A Tribute to Dr Rock

Today, our Dr Rock left his job after working for 19 years. In those many years his passion for rocks and real geology touches the boundary of madness. Amongst others was to be the first of his countrymen in obtaining a PhD in Geology. At times he could be seen as a lonely figure by the side of the road hammering at rock and in somewhat some ritual feat engaging himself in a fascinating and complex jigsaw puzzle – rocks and geology. His involvement in the local oil industry warrants more than just being a well-known name mooted by all young geologists who have been fascinated by his obsession. No wonder it is a sad day for all his colleagues today. But things have to move on. This probably is one of the many steps that increasing number of Bruneians are doing now, expectation are changing. Priorities do evolve as the situation around you change. The world is not static. Otherwise we are in danger of being too static. The face of Brunei is changing. Whether we like it or not, we have to take things like this as a positive change.

For me, my memory with him will be the fieldtrips to Brunei Bay and Samarinda amongst others. Fun, mixed with geology, ecotourism and great food. But seriously these are the trips that really bring you back to modern analogues to understanding the past – the present the key to the past. I wish all the best to him in his new job. Bila lagi makan?