PRESIDENT MESSAGE-AUGUST

It is a special honour and a privilege for me to pen this as I begin my term as the President of the Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) for the term 2016-2018. Our Immediate Past President, Mr Matthew Tee, deserves an enormous thank for guiding the Association to greater heights. Luckily for all of us, Mr Matthew Tee will continue to serve MBAM in his new role as the Immediate Past President and will continue to share his input towards the growth of the Association. On another note, I am also especially looking forward to have all the new Council Members for this term to back me up in my role as the President. 

The following are the key events in the month of July:

PERSATUAN PEMBINA PERAK 93^rd (KIN CHO HONG) ANNIVERSARY DINNER

MBAM President, Mr Foo Chek Lee (4^th from Left) at Persatuan Pembina Perak 93^rd Anniversary Dinner

The above event on 8^th July 2016 at New She Lai Toon Restaurant Ipoh was attended by MBAM Secretary-General, Mr Dennis Tan and I. Also in attendance were MBAM Senior Managers, Mr Lenny Lim and Mr Michael Thong. President of Persatuan Pembina Perak (Perak Kin Cho Hong), Mr Sim Fuh Ming delivered the welcoming speech which covered key issues in the construction industry.

On the matters of the Enforcement of CIDB Act 520 – Accreditation and Certification of Construction Personnel which commenced from 1^st June 2016, MBAM is collaborating with CIDB to conduct assessment and joint training for site supervisors. Till to date MBAM has received more than 500 applicants. In my speech I encouraged Perak Kin Cho Hong members to come forward to register with MBAM for this programme. As the new President of MBAM, I hope that Perak Kin Cho Hong would join MBAM as MBAM Affiliate member as I believe there are many opportunities for both our Associations to work together towards the growth of the industry. Through constant dialogue, feedback and collaboration I am confident that together we can bring Perak Kin Cho Hong towards a new level of excellence.

MBAM COURTESY VISIT AND DIALOGUE WITH PERAK CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

Meeting in session

Presenting a memento to Mr Chong Chee Leong, President of Perak Contractors Association

A Courtesy Visit and Dialogue was held with Perak Contractors Association (PCA) on 9^th July 2016 at their office at No 72 (1^st Floor), Theatre Street, 30300 Ipoh, Perak. MBAM Honorary Advisor, Datuk Kwan Foh Kwai, MBAM Secretary-General, Mr Dennis Tan and I represented MBAM. Also in attendance were MBAM Senior Managers, Mr Lenny Lim and Mr Michael Thong.

PCA has been an MBAM Affiliate Member since 2013 and we are grateful for the strong support given to the Association. Our brotherhood has grown over the years; MBAM now have 27 Affiliate Members, which brings us to having more than 7,300 total members combined. It was also a pleasant surprise as we learnt during the visit that Perak Contractors Association will be donating RM2,000.00 towards MBAM Building Fund.

89^th ANNIVERSARY OF PERSATUAN PEMBINAAN TELUK INTAN

MBAM Secretary General, Mr Dennis Tan and MBAM President, Mr Foo Chek Lee with the Council Members of Persatuan Pembinaan Malaysia Teluk Intan

MBAM Secretary General, Mr Dennis Tan, MBAM Senior Managers, Mr Lenny Lim and Mr Michael Thong and I attended the Persatuan Pembinaan Malaysia Teluk Intan’s 89^th Anniversary Dinner which was held on 9^th July 2016 at Tai Chong Sea Food Restaurant, Teluk Intan. On hand to welcome the MBAM delegates was Mr Tho Heam Mun, President Persatuan Pembinaan Malaysia and his council members.

In my speech, I mentioned that the Government had responded to MBAM’s calls for the import duties to be revised downward for the three items of machineries e.g. bulldozers, levellers, scrapers, boring machines and excavators which were revised from 10% to 5%. MBAM will continue to appeal for reduction of import duties on other construction machineries.

The function was a good platform for MBAM to reach out to build a closer relationship with the Kin Choo Hong group of association members.

MSPC 7^th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Datuk Kwan Foh Kwai (1^st from right) at the meeting

Group photo with MSPC Members

The Malaysian Service Provider Confederation (MSPC) organised their 7^th Annual General Meeting on 19^th July 2016 at Wisma IEM, Petaling Jaya. Approximately 50 people attended the meeting to receive and adopt the Audited Financial Statements of the Company for the financial year ending 31^st December 2015 together with the Reports of the Council members and Auditors thereon. MBAM was represented by MBAM Honorary Advisor, Datuk Kwan Foh Kwai and MBAM PR Executive, Ms Tessa Hamid.

