< Previous28 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #123 WBL acts not only as a platform in preparing students for work and exposing them to real working environments but also helps to develop key competencies among students. WBL will make them more resilient to the many challenges at the workplace and participate well in an increasingly global workforce. The students will also be more resilient working in the 3D (Dangerous, Dirty and Difficult) environment of the construction sector, which require higher tolerance and quick recovery from difficult work situations at construction project sites (Mat Tuselim, et.al., 2020). Core skills are common skills that should be possessed by an individual that can create quality, knowledgeable and abled individuals in any field of work or level of study when applied optimally. Students of an engineering technology programme are expected to attain the following core skills in the practice-orientated learning environment; communication skills, critical thinking, problem solving skills, teamwork, lifelong learning, information management, project management and finance, professional ethics and leadership. Hence, in addition to forming highly knowledgeable and highly skilled learners, these core skills are nurtured through the curriculum enacted by the BCT programme and have become a compulsory assessment criterion. Furthermore, to ensure a worthwhile work-based learning experience, the industry and PUO should move towards a common understanding of the purpose of WBL and how their different roles affect the quality of this experience. On September 15, 2017, a discussion was held between the Director General of Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE), Prof Dato Dr Mohd Ismail bin Abdul Aziz and the Group Managing Director of Trans Resources Synergy Berhad (TRC), Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Sufri bin Mhd Zin, to strengthen the industry-academia collaboration. TRC has agreed to enhance existing collaboration by establishing an industry-academia centre or teaching factory at PUO. The centre will function as a Technology Enabled Collaborative Centre (TECC) and named TRC Edu Center. TRC has actively implemented the Industrial Visiting Lecturer (PPI) programme at the TRC EDU Center on a regular basis through technical talks by industrial experts, employability training, technical training and technical visits. The following are some of the benefits received from the establishment of the TRC Edu Center: 1. As a Centre of Technology (COT) for the Department of Civil Engineering based on the concept of sustainable cities. 2. As a resource centre for lecturers, students, and industry in conducting of reskilling and upskilling programmes. 3. Technology transfer from TRC to PUO faculty in TRC’s specialisation of project management and sustainable construction technology. 4. A conducive environment for knowledge sharing sessions with the Faculty's CEO. 5. Enhancements of Active Learning for PUO students. In achieving the first core of polytechnic strategic plans, which is producing quality TVET graduates, WBL is a great contributor to the employability rate of PUO degree graduates. Therefore, WBL programme enhanced polytechnic curriculum by providing higher employability rate among graduates. Graduate employability can be improved through an effective higher institution-industry linkage by providing students with mentoring opportunities and exposure to relevant training which improve their job market prospects and ultimately increasing their professional relevance in the long run. The PUO-BCT WBL programme provides a significant opportunity for industry to collaborate with the polytechnic in enhancing competencies and relevant skills Special Feature FIGURE 2 Total WBL Students Employed Per Cohort TOTAL STUDENT EMPLOYED STUDENT 28 28 25 25 30 30 27 27 28 27 COHORT 1COHORT 2COHORT 3COHORT 4COHORT 5 FIGURE 3 WBL Graduate Employability Rate EMPLOYABILITY RATE 100 99 98 97 96 95 94 10010010010096.43 COHORT 1COHORT 2COHORT 3COHORT 4COHORT 5 100100100100 96.4329 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #123 among civil engineering technology degree graduates so that they are able to excel in the workplace. Trend analysis of five (5) WBL cohorts had been analysed to display data over time of graduate employability rate. Trend analysis involves collecting the information from multiple periods and plotting the collected information on the horizontal line with the objective of finding actionable patterns from the given information. Trend charts are also known as run charts and are used to show trends in data over time. Displaying data over time increases understanding of the real performance of a process, particularly with regards to an established target or goal. The findings strongly validate the adoption of WBL curriculum for civil engineering technology degree graduates in enhancing graduate employability. Figure 2 shows that out of 5 cohorts, 4 cohorts namely all student under the WBL programme, has been employed by industry whilst Figure 3 shows 100% graduate employability rate for 4 out of 5 cohorts. The findings provide insights that implementing WBL approach in the curriculum accelerated students’ employability rates. A WBL learning environment can assist the development of