PRESIDENT MESSAGE

MBAM will be organising one of our most important event of the year on 18^th August 2017, namely the 63^rd MBAM Anniversary Dinner. This annually organised celebration is one way for MBAM to enhance its bond and rapport with heads of Government departments, leaders of professional bodies, state associations leaders, friends and associates. In addition, we will also be organising the MBAM Affiliates Dialogues 2017 before the dinner. It is my biggest hope that everyone will give your undivided support and commitment to ensure the success of both event.

COURTESY VISIT BY MALAYSIA-CHINA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (MCCC)

Meeting in session

A token of appreciation was presented to commemorate the end of the visit by MCCC

The Malaysia China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) paid a courtesy visit to MBAM on 5^th July 2017. The objective of the visit was to share on the upcoming 7^th Malaysia-China Entrepreneur Conference (MCEC 2017) organised by MCCC and scheduled to be held on 25^th November 2017 in Kuala Lumpur. MCCC was represented by MCCC Vice President, Mr Ngan Teng Ye, MCEC 2017 Organising Chairman, Mr Bryan Chong, MCEC 2017 Deputy Chairman, Mr Ong Chee Meng, MCEC 2017 Committee Member, Mr Adrian Leong, Mr Ng Yi Shing, Mr Teow Jenn Yong and MCCC Vice Executive Secretary, Ms Foo Yoke Teng.

Chairing the visit from MBAM was MBAM Deputy President cum Chairman of MBAM International Affairs Committee, Tan Sri A K Nathan. Also in attendance were MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling, MBAM Senior Manager, Ms Lee Siew Mei and MBAM IT and Admin Executive, Mr Muhammad Fadzley. Tan Sri A K Nathan took the opportunity to introduce the fact that MBAM will be hosting the 44^th IFAWPCA Convention in November 2018 and invited MCCC to participate in the event. Overall, it was a productive meeting with both parties hoping to have better collaborations in the future.

SESSION 5: CONTRACTUAL ISSUES AND TERMINATION AND DETERMINATION

Sr. HT Ong conducting the seminar

Among the participants of the seminar

The fifth instalment of the collaboration with Sr. Ong Hock Tek of BK Entrusty for the year continued with Session No. 5 with 48 participants attending the programme which was held on 6^th July 2017 at MBAM Training Centre. The following matters were discussed in the training with reference to previously published articles in Master Builders Journal:

Contractual Issues

• Can a Letter of Intent be construed as an enforceable contract?(4Q 07)
• Design and Build Contracts – implications and limitations. (4Q 11)
• Ground Conditions – mysteries unravelled? (3Q 11)
• What is Fit for Purpose and its implication?(2Q 10)
• Condition Precedent – issues and implications (4Q 16)
• Termination and Determination
• Is Determination of employment and Termination of contract the same in meaning and implications? (2Q 08)
• Can the contractor’s employment be determined or its contract terminated upon substantial completion of the works? (3Q 10)
• Is the late payment a ground for Determination or Termination? (3Q 08)
• Introducing Dispute Resolution Advisor System to overcome disputes in Malaysia. (1Q 16)

Overall the programme continued to be a success with members exposed to more information and updates related to previously published articles in The Master Builders Journal. It is hoped that more members will sign up for the final session of the programme scheduled to be held on 24^th August 2017.

MBAM EDUCATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP INTERVIEW

The candidates for the MBAM Education Scholarship Award

During the interview session with the panellist

MBAM Education Fund Scholarship Interview was held on 10^th July 2017 at MBAM Secretariat Office. The panel of assessors and interviewers were Chairman of Education Fund Board of Member (BoM), Mr Chua Siow Leng; Committee Members, Prof. Dr. Selvaraj Oyyan Pillay and Associate Prof Nor Ainah Bt Abdullah; MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling; and MBAM Assistant General Manager, Mr Michael Thong.

MBAM received a total of 72 application but only a total of 15 students were invited to attend the Interview Session. A total of 13 students were shortlisted to receive the MBAM Education Fund Scholarship for this year. 

4 DAYS PROFESSIONAL INDUSTRIALISED BUILDING SYSTEM (IBS) TRAINING

Ir. Dr Mukhtar Che Ali conducted the training for Module 1, 3 and 5

The participants for the 4 days training

MBAM IBS committee organised a 4 days professional IBS training on 10^th-11^th July 2017 and 17^th-18^th July 2017 at MBAM Training Centre.  The Chairman of IBS Committee, Ir. Chuan Yeong Ming, officiated the opening ceremony of the training. He also attended the training with MBAM Council Members, Mr Chong Tat Yam and Mr Lau Yew Mun. CIDB subsidised a total of 32 participants to attend this training.  The participants needed to fulfil the criteria of having at least a degree related to construction industry and working experience in the construction industry of not less than 5 years.

