In a field where change is frequently overshadowed by tradition, some leaders get to the top out of sheer willpower. One such trailblazer is Stella Ambrose, who’s incredible three-decade career in the palm oil industry has not just redefined operational standards but also dismantled gender barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field. She is currently the Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of Sawit Kinabalu Group is serving as a unique combination of inclusive leadership, strategic vision, and technical proficiency.
From modest origins in Papar, Sabah, and a profession borne of need, she transformed early setbacks into opportunities for landmark successes. Vision and tenacity are the foundations of her leadership, which helped her grow from a teenage engineer fighting prejudice to Malaysia’s first female palm oil mill manager and, eventually, a respected voice in executive decision-making circles. As a strong proponent of system-driven innovation, she is playing a key role in integrating digital transformation at Sawit Kinabalu Group, transforming engineering techniques, and spearheading sustainability projects.
Stella’s leadership philosophy transcends the workplace. She is promoting a holistic, integrated approach to life, fostering authenticity, creativity, and community in corporate environments. Her role as a mentor, strategist, and changemaker is not just elevating operational performance but also inspiring a new generation of professionals particularly women to challenge norms and lead with purpose.
She is dedicated to her primary goal of creating an environment where creativity flourishes, individuals feel empowered, and progress is shared, even as the company continues to change under her leadership. Her story is serving as an example of what can happen when conviction and courage are combined.
The Accidental Pioneer
“It was desperation that led me to this career path.” Stella admits with characteristic honesty. Born on July 18, 1972, in Papar, Sabah, into a family that held education in the highest regard, she was raised by a mother who passionately advocated for equal opportunities for both men and women. This foundational belief would prove crucial in the challenges that lay ahead.
As an introverted student who consistently ranked among the top three in her class from kindergarten through secondary school, Stella had always envisioned a career in the oil and gas industry alongside her best friend. While her friend headed to the United States for her Chemical Engineering studies, Stella pursued hers at the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST) in the UK.
Upon graduation in 1994, the oil and gas sector in Sabah was largely untapped, leaving limited opportunities for fresh graduates. When the Sabah Land Development Board (later corporatized to Sawit Kinabalu Sdn Bhd) offered her a position as a Trainee Assistant Engineer, she accepted out of necessity rather than passion.
“Little did I know that this decision would earn me a title that would shape my journey in ways I never anticipated.” she recalls. The excitement of breaking new ground was quickly overshadowed by the stark reality of gender biases that would challenge her at every level.
Facing the Storm
The early years were a trial by fire. Male counterparts questioned her expertise, dismissed her ideas, and perpetuated stereotypes that had no place in a modern workplace. Yet instead of succumbing to frustration, Stella chose to channel her energy into proving them wrong.
“Each challenge I faced became an opportunity for growth. I embraced my role, using every setback as motivation to excel further.” she explains
Her approach was methodical and vision-driven. As a fresh engineer, she noticed the stark contrast between the engineering principles she had studied and the prevailing practices in the mills. Where others saw mill breakdowns as inevitable, she saw preventive maintenance as the foundation of operational excellence.
Many in the industry viewed mill breakdowns as an inevitable part of the job, believing that the ability to fix machinery was synonymous with productivity. She explained that she recognized this approach as merely a firefighting tactic that wasted both time and resources.
Systematic Transformation
Armed with this insight, Stella patiently waited for the right role that would allow her to champion her vision. Her systematic approach to change became her trademark. She introduced comprehensive preventive maintenance systems, invested in software to streamline monitoring, and prioritized employee training to enhance skills.
Her achievements during this period were groundbreaking. She wrote and documented the first Safe Operating Procedure for Sawit’s palm oil mills, set up the first computerized CPO Storage Tanks Ullage Measurement System, and became the first lady engineer in Malaysia to acquire both the 2nd and 1st Grade Steam Engineer Certificate of Competency.
In 2002, eight years after joining the industry, she achieved another milestone by becoming the first female Mill Manager in a palm oil mill. The promotion came after years of proving her competency and leadership skills, during which she had supervised everything from mill operations to major construction projects.
Leadership and Innovation
Her rise through the ranks continued with strategic precision. In 2010, she reached another historic milestone as the first woman General Manager for the Processing & Engineering Division of an oil palm plantation company in Malaysia. This role allowed her to fully implement her vision of operational excellence and innovation.
