PRESIDENT MESSAGE – FEBRUARY 2019
As we are in the month of celebration for a brand new year in the lunar calendar, on behalf of MBAM, I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai and a year filled with joy, prosperity and success. At MBAM, we look forward to continue serving our members for the betterment of Malaysian construction industry.
COURTESY VISIT TO SEE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD MALAYSIA (CIDB)
Being the prime mover in the industry, MBAM took the opportunity to lead Building Industry Presidents’ Council (BIPC) members for a meeting with YBhg. Dato’ Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive of Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) on 11th January 2019.
Also present were MBAM Deputy President, Tan Sri Sufri Hj. Mohd Zin; MBAM Secretary-General, Mr Eric Yong; MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling; and MBAM Assistant General Manager, Mr Lenny Lim.
Attended under BIPC were ACEM President, Ir Dr Wong Wai Wah; REHDA President, Dato’ Soam Heng Choon; RISM Deputy President, Sr Kwan Hock Hai; RISM Deputy Chair of Quantity Surveying Division, Sr Dainna Baharuddin; IEM Executive Committee, Ir K. Gunasagaran; and PAM Secretariat, Ms Mimi Yuslinda Yusof.
Some of the concerns that were brought up at the meeting were on tender review, human resources and foreign workers issues as well as export of construction services. Proposals were made for the consideration of CIDB for implementation.

During the discussion with CIDB Chief Executive, Dato’ Ir. Ahmad ‘Asri Abd. Hamid

I presented a memento to Dato’ Asri
MBAM BRAIN STORMING SESSION 2019
As part of MBAM aim to serve our members more efficiently, we took a serious look of where we are now and how we would like to grow as an Association in MBAM Brainstorming Session 2019 on 12th January at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. I had the opportunity to welcome all Council Members and Secretariat Staffs in the morning, followed by a briefing by MBAM Secretary-General, Mr Eric Yong and the session was then moderated by MBAM Honorary Advisor, Dato’ Tan Kia Loke.
After lunch break, the session saw a presentation on the new Mission Statement, followed by each of the 5 groups’ presentation on their points. The session concluded with a summary by Dato’ Tan and closing remarks by MBAM Immediate Past President, Datuk Matthew Tee. All in all, the Brainstorming Session brings fresh perspective on the issues and challenges faced by the Association and deliberated on the action needed to solve them. Dato’ Ir. Tan and Secretariat in-charge will compile all the notes taken to formulate into each committee KPI for the current council session.

Council Group Photo at the Brainstorming session
TRADE DELEGATION OF FOREIGN ECONOMIC RELATIONS BOARD (DEIK) / TURKEY – MALAYSIA BUSINESS COUNCIL
The meeting was held on 15th January at Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng Conference Room and was attended by myself; MBAM Deputy President cum Chairman of International Affairs Committee Tan Sri Sufri Hj. Mohd Zin; MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling; MBAM Senior Manager and MBAM Secretariats. Representatives from Turkish Delegation of Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) were led by Ms Süheyla Çebi Karahan, Mr Mithat Yenigün and İlhan Erdal.
The objective of the visit was to explore business opportunities with MBAM members, as well as to strengthen and increase the trade and investment ties between Turkey and Malaysia, both in bilateral economic cooperation and commercial relations mainly in construction sector.

I presented MBAM Coffee Table book to Ms Süheyla Çebi Karahan
COURTESY VISIT BY MR HARRY IRAWAN, NEW ECONOMIC COUNSELLOR FROM EMBASSY OF REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA IN KUALA LUMPUR
The meeting was held on 17th January at Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng Conference Room and was attended by myself; MBAM Deputy President cum Chairman of International Affairs Committee, Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mohd Zin; MBAM Council Member, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz; MBAM HR Committee Member, En Mazlan Haron and MBAM related secretariats; and Representatives from Embassy of Republic of Indonesia were led by Mr. Harry R. Irawan, Counsellor Economic Division. The objective of the visit was to discuss the possibilities of future cooperation between Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and MBAM.

I presented the Coffee Table Book to Mr. Harry R. Irawan
COURTESY VISIT TO DEPARTMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (DOSH) DIRECTOR-GENERAL
A visit to DOSH Director-General, Tuan Hj. Omar Mat Piah was held on 25th January at DOSH office, Putrajaya. Myself; MBAM Council Member and Chairman of Safety and Health Committee, Mr Michael Yap; MBAM Council Member and Deputy Chairman of Safety and Health Committee, Mr Alec Chong; MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling and Committee Members attended the visit.
Among the issues that were discussed:
- Update on Implementation of OSHCIM
- Application of CEP points for MBAM Programme 2019
- Proposed Lifting Supervisor Training
- SSS-SHO Bridging Programme

Mr Foo presenting memento to Tuan Hj. Omar
COURTESY VISIT TO PRIME MINISTER, YAB TUN DR MAHATHIR BIN MOHAMAD
Besides that, MBAM also had the chance to meet with YAB Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, The Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia on 29th January to discuss on some of the critical issues facing the Malaysian construction industry. Also attended the visit with me were MBAM Immediate Past President, Datuk Matthew Tee; MBAM Deputy President, Tan Sri Sufri Hj. Mohd Zin; MBAM Secretary General, Mr. Eric Yong; and MBAM Council Member, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz.
The memorandum that was shared with YAB Tun consisted of issues on cancellation/deferment/lack of projects, non-payment issues for government projects, competition from foreign contractors and support for export of construction services overseas. The courtesy meet was a fruitful session where there was a two-way communication and points were taken for consideration to be brought up in the Cabinet for discussion.
It is our hope at MBAM that these issues raised to the respective Government will be taken into consideration for future action.

It was a privilege for me to meet and greet YAB Tun Dr Mahathir

Presenting a souvenir to YAB Tun Dr Mahathir for taking time off his busy schedule to meet with MBAM representatives
Once again, I would like to wish everyone a prosperous year ahead.
恭喜发财 、万事如意。
Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái, Wànshì Rúyì.
FOO CHEK LEE JMW
MBAM President