Growth rarely happens within the confines of a job description. Sometimes, as in this case for logistic execuitve Mohd Aiman Mohd Rosli and Executive Assistant cum Human Resource Jolene Ong, it begins in a forest. The journey of building 2 Rivers, an ecolodge carved thoughtfully out of jungle land, became more than a construction project. For these two it is certainly a classroom without walls. Negotiation, resilience, humility, and courage were daily staples.
Here, they reflect on their roles, their challenges, and how the project stretched them beyond what they thought they knew.
Q: When did you start working on 2 Rivers and what was your role there?
Jolene: I started in mid-2024, when construction began. My role was to coordinate between DJP, sub-contractors and vendors to ensure timelines were followed and materials were purchased on time. I had some prior exposure when the company built its resort in Eight Acres, Raub, Pahang — but 2 Rivers was on another scale.
Mohd Aiman: I started in 2024 when the land first needed clearing. My job was to liaise with workers to ensure the land clearing was done properly. This was very different from my usual role — packing and ensuring safety before training programmes. I had prior construction experience building a residential house in an urban area, but 2 Rivers was in the jungle, much larger, and resort-like. Here, I had more of a supervisory role.
Q What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
Jolene: Managing stakeholders — bosses, vendors, contractors. There were many disputes about expectations and deliverables.
There were moments I wanted to tear my hair out — especially when dealing with the architect and designer who were not based in Malaysia. Communication was mostly via WhatsApp. Messages sometimes lost meaning in transit, resulting in misunderstandings and finger-pointing.
One serious incident happened near opening. We needed the meeting room floor ready to host over 30 guests. The designer rushed epoxy flooring, hoping it would dry in time — but it didn’t. It was messy. At the last minute, we installed SPC flooring to make the opening possible, which meant additional cost. It was frustrating, but learning to manage emotions and focus on solutions became a key lesson.
Communication breakdowns were the hardest. Instead of reacting emotionally, I learnt to step back and ask: “What is the solution?” Guidance from my boss helped me stay grounded.
Aiman: Meeting village leaders, managing land issues, reporting theft, liaising with neighbours, understanding soil conditions, supervising construction quality — these were not part of my regular duties.
At the beginning, I also had to meet kampung folks to introduce ourselves. It wasn’t easy; outsiders are sometimes viewed with suspicion. When a gaharu tree was stolen, I had to lodge a police report. I also had to manage relationships with neighbours, including a politician. Beyond construction, we worked with the community to protect the riverside environment as much as possible.
Q: How do you feel now that the project is completed?
Aiman: I feel puas hati — satisfied. Lega. From forest to structure in two years, it’s overwhelming. Now we think about sales.
Jolene: Relieved that construction is over! Now it’s about sales and completing the experience.
Q: What lessons did you learn from building 2 Rivers?
Aiman: So many. I learnt about measurement of materials, suitable construction materials, soil conditions — and that building isn’t finished even after construction ends. Landscaping and creating the right suasana (environment) are ongoing.
Jolene: I learnt to communicate clearly and repeatedly. Contractors don’t always follow instructions the first time.. My biggest takeaway was learning how to resolve conflicts and not be afraid to “over-communicate.” Sometimes you really have to keep pestering contractors to ensure work gets done. Over-communication is not nagging — it’s clarity
Q : What is the most significant contribution that you have made to 2 Rivers?
Jolene: The “expensive blanket” joke will always stay. Apparently, that’s my legacy! (Jolene was responsible for the interior decorations of the rooms and had purchased expensive blankets for use.)
Aiman: I believe my contribution was fostering good relationships with neighbours and creating a peaceful, harmonious vibe at the resort.
Q: What was it like working together?
Aiman: I was upfront with Jolene about my weaknesses and what I didn’t know. She’s understanding. I’d rather admit my limitations than pretend.
Jolene: Aiman is a “yes man.” Whether he can do it or not, he would say yes first — then figures it out later!
Take note: What stands out in their story is their mindset to step out beyond their job descriptions into discomfort, into negotiations, into community diplomacy, into emotional resilience. The ecolodge is a physical structure — but their learning is intangible architecture.
Extending the boundaries of learning often means saying “yes” before you fully know how. It means navigating misunderstandings without losing heart. It means choosing solutions over ego.
From jungle land to welcoming functional space, cement and timber alone didn’t build 2 Rivers — it was built with resourcefulness, humility, and a right attitude to grow beyond defined roles.
Leave a Reply