Ramesh Singh
Senior Operations Executive
As Lumut Port celebrates its 30th anniversary, we also honour seven remarkable staff who have each served the organisation for three decades. Their journeys mirror the growth of Lumut Port itself—starting small, facing challenges and steadily growing into something bigger and stronger.
Each story in this series highlights not just years of service, but lives built alongside the port’s development. From the early days of construction to today’s expanding terminals, these individuals remind us that Lumut Port’s strength lies not only in its infrastructure, but in the people who keep it moving.
Starting out – For Ramesh Singh, his journey began in 1995 with a simple thought: “I’ll give it one week.”
Born and raised in Ipoh, Ramesh was just 25 when he went for an interview at Lumut Port’s temporary office in Ipoh. A week later, he received the job offer for Operations Clerk. Curious about the workplace, he rode his motorbike to Lumut to see it for himself.
“I saw the place—dust everywhere, scorching sun—and I wondered how I’d survive it,” he recalls with a laugh. “I told myself I’d try it for one week. If it didn’t work out, I’d leave quietly.”
But that one week turned into 30 years.
At the time, the port was still under construction, so new hires like Ramesh were based in Ipoh for a few months before moving to Lumut to begin operations. “I didn’t know anything about port operations back then,” he admits. “The wharf was only 200 metres long, there were no cranes and everything was manual.”
Learning the Ropes – As an Operations Clerk, Ramesh’s job was to check and count cargo unloaded from vessels and oversee berthing and unberthing activities. “It involved a lot of calculations and coordination,” he says. Within just a year, he was promoted to Executive, working directly with pilots and planning vessel movements.
“It was challenging but fun,” he says. “That’s how one week became 30 years. My bosses were understanding, the work was interesting and there was always room to grow.”
Challenges and Lessons – Ramesh speaks candidly about the ups and downs of port life. “There’s no organisation without problems,” he says. “But Lumut Port has always been fair. Salaries came on time, medical coverage was there and during the 1997 economic crisis, when many of my friends lost their jobs, Lumut Port stayed strong. I was able to support my family and raise my children.”
Today, Ramesh is 54, married and a father of two university students. “This job gave me stability and dignity. I started with just an SPM qualification, but the port gave me a chance. I was even able to get bank loans easily—something I’m really grateful for.”
He recalls one life-changing moment from three years ago. “I had a heart attack. The company’s medical coverage saved me. That’s when I realised, Lumut Port really takes care of its people.”
Unforgettable Moments – Over three decades, Ramesh has seen both triumphs and tragedies. One memory that stays with him is from 15 years ago. “A worker crushed his thumb while operating equipment on board a ship. I acted fast. I got him in my car and drove him straight to the hospital. Sadly, his thumb had to be amputated. He was supposed to go for an interview to join the army the next week. That moment still haunts me.”
Another painful memory was losing a colleague and friend in an accident. “He borrowed a car from another staff member, made a U-turn and fell into the sea at night. We had to wait until morning for the rescue. That incident changed me, it reminded me how fragile life is.”
Transformations Over Time – Ramesh has witnessed Lumut Port’s incredible transformation. “When we started, we had no vessels for the first three months. Today, we handle millions of tonnes. We had no cranes, now we have some of the best in the world. The yard is full and we’re growing with LMT2, LMT3 and LMT4. It’s something to be proud of.”
He adds, “Being part of this journey makes me proud, not just for myself, but for Manjung. Lumut Port has brought jobs and opportunities for local people.”
Wisdom That Lasts – One piece of advice from his first manager, Mr. Rama, has stayed with him to this day. “He told me: ‘Wherever you go, there’ll be problems. Don’t run away. Keep doing your job again and again, you’ll get used to it.’ I took that advice to heart, and it shaped who I am today.”
That perseverance carried Ramesh through his promotions and challenges. “I came in as a boy and became a man,” he says. “When you learn to solve problems at work, you learn to solve problems in life too. That’s how I built confidence.”
Looking Ahead – As he nears retirement, Ramesh looks forward to slowing down and travelling with his wife. “We’ve never really travelled before, so I want to see Amritsar, then Prague and Budapest. Life is short, you never know what’s next. I just want to enjoy what’s left.”
For Lumut Port, his hopes are simple but powerful. “I want it to keep growing and to become the most famous port in Asia. I may not be around to see it, but I’ll always be proud to say I was part of it.”
From one week to 30 years, Ramesh Singh’s sharing is a testament to endurance, gratitude and growth. His journey mirrors Lumut Port’s evolution—from humble beginnings to a thriving gateway built on the dedication of people who stayed, learned and believed.
His story is a reminder that behind Lumut Port’s growth are people whose dedication and loyalty have shaped its journey. As we celebrate 30 years, we also celebrate the spirit of our long-serving staff—the true anchors of Lumut Port.
Next in this series: the final story of a long-serving staff who has walked the journey with Lumut Port.
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