Career Conversations: Building Procurement Expertise with Purpose – Malihah Mohd Rustam, Associate Procurement Specialist at McDermott
From corporate coordination in Brisbane to managing procurement for high-impact energy developments in Southeast Asia, Malihah Mohd Rustam’s career journey reflects adaptability, perseverance, and a long-standing connection to the industry she now thrives in.
As a rising talent in the energy industry, Malihah Mohd Rustam is currently working as an Associate Procurement Specialist at McDermott, where she plays a vital role in supporting the success of a large EPCI project for Vietnam - handling the end-to-end process of sourcing equipment, managing supplier relationships, and aligning procurement activities with engineering and logistics teams. Her ability to keep timelines on track while ensuring regulatory compliance makes her a key part of the project’s delivery team.
Industry roots that shaped her path
Malihah’s interest in the energy sector developed organically. With both her parents working in the industry, she was surrounded by conversations about energy from a young age. Those early insights planted the seed that would later grow into a purposeful career choice.
“My parents were my biggest inspiration,” she shares. “Growing up in that environment naturally sparked my curiosity and gave me a strong foundation to build on.”
That interest became more tangible during a six-month internship at Kebabangan Petroleum Operating Company, where she gained practical exposure to the field. The experience helped her connect the dots between her academic and professional background and the energy sector’s unique challenges and opportunities.
Embracing change and staying resilient
Malihah’s career journey has been defined by movement across countries and across industries. From hospitality to media and energy, she’s had to adapt quickly, step out of her comfort zone, and start fresh multiple times.
“Each transition meant going back to square one,” she says. “But those experiences gave me resilience, shaped my character, and helped me grow into someone who’s not afraid of change.”
Rather than seeing her varied background as a disadvantage, she views it as a strength- proof of her ability to adapt, learn fast, and find value in every experience.
Quick to adapt in a dynamic environment
When she stepped into her current role, Malihah faced a steep learning curve but she was undeterred. Entering the industry with an internship as prior experience, Malihah quickly established herself by asking the right questions, adapting with agility, and contributing meaningfully from the outset.
Within six months, she had a strong grasp of procurement systems, had built relationships across departments, and was already supporting initiatives like Energy Asia 2025.
She also stepped into a leadership development role outside of work as secretary of a Toastmaster Club, where she continues to sharpen her communication, organisation, and public speaking skills.
“I’m committed to continuous learning,” she explains. “I know the kind of leader I want to be, and I’m actively building the skills to get there.”
Mentorship and support that shaped her journey
Along the way, Malihah has been supported by people who recognised her potential and gave her space to grow.
She credits her Director, Sean Cameron, as a mentor who has guided and encouraged her since the beginning. “He’s been instrumental in my development,” she says. “I’ve also learned a lot from the broader team at McDermott. The collaborative culture here has really helped me thrive.”
Giving back and leading with purpose
Outside of the office, Malihah continues to make an impact.
She’s volunteered at Mater Hospital in Brisbane and joined Feed the Needy in Kuala Lumpur, distributing food to people experiencing homelessness. These moments, she says, have reinforced her belief in community and small acts of kindness.
She also enjoys Reformer Pilates, staying up to date on beauty and fashion trends, and unwinding with baking and time with family and friends, all of which help her maintain balance and creativity in her life.
Looking ahead: growing into leadership
Malihah’s long-term vision is clear: to lead.
Through Toastmasters and hands-on project experience, she is actively building the foundations of a leadership career- one that values communication, empathy, and thoughtful decision-making.
“I want to grow into someone who supports others the way I’ve been supported,” she says. “Leadership, to me, is about creating space for people to succeed and I’m excited to step into that space.”
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