PRESIDENT MESSAGE – DECEMBER 2018
As we are in the final month of the year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all MBAM members for the endless support given to MBAM in being the leading voice for the construction industry in Malaysia. This year also marks another milestone for MBAM as we had our 64th Annual General Meeting on 23rd June 2018 which we have elected new office bearers for the term 2018-2020 and the swearing in ceremony took place on 6th July 2018. Since then, there have been many events that we continue to organise at MBAM and one of the biggest events that we had hosted and organised was the 44th International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations (IFAWPCA) Convention which happened last month from 12th until 16th November 2018.
It has been a great opportunity for me being in tenure as the current MBAM President to be able to organise such a prestigious international event alongside my Organising Committee and Secretariat. Our last two hosting in Kuala Lumpur were back in 1983 and 1998. The Convention this year was themed “Strategic Alliance with Innovation & Human Capital” provided an exceptional platform for great minds and experts in the construction industry to exchange views and experiences about construction methodology and technologies.
I am very thankful that our Minister of Works, YB Tuan Baru Bian graced and officiated our 44th IFAWPCA Convention Opening Ceremony on the 13th November 2018. Besides that, I was also very glad that Our Honourable Prime Minister, YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir bin Mohamad took time to welcome the delegations from participating IFAWPCA members in a special welcome message video which was played during the Opening Ceremony.
YB Tuan Baru Bian delivering his opening speech
YB Tuan Baru Bian officiating the Opening Ceremony of 44th IFAWPCA Convention accompanied by Datuk Matthew (far left); Chairman of CIDB Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr. Ir. Ahmad Tajuddin Ali (second from right) and I
Presenting a souvenir to YB Tuan Baru Bian, witnessed by Datuk Matthew
The 44th IFAWPCA Convention has been a success and I could not thank the Organising Committee and Secretariat enough for their hard work as well as all the support from Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia, Malaysia Convention Exhibition Bureau, Government bodies and agencies, MBAM Council Members, MBAM Ordinary and Affiliate Members and MBAM Affiliates. From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much.
Besides that, MBAM also managed to meet with the Royal Malaysian Custom Department to discuss on Appeal on SST and Treatment of GST on Retention Sum for the construction industry on 30th November 2018 at Custom DG’s Office in Putrajaya. The outcome of the meeting will be channelled to our members accordingly once we receive an official reply from Customs Malaysia.
On another happy note, I was made to understand from Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB) that Government had approved that G1, G2 and G3 Contractors can now apply and get their workers from CLAB without much documentation requirement except with CIDB registration and letter of acceptance from the employer.
Before I sign-off, I wish that the year ahead will provide more opportunities and that the construction industry will be granted with more projects by the Government. I hope MBAM will continue to grow and receive more supports from our members in 2019 and beyond.
Don’t forget to catch our latest Bulletin for more highlights on MBAM exciting and memorable key events that took place throughout the month of November.
With the jolly season coming its way, from all of us at Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), we would like to wish everyone Happy Holidays! May this Christmas end the present year on a cheerful note and make way for a fresh and bright New Year. Here’s wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
FOO CHEK LEE JMW
MBAM President