Anilkumar Parambath, the Product Development Manager at ETRONAS, recently shared a deeply personal reflection on LinkedIn a story that quietly inspires by its sincerity and grounding essence. His post, “10 Months of Village Life: A Chapter of Unexpected Joys!” is more than just a travelogue or a professional update; it’s a narrative of rediscovery, cultural immersion, and the subtle wisdom found in simplicity.
Anilkumar Parambath begins his story by contrasting the fast-paced life he’s lived for the past decade in global metropolitan hubs Paris, Vancouver, Bangalore, and Mumbai with the tranquil rhythm of Sitiawan, a serene village tucked away in remote Malaysia. For many, success is marked by speed, noise, and constant movement. Yet, in a surprising twist, it was in this quiet, lesser-known town that Anilkumar Parambath found some of his most meaningful moments in recent memory.
The decision to live and work in Sitiawan for ten months was not one born of meticulous planning but of unexpected opportunity. Yet, as his reflection unfolds, it’s clear that this chapter was not just a detour it was a deeply formative experience. Anilkumar Parambath paints a vivid picture of the village life that welcomed him: a place where time slowed, and the pulse of everyday life was dictated more by human connection than by deadlines or traffic signals.
Food often serves as a gateway to culture, and for Anilkumar Parambath, the culinary journey was nothing short of delightful. From the pungent mystery of Durian to the intricate flavors of Fochow red wine chicken and fish head noodles, each meal seemed to tell a story of tradition and history. He found joy in local markets and simple restaurants, where the familiar taste of roti canai reminded him of his own roots in Kerala. His favourite spot, the Five Star Village Indian restaurant, became more than a dining place it was a comforting link to home, halfway across the continent.
But what makes Anilkumar Parambath’s story resonate isn’t just his appreciation for food or scenic beauty it’s his deep respect for culture and community. In his time there, he ventured beyond the tourist spots, exploring nearby kampungs like Lekir, Kampung Koh, Kampung Cina, and Manjung town. Each visit was a step closer to understanding the real Malaysia, its people, and its way of life. Whether it was walking through markets, sharing smiles with strangers, or attending local events, he was not just a visitor he was a participant.
One cannot miss the spiritual undertones in Anilkumar Parambath’s reflections. His visits to Chinese temples like Tua Pek Kong, the Thai Buddhist temple, and Indian places of worship show a genuine curiosity and openness to the beliefs of others. He didn’t just pass by these sacred spaces he stood within them, absorbing the atmosphere, understanding their role in the fabric of the community.
Festivals, too, were highlights in his journey. From the lantern-lit celebration of the Mooncake Festival to the vibrant energy of Thaipusam and the joy of Deepavali and Hari Raya, Anilkumar Parambath found himself woven into the very rhythm of local life. These were not just spectacles to admire but experiences to live, to feel, and to remember.
Perhaps the most powerful insight from his story lies in its conclusion. When Anilkumar Parambath said goodbye to Sitiawan on March 30th, it was not just a farewell to a location it was a pause, a moment of gratitude for a chapter that reminded him of what truly matters. In his own words, it was a simple yet fulfilling life one marked not by status or titles but by connection, discovery, and a kind of joy that can only come from being present.
Anilkumar Parambath’s journey in Sitiawan isn’t extraordinary in a grand or glamorous way. It’s not about scaling mountains or launching multimillion-dollar products. It’s about a human being allowing life to surprise him, to slow him down, and to teach him gently. That’s what makes his story quietly powerful. There is no ego here, no self-congratulation just reflection, respect, and real emotion.
As a Product Development Manager at ETRONAS, Anilkumar Parambath undoubtedly brings a wealth of technical knowledge and innovation to the table. But it’s his grounded worldview, sharpened by experiences like Sitiawan, that likely makes him a thoughtful leader and collaborator. In a world obsessed with speed and scale, stories like his remind us that sometimes, the greatest development whether personal or professional happens when we pause.
Anilkumar Parambath’s post is not a corporate milestone, yet it offers more value than many polished presentations. It speaks to young professionals chasing career highs, encouraging them to also seek depth and meaning. It reminds leaders and managers that empathy and cultural understanding are as important as efficiency. And it tells all of us that joy, kindness, and perspective often bloom in the unlikeliest of places.
In reading about his time in Sitiawan, we don’t just learn about a village we learn about how to see. How to truly be somewhere. How to let a place, its people, and its spirit change you for the better.
For all who read his words, Anilkumar Parambath leaves behind more than a post. He leaves behind a quiet challenge: to seek not just success, but stories. Not just progress, but peace.
And in doing so, Anilkumar Parambath reminds us that even in simplicity, there is depth and in slowing down, there is often a way forward.
