened the leadership, communication, and adaptability skills he now relies on in the fast-paced energy sector.

The Path to the Shell Graduate Programme

Akif’s interest in energy crystallized during his final year at a career fair in KLCC. A conversation with a UTM alumnus working at Shell made the dream feel attainable. Drawn to Shell’s global reputation and its commitment to the energy transition, Akif set his sights on their competitive Graduate Programme. Preparation was key. He mastered the STAR Method for interviews and thoroughly researched the company’s values. After a brief tenure at Texas Instruments, his persistence paid off when he joined Shell in May 2024.

Life on the Frontline: Wellsite Operations

Now based in Miri, Akif works as a Wellsite Operations Engineer (WSOE). In the high-stakes world of offshore drilling, he provides critical technical support to the Drilling Supervisor. His daily responsibilities include:

• Engineering calculations and on-site operations.
• Generating daily drilling reports and operational lookaheads.
• Managing logistics, materials, and Personnel on Board (POB).

“Transitioning from student to professional was a leap,” Akif notes. “In the field, your decisions directly impact safety and cost. It pushes you beyond your comfort zone every single day.”

Words of Wisdom

Akif remains deeply grateful to the FKM faculty and his mentors for the professionalism and ethics they instilled in him. To current UTM students, he offers this advice:

“Focus on building strong fundamentals, but never underestimate teamwork. Success rarely happens overnight—consistent effort and a growth mindset will open doors you never expected.”