PRESIDENT MESSAGE – JUNE
May had been an eventful month for both Malaysia and the Association itself. On 9th May 2018, Malaysia made international headlines with our General Election result that saw the change of Government after 60 years with Barisan Nasional. The new Malaysia as they brand has seen tremendous changes made in the short period after Pakatan Harapan assumed power. I hope Malaysia will continue to excel and reach for greater heights under the leadership of the 7th Prime Minister, Y.A.B Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad!
I also would like to take this opportunity to wish all my Muslim friends, Selamat Hari Raya dan Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
The following are the main events for May 2018:-
MBAM MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB 2018
The representatives of MBAM to conquer the Mount Kinabalu
At the top of the Mount Kinabalu
A total of six MBAM Secretariat staffs including myself successfully conquered the Mount Kinabalu. The climb was organised from 1st – 4th May 2018. With all arrangements made, the climbed started at the Timpohon Gate.
Along the way, there were a few “pondok” constructed for the hikers to take a breather. The climb up Panabalan was exhausting but the team enjoyed the fauna and flora along the way. On the next day, they set off for the summit climb at 2.30am and most of them are able to reach the Sayat – Sayat Checkpoint in about 2 hours. It was such a beautiful sight especially for those who managed to reach Low’s Peak by 6.00am to witness the sunrise. By 7.30am, they started the journey down to Panalaban Base Camp and to the foot hill. It was an eye opener trip for the MBAM group and I wish to commend everyone for their perseverance and hard work in reaching the top of the Mount Kinabalu and brought the MBAM’s flag to the highest peak in South East Asia. MBAM BOLEH!
THE TALK ON INTRODUCTION OF INNOVATIVE FUNCTIONAL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
Among the participants of the talk
Group photo of the attendees
The Material Resources Committee organized a talk on “Introduction of Innovative Functional Construction Materials” on 3rd May 2018. The talk was attended by 21 participants. The General Manager of Chemical & Life Science Group, Nagase Malaysia, Ms Suzanne Chin kicked off the talk by introducing Nagase business model. She highlighted on the main business for Nagase (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd: plastics, chemical & life science, electronics, DFR slitting.
Next, the General Manager, Mr Yoshio Hirobe and Deputy General Manager from Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd Singapore Branch, Mr Kee Nai Seng introduced Self Cleaning Coating/Photocatalyst and IR Shield Coating. Then we have the presentation from Cemedine Co., Ltd, a manufacturer and seller of glues, sealing materials, adhesives, special paints, coating materials, and processed goods based on adhesives construction and contract work relating to bonding, waterproofing etc.
Mr Daisuke Hori, Manager of Market Development Division, Cemedine Co., Ltd and Mr Masao Takahashi, President, Cemedine Philippines Corp presented “Cemedine” high durable construction sealant (Excel Series) and interior adhesive (Low VOC) – POS Seal Type G. Mr Eddy Lee, Senior Sales Executive, Nagase Malaysia Sdn Bhd then presented on construction chemicals for cement, ready-mix concrete and paint application.
Overall the feedbacks from the participants were that the talk was educational and had enhanced their knowledge.
MBAM BRAINSTORMING SESSION 2018
Among the council members that dedicated their weekend for the association
The council member and secretariat staff that successfully organised the brain storming session
MBAM annual brainstorming session was held on 5th May 2018 at Le Meridien Putrajaya Hotel with the aim to review our roadmap. The Chairman / Deputy Chairman of MBAM Committees were required to present the update on their KPIs as outlined in MBAM Brainstorming Session 2016 and the proposed remedial action plans.
Overall, 76.1% of the KPIs were achieved, some of the KPI were proposed to be taken out due to various issues (not feasible after discussion with relevant Ministry, cannot be accurately assessed, no baseline to gauge future performance, etc). The Session also discussed other matters such as Branding of MBAM, Administration of MBAM Assets, Membership Classification for Companies, Amendments to the Constitution, Closing Ranks with Affiliated Associations on Data Collection and Research. The Moderator also provided an impromptu slot for MBAM Secretariat to voice out the issues and challenges that they are currently facing.
The MBAM Brain Storming Session 2018 provided an avenue for the current MBAM Council Members to relook at the performance of all the KPIs set in the MBAM Brain Storming Session 2016 and updated in 2017 before they handed it over to the new MBAM Council Members for the term 2018-2020. It is hoped that the KPIs updated in the MBAM Brain Storming Session 2018 will provide a roadmap for the next Council Members in charting the future of the Association.
MBAM AFFILIATES DIALOGUE 2018
The MBAM Office-Bearers
Group photo at the MBAM Affiliate Dialogue
The MBAM Affiliates Dialogue in conjunction with the MBAM Anniversary Dinner was held on 11th May 2018 at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa. I thanked all the 42 participants, especially the Government Agencies present in spite it was a public holiday.
