[3] White was educated at Bradfield College, then joined the service of the Rajah of Sarawak in 1932.

Before World War II he served in areas where the Dayak majority were suspicious of the government in Kuching, and he played an active part in winning over rebel leaders.

White was then based in Sibu – "his good knowledge of the Dayak and Malay languages was one of his attributes that endeared him to the local people.

"[4] White was posted to Brunei in 1958 as British Resident; in the following year the constitution was changed, the post of Resident was abolished and White became the first British High Commissioner for Brunei.

[9][10] On 20 April 1970, he was given the Manteri title Yang Dimuliakan Pehin Orang Kaya Datu Patinggi Maha Kornia Diraja by Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Lapau.