The course consists of 5 modules as follows:

Module 1 – Introduction to Industrialized Building System (IBS) For Building

Module 2 – Modular Coordination System

Module 3 – IBS Score

Module 4 – Design Concept for Pre-fab Concrete System

Module 5 – Project Management

The training was led by Ir. Dr Mukhtar Che Ali who was previously the General Manager of Construction Material Division of CIDB, before he retired in April 2016. Ir. Dr Mukhtar Che Ali conducted the training for Module 1, 3 and 5. Ar. Abu Zarim Abu Bakar, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Council Member and Ir. Saiful Adli Abdul Karim, member of Institute of Engineering Malaysia (IEM), conducted training for Module 2 and 4 respectively. 

MBAM SCAFFOLDING TRAINING – BASIC COMPETENCY COURSE

Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) has organized a series of scaffolding training for our Members and industry players. The Level 1 (Basic) Scaffolding Course 26^th intake was successfully held on 10^th – 26^th July 2017 with 9 participants. The course was attended and briefed by MBAM Senior Assistant Manager, Mr Mohd Farhan Bin Mohammad Din.

This course is designed for any personnel involved in Heavy Industry and Construction and is especially relevant to personnel who are:

• Hands on personnel.
• Safety & Health practitioners who are responsible to coordinate plan and implement scaffolding work at work site.

This Competency Scaffolding training is approved and recognized by DOSH and is 100% HRDF claimable. Participating company will be given an approved 20 CIDB CCD Points for each employee attended this training as well as 10 DOSH CEP Points.

COURTESY VISIT FROM INDUSTRY CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (CONSTRUCTION CLUSTER), UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PAHANG

MBAM Vice President, Tan Sri Sufri Bin Haji Mohd Zin received a token of appreciation from the Dr Haji Mohd Yuhyi bin Mohd Tadza

Representative of Universiti Malaysia Pahang

Representatives from Industry Centre of Excellence (Construction Cluster), Fakulti Kejuruteraan Awam & Sumber Alam, Universiti Malaysia Pahang led by Dr Haji Mohd Yuhyi bin Mohd Tadza conducted a courtesy visit to MBAM on 11^th July 2017 at Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng Conference Room. Representatives from MBAM receiving the delegation were MBAM Vice President and Chairman of MBAM Education Committee, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri bin Haji Mohd Zin, MBAM Senior Assistant Manager, Mr Mohd Farhan bin Mohammad Din, MBAM Assistant Manager, Mr Mohd Hanif Ismail and MBAM Admin Officer, Ms Nor Azlina binti Teh Hassan.

The meeting started with an introduction of ICOE as Ministry of Higher Education’s signature programme and its role and function. ICOE act as matchmaker between graduates and industry. Its aim is to produce better quality graduates that can meet industry needs (demand driven). ICOE provides additional trainings (soft skills, technical, communication, specialised/tailor made trainings) to graduates to meet industry’s needs. It has successfully trained around 4,200 graduates from various university/polytechnics all over Malaysia.

ICOE asked MBAM to propose additional trainings for ICOE to conduct, and ICOE will bring up to MOHE. The meeting concluded with an exchange of mementos between the two parties and MBAM Education Committee proposal to table to MBAM Council Meeting for MBAM to sign of MOU with ICOE to formalise collaboration.             

POLITEKNIK UNGKU OMAR 46^TH CONVOVATION CEREMONY

MBAM Vice President, Tan Sri Sufri Bin Haji Mohd Zin with the graduates

Graduation ceremony scroll presentation

The 46^th Convocation Ceremony for Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) was held on 12^th July 2017 at Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh, Perak. MBAM Vice President and Chairman of MBAM Education Committee, Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri bin Haji Mohd Zin was given the honour to present the Bachelor Degree, Diploma and Special Certificates for Civil Engineering students at the first session of the Convocation ceremony. Present at the event were Director of PUO, Major (Hon) Dato’ Haji Md Nor bin Yusof, Head of Civil Engineering Department, Mr Che Norazman bin Che Wan, as well as other senior officers of PUO.

Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri bin Mohd Zin was given the opportunity to present the Special Awards to four deserving students, Ms Fariza binti Zainal, Ms Dayang Nurashreen Muneera binti Awang Mahmud, Mr Wan Mohd Syukran bin Zainal Abidin and Ms Fatinah Hazwani binti Ahmad Fitri. Also attending the ceremony from MBAM was MBAM Assistant Manager, Mr Mohd Hanif Ismail.

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA (MBAM) – PERTUBUHAN AKITEK MALAYSIA (PAM) AND SELANGOR BRICKS FACTORIES ASSOCIATION (SBFA) DIALOGUE

Meeting in session

Group photo

The meeting was held as requested by SBFA to have a tripartite dialogue between MBAM, SBFA and PAM with the objectives to understand issues concerning the decline in the usage of clay bricks in the construction industry and to find a solution to the issue. The meeting took place at the Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng Conference Room on 12^th July 2017. The President of SBFA, Datuk Yap Yee Chong, gave a brief introduction of SBFA and highlighted that despite the name SBFA most of their members were from other states in Peninsular Malaysia. However, the name SBFA was retained because of sentimental reason and together with their counterpart the Johore Bricks Association, they supply over 90 percent of the bricks in the market. Of late they noticed a decline in the usage of clay bricks and a move to other materials such as light weight concrete blocks and cement sand bricks. He reiterated on the quality of clay bricks over cement sand bricks and light weight concrete blocks.

In summing up the meeting it was agreed the way forward was for SBFA to draft up a method statement on brick laying which than  can be used as the construction standard for brick laying. In addition SBFA should also consider to contribute articles on clay bricks in the PAM magazine and exhibit the products in the PAM exhibition hall. SBFA representatives said that they are in favour of the proposal. 

THE MBAM VISIT AND DIALOGUE SESSION WITH PERSATUAN KIN CHO NEGERI SABAH

At the Persatuan Kin Cho Hong Negeri Sabah’s office

On 13^th July 2017, MBAM paid a visit to Persatuan Kin Cho Negeri Sabah’s office for a courtesy visit and dialogue session. The President of the Persatuan Kin Cho Negeri Sabah (PKCNS), Mr Teh Tian Peng thanked all the PKCNS council members present and welcomed the MBAM delegate to the visit and dialogue session.

PKCNS highlighted on the issue that most illegal workers from China started to work at the site before their Green Card were approved. In that sense, the workers from China had the advantage of working for 6 months while their Green Card were being issued. PKCNS presumed that this might be a special arrangement made for workers from China only. As such, this is unfair to other workers from other country who were not able to start work while waiting for their Green Card. PKCNS hoped that the Malaysian government would look into this issue.

THE SABAH BUILDERS ASSOCIATION (SBA) AND MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA (MBAM) COURTESY VISIT TO IMMIGRATION DEPARTMEN, SABAH BRANCH

Discussion between MBAM and the Immigration Department

A token of presentation was presented to Sabah Immigration Director, Tuan Musa Bin Sulaiman

MBAM and SBA representative paid a visit to Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia Cawangan Sabah on 14^th July 2017. SBA Advisor, Datuk Gerald Goh in his opening address introduced MBAM, SBA and Sabah Construction Workers Welfare Association to the representatives of Immigration Department, Sabah Branch. He outlined the objectives of the discussion were to highlight on the issues of illegal foreign workers, the quota system, high rehiring fees, as well as on the shortage of construction workers affecting mega projects such as Pan Borneo highway.

Next, SBA President, Mr Lou Chi Nam elaborated on the programme of the rehiring illegal foreign workers which was a failure due to the high fees charged making it not affordable in the current economic uncertainties especially for small contractors. In addition, he touched on the peculiarity of the construction trade as compared to other sectors such as manufacturing and plantation, in which construction industry had many trades such as bricklayers, carpenters, bar benders, tilers etc. but the workers for each trade were used only for a partial duration of the whole project. The current policy of paying a full year levy compared to the short duration of work by the workers imposed a heavy burden to both the employer and employees. Therefore, it was proposed that a monthly or quarterly levy payment to be looked into as this would mitigate the cost of levy and any savings could passed onto the rakyat in the building of affordable houses.

I added on the E-Card programme, as well as rehiring programme in the context of Peninsular Malaysia. I highlighted the function of CLAB in the rehiring programme and urged that a similar agency to be set up in Sabah. I also elaborated on the function of the Central Labour Quarters, which besides offering the foreign workers a decent living accommodation, were also used to contain them in a centralised zone for easy manning purposes. 

