PRESIDENT MESSAGE

We are now transitioning to the last month for the year, yet MBAM’s calendar is still full with activities and events as we strive to provide the best services for our Members. Throughout the year we had successfully organised numerous events such as the 62^nd Anniversary Dinner, 7^th Malaysian Construction Summit, MBAM Annual Golf Tournament, series of MBAM outreach programmes and lots more. I am proud to say that MBAM have managed to organise all these events successfully due to teamwork and commitment by all parties involved. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all Council Members and secretariat staff that are directly or indirectly involved towards making these events a success. Not to be forgotten, I would like to thank our Members and Affiliates who have supported our events wholeheartedly and contributed to making it a success. I hope MBAM will continue to grow and receive more supports from our members in 2017 and beyond.

The following are the main events that we had in November 2016:

COURTESY VISIT AND DIALOGUE MEETING WITH CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MALAYSIA (CIDB)

The meeting with Chief Executive of CIDB, Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid

Presentation of souvenir to commemorate the courtesy visit

The courtesy visit and dialogue meeting with Chief Executive of Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), Dato’ Ir. Ahmad Asri Abdul Hamid took place on 1^st November 2016 at CIDB Boardroom, Level 25, PWTC. The meeting was attended by MBAM Immediate Past President, Datuk Matthew Tee, MBAM Deputy President, Tan Sri AK Nathan, MBAM Vice President, Mr Oliver Wee, MBAM Secretary General, Mr Dennis Tan, Mr Tang Juang Yew from Al Ambia Sdn. Bhd, MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling, MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Lenny Lim and I.

The following issues were discussed during the meeting:-

1. Enforcement Of CIDB Act 520 (including green card & scaffolding issues)
2. Construction Industry Payment And Adjudication Act (CIPAA)
3. Unfair Contracts Act
4. Appeal to Reduce Heavy Construction Machineries High Import Duties
5. MBAM Stand on Safeguard Issue on Steel Bars
6. MBAM Stance on Employee Insurance Scheme (EIS)
7. Implementation Of BIM
8. Skills Training
9. 44^th IFAWPCA Convention in Kuala Lumpur

MBAM took the opportunity to appeal to CIDB Malaysia to safeguard the industry interest by taking urgent and immediate actions on the shared views and issues raised above for the continued growth and sustainability of the Malaysian construction industry.

ASSET FINANCING AND LEASING ASSOCIATION OF MALAYSIA (AFLAM) – LUNCHEON TALK ON “THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA”

During my presentation on the Construction industry in Malaysia

The 60^th MBAM Coffee Table Book and MBAM Journal was presented to the Chairman of AFLAM, Mr Eric Wong

I was invited to the luncheon talk by AFLAM at Novotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre Hotel on 2^nd November 2016. There are about 70 AFLAM members who attended the luncheon. The event started by an opening remark by AFLAM Chairman, Mr. Eric Wong followed by my presentation on the Opportunities for Growth in the construction industry in Malaysia before it concluded with an exchange of token of appreciation by both parties. The construction industry contributes 4 per cent towards the country GDP and we have targeted to reach a 5.5 per cent GDP by 2020. There are more than 140 other industries relying on construction for growth and sustainability.

I also touched on the Mega Projects in Malaysia and the challenges & Issues that the industry are facing. Construction Industry are resilience despite the economy down turn. It is expected to remain strong with the support of the RM136 billion jobs in the pipe line. Intense demand for infrastructure for more efficient urban transportation and housing would also help the construction industry. I believe the prospect of construction industries will still be good for next few years to come.

REHDA INSTITUTE BUDGET COMMENTARY 2017 (IMPACT ON REAL ESTATE, CONSTRUCTION & PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT SECTOR)

The Panelist for REHDA Budget Commentary

MBAM Immediate Past President, Datuk Matthew Tee during the panelist session

On 2^nd November 2016, MBAM Immediate Past President, Datuk Matthew Tee and MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Lenny Lim attended the Budget Commentary session at Wisma REDHA. They participated in the “Construction and Real Estate Development Aspects of Budget 2017” session which also saw the participation of Datuk Ng Seing Liong, J.P., Chairman of GST Task Force, REHDA Malaysia, Datuk Matthew Tee, Immediate Past President of MBAM and Mr. Thong Mun Wai, Head of Agribusiness, Real Estate & Construction Ratings of RAM Rating Services. The Moderator for the session was Dato’ Ir. Soam Heng Choon, Deputy President of REHDA Malaysia.

