PRESIDENT MESSAGE – SEPTEMBER 2019
In August, we have held two major events for MBAM which were the MBAM Affiliate Dialogue 2019 and the 65th MBAM Anniversary Dinner on 16th August. Besides that, we also organised and attended to other events throughout the month. I hope MBAM members will to continue to support all our events for the upcoming months.
Courtesy Visit by National Public Procurement Agency of Indonesia
The visit was held on 6th August at MBAM Office. The objective of the visit is to set a benchmarking study on Government Procurement system related to construction sector in its ASEAN neighbours.
The meeting was chaired by me. Also attending were Deputy President, Tan Sri Sufri Hj. Mohd Zin; Vice President, Oliver Wee; Council Member, Ir Anthony Teoh and MBAM Secretariat.
The delegation from the National Public Procurement Agency of Indonesia (NPPA) was led by Deputy Chairman for Strategy and Policy Development, Salusra Widya.
During the Courtesy Visit’s discussion
The meeting discussed about the standard form of contracts in Malaysia, the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act (CIPAA), the introduction of Construction Courts, and also the Mediation Services offered by MBAM, to resolve disputes related to construction contracts.
Other items discussed were on how tender involving foreign contractors were handled in Malaysia, opportunities for Malaysian contractors in Indonesia following the news of the relocation of its capital to Kalimantan, and invitation by NPPA for closer working relationship with MBAM in the future. The meeting ended with an exchange of mementoes between MBAM and NPPA to commemorate the visit.
Here I am presenting a memento to NPPA’s representative
Meeting with Minister of Human Resources, YB M.Kula Segaran
The meeting was held on 8th August at Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) Putrajaya attended by MBAM Vice President, Dennis Tan; HR Committee Member, Mazlan Haron and I. Also in attendance were Deputy Director General of MOHR, Tuan Haji Asri and President of Persatuan Kontraktor India Malaysia (PKIM), Dato’ Sri Sukumar.
The meeting has deliberated on the issues with regards to foreign workers in construction industry such as the difficulties in getting the Job Clearing System (JCS) due to noncompliance with labour laws as 70% of the companies failed the audit process and with that regards, the Ministry is considering to implement a Social Compliance Audit for all companies wanting to employ foreign workers. The Minister also mentioned that there will be no more rehiring programme despite of the request from the industries. Back for Good (B4G) programme is now open till 31 December 2019 and those illegals are encouraged to take up the offers. It was noted that government will conduct large scale raids starting October, those companies who are caught engaging illegals will be blacklisted. The Bangladeshi will be reopen but yet to be announced by government, and the Nepalese are not allowing their workers to come to Malaysia due to certain demand of theirs not agreed by Malaysia government.
MBAM Affiliate Dialogue 2019
The MBAM Affiliate Dialogue 2019 was held on 16th August at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa. The Dialogue started with a welcome remark by me as MBAM President. This was followed by a round of self-introduction from all the attendees.
Here I am chairing the MBAM Affiliate Dialogue 2019
Eric Yong, MBAM Secretary-General then started the Dialogue proper by reading out the issues submitted beforehand by the Affiliate Members. We are now facing a period of slow growth and many of contractors are also facing the issue of delayed payments. However, we hold on to the promise by the Government that 40% local content for Government projects. He said that it is projected that the National GDP for this year will see the growth at 4.5%.
Eric Yong, MBAM Secretary-General reading out the issues submitted by Affiliate Members
There are many more issues raised by MBAM Affiliate Members from Sabah and Sarawak especially on foreign workers issue. Construction Labour Exchange Centre Bhd (CLAB) only provides foreign workers for Peninsula Malaysia for now.
CLAB representatives were present to answer some of the queries on foreign worker issues but said that some issues are outside of their control and are under Ministry of Home Affairs. CLAB is still waiting for moratorium on Bangladeshi workers to be lifted to start supplying them to local employers.
I also addressed some of the queries and informed the attendees that I have raised their issues in various meetings with the Government ministers, ministries, departments and agencies.
