Sarky at the launch of The Other Side of Obstacles, surrounded by friends and family

From overcoming academic setbacks and working challenging jobs to eventually becoming the Group Executive Chairman of Knight Frank Malaysia, Sarkunan Subramaniam has chronicled his unconventional journey in a new memoir titled The Other Side of Obstacles. More than a personal account of professional success, the book offers an intimate reflection on four decades in the real estate industry and aims to inspire a new generation of leaders, entrepreneurs and individuals navigating career challenges or seeking to restart their professional journeys in an ever-changing world.

The memoir traces Sarkunan’s remarkable path from his early academic struggles, including scoring a near-failing Aggregate 38 in his SPM examinations, to establishing himself as a prominent figure in Malaysia’s real estate sector. His journey was shaped by years of perseverance and resilience, including working as a hospital cleaner and taxi driver in Melbourne to finance his education at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in Australia.

His experiences in Melbourne became an important chapter in his personal and professional development. During his time there, Sarkunan worked at the Valuer General's Office (VGO) of Victoria, where he gained valuable technical experience while balancing full-time employment with night classes. The experience provided him with a strong professional foundation and technical expertise that would later contribute to his career in the real estate industry before he eventually returned to Malaysia.

At the launch of his memoir, Sarkunan described The Other Side of Obstacles as more than a conventional corporate success story. Instead, the book offers a candid account of his unexpected journey into leadership, the challenges involved in transitioning from a technical valuation career to the demanding world of estate agency, and the unconventional approach he adopted to help elevate Knight Frank Malaysia into a leading player in the market.

The memoir is structured into four distinct parts, comprising 26 chapters and a collection of photographs that provide readers with a closer look at the different stages of Sarkunan’s life and career. The book explores his formative years, the pivotal decisions he made during his university years, his entry into the professional world and his subsequent journey with Knight Frank Malaysia.

Through personal experiences and reflections, the memoir highlights the importance of resilience, adaptability and perseverance in overcoming obstacles. Sarkunan’s story demonstrates how early setbacks and unexpected challenges can become valuable learning experiences, providing individuals with the strength and perspective needed to navigate an increasingly competitive and rapidly changing professional landscape.

The launch of The Other Side of Obstacles was further marked by the presence of Datuk Seri Dr. Michael Yam, Past President and Patron of REHDA, who also contributed the foreword to the memoir. The event welcomed more than 100 guests, including university students, lecturers, business partners, colleagues, friends and members of Sarkunan’s family, creating a meaningful occasion to celebrate his personal journey and professional achievements.

With its focus on perseverance, leadership and overcoming adversity, The Other Side of Obstacles offers readers an opportunity to look beyond conventional measures of success. Sarkunan’s story serves as a reminder that career journeys are rarely straightforward and that obstacles, setbacks and unexpected turns can ultimately become stepping stones towards personal growth and professional achievement.

The memoir is now available for purchase online through sarkunan.com at RM50, with an additional RM10 delivery fee for orders within Malaysia. Through the book, Sarkunan hopes to share the lessons he has gathered throughout his life and career while encouraging readers, particularly aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs, to remain resilient and recognise the possibilities that can emerge on the other side of adversity.