Engineering a Legacy of Excellence
From her early days as an assistant engineer in 1994 to her current role as Deputy Group CEO, Datin Stella Ambrose’s career at Sawit Kinabalu Group is a testament to perseverance, vision, and leadership grounded in excellence. Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology and an MBA from the University of Malaya-Wales, she has combined technical expertise with strategic foresight to drive organizational transformation. She was the first woman engineer to work in a palm oil mill in Malaysia, breaking gender barriers and redefining expectations in a male-dominated field. Over the years, she introduced numerous firsts for the company from drafting the first Safe Operating Procedures for mills to implementing Sawit Kinabalu’s first computerised CPO Storage Ullage Measurement System.
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Driving Innovation and Sustainability
Under her leadership, Sawit Kinabalu has achieved multiple milestones that integrate sustainability with profitability. She spearheaded the development of the group’s first biogas power plant project, converting waste into renewable energy while reducing the company’s carbon footprint. Through her guidance, Sawit Kinabalu also led the implementation of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System and the introduction of Manufacturing Control Systems across its operations — setting new standards for efficiency and traceability. Her focus on “Turning Waste into Wealth” initiatives has redefined how the company approaches resource utilization, ensuring that economic growth aligns with environmental stewardship.
Empowering People and the Industry
Beyond her technical achievements, Datin Stella’s impact extends to mentorship and community development. She has actively contributed to shaping Malaysia’s industrial future as a member of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board’s Processing and Engineering Advisory Committee and as a mentor to engineering students at Universiti Malaysia Sabah. Her passion for nurturing young talent and promoting gender inclusivity in engineering reflects her belief that true leadership lies in empowering others. Recognized with the Successful Woman Award 2024 by Mediatama, she stands as an inspiration for aspiring professionals across Malaysia and beyond.
A Vision for the Future
As Deputy Group CEO, Datin Stella continues to lead Sawit Kinabalu’s strategic evolution integrating innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation into the company’s long-term vision. Her focus remains on strengthening Sawit Kinabalu’s position as a state-owned enterprise that not only contributes to Sabah’s economic growth but also upholds values of transparency, inclusivity, and environmental care. Through her leadership, the company exemplifies how progressive thinking and ethical governance can redefine the palm oil industry’s global reputation.
Datin Stella Ambrose’s journey reflects the power of resilience and the transformative impact of women in leadership. Her story is not only about engineering success but about engineering change proving that with passion, purpose, and persistence, one can turn challenges into opportunities and create a legacy that empowers generations to come.