MBAM Council Member and Chairman of Safety and Health Committee, Michael Yap informed the attendees that MBAM conducts a lot of safety related trainings such as working at height, lifting supervisor, and site safety supervisor. He said in line with the OSHCIM, all must be designed with safety in mind. Safety starts at the conceptual stage.
MBAM Vice President and Chairman of Contracts and Practices Committee, Oliver Wee then took the opportunity to introduce the MBAM Mediation Services. It was officially launched on 10 July 2019 by YA Lim Chong Fong. It is mainly for the benefit of MBAM Members but is also open to non-members. The service is an additional option for parties to resolve their dispute.
To wrap up, I have told the attendees that I am part of the PEMUDAH special task force. If any Affiliate Members have any issues on business processes, please bring it up to me to raise in the special task force meetings.
Among the attendees of MBAM Affiliate Dialogue 2019
65TH MBAM Anniversary Dinner
MBAM celebrated its 65th anniversary in the construction industry by organising a grand Anniversary Dinner that was graced by Minister of Water, Land and Natural Resources, YB Dr Xavier Jayakumar as the Guest of Honour. The Anniversary Dinner was held on 16th August at the Grand Lagoon Ballroom, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa and attracted about 1510 guests including the decision makers in the Government and construction industry such as Heads of Government Departments and agencies and leaders of professional organizations and leading construction firms in Malaysia and ASEAN region, MBAM members and MBAM Affiliate Members as well as other distinguished guests.
MBAM Council Members 2018-2020 at the 65th MBAM Anniversary Dinner
MBAM Vice President and Organising Chairman for 65th MBAM Anniversary 2019, Dennis Tan, in his welcome speech highlighted that the dinner theme “Improving Competitiveness through Digitalisation” was indeed timely given the fact that the digitalisation has become part of our everyday lives.
During the dinner, in my speech, I also highlighted some of MBAM’s initiates towards digitalisation. At MBAM, we embarked on the journey to educate and equip our members with the necessary knowledge to enhance their technique and skill set. MBAM has been actively organising IR 4.0 related activities. To name a few, such as visits to Industrialised Building Systems (IBS) factory, Building Information Management Centre and technical machinery talks which include topic like “Towards Industry 4.0: Technology and Connected Assets”. Talks on funding of IR 4.0 by the government appointed agencies had also been organised. MBAM will continue to champion the initiatives to encourage our members to keep up with the process of digitalisation in our construction industry.
I also took opportunity to convey special thanks to Zoomlion from China and member Trans Elite Group, for their generous sponsorship of a mobile crane truck for MBAM to conduct lifting training in line with the Association’s aspiration to improve workers’ skill and to reduce accident at site.
Zoomlion and Trans Elite Group presenting the mock key for the Sponsorship of Mobile Crane to MBAM, witnessed by Madam Shi Zi Ming from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia
MBAM on that night conferred special awards to individuals and companies in recognition of their contribution to the Association and the Construction industry.
YB Dr Xavier Jayakumar presented the inaugural Construction Industry Trade Awards to the following winners:-
- Mechanical & Electrical Contractor – Sunway Engineering Sdn Bhd
- Piling Contractor – Bauer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd
- Water & Waste Water Contractor – Ocned Water Technology Sdn Bhd
Special Mention for Mechanical & Electrical Works for Infrastructure – Cable Line Electrical & Engineering Sdn Bhd.
MBAM Special Bronze Award was presented to Vice President, Dennis Tan Soo Huang and Vice President, Oliver Wee for their exemplary leadership and meritorious contributions to the development of the MBAM and the promotion of an efficient and competitive construction industry in Malaysia.
Highlight of the night was the conferment of the Honorary Builder to Past Vice President, Tan Sri Datuk Tee Hock Seng which he has set an exemplary support, participation and contribution to the Association and/or the field of contracting, building or construction wherever situated.
MBAM Council Members and I wish to record our heartfelt congratulations to all recipients.
Overall, the event was very successful and MBAM hopes for continued support for the next MBAM Anniversary Dinner in 2020.
