by Athirah Sofea
There are tales that stand out as beacons of inspiration, and the narrative of Grannil Ding Simon is one such story, showcasing the transformative power of dedication and perseverance.
Grannil’s journey with YTL began 10 years ago when he was awarded a scholarship from the YTL Foundation, eventually leading to his position as Senior Site Engineer (M&E) in the Data Centre Solutions Department of the YTL-SEA Digital Bank Project. He mentioned, “Having mentors who embody determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment has deeply inspired me. I now feel compelled to follow their lead, create a positive impact, and leave behind a legacy that inspires future generations.”
His career at YTL has been anything but dull. He began as an intern at YTL Power International, then progressed to join YTL Construction after graduating. Starting as a fresh graduate, he worked his way up to become a Senior Mechanical Engineer and has now reached his current position.
Upon getting to know him a little better, I discovered that he wears many hats, or in his exact words, “I’m passionate about a diverse range of subjects, beyond construction.” Doesn’t that statement pique your interest and leave you pondering? It certainly intrigued me, making me want to know more.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Grannil’s passions extend to the realms of art and music. He’s really into art, saying, “I’ve poured my soul into creating wall murals and paintings in the past.” For Grannil, art isn’t just a hobby; it’s a sanctuary where creativity flourishes, allowing him to be fully immersed and focused at the same time.
Additionally, Grannil is an active member of a rap music band called RMP Collective MY. After six, Grannil swaps his hard hat for headphones. Being active in the band allows him to create music and collaborate with renowned local artistes to express his feelings and thoughts through music. In every aspect of his life, Grannil’s dedication and creativity shine through, inspiring those around him to pursue their passion.
At the same time, Grannil’s past was marked by incredible activity and dedication in sports. He once represented the Selangor team on the track and proudly played football for Rawang United FC. However, after he got injured in 2020 and tore his ACL (leg ligament), it forced him to reconsider his athletic pursuits. “I can’t engage in sports like I used to,” he acknowledges. “But from this setback, I found a new passion in coaching a senior high school football team in Puchong.” He has always been a passionate sports enthusiast, particularly in cheering for his home country, Malaysia. “This passion was instilled in me by my father, who proudly competed for Perak in track and field during the 1980s,” added Grannil.
At the core of Grannil’s story is his deep love for family. Despite working in Kulai, Johor, while his family remains in Puchong, Selangor, “Even if it means driving over three hours,” he confides, “I find my way home whenever I can.” His words resonate with a deep sense of family values, painting a portrait of a man deeply rooted in his familial bonds. Family time is precious to him, and their annual week-long family vacations are a tradition they hold dear. Grannil believes these trips teach them important lessons about life and the value of what they have. His story reminds us of the importance of family and the profound wisdom gained through shared experiences, shaping not just who we are, but how we cherish the moments that truly matter.
