Adrian recalls his early days from his many old photographs.
HE was impeccably dressed in a blue batik shirt, patiently awaiting his interview at home.
Known for his spotless grooming, Sir Adrian Ringgau, at the age of 91, remains in robust health, ready to recount his remarkable life journey from a young boy in Kanowit to holding esteemed positions in society, serving as a leader to his community, and ultimately being bestowed with the title of “Sir”.
A man of devout faith, Adrian stands as a paragon within the Iban community in Sarawak. In 2003, Pope John Paul II honoured him with the title of “Sir” as a Knight of the Order of St Sylvester, recognising his unwavering devotion, commitment, and service to Christianity.
Reflecting on his illustrious career, Adrian reminisces about his tenure as a Pemanca and later as a Temenggong, diligently overseeing the affairs of countless Iban longhouses across various districts.
Despite receiving only a primary education, his fluency in English and his exemplary performance in the public sector for 33 years underscore his remarkable capabilities.
As a father, Adrian’s greatest aspiration was to see his children attain tertiary education, a dream that has materialised with all five sons and three daughters earning master’s degrees from prestigious universities worldwide. Yet, he believes that success in life demands more than academic prowess; it necessitates strength of character, particularly resilience.
Thus, he instills in his children the values of perseverance, adaptability, independence, agility, compassion and humility.
Fittingly, he received the Model Parent Award in 2001 from the Tun Jugah Foundation.
Adrian and his wife Helda showing the certificate of the Papal Award he was conferred in 2003.
Looking back at his early days, Adrian enrolled in St Francis Xavier’s School in Kanowit in 1946. He left school at the end of 1951 after completing Standard Six.
In 1955, he married Helda Injai Tunggan and was then absorbed into the Sarawak Civil Service.
“I was offered the post of trainee hospital assistant, then transferred to the radiology department as an X-ray technician at Lau King Howe Hospital in Sibu. At the end of 1956 I wanted to resign due to ill health, after having been diagnosed with a blood disorder,” he said.
However, seeing his dedication in his service, the divisional medical officer recommended him for a transfer to any post in any government department in Sibu.
Adrian was given an opportunity to work in the Resident’s Office in Limbang as a clerk. Following that, he was a senior clerk in the Agriculture Department, the National Registration Department, the Health Department and the Public Works Department.
He once served as a Civil Action Group leader at the Rajang Area Security Command (Rascom), where he was tasked to lead a team to relocate residents from two longhouses to the Sekuau Resettlement Scheme in 1973.
Adrian’s contributions extend beyond his professional life; he has dedicated himself to numerous social and religious endeavours, serving on various councils and commissions, including the Sacred Heart Parish Council and the Iban Bible Translation Team.
Today, he finds solace in attending Mass every Sunday and cherishes peaceful moments with his family, including his 26 grandchildren.
When asked for advice for the younger generation, Adrian emphasises the virtues of obedience, diligence, and humility, crediting his own ascent from a humble clerk to his current stature to these guiding principles.
In essence, Adrian’s life story exemplifies the power of dedication, faith and humility in shaping a legacy of service and success.
