As the nation celebrates Merdeka and Malaysia Day, Caltex Malaysia also commemorates a milestone of its own – 89 years of fuelling the country’s growth and communities. More than just a fuel provider, the company has long been a part of the nation’s social fabric, shaped by the dedication of its people, its partners and its customers.

Caltex describes its nine-decade journey in Malaysia as one driven by excellence, resilience and innovation. The brand has consistently placed emphasis on the people behind its operations, recognising employees and partners as the true foundation of its success. The company believes that every achievement is a collective one, born from a workplace culture that values commitment, ingenuity and family.

Breaking Barriers in Operations

One example of this spirit is reflected in Vitini Josak, who joined Caltex at 22 as a fresh graduate and rose through the ranks to become a leader. At just 29, she broke new ground by becoming the first female Terminal Manager in Caltex Malaysia’s history—at a time when such positions were almost exclusively held by men. Her leadership not only redefined possibilities for women in the industry but also inspired younger colleagues who saw her as proof that barriers could be dismantled.

Vitini went on to co-develop the Women in Operations programme in 2022, a diversity and inclusion platform that provided a safe space for women to exchange experiences while also inviting men to better understand gender dynamics in the workplace. Her story reflects both the spirit of Merdeka and the resilience that Caltex believes will shape the future of its people.

Innovation on the Road

Another long-serving employee, Steven Ho, has been with Caltex since 1998. Over 27 years, he has contributed across different departments before moving into the Non-Fuel Revenue sector. His pioneering work on Polymer Modified Asphalt (PMA) was a milestone for Malaysia, offering better durability under the country’s hot and humid conditions. Today, he continues to spearhead innovative partnerships as an NFR Specialist, while also describing his workplace as a second home where colleagues are like family. His story illustrates how Caltex nurtures both innovation and loyalty within its workforce.

A Family Legacy in Retail

For retail partners Hisham bin Abd. Rahman and Norazni binti Ali, Caltex has been a family tradition since 1969. They took over the Asmah Ketereh Caltex station in 2006, continuing the legacy of the late Cikgu Ali bin Muhammad. Despite shifts in the fuel industry, the couple have remained committed to serving their community, maintaining the warm, neighbourhood feel that has kept customers returning for decades. Their partnership was honoured in 2019 at the Caltex Retail Convention in Sabah with a 50-year partnership award, but they continue to focus on the everyday work of running their station with dedication.

Expanding Horizons

Meanwhile, brothers Manimaran and Maninadarajan Nallianna took a leap of faith when they became Caltex Retail Partners in 2011. What began with limited knowledge of the industry has since grown into a thriving family business operating 10 stations across Malaysia. Their journey has not been without challenges—from working around the clock in a highly regulated industry to dealing with emergencies and navigating the pandemic—but their resilience has been a defining factor. For them, running Caltex stations is not only a business but also an opportunity to impact lives, whether through simple gestures like helping customers at the pump or supporting local schools and communities.

Driving Forward with Malaysia

Through individuals like Vitini, Steven, Hisham, Norazni, Manimaran and Maninadarajan, Caltex Malaysia’s 89-year story becomes more than a corporate milestone. It is a reflection of the collective effort of people across different walks of life who embody the brand’s values of perseverance, inclusivity and community spirit.

The company has reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in its employees and partners, celebrating their achievements and creating opportunities for growth. With its guiding promise to Drive Happiness Further, Caltex Malaysia looks ahead to future generations while staying true to its enduring legacy in the country.