There was a time when people lived with the constant fear that oxygen might not be available when it was needed most. Hospitals depended on supplies from outside the country, and delays were common. During medical emergencies, families and doctors were left anxious and helpless, unsure if patients would receive timely care. At the same time, industries faced uncertainty, as even a brief shortage could halt production and put livelihoods at risk. This fragile situation highlighted the urgent need for a reliable, local solution.
Ankit J Patel, Director of Atoll Oxygen Sdn Bhd, stepped in to meet this challenge. He focused on building local manufacturing and resilient supply systems for medical oxygen and industrial gases, ensuring hospitals and industries could rely on a steady, high-quality supply. His approach emphasizes safety, strict regulatory compliance, and trust, creating systems that operate smoothly even in emergencies.
Through his vision and responsible decision-making, Ankit has reduced dependence on imported supplies, strengthened critical industries, and expanded operations across regions. His work has improved access to healthcare and stabilized industrial operations and has enhanced community resilience. By combining technical expertise with ethical leadership, he has built systems that save lives, support economies, and provide security in moments of crisis.
The Birth of Atoll Oxygen
Atoll Group was founded to address a critical gap in the supply of industrial gases and medical oxygen. In 2011, the group launched Atoll Oxygen Sdn Bhd after witnessing the significant challenges faced by industries and hospitals in securing reliable supplies. In sectors like oil and gas, even brief shortages could lead to losses of millions, while in healthcare, delays in oxygen delivery could have life-threatening consequences.
At the time, Brunei had no local manufacturing facilities for gases and relied entirely on imports from Malaysia. A regional supply disruption highlighted the urgent need for a provider that could combine technical reliability, ethical responsibility, and long-term vision. This realization led to the creation of a company committed to delivering essential gases and to building trust and providing excellent customer service.
The early years came with significant challenges, including navigating regulatory approvals, establishing production capacity, and earning the trust of clients as a new market entrant. Overcoming these obstacles shaped the company’s resilience and reinforced the principle that quality and consistency are the true measures of success in this industry. A strong focus on customer service and continuous support for client needs has become a defining strength, setting the company apart from competitors.
Fulfilling the Unexpected Oxygen Needs
One of the most challenging moments for Ankit J Patel came during the COVID-19 crisis, when the demand for medical oxygen surged unexpectedly. He faced a critical choice between fulfilling industrial contracts and directing supply to hospitals. He chose to prioritize healthcare, even though it meant facing financial strain. This decision highlighted his belief that true leadership is defined by responsibility, not convenience.
The experience reinforced an important lesson: in times of crisis, decisions must be guided by values. While financial losses can be recovered, credibility and human lives cannot. By putting people first, he built a reputation for trustworthiness and reliability, which significantly strengthened the company’s relationships and expanded its client base.
Reliability, Innovation, and Ethics
Atoll Oxygen’s approach is built on three main pillars:
- Reliability: The company invests in redundancy systems and backup storage to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gases.
- Innovation: It has developed optimized distribution logistics with digital monitoring, allowing clients to know their supply status in real time.
- Ethics: Safety and regulatory compliance are prioritized in every decision, even if it means slower expansion.
Unlike competitors who focus solely on volume, Atoll Oxygen emphasizes long-term trust and precise delivery, building lasting relationships with its clients.
Atoll Group’s Diverse Business Footprint
Beyond industrial gases, Atoll Group has grown into a diversified enterprise with interests spanning multiple essential sectors in Brunei as well as in multiple overseas locations.
Its business scope includes:
- Agriculture
- Real Estate
- Hospitality
- Cold Storage Chains
- Food Processing
- Industrial Gases
- Chemicals
- Pharmaceuticals
- Industrial Equipment
- Rubber and Plastics Recycling
This diversification reflects a long-term vision focused on resilience, sustainability, and regional development.
Reliable Oxygen Supply for Healthcare Facilities
Atoll Group has made a significant impact in the medical sector by supplying approved medical oxygen to healthcare facilities in accordance with Ministry of Health standards. Recognized as one of Brunei’s leading suppliers, the company has consistently demonstrated reliability through smooth operations and high-quality production. It has supported patient care during medical emergencies and ensured a steady supply of oxygen without depending on imports, even during challenging situations such as the COVID-19 crisis or regional supply disruptions.
Brunei Operations
- Atoll Oxygen Sdn Bhd (Established 2011): Manufactures medical oxygen and industrial gases including Oxygen (O₂), Nitrogen (N₂), Argon, Helium, Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Acetylene, and purified and liquid gases. The company is certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001, reflecting its commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and occupational safety.
- Atoll Agro & Cold Storage Sdn Bhd (Launched September 2023): Marks the group’s diversification into food processing. The facility currently manufactures seven products, with plans to expand production and export to ASEAN and other Asian markets. It is Halal-certified by the Brunei Religious Ministry and accredited for GMP, HACCP, and ISO 22000.
- Future Direction: Atoll Group is preparing to enter specialty chemical manufacturing, further strengthening Brunei’s local industrial ecosystem.
Highest Standards of Quality, Safety, and Trust
To ensure the highest standards of quality, safety, and trust, the Atoll Group follows strict compliance measures:
- ISO-certified production processes that meet international quality and safety standards.
- Rigorous safety audits conducted regularly to ensure all operations are safe and reliable.
- Transparent reporting to regulators and clients, maintaining accountability and building trust.
- Ethical sourcing and fair labor practices to ensure responsible operations across all levels of the business.
They work on the philosophy: trust is built not in marketing, but in daily operations.