student’s workplace skills and career competencies due to early exposure to working environments. The collaboration between PUO and MBAM has gained a positive impact on BCT graduates’ employability. The total time spent at the workplace through WBL (40 weeks) enabled the students to be trained and exposed to real work environments. Students become more competent in both technical and non- technical skills such as personal and inter-personal skills in communication, teamwork, leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving. PUO WBL participating companies have given full commitment and they are basically satisfied with the graduates. To date, the BCT programme had produced 6 cohorts of graduates with outstanding employment rate records. Graduates employability data collected annually by the Department of Polytechnic and Community College Education (DPCCE) during the graduation using TVET Tracer Study System – Sistem Kajian Pengesanan Graduan-TVET (SKPG TVET) recorded that all graduates have been employed either by the partners’ companies or other companies in the same field locally and overseas, became entrepreneurs or pursued further studies. Only one graduate took a break for personal reasons (Mat Tuselim et.al., 2020). The BCT employability rates are summarised in Figure 3. Overall, it can be concluded that various contexts of real-time work experience enriched through the WBL implementation can provide opportunities for students to develop their early career. In addition to undergoing WBL, students will also be given the opportunity by the industry to undergo industrial certification such as OSH Safety Training and Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control (HIRARC) Training Course, and QLASSIC Training. Furthermore, students will have good resume records based on the working experience they had acquired from WBL for two semesters. Students are also able to network with the people from the companies involved in their WBL projects. Through this networking, students have a better outlook in their career development upon graduation. Thus, educators at polytechnics are expected to increase industry involvement in teaching, research, and commercialisation while also harmonising the network of collaboration between public, private and international higher education institutions. The industry can also contribute to education and innovation across the value chain, from curriculum development and delivery to graduate funding and placement, as well as research, development and commercialisation. Commercialisation of ideas and collaboration between academia and the industry are critical components of driving the industry 4.0 revolution. As such, it is hoped that the polytechnic's educator will be able to foster more fruitful collaborations between academia and the industry, particularly in the areas of research, development, and commercialisation. References • Board of Engineers Malaysia (2020). Engineering Technology Programme Accreditation Standard 2020 • Fink, K.F, Rokkjaer, O & Schrey, K. (2007). Work-Based Learning and Facilitated Work- Based Learning. Teaching and Research in Engineering in Europe (TREE). Aalborg. • Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti (2018). Pelan Strategik Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti (2018-2025), Jabatan Pendidikan Politeknik dan Kolej Komuniti, Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia. ISBN 978-967-2243-49-6. • Mat Tuselim, Y.R., Muhammad, S. & Chau Mai, R. (2020). Integrated Curriculum Approach in Developing 21st Century Industry-Ready Graduates. Proceedings of the 16th International CDIO Conference, hosted on- line by Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden, 9-11 June 2020 • Malaysian Qualifications Agency (2016) Guidelines to Good Practice: Work-Based Learning (GGP: WBL). The Authors Yong Rashidah Binti Mat Tuselim Yong Rashidah is the Head of Centre of Quality Assurance & Risk Management for Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO), as well as a senior lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department, PUO. She has been actively training and facilitating Malaysia Polytechnics’ lecturers and students in the CDIO integrated curriculum framework and Design Thinking activities for social innovation projects and industries projects. Her current focus is on the continual improvement of Work-based Learning approach in Malaysia Polytechnics' Bachelor’s Degree programmes with the nation's industry players. Dr Seri Bunian Mokhtar Seri Bunian is a lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department, PUO. She received her PhD degree on TVET from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia, in 2012. Her major research interests include TVET Education, quantitative analysis and sustainable education. Samikhah Binti Muhammad @ Munir Samikhah Muhammad is the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Coordinator for Politeknik Ungku Omar (PUO) as well as a senior lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department, PUO. She has been actively facilitating some institutions on how to implement WBL. Her major interest is in Sustainable Transportation Technology. Dr Azuin Binti Ramli Azuin Ramli is a senior lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department, PUO. She