Discussions at the session included the country’s needs, especially involving the control of government spending and taking care of the people’s interest to buy houses by a rebalancing act in the property sector through focus on affordable homes. On MBAM views on how the budget has met the needs of contractors, Datuk Matthew Tee stated there were recurring matters such as manpower issues, cost of doing business and reduction of import duties that MBAM has appealed and will continue to appeal for budget and assistance. Datuk Matthew Tee also requested developers to consider awarding jobs to local contractors instead of foreign contractors as in terms of pricing there is not much difference. Overall, it was an interesting session with a lot of participation from the attendees.

IPD-OUM’S 12^TH AWARD CEREMONY

The graduates under the MBAM IPD- OUM programme

The 19^th OUM Convocation took place from 31^st October 2016 to 3^rd November 2016 at Putra World Trade Centre. The ceremony included graduates from International Open College and was followed by the 12^th IPD Awards Ceremony on the afternoon of 3^rd November. A total of 1,032 graduated from 59 programmes under Institute of Professional Development (IPD), including 15 from the two Executive Bachelorship programmes offered in strategic partnership with Master Builders Association Malaysia. We are pleased to inform that the following MBAM Scholarship Recipients have graduated with the Executive Bachelor in Construction Contract Administration.

1. Ms Rosfarazielah Bt Mustaffa, Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd
2. Mr Liew Su Howe, Ireka Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd
3. Mr Tee Cheong Yoke, Ireka Engineering & Construction Sdn Bhd
4. Ms Phoon Wai Leng, Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd

Mr Tee Cheong Yoke was accorded the IPD’s President’s Award on that day, as a recognition of his most outstanding performance in the entire programme, including the submission and presentation of an in depth and well researched project paper. Mr Mohd Farhan Bin Mohammad Din, a current Secretariat Staff at MBAM and was also featured in the Programme Book for the 12^th IPD Awards Ceremony. Also graduating on the same day with Executive Master of Business Administration (Corporate Management) was MBAM Council Member, En Mohd Razin Bin Ghazali from Ahmad Zaki Sdn Bhd.

MBAM would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all graduates on their recent award conferment. May the knowledge gained guides you in charting your future career paths.

OPENING CEREMONY OF ONEBUILD 2016

MBAM Representatives at the Onebuild opening ceremony

At MBAM’s booth

OneBuild 2016 organised by One International Sdn Bhd and endorsed by MBAM was held on 3^rd to 5^th of November 2016 at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The event was also endorsed by MATRADE and CIDB Malaysia and was supported by various government and non-governmental organizations.

The opening ceremony of OneBuild 2016 was held on 3^rd November 2016 and was attended by Y.B. Datuk Rosnah Binti Haji Abdul Rashid Shirlin, Deputy Minister of Works Malaysia as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony was also attended by MBAM Secretary General, Mr Dennis Tan, MBAM Council Members, Mr Michael Yap and Dato’ Steven Hooi, MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling, MBAM Senior Manager, Mr Michael Thong and I. MBAM also have a booth at the event as part of our outreach effort to potential new members and to raise awareness about our Association and its activities. Also participating in the exhibition are a number of our Ordinary, Affiliate and Associate Members.

SEMINAR ON BUDGET 2017 – LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND SOLUTIONS FOR CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

Among the participants at the seminar on budget 2017

Presentation of token of appreciation to the guest speaker, Mr Yee Wing Peng

The finance committee organised a Seminar on Budget 2017 on 9^th November 2016. The event was attended by 50 participants. Mr Kenneth Liew, MBAM Treasurer-General delivered the welcome remarks and thanked Mr Yee Wing Ping, MBAM Honorary Tax Advisor  for taking the time off his busy schedule to present on 2017 Budget Highlights and the latest updates on the subject matter. Mr Yee also highlighted some budget allocations, key changes on income tax affecting companies & individuals, some updates on Real Property Gain Tax, (RPGT) stamp duty & Goods and Services Tax (GST). Mr Yee Wing Ping, MBAM Honorary Tax Advisor delivered an interesting presentation on the highlights which was followed by a Q and A session that was moderated by Datuk Matthew Tee, MBAM Immediate Past President and I. It is with hope that more members will participate in such event and engage MBAM Council Members so that issues faced can be brought to the attention of the authorities.

