International Men’s Day honours the positive contributions men make to their families, communities, and the world.
Jinikol David Gusting, Head of Operations for Deepwater Assets at Sabah Shell Petroleum Company (SSPC), exemplifies these values.
Whether he is helping his family and community or making sure his pets are happy and healthy, this man from Kota Belud is playing his part with one small act of kindness at a time.
In conjunction with this International Men’s Day celebration, this father of two boys and two girls, shares with Daily Express how walking the talk means more than delivering results at work.
"Reflecting on my career journey, it shows that education is important,” said Jinikol who ensures his children, regardless of gender, have the same opportunity to reach their full potential.
Two of his children, law graduates from Northumbria University in the UK and Queen's University Belfast, are now building their careers in the banking and immigration sectors.
Another has just completed a Psychology degree at the University of Otago in New Zealand. The youngest is currently studying at St Michael Secondary School in Penampang.
"Education opens doors and every child deserves those doors opened equally,” said Jinikol who also believes in respect that works both ways, honesty without hidden motives, integrity to always do what is right and authenticity in every situation.
"I hold close to these values throughout my life and career. In the kampung, respect was natural, you gave it and you received it. There was no pretence. I try to bring that same authenticity to my work. Whether I am talking to a trainee or a senior executive, the approach is the same, genuine, honest, respectful,” he said.
This leadership philosophy has been tested and proven throughout his 34-year career in the oil and gas profession. He recalls a challenging period during his tenure as Cluster Operations Manager when they faced an issue on one of their offshore assets that caused a disruption in work.
"The lesson I learned through that experience was invaluable. I realised the importance of not working in isolation. Seeking advice from experts, engaging higher management, collaborating with all involved parties - these elements expedite troubleshooting and lead to solutions much more effectively and faster than trying to go it alone,” he said.
It is a lesson in humility that contradicts the stereotypical image of the lone, all-knowing leader. Instead, Jinikol champions collaborative leadership, where the strength lies in the team's collective wisdom and experience.
His role model is professional footballer Lionel Messi, not just for Messi’s football skills but for the qualities that mirrors his own values.
"Messi's commitment to his profession, work ethics and devotion to his family reflect a character that is as admirable as his achievements.
“Throughout his career, he has captained several top clubs and his national team, leading them to glory through determination and teamwork rather than pride or force. That is the kind of leadership I admire and try to emulate,” Jinikol said.
But Jinikol’s biggest inspiration is his wife, Vera Biusing, who has been his source of strength and inspiration.
“Her faith, calm spirit and resilience constantly remind me of the power of grace under pressure.
"What I admire most is her ability to balance so many roles with such dignity, a loving wife, a devoted mother, a caring daughter and a guiding presence to our children. She has a natural way of nurturing peace at home, ensuring that our family remains close-knit despite the demands of my work,” he said.
It is through Vera, Jinikol admits, that he has learned the most important leadership lesson of all.
"True leadership begins not in the boardroom or on the platform, but in the acts of understanding, patience and love shared within the family. Vera embodies the values I hold dear and I owe much of who I am today to her support and belief in me,” he said.
The Cowboy Town boy who dreamed bigJinikol hails from Kota Belud, a district often called as Sabah’s Cowboy Town.
The third of five siblings with three brothers and a sister, he grew up helping his parents in the paddy fields. A typical kampung boy, he swam in rivers, caught fish with friends, and learned the meaning of hard work long before he learned algebra.
“We did not have much, but those early years taught me everything I needed to know about humility, hard work, and community. Life was simple, and looking back, I have such fond memories of the freedom of just being a kampung boy enjoying nature, helping my parents and playing with friends,” he said.
He believes these formative experiences shaped the person he would become. The values of the kampung where everyone helps each other, respect is earned through actions rather than words, and honesty is non-negotiable—became the foundation of his professional life.
After the SPM examinations, securing a Shell Scholarship changed everything.
“That scholarship didn’t just help with my studies, it gave me motivation and opened doors to possibilities I could never have imagined, growing up in the paddy fields,” he said.