received her PhD degree on building construction from University Tun Hussien Onn, Malaysia, in 2014. Her major research interests include sustainable building construction, green material of construction, and building safety. Noraziah Binti Hamid Noraziah Hamid is a senior lecturer at the Civil Engineering Department, PUO. She received her Master degree of Engineering (Construction Management) from Universiti Technologi Malaysia, Malaysia, in 2020. Her major research interests include Economic Criteria and Sub Criteria in Green Rural Road. Special Feature32 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #123 Webinar—ESG, RCEP, S17A (MACC Act) & Corporate Rescue Mechanism for the Construction Industry 9 SEPTEMBER 2021 The virtual webinar was organised by MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee with 136 attendees. MBAM Deputy President and Chairman of Contracts and Practices Committee Oliver Wee Hiang Chyn delivered the welcome remarks where he encouraged participation during the webinar and for members to keep their knowledge up to speed with current developments affecting the construction industry. Moderators of the event were Oliver and MBAM Council Member cum MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee Member Dato’ Ir Tan Gim Foo. The webinar began with a presentation by Managing Partner of Azman Davidson and Co., HY Chong on ‘Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)’. ESG metrics are shaping the development and operation of businesses around the world. The business community is increasingly challenged by regulatory, reporting and customer demands on the societal impact of their operations across multiple dimensions – and the construction industry is not exempt from this trend. Among the topics covered by Chong were ‘Optional Disclosure, Business Review in Director’s Report’ and the many challenges faced by ESG practitioners, such as climate change and carbon emission. He also spoke about legal liabilities a company may face, such as contravention of laws, breach of private rights, inadequate disclosure, loss of licence or contract and director’s breach of duties. Besides fines and jail terms, other consequences include a loss of licence or contract. Partner of Azman Davidson and Co., Neoh Li Teng’s presentation was on ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)’. Malaysia is a signatory to the RCEP, which is a trade agreement with 15 countries and it provides the country access to a wider RCEP market, presenting significant trading and investment opportunities. The RCEP serves as a pivotal tool to accelerate access into regional markets and mitigate interruptions to supply chains. Businesses should commence necessary preparations to leverage benefits of RCEP, including lower tariffs and wider trade opportunities. Goods between RCEP parties enjoy relevant trade preferences. There is also the benefit of liberalisation of professional services amongst RCEP countries. Another highlight of RCEP is the promotion of e-commerce. However, it must be noted that RCEP has not set out a set of standards and uniform laws and measures to meet the objectives of the RCEP. Another presentation was by Managing Partner and Head of Construction Law of Chong + Kheng Hoe cum MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee Member Chan Kheng Hoe, who spoke about Section 17A of the MACC Act, heralded as an important step by the government and Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in the fight against corruption as it forces companies to ensure that there is no corruption within its ranks. It is a provision that stipulates a corporate liability principle where a commercial organisation can be considered guilty if any of its employees and/or associates commit corruption for the benefit of the organisation. He highlighted that the only defence is as per Section 17A(4) of the MACC Act, which states that a commercial organisation shall be acquitted of a charge under Section 17A if it proves that it ‘had in place adequate procedures designed to prevent persons associated with the commercial organisation from undertaking such conduct’. The person-in-charge/ officer must also prove on the balance of probabilities that he/she had exercised due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence. In view of this, organisations should consider having an Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS) in place. Organisations should plan, establish, implement and maintain the system being used. Management commitment is essential. The final presentation was by Partners of Messrs. Gan Partnership, Gan Khong Aik and Kang Mei Yee on ‘Corporate Rescue Mechanism for the Construction Industry’. The recurring lockdown in the country has put financial pressure on the construction industry. Contractors and developers alike face uncertain cash flow due to hindrances to work, downturn in the industry and potentially mounting debts. It is high time for companies to consider the corporate rescue mechanisms available for management of debts and creditors as well as the viability of such corporate rescue mechanisms in the context of existing contract obligations of a developer and a contractor. The attendees were briefed on corporate voluntary arrangement, judicial management and management schemes. Industry & Practices IP33 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #123 TalentCorp Workshop on Hiring Seniors 2 SEPTEMBER 2021 A survey by TalentCorp and International), Ministry of Human Resources, A. Maniam. The objectives of the workshop were to create awareness about the aged society and senior hires, to discuss concerns and issues faced by industries as well as possible solutions, and to explore other means of economic empowerment suitable for senior citizens. Many mature adults today are choosing to continue or return to work as they are healthier, more active and more knowledgeable in terms of experience and skills. They are still able to contribute, explore new opportunities and interact with people at all levels. With flexible work through enabled technology, they can work and earn supplemental income. Sadly, adults aged 50 and above always face age discrimination when applying for jobs. Nevertheless, seniors can be considered as an untapped talent pool for companies and many are unaware of this. It is hoped that more seniors will be given a fighting chance at employment. Companies will be able to leverage skills and experiences by hiring seniors and Talentcorp encourages companies to have a more diversified workforce in terms of age. The workshop by Talentcorp on Hiring Seniors was held online with MBAM Human Resources Development Committee Deputy Chairman Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, committee member, Ir Chuan Yeong Ming and member of the MBAM secretariat, Jocelyn Ng in attendance. The opening address was delivered by Talentcorp’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Thomas Matthew, followed by Deputy Secretary-General (Policy Webinar—Transfer Pricing & Service Tax Updates 28 SEPTEMBER 2021 The webinar was held online by MBAM Finance Committee in collaboration with Deloitte Malaysia and was attended by 71 participants, including 65 MBAM members. Subhabrata Dasgupta and Prajvit Shetty from Deloitte shared their insights on transfer pricing with the assistance of Husnina Jalil as the moderator while Larry James Sta Maria was the speaker for ‘Service Tax Updates in the Construction Industry’. After the welcome speech by MBAM Finance Committee Chairman Yeoh Keong Yuan, Husnina introduced Subhabrata and Prajvit, who focused on the two most common related party transactions that trigger transfer pricing, i.e. intragroup services and intragroup financial assistance in property development and the construction industry. Prajvit discussed and focused on intragroup services such as the basic concept of project management, transfer pricing policy and benchmarking study approaches while Subhabrata guided the attendees through intragroup financial assistance such as inter- company loan/advances, corporate guarantee and cash pooling. Larry James shared an overview of the service tax (SST) in the construction industry, taxable imported services, intra-group relief, disbursement and reimbursement as well as key challenges and mitigation factors. A guide on service tax for professionals, consultancy, training, coaching services and examples were elaborated in the webinar. It is hoped that the webinar will help MBAM members to review and evaluate their current methods of transfer pricing documentation in compliance with the transfer pricing rules in Malaysia. Industry & Practices IP34 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #123 New Industrial Masterplan Workshop 18 NOVEMBER 2021 How Businesses Can Manage Disputes After Relief Period Under COTMA (Singapore) 3 NOVEMBER 2021 The Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) is conducting a study to develop the New Industrial Masterplan (NIMP), which is currently at the final draft report stage. The NIMP is being prepared by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) and will replace the Industrial Master Plan 3 (IMP3) and will set the strategic direction for the manufacturing and the services sectors from now till 2030. MBAM was invited to the workshop held at Dewan Perdana MITI and was represented by MBAM What happens when the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act (COTMA) relief ends on 31 December 2021? Disputes may arise and parties are facing the risk of being sued. Singapore’s legal experts, Head, Construction and Projects Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, Soh Lip San, Partner, Wong Partnership LLP, Christopher Chuah and Partner, Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LL, Reuben Peter convened online to discuss how businesses can manage disputes after the relief period under COTMA. They addressed some of the concerns in a post-COTMA world and explore other construction disputes such as mediation and its benefits. Attendees from MBAM included Immediate Past President Foo Chek Lee, Deputy President Oliver Wee, Vice President Kenneth Liew, Secretary-General Dato’ Sri Eric Kuan Khian Leng, Deputy Secretary-General 2 Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Honorary Advisor (Education) Chua Siow Leng and General Manager of Sunway Construction Group, Steven Shee. The webinar was an opportunity to learn from Singapore’s experience with the COVID-19 Act. Webinar—Get Your Fundamentals Right with Transfer Pricing & Strategic Cash Flow Management 21 OCTOBER 2021 The MBAM Finance