COURTESY VISIT TO BERNAMA

The meeting with Mr Mikhail Raj Abdullah, Deputy Editor-in-Chief for BERNAMA Economic News Service and the supporting reporters

At the editorial department

As a part of MBAM Brain Storming Initiatives to maintain and improve current relationship with major press, we paid a visit to the BERNAMA main office at Jalan Tun Razak on 16^th November 2016. The visit was held to introduce MBAM Council Member for the term 2016-2016 besides exposing the council on how the media works. In addition, during the meeting I was also interviewed on the construction industry latest updates and issues.

In appreciation of the courtesy visit, the 60^th MBAM Coffee Table Book and a souvenir was presented to commemorate our 2^nd visit to BERNAMA. After lively deliberations among the representatives of the two organisations, the meeting ended on a good note with group photographs taken by the Media personnel present.

MBAM FUTSAL COMPETITION 2016

Group Photo of all the competing team

The champion MBAM Futsal Tournament 2016

MBAM Futsal Tournament 2016, organised by MBAM Publications & Outreach Committee, was held on 19^th November 2016 at Samba de Futsal, Petaling Jaya sponsored by T-Set (M) Sdn Bhd. The event saw participation from 17 teams from various MBAM Member companies. This year’s tournament adopted a different system compared to last year, as the teams this year was divided into 4 groups playing matches in round robin fashion. The top two of each groups then proceeded into the quarter finals, and the winner will go into the semi-finals.

After rounds of intense futsal action, the winners that emerged were as follows:

Champion

Norwest Holding, winning the Champion’s trophy, gold medals, and RM800.00 in cash.

1^st runner-up

Redscape, winning silver medals, and RM600.00 in cash.

2^nd runner-up

KSS BP from Bina Puri, winning bronze medals and RM400.00 in cash.

3^rd runner-up

GKM from George Kent Malaysia, winning bronze medals, and RM200.00 in cash.

MBAM would like to congratulate all winners and we hope to see more participation in next year tournament.

2 – DAY SEMINAR ON OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY & HEALTH (OSH) AND WORKSHOP ON HEAVY LIFTING PLAN            IN JOHOR BAHRU

The distinguished guest and other VIPs

During the press conference

MBAM Safety and Health Committee together with the Johore Master Builders Association (JMBA) jointly organised the Two Day Seminar on Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) and Workshop on Heavy Lifting Plan for safety personnel in the Construction Industry in Johor Bahru on 21^st – 22^nd November 2016. The opening ceremony on 21^st November 2016 was graced and officiated by our Guest of Honour, Ir. Hj. Kormain bin Hj. Mohd. Noor, Director, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) Johor. In total 90 participants attended the two days Seminar.

The 2^nd day of the seminar focus on Workshop on Heavy Lifting Plan and was presented by Mr Chong Tshun Ming, Senior Manager of Gamuda Plant Operator School (GPOS). The workshop promotes awareness and understanding of the requirements which lead to successful and safe heavy lifting operations and covers the aspects that expect to be required by clients, including the importance of early planning and ensuring that the correct competent persons are available and engaged in the required analysis of lifting operations.

SEMINAR ON COST OPTIMIZATION IN THE DESIGN OF ON-SITE DETENTION (OSD) FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE SECOND EDITION OF THE URBAN STORM WATER MANAGEMENT MANUAL FOR MALAYSIA (MSMA2)

Mr. Lau Yew Mun, Chairman of Environment & Green Technology Presented the Certificate of Appreciation to the speaker Ir. Dr. Quek Keng Hong, Principal, Dr. Quek & Associates.