In 1991, armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Jinikol joined SSPC as a Trainee Operations Engineer. It was the beginning of a journey that would span more than three decades, taking him to the very top of his field.
“When Shell offered me that position upon graduation, I knew it was the start of something significant. But I never imagined just how far that journey would take me,” said Jinikol, who now oversees Shell Malaysia’s asset operations in Sabah.
Rising through the ranksOver more than three decades, Jinikol's journey has taken him from a trainee to a technical expert, from offshore platforms in Sabah and Sarawak waters to management roles overseeing critical operations.
He spent nearly 15 years working on various offshore platforms, learning every aspect of the business from the ground up.
"Those years offshore were important. You cannot lead operations effectively if you do not understand what happens on the platform, what challenges the teams face, what it is really like to work in those conditions. I lived it, I learned it and it made me a better leader,” he said.
His career progression reads like a masterclass in dedication and continuous growth. In 2004, he took on his first managerial post as Offshore Installation Manager with Sabah Asset Operations.
Four years later, in 2008, he became Plant Manager at the Labuan Crude Oil Terminal, a role that broadened his understanding of the entire supply chain.
In 2010, he transitioned to Production Support Manager and by 2012, his expertise had earned him an assignment to Sarawak Shell Berhad as MLNG-Satu Cluster Operations Manager. Each role brought new challenges and new opportunities to grow.
"I have been fortunate to work across different aspects of the business. Each position taught me something different, gave me new perspectives. You realise that in this industry, learning never stops,” he said.
In 2016, Jinikol took on an important role as Safety Delivery and Emergency Response Manager for Sabah and Sarawak operating assets.
It was a position that drove home his commitment to the wellbeing of every person working in Shell's operations.
Then in 2020, he was seconded to Kebabangan Petroleum Operating Company (KPOC), a joint venture between Shell, Petronas Carigali and ConocoPhillips, where he served as Senior Production Manager.
The experience of working in a joint venture environment added another dimension to his already extensive expertise.
In June 2025, he returned to Shell to take on his current role as Head of Operations for Deepwater Sabah Assets, overseeing the Gumusut-Kakap semi-FPS and Malikai Tension Leg Platform.
Today, he leads operations ensuring safety standards, production targets and asset integrity are met while developing the next generation of talents.
"The responsibility is huge, but it is a privilege to lead such talented teams and to contribute to Sabah's energy security and economic development,” he said.
Interestingly, Jinikol was offered opportunities to take on international assignments twice during his career but had to decline due to personal circumstances and business reasons. It is a decision he is at peace with.
"Sometimes the right choice is to stay where you are needed most. My journey has been here in Sabah and Sarawak, and I would not change that. This is home and this is where I can make the most impact,” he said.
Empowering the next generationSuccess, for Jinikol, is not just about personal achievements but about lifting others up. This is a responsibility he takes seriously as one of the few Sabahans who has reached such senior technical leadership positions in the industry.
"Reflecting on my career journey, it shows that with access to education, opportunities for educational assistance and employment, structured guidance and opportunities for career growth, all of which Shell has provided me, Sabahans can excel in highly specialised and competitive fields in the oil and gas industry," he said.
This belief drives his extensive involvement in talent development programmes. He regularly speaks to Sabahan school leavers seeking placement in the TAS Institute of Oil and Gas, introducing them to the BTEC oil and gas operations programme and explaining the roles and responsibilities of operations technicians, the nature of offshore work and the career opportunities available in the sector.
"When I talk to these young people, I see myself at their age. Many come from kampung backgrounds like mine. I want them to know that their starting point does not determine their destination. What matters is their determination, their willingness to learn and their commitment to excellence,” he said.
He also participates in Shell-organised outreach programmes for Form 4 and Form 5 students, as well as final-year university students. In these engagements, he provides insights into the oil and gas industry, career pathways, scholarship opportunities and practical tips on how to be competitive for selection.
Additionally, he is involved in the selection process for university interns for Shell and KPOC. He has supervised, coached and mentored several of these students throughout their placements, often going beyond formal requirements to ensure they get the most out of their experience.