PAM ROUNDTABLE WITH BUILDING INDUSTRY PRESIDENTS’ COUNCIL

The Pre-graduate group

With BIPC members

The above meeting was held on 20^th July 2016 at Hospitality Lounge, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Representing MBAM for the Pre-Graduate Group was MBAM Honorary Advisor, Datuk Kwan Foh Kwai while attending for the Post Graduate Group was MBAM Secretary-General, Mr Dennis Tan.

Under the Pre-Graduate Segment, it was recommended that there is a need to increase the quantity and quality of lecturers and that more research and development to be done focusing on industry’s needs. Recommendations were also made for lecturers to undergo industrial training and that that retired professionals to be invited to be involved in the education sector. Apart from that the curriculum should be streamlined to match industry’s needs. Annual dialogues should be encouraged between boards of universities and various ministries such as Ministry of Education and Ministries of Human Resources. Advisory panels at universities should be taken more seriously according to Datuk Kwan and soft skills and the English language must be given more emphasis. In addition, interdisciplinary project and interaction should be given focus. Finally, it was recommended that practical training should be given more focus with a training period of at least 6 months and a formal interview should be conducted.

Under the Post Graduate initiative, it was recommended that preparation of templates by the various institutions should be given priorities and that both employers and graduates should use the template which must encompass technical and non-technical skills. Finally, there must be active monitoring of employers and graduates on their progress

 MBAM C&P TALK SESSION 3: EXTENSION OF TIME AND LOSS & EXPENSE

Mr HT Ong sharing his input with the students

The attendees of the 3^rd session

Sr. Ong Hock Tek, Managing Director, BK Entrusty trained 63 attendees who turned up for the 3^rd of the 4 Sessions of Practical Construction Contract Administration/Management on 21^st July 2016 at MBAM Training Centre.  This 3^rd session focused on “Extension of Time and Loss & Expense & Practical Completion and Defects’. The training programme was designed by combining technical knowledge with practical experience and skills through a lecture cum work related discussion approach / action learning approach. There are four (4) comprehensive sessions under this programme including this session. The last session will be held on 18^th August 2016.

KELANG KIN CHO HONG 90^th ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Presenting a memento to Dato’ Ng Tong Chun

The Kelang Kin Cho Hong 90^th Anniversary Dinner was held on 22^nd July 2016 at Restoran Taman Rashna Klang, Klang. YBhg. Dato’ Ng Tong Chun, Chairman of Kelang Kin Cho Hong delivered the welcome speech. MBAM was represented by MBAM Council Member, Mr Eric Kuan, MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling, MBAM Senior Managers, Mr Lenny Lim and Mr Michael Thong and I.

In my speech, I touched on the matters of the Enforcement of CIDB Act 520 – Accreditation and Certification of Construction Personnel which commenced from 1st June 2016. MBAM is collaborating with CIDB to conduct assessment and joint training for site supervisors. We have till to date received more than 500 applicants. As this is a legal requirement, we encourage Klang Kin Cho Hong members to come forward urgently to register with MBAM for this programme. 

I hope Kelang Kin Cho Hong will join MBAM as an Affiliate member one day as there are many opportunities for both of our Associations to grow together through closer partnership and collaborations.

ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION AT TRAINING WORKSHOP ON MAINTENANCE OF INFRASTRUCTURE

During the forum discussion session

Tan Sri A K Nathan (2^nd from right) with IEM Executive Director, Ir. Wong Chee Fui, MSPC President, Ir. Choo Kok Beng and Puan Noryani Ismail, CIDB General Manager

The Training Workshop on Maintenance of Infrastructure was held from 25^th to 28^th July 2016 at Sri Petaling Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. This event was jointly organised by Malaysian Services Providers Confederation and the International Science, Technology and Innovation Centre and was also supported by Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM). MBAM had a booth for the four days of event to create awareness and interest about the Association among the workshop attendees.  MBAM Deputy President, Tan Sri AK Nathan shared his experience in a roundtable discussion on 28^th July 2016 on the importance of infrastructure maintenance and his experience and challenges of doing business overseas. Overall, it was a successful event which managed to showcase Malaysia’s experience to all the attendees from various ASEAN nations.

2-DAY SEMINAR ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH (OSH) & WORKSHOP ON HEAVY LIFTING PLAN AT KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

MBAM Safety and Health Committee together with the Sabah Builders Association (SBA) and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) jointly organised a 2-Day Seminar on Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) and Workshop on Heavy Lifting Plan on 28^th July 2016 and 29^th July 2016 at The Klagan Regency Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

We are honoured to have Encik Mohd Zahari Bin Hitam, Director, Department of Occupational Safety & Health (DOSH), Sabah as our Guest-of-Honour to grace and officiated the seminar on 28^th July 2016. Other dignitaries attending the event included President of Sabah Builders Association (SBA), Mr Cheong Kwee Min. In total 88 participants attended this Seminar.

