Reel Time
Save fuel, save money with Fahrin

2009/11/21

By Meor Shariman

SUCCESSFUL actor and television host Fahrin Ahmad has this advice for aspiring actors: "complete your studies first". Fahrin, 30, who has a law degree, said education would help them become successful artistes.

"Education is an asset. It will help you go places, even in showbiz. A 'pretty face' will not get you far in the competitive entertainment industry."

The Sehati Berdansa host was chosen recently as a Shell Malaysia FuelSave ambassador.

He is one of seven international ambassadors chosen by Shell to educate motorists on how to save fuel and to promote its latest fuel, Shell FuelSave Unleaded.

The other Shell FuelSave ambassadors are Tom Kristensen from Denmark, Christina Surer (Germany), Michael Wong (Hong Kong), Jeroen van Koningsbrugge (The Netherlands), Eunice Elizabeth Olsen (Singapore) and Tayfun Talipoglu (Turkey).

Fahrin Ahmad is one of the seven international ambassadors chosen by Shell to promote its latest product.

"Immediately after I was approached by the company, I was flown to Germany to learn about fuel technology.

"It was an eye-opening experience and a priceless one, too. I got to learn the difference between one brand of petrol and another. It's all about the additives."

Fahrin said that previously, he thought that all brands of petrol were the same.

"I am saying this based on my experience and not because I am a Shell ambassador. Shell FuelSave is a money saver!"

In fact, while in Germany, he and the other six ambassadors were given the opportunity to test the fuel.

"Each of us was given a car with only one litre of petrol. The challenge was to drive as far as possible using only that litre of petrol, bearing in mind the fuel-saving tips.

"I drove 21.3km and won the challenge," he said with a smile.

Fahrin said the combination of Shell FuelSave petrol and the fuel-saving tips made a lot of difference.

He said he saved up to 20 per cent on the monthly fuel bill ever since he used the product.

The actor is currently taking a break from filming to care for his ailing mother.

"She is not well and I have to visit her regularly at the hospital."

He said he was lucky as he was getting numerous acting and hosting offers.

"I've been in this industry for more than five years and so far, things are going according to what I've planned."

He advised those who decide to enter showbiz to plan ahead.

Asked how he would deal with negative publicity, Fahrin said: "Silence is golden. If you are not in the wrong, there is no point making a big fuss over it."

He added that each time bad publicity about him cropped up in the media, he would digest it first.

"Then I will decide on the next course of action, but most of the time, I just keep quiet."

Fahrin's last feature film was in Puaka Tebing Biru in 2007.

"I am still waiting for the right movie script."

SOME SHELL FUELSAVE TIPS

Drive smoothly, avoid accelerating or braking too hard, and keep the steering as even as possible.

Use higher gears because when you drive slowly in a higher gear, you’ll burn less fuel.

Keep the windows closed because wind blowing through an open window slows you down, thus you will put your foot down harder.

If you have cruise control, use it.

Avoid rush hour by arranging your journey outside the peak travel times.

While driving over hilly terrain and reaching a downward slope, maintain steady engine revs.

Avoid high speeds because the faster you go, the more wind resistance you’ll encounter and the more fuel you use.