The seminar in session

The Environment & Green Technology Committee organized the Seminar on “Cost Optimisation in the Design of On-Site Detention (OSD) For Compliance with the Second Edition of the Urban Stormwater Management Manual for Malaysia (MSMA2)” on 23^rd November 2016 at MBAM Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng conference room.  The seminar aims to create awareness and enhance members’ knowledge on the latest MSMA2 on Design of OSD.  The seminar was attended by 16 participants. 

It is an honor to have Ir. Dr. Quek Keng Hong, Principal, Dr. Quek & Associates as the speaker for this seminar as he is a consulting engineering by practice and specializes in the field of urban drainage design and hydrology. The topics covered in the seminar included 3 approaches (Theoretical approach, Common Approach and Alternative Approach), provided with case studies, evaluation, wrong assumptions and cost optimisation with the right design approach of OSD. Overall the feedbacks from the participants were that the seminar was educational and had enhanced their knowledge.

COURTESY VISIT AND DIALOGUE WITH PIKOM

During the meeting session

Group photo with the representatives of PIKOM Malaysia

On 25^th November 2016, MBAM paid a courtesy visit to PIKOM Secretariat office at Empire Damansara, Petaling Jaya. The visit was aimed to find a better ground for more effective collaboration between both Associations. PIKOM Chairman, Mr Chin Chee Seong hosted the meeting.

Other issues discussed includes:

a. IMPLEMENTATION OF BIM

• Both parties will try to work together to propose a workable solution to the high cost of software implementation and cost of training participants.

b. PIKOM PIE APPLICATION

• MBAM will discuss the specifics of the way forward for MBAM on PIKOM Industry Engagement (PIE) Application software. The matter will be further deliberated at MBAM ICT Committee.

c. 44^th IFAWPCA Convention in Kuala Lumpur

• Malaysia shall be hosting the 44th IFAWPCA Convention from 12-16 November 2018 in KLCC. We expect around 1,000 delegates mainly contractors from 18 or more countries to attend the convention. We hope to get the support of PIKOM for this event.

In conclusion, MBAM once again thank PIKOM for all assistance rendered to the Association. MBAM hopes to collaborate closely with PIKOM to safeguard the industry interest to bring awareness to our members on relevant issues and development involving ICT in the construction industry.

SEMINAR ON COMPANIES ACT 2016: REFORMS TO COMPANIES LAW – WHAT TO EXPECT

Among the participants of the seminar

MBAM Council Members, Mr Eric Kuan (1^st from left) and Mr Oliver Wee (3^rd from left) and MBAM Alternate Council Member, Mr Steven Shee (3^rd from right) with the speakers for the seminar

The Contracts & Practices Committee organized a talk in collaboration with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) and Jeff Leong, Poon and Wong and Azman Davison and Co. to share knowledge and awareness on the changes to the Company Act on 30^th November 2016. Mr Oliver Wee, MBAM Vice President and Chairman of C & P Committee delivered the welcome speech to 42 participants.

Also seen at the event was Mr Eric Kuan, MBAM Council Member and Chairman of MBAM Affiliates Committee. The presenters were Mr HY Chong, Managing Partner and Ms Annette Soh, Partner from Azman Davison and Co. and Ms. Anne Wong, Partner and Lee Seen Yin, Partner from Jeff Leong, Poon and Wong. They shared their detailed knowledge on the reforms to the Companies Act. Topics covered include:

• Companies Act 2016: Overview of Key Changes to Company Law
• Company Formation, Administration & Management under the new Companies Act 2016
• New Approaches to Share Capital and Capital Maintenance Rules under the Companies Act 2016
• Corporate Governance and Directors’ Duties under the Companies Act 2016
• More Options for Corporate Restructuring and Impact of Companies Act on Restructuring and Winding Up.

Overall, it was an interesting session which gave MBAM members an opportunity to understand reforms which will definitely bring many changes to legislation concerning the operation and regulation of companies in Malaysia. By attending this seminar, the participants gained a better understanding on how business is to be conducted under the new Act.

As Christmas is just around the corner, I would like to wish Happy Holidays from everyone at Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM). We hope your holidays will be filled with joy and laughter through the New Year.

Foo Chek Lee

President