In line with the Occupational Safety & Health Master Plan 2015 (OSHMP15) this seminar objective was to push the construction industries to move towards Risk Reduction Culture and to make the construction site a HAZARD FREE ZONE.

MBAM FELLOWSHIP 3/2016

MBAM Council Members at the Fellowship

MBAM Council Members enjoying the camaraderie and networking with members

On 29^th July 2016, MBAM organized the 3^rd fellowship gathering for this year at the Armada Hotel, Petaling Jaya. The fellowship was sponsored by Alpace Engineering Sdn Bhd and North Soil Eng (M) Sdn Bhd. A total of 220 guests attended the gathering to strengthen the bond between MBAM members and to encourage co-operation and networking as well as to create potential trade and business opportunities in members’ respective products and services.

MBAM DARTS & POOL COMPETITION 2016

The winners for the Darts Competition

The winners for the pool competition

The MBAM Darts and Pool Competitions that was organised on 29^th July 2016 at Merchant Pub, Armada Hotel together with the Fellowship Gathering No. 3/2016 attracted the participation of 31 darts and 33 pool players. The competition was sponsored by Alpace Engineering Sdn Bhd and North Soil Eng (M) Sdn Bhd. The following were the winners for the competition:-

MBAM Darts Tournament 2016

1. Champion, winning RM700.00 and trophy

Mr Alex Loh, Glocomp System (M) Sdn Bhd

2. 1^st Runner Up, winning RM400.00 and trophy

Mr Solomon Chew, MAPEI Malaysia Sdn Bhd

3. Semifinalists, winning RM200 and trophy

Mr Woon Kok Ping, Lafarge Concrete (M) Sdn Bhd

Syamsul Afendi Bin Nilam, Bina Puri Holdings Bhd

MBAM Pools Tournament 2016

1. Champion, winning RM700.00 and trophy

Mr Hendry Yeo, Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd

2. 1^st Runner Up, winning RM400.00 and trophy

Mr Noris Burhanuddin, Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd

3. Semifinalists, winning RM200 and trophy

Mr Sam Kit Seng, Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd

Mr Selvaraja A/L Krishnan, North Soil Eng (M) Sdn Bhd

The event managed to bring together members of MBAM under one roof for a day of fellowship and games. All together it was a very successful event.

PENANG KIN CHO HONG 90^th ANNIVERSARY DINNER

Presenting a memento Mr Ho Tiong Beng, Chairman of Penang Kin Cho Hong

The above event held on 30^th July 2016 at the Jade Palace Seafood Restaurant was attended by MBAM Vice President, Ir. Chuan Yeong Ming, MBAM Senior Managers, Mr Lenny Lim, Mr Michael Thong and I.

Mr Ho Tiong Beng, Chairman of Penang Kin Cho Hong delivered the welcome speech.

In my speech, I explained that as our commitment to the construction industry, MBAM in collaboration with CIDB Malaysia, Government agencies such as DOSH, SOCSO etc., other trade associations and higher learning institutions actively conducts trainings for construction industry personnel from foremen level up to management degree level. We also conduct competency courses which are recognised by the government to help our members to fulfil their legal requirements. These training courses are specially designed and tailored for the working adults and most of them are conducted during weekends. We hope that through these trainings, we can upgrade the skill and knowledge of our employee so that they can be more efficient and productive.

I hope that Penang Kin Cho Hong would join MBAM as an Affiliate Member because as MBAM offers many products and services to Members, including conferences, networking, training and educational materials, technical advice, and publications to name but a few.

COURTESY VISIT AND DIALOGUE WITH GABUNGAN PERSATUAN-PERSATUAN PEMBINA MALAYSIA

Presenting a token of appreciation to Mr Chong Shen Onn, Immediate Past Chairman of Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pembina Malaysia

The above courtesy visit and dialogue  was attended by MBAM Vice President, Ir. Chuan Yeong Ming, MBAM Senior Managers, Mr Lenny Lim, Mr Michael Thong and I.  Issues discussed include updates on CLAB is now open for recruitment of new workers and updates on RAPID project in Pengerang whereby special approval for sub-contractor to recruit workers have been granted. The meeting also touched on the Permit Mesin Angkut and the delays on the issuance of permits. MBAM is in the midst of talking with Department of Safety and Health (DOSH) to allow 3^rd party certification if the company cannot wait for DOSH approval.

Before the meeting was concluded, MBAM invited Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pembina Malaysia to join as MBAM Affiliate Member and to have more engagements with MBAM especially with regards to giving feedback on the current state of the construction industry.

As we will be celebrating the Merdeka Day at the end of next month, I wish to convey my message to all members, business affiliates and friends a very Happy Merdeka Day! May all of us will continuously cherish our Muhibbah spirit that has helped us to create the Malaysia that we know now.

Foo Chek Lee

President