Under her leadership, Sawit Kinabalu underwent a complete transformation. She led the restructuring of the Processing & Engineering Division, spearheaded the implementation of the company’s strategy of “Turning Waste into Wealth,” and was instrumental in establishing Sawit’s first successfully run Biogas Power Plant.
“Every step I took was motivated by the desire to bridge the gaps between the industry’s reality and the ideal I envisioned.” she reflects. Her initiatives extended beyond operational improvements to include sustainability measures, quality management systems, and the establishment of the company’s sustainability unit.
Recognition and Continued Growth
Stella’s expertise and leadership haven’t gone unnoticed in the wider industry. From 2018 to 2020, she served as a member of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board’s (MPOB) Programme Advisory Committee, a prestigious position that allowed her to influence the overall direction of palm oil research in Malaysia.
Her commitment to education and mentorship is equally impressive. For four consecutive years, she assisted the team from the UMS Chemical Engineering school in winning prizes in the yearly competition on Chemical Process Design organized by the Institute of Engineers Malaysia. This dedication to nurturing the next generation of engineers reflects her belief in the power of education to transform lives.
In 2023, she completed her MBA from the University of Malaya-Wales, demonstrating her commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Her academic achievements, combined with her practical experience, position her as a thought leader in the industry.
The Philosophy of Integrated Leadership
What sets Stella apart as a leader is her philosophy of integrated living. Unlike many who strive to separate professional and personal life, she believes in a holistic approach where both realms coexist as facets of a single, cohesive existence.
“I do not separate my professional and personal life, as they coexist as facets of a single, cohesive existence. “This interconnectedness fosters a holistic approach to life where each aspect informs the other, creating a continuous cycle of growth and development.” she explains
This philosophy has enabled her to maintain authenticity in all her interactions, build deeper connections with colleagues and clients, and adapt more effectively to life’s unpredictabilities. Rather than seeking work-life balance, she focuses on achieving work-life harmony.
Vision for the Future
As Deputy Group Managing Director, Stella’s vision extends far beyond operational excellence. She envisions transforming the workplace into what she calls a “playground”—a space where creativity flourishes and everyone can achieve their fullest potential.
“Imagine stepping into an office that buzzes with positive energy, a place where ideas flow freely, and team members are encouraged to think outside the box,” she describes. Her vision includes integrating spirituality into the corporate landscape, creating environments that encourage mindfulness practices, nurture authentic connections, and promote a sense of belonging.
Her business appetite remains robust, particularly in her role leading a Government Link Company that serves as the investment arm of Sabah’s state government. She advocates for aggressive yet thoughtful growth strategies, including mergers and acquisitions when they present clear opportunities for accelerated growth.
Lessons from the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented new challenges that Stella and her team navigated with characteristic innovation. Rather than merely surviving the crisis, they used it as an opportunity to enhance their operations through digital transformation, strengthen local supply chains, and implement sustainable labor practices.
“We embraced technology not merely as a means of survival, but as a way to enhance our efficiency and adaptability.” she explains. The pandemic reinforced her belief in the importance of open communication, flexibility, and maintaining strong relationships with all stakeholders.
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Today, as Stella marks 30 years in the palm oil industry, she sees encouraging signs of change. More women are entering engineering roles, leading teams, and transforming industries. Her mother’s vision for equal opportunity is finally beginning to flourish.
Her advice to aspiring leaders is grounded in her own experience: embrace continuous learning, develop strong relationships, don’t shy away from failure, communicate clearly and transparently, lead by example, and always recognize the contributions of others.
“Leadership is not about titles; it’s about impact. Focus on nurturing others, and you’ll find that the journey to becoming a great leader unfolds more naturally than you might expect.” she emphasizes
The Continuing Journey
As Stella looks toward the future, her message is one of resilience and optimism. She believes that there is no such thing as a good or bad life situation only circumstances that arise at the right moment to support personal growth and transformation. According to her, no matter how difficult the situation may be, one must rise, prepare, face the day and never give up.
Her journey from a desperate graduate to a pioneering industry leader serves as an inspiration to countless women and men who face their own barriers. Through three decades of challenges and triumphs, she has proven that with determination, vision, and unwavering commitment to excellence, it’s possible to not just break barriers but to transform entire industries in the process.
In an industry traditionally dominated by men, Datin Stella Ambrose stands as a beacon of what’s possible when talent, determination, and vision converge. Her story is far from over, and as she continues to lead Sawit Kinabalu Group into new territories of growth and innovation, she remains committed to her goal: creating workplaces where everyone can thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