In the open forum session, MBAM expressed the similar concern faced by its Affiliate Members at large on the influx of Foreign Contractors competing with the locals for construction jobs. MBAM requested the Government to review the policy and its procurement procedure to stipulate a minimum 30% local participation in such foreign venture. In addition MBAM urged the government to grant tax incentives to allow the importation of relevant machineries to speed up the construction work and to increase productivity with the aim to adopt the Industrial Building System and ultimately reduce dependency on foreign workers.
The members that attended the Affiliate Dialogue include American Concrete Institute Kuala Lumpur Chapter (ACI), Building Materials Distributors Association Malaysia (BMDAM), Gabungan Persatuan-Persatuan Pembina Malaysia, Light House Club Kuala Lumpur, Malacca Building Contractors’ Association, Malaysia Mobile Crane Owners Association (1987), Malaysian Interior Industry Partners Association (MIIP), Perak Contractors Association, Perak Plumber’s Association, Persatuan Ampunya Jentera Pembinaan Berat Malaysia, Sabah Builders Association, The Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia (CIOB), The Malaysian Lift and Escalator Association (MALEA) and Persatuan Industry Computer Dan Multimedia Malaysia (PIKOM) and Government bodies representatives from Construction Labour Exchange Centre Bhd (CLAB) and Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH).
64TH MBAM ANNIVERSARY DINNER
MBAM Council Member with the Guest of Honour, YBhg Tan Sri Dr. Ir. Tajuddin Ahmad Ali (centre)
Presentation of the Honorary Life President award to MBAM Past President, Mr Lai Moo Chan
MBAM celebrated its 64th anniversary in the construction industry by organizing a grand Anniversary Dinner that was graced by the Chairman of the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), YBhg Tan Sri Dr. Ir. Tajuddin Ahmad Ali as the Guest of Honor. The Anniversary Dinner was held on 11th May 2018 at the Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa and was attended by 1,710 guests. The 64th MBAM Anniversary recorded one of the highest number of sponsorship received from generous donors. The fund raised were for MBAM Building Fund, MBAM Education Fund as well as MBAM corporate social responsibility (CSR) project.
MBAM also conferred special awards to individuals & companies in recognition of their contribution to the Association and the Construction industry. During the event, various award were also presented to deserving individuals and members in recognition of their dedication and sacrifices contributed to the Association and the construction industry. The highlight of the award presentation was the conferment of Honorary Life President award to MBAM Past President, Mr Lai Moo Chan who has served in the MBAM Council since 1986. On behalf of MBAM, I wish to record our heartfelt congratulations to all award recipients.
COURTESY VISIT FROM ISTANBUL MINERALS AND METALS EXPORTERS ASSOCIATION (IMMIB)
The representatives from IMMIB
Presentation of token of appreciation to Ms Havva Deniz, Chief of IMMIB
The Istanbul Mineral and Metals Exporters’ Association (IMMIB) paid a courtesy visit to MBAM on 25th May 2018. The IMMIB was represented by the Chief of IMMIB, Ms Havva Deniz, Project Expert of IMMIB, Ms Zynep Dilara Mese and Managing Director of Esmer Marble, Mr Emre Unal paid a courtesy visit to MBAM on 25th May 2018.
Ms Deniz explained that the main purpose of this preliminary meeting and courtesy visit is to introduce Turkey’s natural stone to Malaysia contractors. She felt that MBAM is the good platform to introduce the natural stones products from Turkey and to meet them when IMMIB organized a B2B meeting or exhibition in July 2018. In order to reach our members, it was suggested that they advertise on our website and we will e-blast to our members when they have a definitive details regarding their July function. We also informed them that in conjunction with 44th IFAWPCA Convention, a Building and Construction exhibition will be held from 12th-16th November 2018. This will be a good opportunity to meet exhibitors and visitors that are members of IFAWPCA.
COURTESY VISIT FROM MALAYSIA-FOSHAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (MFCC)
During the meeting
Presentation of token of appreciation from MFCC
On 31st May 2018, a group of 11 delegates from Malaysia-Foshan Chamber of Commerce (MFCC) paid a courtesy visit to MBAM. During the visit, MFCC promoted their event “Malaysia-China Business Conference 2018 and First Installation of Malaysia-Foshan Chamber of Commerce 2018” which is schedule on 27th– 29th July 2018 at Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre. Foshan’s building materials suppliers such as tiles, furniture, accessories and hardware will take part in the exhibition and this provides an avenue for Malaysian builders to have a direct access to the suppliers and manufacturers on building material.
MFCC President, Dato’ Sri Yeat Sew Chuong shared the objectives of MFCC which are to expand bilateral trade and investment of SME between Foshan and Malaysia along the “Belt and Road Initiative”, especially on the building materials industry. It is aimed to provide a trustable platform for both Foshan and Malaysia Enterprises to enter Islamic and ASEAN market by fully utilizing the strategic advantages of Malaysia.
Foo Chek Lee JMW
President