Meet hardworking and dedicated fast food restaurant employee who made the bold decision after leaving school to pursue independence and make her own living without troubling her parents.
With long-term service at a single organisation becoming increasingly rare, Hajah Armah binti Haji Alihassan is among the first Jollibee employees and is less than one year from retirement.
Hajah Armah told the Sunday Bulletin that she wasted no time looking for a job straight out of school in 1989. She registered with the Labour Department and was offered a job at Jollibee at the former Utama Bowling Centre in Jalan Tutong.
She had her mind set on getting a job and was prepared to take on any challenge despite having no job experience. In the interview, she was asked if she could cook, and she said given the right training and guidance, anyone can cook.
Hajah Armah became the first local employee of the fast food chain from the Philippines. She joined as a kitchen helper and was promoted to counter staff after her manager took notice of her determination and learning abilities.
She initially could only speak the Malay language and had rudimentary understanding of English outside of the words, “yes” and “no”. However, with her manager’s encouragement to challenge herself, she now speaks moderately fluent English, and even picked up some Tagalog.
Hajah Armah, also known as Joy, is popular among her colleagues due to her cheerful, warm and kind nature. She would step in to solve issues, particularly with problematic customers.
She received recognition by the franchise and was once offered an office job, which she declined as she prefers serving customers and meeting people from all walks of life.
“I told my manager that it was an honour to be given the offer but I opted to stay on the frontline. This was where I started and where I will conclude my service next year. The company has treated me very well and I am very happy with the salary and benefits I am receiving,” said Hajah Armah.
Hajah Armah, a familiar face at Jollibee in Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Complex and featured on advertisement on buses, called on local job hunters to be bold enough to try jobs outside of their comfort zone or academic background.
She advised them to not be choosy or too concerned about salary, as starting from scratch will let them be more appreciative of the job and they will look back and take pride in their achievements.
“Don’t think too much about the money. Try to focus more on the experience, skills and knowledge you can gain. I started with low educational background but I am glad I made the right choice and grabbed the opportunity to reach where I am now,” said Hajah Armah. – Lyna Mohamad
