For Aqilah, life has been a thrilling ride, both professionally and personally. She’s Head of Engineering in a male-dominated industry and an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Here’s her story.

A Path Paved with Grit
With an educational background in Japan, the UK and the USA, Aqilah began her career in engineering with a degree in Leicester.
Today, she holds the role of Head of Engineering at a shipyard in Brunei, overseeing maintenance and outfitting of vessels—a field still predominantly male.
“When I started, 90-95% of the workforce was male,” Aqilah recalls. “It was a struggle at first, as I was young, a woman and less experienced than the others. But I worked hard and was determined to show them that I was serious about my work.”
It wasn’t always smooth sailing. Aqilah was often assigned complex projects, but she saw them as opportunities to prove her capabilities. “I came prepared, even when I was inexperienced, and never hesitated to ask for opinions while sharing my ideas,” she explains.
Her approach—blending competence with communication—helped her earn trust and build a strong rapport with her team.
A Defining Moment in Her Career
Aqilah recounts her first major project during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic: “It was like the Wild Wild West,” she says with a laugh. Tasked with installing an aerial system on a vessel, she managed the chaos with determination.
“I created plans, collaborated with my team, and executed them. In the end, a foreign company representative said it was one of the best installations they’d seen.”
Leadership with a Purpose
Now at the helm of her department, Aqilah is focused on building better systems and cultivating a supportive environment. “One of my engineers recently said they’ve seen so much progress since I started heading the team. Hearing that motivates me to keep improving,” she says.
Aqilah also takes pride in mentoring the next generation. “It’s not about what you know—it’s how you deal with what you don’t know,” she advises. She encourages her team to embrace challenges, be brave, and seize opportunities, wisdom she wishes she could have shared with her younger self.
Finding Balance in a Busy Life

Beyond her demanding role, Aqilah finds solace on the open road. “I started riding motorcycles a couple of years ago, and it’s been amazing,” she shares. Riding isn’t just a hobby; it’s therapy. “I ride with a group of guys who push my skills. It’s fun, and it’s good for my mental health.” She’s also part of rides that raise awareness for causes like breast cancer and mental health.
When she’s not working or riding, Aqilah enjoys Brunei’s natural beauty. “I love hiking, swimming, and catching sunsets on the beach after work,” she says. These moments help her recharge.
Big Dreams, Bold Plans
At just 32, Aqilah has achieved more than she imagined. “I never thought I’d become head of engineering so young,” she admits. What’s next? While she dreams of one day opening a motorcycle shop specializing in custom designs, she’s currently committed to advancing her company and inspiring others.

“I hope my story shows young women that anything is possible. If I can do this, so can they.”
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