PRESIDENT WEBSITE MESSAGE – MAY 2013

MESSAGE FROM MBAM PRESIDENT, MR MATTHEW TEE

5TH MALAYSIAN CONSTRUCTION SUMMIT 2013

Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM), in collaboration with the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CDIB), organized the 5th Malaysian Construction Summit 2013 on 25th March 2013 at the Plenary Theatre, Level 3 of Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The Summit was held in conjunction with the International Construction Week 2013 organized by CIDB from 25th to 28th March 2013. The Summit was officiated by YBhg Datuk Himmat Singh, Secretary-General, Ministry of Works, Malaysia.

The Summit was endorsed by ten organizations/bodies in the construction industry, namely Real Estate and Housing Developers Association Malaysia (REHDA), Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM), The Chartered Institute of Building Malaysia (CIOB), Malaysian Institute of Planners (MIP), Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM), Persatuan Kontraktor Melayu Malaysia (PKMM), Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia (PKIM) and The Electrical & Electronics Association of Malaysia (TEEAM).

The theme of the 5th Malaysian Construction Summit 2013 was “Challenges Facing The Construction Industry?” Are We Ready? This theme is timely as construction industry players are very concerned regarding challenges to the growth and the sustainability of the Malaysian construction industry in 2013 and beyond.

The summit featured several prominent speakers from the public and private sectors of Malaysia as well as international speaker, as follows:–

1. Datuk Ir. Hamzah Hasan Chairman, Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) represented by Ir. Ahmad’ Asri Abdul Hamid, Senior General Manager (Development), CIDB Malaysia
2. Dato’ Ir. Tan Kia Loke Senior Managing Director Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd
3. Dato’ A K Nathan Group Managing Director Eversendai Corporation Berhad
4. Prof Roger Flanagan Professor, School of Construction Management and Engineering University of Reading, UK
5. Mr Takayuki Matsumoto Deputy Project Manager Shimizu-Nishimatsu-UEMB-IJM Joint Venture (SNUI JV)
6. Tan Sri Dato’ Krishnan Tan Executive Deputy Chairman IJM Corporation Berhad

Panelists for the Panel Discussion included:

1. Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr) Ir. Jamilus Hussein (Moderator) President/Chief Executive Officer KLIA Premier Holdings Sdn Bhd
2. Dato’ Sri Ir. Dr Judin bin Abdul Karim Chief Executive CIDB Malaysia
3. Prof Roger Flanagan Professor, School of Construction Management and Engineering University of Reading, UK
4. Tan Sri Dato’ Krishnan Tan Executive Deputy Chairman IJM Corporation Berhad
5. Sr Lim Chong Fong Partner Azman & Davidson Co.

MBAM-CREAM MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) SIGNING CEREMONY

During the 5th MCS 2013, the historical signing ceremony of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between MBAM and Construction Research Institute of Malaysia (CREAM) took place. The signing of the MOU signified the agreement of the two organisations, MBAM and CREAM to cooperate and to execute research works on the following topics:-

• Research on Recycle of Construction Waste
• Research on Depleting Natural Sand and Supplementary Study on Manufactured Sand
• Research on Durability of Concrete
• Research on Rainwater Harvesting
• Research on Green Technology
• Research on Energy Efficiency and Research on Solar Energy.

It is hoped that this cooperation would lead to commercialisation and adoption of new construction methods and products.

MBAM records its sincere appreciation and thanks to the following sponsors for their invaluable support and contributions towards the success of the event:-

International Division of CIDB Malaysia

• Co-hosting the dinner reception for the foreign delegates as well as the accommodation for the Chief Delegates and international speaker; and the sponsorship of conference bags, name tags, rapporteurs and souvenirs for the speakers and moderator.

Platinum Sponsor • Bina Puri Holdings Sdn Bhd

Gold Sponsor • Sunway Construction Sdn Bhd

Silver Sponsors • Brunsfield International Group • Hanson Building Materials Malaysia Sdn Bhd

MBAM OPEN HOUSE HOSTED BY MBAM COUNCIL MEMBERS AND CIDB MALAYSIA

MBAM Open House 2013 cum Dinner Reception in honour of the foreign guests for the 5th Malaysian Construction Summit 2013, co-hosted by the Council Members of MBAM and the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB), was successfully held on 25th March 2013 at the Conference Hall 2, Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

The event was well attended by 275 participants comprising Council Members, Members and leaders from allied trade associations and professional institutions as well as foreign guests from Sudan and Sri Lanka and members of ASEAN Constructors’ Federation (ACF). The occasion aimed at providing participants the opportunity to make new contacts, exchange information and promote business opportunities and co-operation.

MBAM records its sincere appreciation and thanks to the following sponsors for their invaluable support and contributions towards the success of the event:

• Council Members of MBAM
• International Division of CIDB Malaysia for co-hosting the Dinner Reception
• Petronas Dagangan Berhad for sponsoring the lion dance troupe.

Overall, the participants were happy and have enjoyed themselves. The event was a great success and memorable with the ambience conducive to this auspicious occasion.

VISIT BY SUDAN CONTRACTORS UNION (SCU) AND SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM

MBAM has signed a memorandum of understanding with SCU on 27th March 2013 during their recent visit to Kuala Lumpur to attend the 5th Malaysian Construction Summit.