Here I am presenting a memento to Guest of Honour, Dr. Xavier Jayakumar; witnessed by Organising Chairman, Dennis Tan
48th Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) Convocation – Session 2
MBAM Deputy President cum Chairman of Education Committee & Special Institutions, Tan Sri Sufri Hj Mhd Zin was invited the deliver the opening speech and give out the diplomas to the graduates for the Session 2 of the 48th PUO Convocation on 21st August at Politeknik Ungku Omar, Ipoh, Perak. The welcome remark was delivered by Director of PUO, Dr Haji Zairon bin Mustapha. Session 2 saw presentation of diplomas to students from Faculty of Civil Engineering and Faculty of Information Technology and Communication. All in all, Tan Sri Sufri presented the diplomas to over 600 students.
Tan Sri Sufri also presented the Industry Special Award to three graduates from Faculty of Civil Engineering due to their excellent achievements in academics.
We hope the collaboration between PUO and MBAM will continue to be nourished and enhanced into the future in order to push the Malaysian construction industry to the next level.
Tan Sri Sufri presenting the diplomas to graduates
On the day before, MBAM Council Member cum Deputy Chairman of Education Committee & Special Institutions, Datuk Astaman Abd Aziz attended the Session 1 of the 48th PUO Convocation which was graced and officiated by DYMM Paduka Seri Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah.
MBAM Fellowship No. 5/2019
MBAM fifth fellowship for 2019 was held on 23rd August at Million 9 Club in Taman Desa Business Park, Kuala Lumpur. The above fellowship sponsored by Mach 1 Construction Equipment Sdn Bhd attracted 115 participants.
Executive Director of Mach 1 Construction Equipment Sdn Bhd, Bill Tok delivered the speech on behalf of his company. In his speech he thanked MBAM members for supporting the event which he also gave a brief overview of his company and range of product and services. MBAM Deputy Secretary-General 1 and Chairman of MBAM Fellowship Committee, Ong Ka Thiam also delivered a speech. In his speech, he thanked Mach 1 for the sponsorship of the event. Ong then presented a souvenir to Bill in appreciation for the sponsorship given.
MBAM Council Members with Tony Pua and some attendees
Political Secretary to the Minister of Finance, Tony Pua also attended the event and was given the opportunity to say a few works. In summary, Pua mentioned that despite the current state of the economy, he has strong believe that with the remedies put in place by the new Government, the economy will improve with time.
Tokens of appreciation was given by both Mach 1 Construction Equipment Sdn Bhd and MBAM to commemorate the visit.
Group Photo of MBAM and Mach 1 with Tony Pua
One of the best ways to build or develop strong relationships with other people, especially in a business perspective is through networking events. It is a business gathering commonly practiced within professional organisations, in which business people opens doors for business opportunities. It creates groups of acquaintances and associates that share common goals as well as mutual benefits. In this said activity, attendees will see a number of people exchanging information, ideas, services as well as stories of success. If you have not attended any of MBAM Fellowships, do keep a look out for our notification of events and join our activities. We also look out for sponsorships of MBAM Fellowships in 2020 on a first come first served basis. Please contact MBAM General Manager, Lenny Lim at 03-79848636 for more details.
Seminar on Industrialised building system (IBS) and Study Visit to Forest City IBS Factory
MBAM Technical & IBS Committee and Johor Master Builders Association (JMBA) organised a one-day Seminar on IBS and Study Visit to the Forest City IBS Factory. The event was supported by CIDB Malaysia aimed to promote IBS in Malaysian Southern Region and to share on IBS technology which aptly fits into these days modern construction methodology. The Seminar was held on 26th August at Forest City Phoenix International Marina Hotel.
Opening Speech by MBAM Council Member And Chairman Of Technical & IBS Committee, Datuk Kow Choo Ming
The afternoon session continued with the visit to the Forest City IBS, a modern industrial prefabrication plant that has annual output of 260,000 m³ concrete, equivalent to 100 million square meters of building area required components. A pre-built plant for the integrated factory, the main products include various types of structures, non-structural building components, and prefabricated rate of more than 75%.
The seminar and study visit attracted about 140 participants.
Group Photo at the Forest City IBS Factory
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Malaysians and MBAM members Selamat Hari Malaysia!
FOO CHEK LEE JMW
MBAM President