"Internships are important. They are opportunities to learn, yes, but they are also opportunities to create positive impressions through work behaviour, build interpersonal relationships and the ability to manage tasks and performance. These things matter as much as grades when it comes to securing employment,” he said.
Recently, he facilitated the hiring of two talented Sabahan graduates under Shell's Talent Incubator Programme, a personal victory that reflects his commitment to seeing local talent succeed.
"Outside of official training programmes, I regularly coach and guide young talents from Sabah to help them grow and succeed in their careers at Shell and KPOC.
“I believe these efforts contribute to developing local expertise and strengthening talent pipelines for Sabah's oil and gas industry.
“To young Sabahans, I always tell them that good grades open doors, but success requires initiative, humility and perseverance. Do not wait for opportunities but seek them. And once you get there, let your actions reflect honesty and diligence,” he said.
He believes the path forward for Sabah's oil and gas sector depends on collaborative efforts.
"Inclusive pathways for Sabahans can accelerate with participation by the oil and gas industry players, service providers and learning institutions in providing grounds for training and development of technical skills.
"The Sabah Government must continue advocacy on local capability development and provide platforms for industry practitioners to participate,” he said.
Building Sabah's sustainable futureOn top of their daily work, Jinikol and his team have teamed up with the Sabah Government through the Sabah Maju Jaya plan to work on renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure and projects.
Shell's investments in human capital initiatives like Projek LINK (advanced welding certification), Shell LiveWire (entrepreneurship), Shell NXplorers (youth innovation) and Access2Energy (rural electrification) are helping build a stronger, more sustainable future for Sabah.
"Our focus goes beyond operations, we are committed to investing in people and communities for the long term,” he said.
Life beyond the rigFor all his professional achievements and responsibilities, Jinikol understands the importance of balance and finding joy in the simple things.
When he is not overseeing deepwater operations, he finds peace and fulfilment in hobbies that keep him grounded and connected to the simpler rhythms of life.
"After a long day dealing with complex operations and important decisions, there is something therapeutic about caring for my fish or spending time with my dogs. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of what really matters,” he said.
His indoor fishpond and aquariums are home to koi, arowana and various tropical fish, a collection he tends to with the same care and attention he brings to his professional work.
"Maintaining the fishpond and aquariums requires patience, consistency and attention to detail.
"In many ways, it is not unlike managing operations, you need to monitor conditions, anticipate problems and take action before small issues become big ones,” he said.
He also enjoys tending to his garden, finding satisfaction in nurturing plants and watching them grow.
Golf provides another outlet, offering both physical activity and mental challenge.
"Golf teaches you a lot about yourself. Patience, focus, accepting that not every shot will be perfect, learning from mistakes and keeping your composure even when things do not go as planned. These are lessons that apply both on the course and in life,” he said.
In quieter moments, he enjoys watching short YouTube videos and listening to calming music, simple pleasures that provide respite from the demands of leadership.
His greatest joy comes from his five dogs, Kuma, Danver, Geo, Boba and Messi, who bring constant energy, warmth and companionship to his family life.
"They are not just guard dogs. They are family members. They do not care about your title or your achievements, they just want your time and attention. There is something beautiful about that honesty and simplicity,” he said.
A modern man, a timeless exampleFrom working in the paddy fields in Kota Belud as a kampung boy to now running big operations in the deep sea, Jinikol shows us that where you start does not decide where you will finish. With hard work, a kind heart and staying true to yourself, you can achieve anything.
"I am just a kampung boy from a small town. But I work hard, kept my faith and never give up. If I can do it, anyone can too,” he said.
Being a good man is not about being tough or showing off. It is about being there for your family, being honest and helping others. It is a dad making sure his daughters get the same chances as his sons. It is a leader who remembers where he came from and helps others move up too. It is a husband who says his wife is his biggest inspiration. It is someone who stays real, supports his team and does not need praise to feel good about himself.
Happy International Men’s Day!