The objectives of the MOU is mainly

• to collaborate effort to promote the development of the construction industry
• to promote measure to improve techniques, procedures and methods in the construction industry
• to seek strategic alliance by facilitating trade opportunities, partnership, joint-ventures and technology sharing
• to encourage and practice of professionalism
• to encourage visit and economic cooperation

MBAM DIALOGUE WITH YBHG. DATO’ SRI IR. DR. JUDIN ABDUL KARIM, CIDB CHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Dialogue with YBhg. Dato’ Sri Ir. Dr. Judin Abdul Karim, CIDB Chief Executive was held on Thursday, 11th April 2013 at 2.30 p.m. CIDB Office in Menara Dato’ Onn, PUTRA World Trade Centre. I attended the meeting together with the following MBAM representatives:-

1. MBAM President, Mr Matthew Tee
2. MBAM Immediate Past President, Mr Kwan Foh Kwai
3. MBAM Deputy President, Mr Aziz Tan Sri Bahaman
4. MBAM Vice President, Dato’ Sri Sufri Haji Mohd. Zin
5. MBAM Vice President, Mr Thomas Samuel
6. MBAM Alternate Council Member, Mr Liew Hau Seng
7. MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling

The following issues were discussed:-

1. First Quarter Malaysian Construction Growth 2013 and Opportunities for Growth for 2013
2. Human Resources issues affecting the Construction Industry and Training of Foreign Workers

III. Construction Court

1. Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act (CIPAA)
2. CIDB-MBAM Trade Foreman Collaboration
3. 5th Malaysian Construction Summit 2013

VII. Seminar on “Construction Justice – The Way Forward”

VIII. Business Mission to Jakarta, Indonesia

1. CCD Points for CCPD Training Programme
2. Appeal for CIDB CCD Points Waiver of RM50.00 Processing Fee for Applications by MBAM
3. Update on Green Card Training

XII. SSS Training Programmes

XIII. Issues Affecting Construction Activities in Kuala Lumpur

XIV. Cabinet Paper on Reduction of Duties for the Heavy Construction Machineries

1. 4th International Infrastructure & Investment Forum @ Venetian, Macao, China – 5-7 June 2013

COURTESY VISIT TO SEE THE CHIEF SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA DATO’ SRI DR ALI BIN HAMSA

MBAM will be organizing a Courtesy Visit to See the Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, Dato’ Sri Dr Ali Hamsa to discuss issues affecting MBAM Members on the proposed date of 17th May 2013. Members are encouraged to provide critical issues to be brought up during the said meeting. Please submit issues for consideration to MBAM Executive Director, Ms Loh Mei Ling at ed@mbam.org.my

UPDATING MBAM MEMBERS CONTACT INFORMATION

MBAM secretariat will commence an exercise in May 2013 to seek MBAM Members’ assistance to update their contact details in particular e-mail and person in charge of MBAM related activities. We hope members will provide much needed cooperation to update the relevant information to ensure that the contact information is current. This is to ensure that members can be reached for comments especially when feedback on critical issues affecting MBAM Members’ are being compiled for the relevant Government submissions or feedbacks.

CONSTRUCTION OCCUPATIONAL COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT (COCD) PROGRAMME FOR CONSTRUCTION FOREMEN

In line with the recent amendment made to CIDB Act 2011, CIDB Malaysia is committed to enhance the image and professionalism of the construction industry and continuous improvement of competency opportunity for construction personnel by certification and registration of construction personnel. CIDB Malaysia is currently intensifying their effort in creating more formalised construction competency training and development for better career development and advancement opportunity for the construction practitioners. CIDB Malaysia is collaborating with MBAM to conduct the Construction Occupational Competency Development (COCD) Programme for Construction Foremen with the aim to certify and register all construction personnel in compliance with the revised CIDB Act 520 under Section 33(1).

MBAM is currently in the process conducting the competency assessment (RPL) with all participants. The training is targeted to commence by mid June 2013. Upon completion o the said course, trainee will receive a “Certificate of Competency (Competent Trade Foreman” by CIDB Malaysia.

MBAM BRAIN STORMING SESSION 2012-2014

MBAM Brain Storming Session 2012-2014 will be held on 22nd June 2013 in Avillion Port Dickson where the Secretariat and MBAM Council Members will brainstorm ways to move the Association forward. I still look forward to MBAM Members’ to provide some suggestions/constructive comments on how to improve the services of the Association and the Secretariat for the betterment of the construction industry. MBAM is still looking out for ideas from MBAM Members on how to increase the membership of the Associations so that we can always have a better voice and presence in the construction industry. However, any other ideas to improve the visibility and services of MBAM Secretariat will also be considered. Those who wish to provide the suggestions/comments may do so by e-mailing: ed@mbam.org.my .

MBAM AFFILIATES DIALOGUE AND MBAM 59TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER 2013

MBAM Affiliates Dialogue 2013 and 59th Anniversary Dinner 2013 is scheduled to be held on Friday, 14th June 2013 at Sunway Hotel Resort and Spa and Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre respectively. We hope you will stay tuned and support the event by buying tables and advertisement packages in our souvenir programme which has been e-mailed and faxed to MBAM Members. I would also like to remind MBAM members next year we will be celebrating our 60th Anniversary Dinner 2014. The Association is definitely looking into making the 60th Anniversary Dinner 2014 a memorable one and should you like to volunteer your expertise, time and energy into making the event a success please do not hesitate to contact MBAM Secretariat.

Other key events to look out for in the first half of the year include:

• MBAM Annual Safety Conference 2013 and Safety Awards – 26th-27th June 2013 in Sime Darby Convention Centre and
• MBAM 59th Annual General Meeting – 29th June 2013 in Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club

As we journey into the second half of the year, I am sure there will be issues and challenges which may require MBAM to follow up with the relevant Government ministries or agencies. Should you have such concern please feel free to contact MBAM Secretariat for assistance.

Yours faithfully,

Matthew Tee,

President, MBAM