PRESIDENT MESSAGE – FEBRUARY 2020
Given the increase in reported cases of novel coronavirus pneumonia, at MBAM, we would like to advise all our members to adopt precautionary measures and good personal hygiene practices at all times. Construction sites are advised to carry out safety measures such as encouraging workers declaration if they have visited China, voluntary temperature screenings and usage of protective masks for the safety of their workers. Given the evolving situation, please visit the Ministry of Health website (www.moh.gov.my) for updates.
As we kick start the year, in 2020, MBAM is expected to provide more trainings and events with the continuous support of our members. We started the year with the 17th Intake of MBAM Lifting Supervisor Training, Scaffolding Competency Course Level 2, MBAM Fellowship No.1/2020, MBAM Charity Project 2020 and the courtesy visit by The Association of Certificated Master Craftsmen and Constructors from Iceland. I hope that all MBAM members will continue to give your support towards our activities.
I also take this opportunity to wish members who are celebrating a very Happy Chap Goh Mei and Happy Thaipusam.
Now, few of the key events that I would like to share are as follows:
Pre-Briefing on Technical Working Group on Government Procurement (TWGGP)
Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling; General Manager, Lenny Lim and I met representatives of PEMUDAH Secretariat namely Deputy Director, Wan Fazlin Nadia Wan Osman and Assistant Manager, Rabia’tul Hana Ishak on 8 January in MBAM Secretariat office to have a discussion before the actual briefing to PEMUDAH on 17 January 2020. PEMUDAH will clarify the correction and validation on the various number of procedures and days in the various phrases of contracting from the World Bank and report to the main PEMUDAH and Government Procurement committee.
During the pre-briefing
MBAM Mediation Talk at Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia (PKIM)
MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee organised a talk at Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia (PKIM) office on 11 January (Saturday) to about 54 PKIM members. MBAM was represented by Contracts and Practices Committee Member, Chan Kheng Hoe and General Manager, Lenny Lim. PKIM President, Dato’ Sri Sukumar Sobrayalu delivered the welcome speech and thanked MBAM for sharing knowledge with PKIM members. Chan then delivered his presentation on “Mediating Construction Disputes” where he gave an overview of the benefits of mediation and the initiative to promote MBAM Mediation Services. He also briefed the attendees on MBAM Mediation Rules and the fees. He also encouraged PKIM members to consider MBAM Mediation Services as another option in dispute resolution.
PKIM President, Dato’ Sri Sukumar presenting a souvenir to Chan
MBAM Fellowship No.1/2020
MBAM Fellowship No.1/2020 was held on 17 January at Muito! Bom Brazilian BBQ Restaurant at Nexus, Bangsar South, Kuala Lumpur. The above fellowship sponsored by Jotun Paints (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd attracted 95 participants. Managing Director of Jotun Paints (Malaysia), Claudio Iurilli, delivered the speech on behalf of his company. In his speech, he thanked MBAM members for supporting the event and being given the opportunity to host the first MBAM Fellowship for the year. MBAM Deputy Secretary-General 1 and Chairman of MBAM Fellowship Committee, Ong Ka Thiam delivered a speech and he thanked Jotun Paints (Malaysia) for the sponsorship of the event. MBAM Deputy President, Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mohd Zin then presented a souvenir to Iurilli in appreciation for the sponsorship given.
Tan Sri Sufri presenting a token of appreciation to Iurilli, accompanied by Ong
During the tossing of Yee Sang
MBAM Charity Project 2020
MBAM consisted of about 20 Council Members and Secretariat staff visited the Rumah Charis – Home for the Children on 18 January at Taman Yarl, Kuala Lumpur. The home is a welfare organisation registered with the Registrar of Society (ROS) of Malaysia. For more than 25 years, Rumah Charis has offered social services that provide guidance, shelter, education and healthy community activities.
I was given the opportunity to deliver a short speech and thanked the Assistant Operations Manager of Rumah Charis, Andrew Lim for the opportunity to visit the home and spread some joy. I also wished the children Happy Chinese New Year. Lim also spoke on behalf of the home and welcomed MBAM representatives. He shared on the history of the home and initiatives to provide shelter, educating the children and nurturing their inner talents.
I then presented some red packets and was joined by other Council Members who distributed out bags and goodies to each of the children. The donation collected was contributed into buying of useful items for the home’s usage such as vacuum cleaners and N95 masks. Overall, it was a great activity to put some smiles on the face of the children as part of MBAM’s effort to give back to the community nearby.
Council Members and Secretariat who spent some time at Rumah Charis
Courtesy Visit by the Association of Certificated Master Craftsmen and Constructors in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland (MIH) to MBAM
The Association of Certificated Master Craftsmen and Constructors in Hafnarfjordur, Iceland (MIH) conducted a courtesy visit to MBAM on 31 January. Together with me to welcome the delegation were Immediate Past President, Datuk Matthew Tee Kai Woon; Council Member, Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz; Executive Director, Loh Mei Ling and Secretariat staff. The delegation from Iceland was led by Chairman of MIH (district Associations Hafnarfjordur), Jón Þórðarson.
MIH Delegates Group Photo
FOO CHEK LEE JMW
MBAM President