Sustainable Growth Comes from Trusting and Empowering People
Ankit J Patel’s most important leadership lesson has been the value of empowering teams rather than trying to manage every detail personally. Early in his journey, he attempted to oversee every task himself, but he realized that sustainable growth comes from trusting people and giving them ownership. Today, he focuses on developing leaders within Atoll Group, creating a culture where responsibility is shared, decisions are made collaboratively, and resilience is built collectively across the organization. This approach has strengthened the team’s confidence, improved decision-making, and enabled the company to grow more effectively and sustainably.
Mantap Sauces: A Local Brand Powering Brunei’s Import Substitution Efforts
Atoll Agro has launched Mantap, a Brunei-made brand of sauces and condiments, now sold in over 100 outlets. The factory in Kilanas can produce two tonnes daily and meets halal and global safety standards. Mantap offers seven products and seeks to reduce imports, expand to 400 retail stores, and begin exports to ASEAN and Middle East markets later this year.
- Brand & Company: Mantap is a locally produced sauce and condiment brand from Brunei, developed by Atoll Agro.
- Production & Facility: Manufactured at Atoll Agro’s factory in the Kilanas Agricultural Development Area with capacity up to two tonnes per day.
- Product Range: Seven products: tomato ketchup, chilli sauce, soya sauce, eggless mayonnaise, cheese dressing, thousand island dressing, and Korean ssamjang.
- Standards & Certification: Meets Halal, HACCP, GMP, and ISO 22000 certifications.
Market & Goals
- Initially stocked in 100+ retail outlets in Brunei.
- Longer-term plan: reach 400 plus outlets locally and begin exports to ASEAN countries and the Middle East.
Strategic Importance: Aims to reduce reliance on imported condiments and support Brunei’s economic diversification and food security goals.
Culture Drives Success
The culture at Atoll Group is the backbone of its success, guiding how the company operates every day. Integrity is at the heart of the organization, encouraging employees to do what is right even when no one is watching. Collaboration is highly valued, with teams working together across departments to achieve shared goals. The company also fosters a growth mindset, supporting continuous learning and professional development at every level. Delivering excellent customer service is a top priority, with every effort made to meet and exceed client expectations.
When it comes to building future leaders, Atoll Group goes beyond technical skills. The company looks for individuals who show empathy, resilience, and strong ethical judgment, ensuring that its leadership embodies the values and principles that drive the organization forward. This approach strengthens the team and ensures that the company continues to grow responsibly and sustainably.
Exploring Reach with Major Industry Players
Atoll Oxygen is actively exploring strategic collaborations with major industry players such as BLNG, Brunei Shell Petroleum, Brunei Methanol Company, and Brunei Fertilizer Industries. These partnerships aim to strengthen the company’s market presence and integrate innovation into its operations. In addition to its core focus on industrial gases and medical oxygen, Atoll Group has diversified into food processing and chemical manufacturing in Brunei. The company also maintains a strong regional network through its operations in India, including Atoll Exim, Atoll Alloys, Atoll Hospitality, and Atoll Pharma. This approach reflects a strategic vision of business growth, diversification, and regional development.
Investing in Green Production Technologies
The oxygen and healthcare solutions industry is evolving rapidly.
Key shifts include:
- Digitalization of supply chains (real-time monitoring, predictive demand analytics).
- Sustainability pressures (low-carbon production methods).
- Healthcare resilience (governments investing in oxygen infrastructure post-pandemic).
Atoll Oxygen is preparing by investing in green production technologies, expanding into regional healthcare partnerships, and building a digitally driven logistics systems to anticipate demand spikes.
Recognized Among Brunei’s Top Business Leaders
Ankit J Patel was recognized as one of the Top 10 Most Promising Business Leaders in Brunei for 2023 by CEO Insights Asia. This recognition reflects his commitment to driving sustainable growth, fostering innovation, and implementing client-focused strategies at Atoll Group, Brunei’s leading manufacturer of medical and industrial gases since 2011.
During the COVID-19 crisis, Atoll Group further demonstrated its reliability by supplying critical oxygen to India during severe shortages. The Government of India officially commended the company for its contribution to the national relief efforts, highlighting the impact of its timely and dependable support in a global emergency.
Advice for Upcoming Leaders, Entrepreneurs, and Professionals
“Leadership is not about titles or profits; it is about responsibility. If you aspire to build impactful businesses, anchor yourself in values. Be willing to make difficult choices guided by ethics, not convenience. Remember: industries can recover from losses, but societies cannot recover from lost trust.”
Ankit J Patel
Director
Atoll Group
Media Features
Atoll Group has been featured in several reputable publications and interviews, highlighting its leadership, innovation, and impact in the industry.
Notable features include:
- Biz Brunei (Nov 2024): Covered BEDB’s Chennai investment seminar, highlighting Atoll Group and other new ventures.
- Borneo Bulletin (Feb 4, 2025): Featured an article on the Belt and Road Initiative and MSME developments.
- Asia Business Outlook (Oct 2023): Focused on Asia’s regional economic outlook, success stories, and market insights.
These features showcase the company’s growth, contributions to healthcare and industrial solutions, and its role as a trusted and reliable organization in the region.
Quick Takes
One quote that motivates you the most:
“Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching.”
One piece of advice you would offer to upcoming entrepreneurs or future business leaders:
“Build trust before you build scale.”
One movie or book you recommend everyone in business or leadership should experience:
“Good to Great” by Jim Collins
Ankit J Patel’s 5 Impactful Business Mantras
- Build reliability before scale: Strong systems and consistent delivery matter more than rapid expansion, especially in critical industries.
- Let values guide decisions, especially in crisis: When pressure is high, choices must protect people and trust, not just profits.
- Quality and safety are non-negotiable: Long-term success comes from strict standards, compliance, and doing things right every day.
- Empower people to grow sustainably: Trusting teams and sharing responsibility creates stronger leaders and resilient organizations.
- Trust is earned through action, not promises: Credibility is built through daily operations, ethical conduct, and reliable service over time.