Sabah Immigration Director, Tuan Musa Bin Sulaiman agreed that the rehiring programme fees were on the high side and whilst the proposal to adopt a flexible ley payment scheme would be beneficial for the construction industry, he reiterated that some policies were beyond his authority to change. He informed that Sabah immigration laws differed from the peninsula, for example the E-card was not applicable in Sabah. He added that Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Sabah was the authority to approve the quota for hiring foreign workers and Sabah Immigration in Kota Kinabalu have weekly meetings to execute the paper work of the approved quota. As a way forward he suggested that SBA should engage with the Chief Minister’s office, the Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Sabah and CIDB for a dialogue to come out with a direction for implementation.

MBAM BOWLING TOURNAMENT

The players in action

The winners of the MBAM Bowling Tournament

The MBAM Publications & Outreach Committee successfully organised the MBAM Bowling Tournament for the first time on 15^th July 2017 at Sunway Mega Lanes, Sunway Pyramid

A total of 39 teams (of 4 players each) participated in the Tournament. After an intense tournament the Sunway Construction (B) team emerged as champion winning RM1,000.00 in cash and trophies. IJM Construction (A) team emerged as 1^st runner up winning RM700.00 and trophies, followed closely by Gamuda Berhad (A) team winning as the 2^nd runner up, with RM500 in cash prize and trophies. Mr Ajah Maidien from Sunway Construction won the prize of RM300.00 cash and trophy as the Best Male Player while the Best Female Player title went to Norashikin Alladin from Sunway Construction, winning RM300.00 in cash and trophy.

Next outreach event will be the MBAM Darts & Pool Competitions to be held on 8^th Sept 2017 at the Merchant Pub, Armada Hotel. Anyone interested to join can contact MBAM Secretariat Staff in charge, Mr Mohd Hanif at 03-7984 8636 or email mbam17@mbam.org.my cc Ms Nor Azlina binti Teh Hassan at mbam07@mbam.org.my.

SIGNING CEREMONY OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT (MOA) BETWEEN MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION MALAYSIA (MBAM) AND PERSATUAN AKITEK MALAYSIA (PAM) FOR MBAM ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION

The exchange of the document between MBAM and PAM

Among the attendees of the signing ceremony

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and Persatuan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) for the Architectural Design Competition for the new MBAM Centre was signed by PAM President, Ar Ezumi Harzani Ismail and I on 20^th July 2017 at Lounge 2, Hall 2, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. A total of 53 pax attended the event including MBAM Council Members, representatives from MBAM Affiliates Members and PAM representatives.

The Memorandum of Agreement aims to seek the best architectural design solution for the building that reflects the ambition of MBAM for the Centre to be the home of MBAM and also the venue for the Centre of Building Excellence in Malaysia. MBAM have purchased a piece of land in Persiaran Harmoni, Putra Heights for the building of the MBAM Centre. This Memorandum of Agreement is not only seen to strengthen the existing professional ties between both associations. The cooperation is also important for the exchange of information, experience, knowledge and best practices involving competition management.

This MOA does not only focused on the competition but also on the sharing of expertise. Both association will work together on the promotion and organization of the competition, and the winners of the competition are eligible to receive the following prizes:-

• 1^st Prize Winner – RM100,000 and Certificate
• 2^nd Prize Winner – RM35,000 and Certificate
• 3^rd Prize Winner – RM15,000 and Certificate
• Two Honorary Mention – RM5,000 and certificate each

The Competition is open to all Corporate Members of PAM who are registered with Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia (LAM) (as of 31 January 2017).

MBAM GOLF TOURNAMENT 2017

Among the VIP players

Group photo before tee off

The winner of the MBAM Golf Tournament 2017

The MBAM Golf 2017 – Golf is Fun took off on 29^th July 2017 at Kota Permai Golf & Country Club (KPGCC), Selangor.  There were 128 players turned up and a total of 32 flights in the 18-point shotgun start tournament for the early morning golf which teed off at 8:00 am.  MBAM Golf 2017 – Golf is Fun is organized annually with the aim to promote sporting spirit and further strengthen the relationship between MBAM and its members as well as new friends and business acquaintances in the private and public sectors.

The following were the winners for this year’s event:

Overall

Novelty

As there is no winner for the Hole-In-One Prize, Transview Golf Sdn Bhd has agreed to sponsor one of the HIO prize, FOURTEEN TC606 SHIMADA SHAFT IRON SET as a lucky draw prize.

Players who did not win the main prizes were entitled to received Golf Equipment, Electrical Appliances and Medals or Cash Vouchers of RM200 each.

MBAM Golf 2017 – Golf is Fun also have a presentation of prizes for the winners of the Stickers Game. The winners are as follows:-

Stickers Game

In conclusion, it was indeed a memorable event this year as all players have a good and entertaining day.

MBAM EDUCATION FUND SCHOLARSHIP AWARD PRESENTATION

The recipient of the MBAM Education Fund Scholarship Award 2017

The presentation of the MBAM Scholarship Awards 2017 was held together with the MBAM Golf Tournament on 29^th July 2017 at Kota Permai Golf and Country Club (KPGCC). MBAM Secretary-General, Mr Dennis Tan and I presented the MBAM Education Fund Scholarship Awards of RM10,000 per annum to 4 recipients and the MBAM – Koon Yew Yin MBAM Education Fund Scholarship Awards to 3 recipients who achieved good grades. President of Lighthouse Club Kuala Lumpur, Mr Roderick Noble presented their Lighthouse Club scholarship to Mr Lingeswara A/L Soundrarajan. Chairman of Mitrajaya Holdings Berhad, General Tan Sri Ismail Bin Hassan (R) presented the Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd scholarship to Mr Goh Wang Siang. Next, we presented the MBAM Education Fund Grant Awards valued at RM5,000 per annum to 4 recipients.

A total of 13 students received the award. The recipients were as follows:

MBAM Education Fund Scholarship Awards (RM10,000)

1. Chau Thin Yee; Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (UM)
2. Heng Ji Yong; Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (UM)
3. Rafhanah Binti Razid; Executive Bachelor in Construction Management (IPD-OUM)
4. Yong Ii Yan; Master of Architecture (UPM)

MBAM – Koon Yew Yin MBAM Education Fund Scholarship Awards (RM10,000)

1. Lee Jin Hao; Bachelor of Civil Engineering (UM)
2. Leong Vicky; Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (UM)
3. Mohamad Ikhwan Nizam Bin Ahmad; Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (UM)

MBAM – Lighthouse Club Kuala Lumpur Education Fund Scholarship Awards (RM10,000)

1. Lingeswara A/L Soundrarajan; Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (UTP)

MBAM – Pembinaan Mitrajaya Sdn Bhd Education Fund Scholarship Awards (RM10,000)

1. Goh Wang Siang; Bachelor of Civil Engineering (UM Sabah)

MBAM Education Fund Grant Awards (RM5,000)

1. Muhammad Asnawi Bin Shaari; Bachelor of Quantity Surveying (IIUM)
2. Nor Aqila Binti Azme; Bachelor of Civil Engineering(UKM)
3. Vikness A/L Krisnanmoorthy; Bachelor of Civil Engineering (UTHM)
4. Yap Tat Hong; Bachelor of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (UM)

In addition, MBAM also presented a cash reward of RM5,000.00 for MBAM Scholarship Recipient who graduated with the First Class Honours. The recipient for this award is Ms Chin Yi Ming who graduated with the Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (UNITEN). The reward serves as an incentive for all existing scholarship recipients to strive to study hard.

MALACCA BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION (MBCA) NEW BUILDING FUND RAISING NIGHT

The Malacca Building Contractors Association (MBCA) organised the New Building Fund Raising Night on 29^th July 2017. The Malacca Building Contractors Association President, Mr Victor Tan together with their office bearers were at hand to welcome all the guests.

In his opening address the MBCA President, Mr Victor Tan acknowledged the donations from MBCA members and trade industries which raised a total sum of RM698,300 to make the MBCA building a reality. Besides the new office building which MBCA can be proud off, he also highlighted the challenges faced by the construction industry such as shortage of workers, the clamping down on illegal workers, adoption of IBS technology and competition from China contractors. In addition he mentioned that MBCA have worked with MBAM to conduct the Trade Foreman programme as well as arranged a forum on rehiring of foreign workers and would like to urge all their members to participate. I take this opportunity to extend my heartiest congratulation to MBCA for reaching another milestone in successfully purchasing their own building and relayed MBAM’s similar experience in the purchase of a piece of land in Putra Heights for MBAM’s building. I wished MBCA all the best and I hope MBCA will benefit from MBAM’s contribution of RM5,000 for the MBCA building fund.

Foo Chek Lee

President