Committee organised the first webinar in Mandarin on ‘Get Your Fundamentals Right with Transfer Pricing & Strategic Cash Flow Management’ in collaboration with YYC Tax Consultants Sdn Bhd and YYC Advisors Sdn Bhd. Two tax experts, Zen Chow and KL Boon were the speakers for the day, in the presence of 39 participants, including 26 MBAM members. The overall sharing by Zen Chow on transfer pricing documentation and issues were direct and precise. KL Boon began with a briefing on the current economic situation as well as the impact of the pandemic, followed by a sharing on how strategic cash flow management can help attendees improve their cash flow, profits and value of businesses. Industry & Practices IP Deputy Secretary-General 2 Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz and MBAM General Manager Lenny Lim. Datuk Astaman at the workshop35 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #123 CIDB Committee Meeting to Review CIDB Form of Contracts (2000 Edition) 22 NOVEMBER 2021 MBAM representatives at the meeting The Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) committee comprising of representatives from MBAM, Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Persatuan Akitek Malaysia (PAM), Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM) and the Malaysian Bar Council were tasked to review a selection of contract documents and to update their relevancy in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contracts to be reviewed included CIDB Standard Form of Contract for Building Works - 2000 Edition, CIDB Standard Form of Sub-Contract for Nominated Sub- Contractor - 2002 Edition, Model Terms of Construction Contract for Subcontract Work - 2006 Edition, Standard Terms of Construction Contract for Renovation and Small Projects (STCC-RSP 015) and CIDB Design and Build Contract. Present to chair the meeting, which was held at the CIDB head office was CIDB Senior General Manager Sr Ahmad Farrin Mokhtar. MBAM representatives at the meeting included MBAM Deputy President cum Chairman of Contracts and Practices Committee Oliver Wee, MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee Member Chan Kheng Hoe and MBAM General Manager Lenny Lim. The committee hopes to provide comments to the said contracts within two months for CIDB’s compilation. A webinar organised by the Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH) was held to discuss challenges and areas of improvements to the COVID-19 Act in order to assist the construction industry during the time of the pandemic. The event was held with the objective of recording feedback and to present it to PEMUDAH. The era of COVID-19 pandemic may be coming to a close, but the effects will linger for some time. The construction industry needs to deal with a post pandemic situation right now. As such, it would be very helpful if the government can provide some certainty to avoid a post pandemic breakout of disputes. Among the amendment proposals was for the Ministry of Works to provide formal guidelines for Extension of Time (EOT) entitlement. It is hoped that the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) will revamp the standard form of contracts. MBAM also hopes for a COVID-19 mediation initiative, the removal of the RM500,00.00 mediation limit and to encourage pre-dispute resolution. The moderator of the event was MBAM Deputy President cum Chairman of MBAM Contracts and Practices Committee Oliver Wee Hiang Chyn while MBAM Contract and Practices Committee Member Chan Kheng Hoe was the speaker. PEMUDAH Webinar Series— Industry Challenges and Improvements to the COVID Act 1 OCTOBER 2021 Industry & Practices IP36 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #123 Industry & Practices IP Sustainability is becoming increasingly popular among construction projects and evaluating the sustainability of a project has become a necessity for industry players. In view of this, the Environment, Green Technology & Sustainability Committee organised the ‘Sustainable Rating Tools as Ways to Enhance Your Project’ webinar to create awareness among industry players on the rating tools and other green initiatives developed by the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB). The webinar, which was attended by around 66 participants, also served as a platform for construction industry players to share their experiences of using these rating tools in their projects. In his opening remarks, MBAM Vice President cum Chairman of Environment, Green Technology & Sustainability Committee Kenneth Liew Kiam Woon thanked all speakers for taking time off from their busy schedules to share their knowledge and expertise with MBAM members. The first invited speaker was the Manager of Safety & Health, Environment & Quality (SHEQ) Division, Technology Development Sector, CIDB Malaysia, Ts Fuhairah Binti Ahmad Fuad, who presented ‘CIDB’s Sustainable Rating Tools and Green Initiative’. She highlighted the importance of green technology and green living as well as the problems Malaysians faced as a result of climate changes, one of the most serious being flooding. She stated that six initiatives have been taken by the government to encourage sustainable construction in Malaysia, including capacity building development, awareness talk/activities, incentives, best practice certification/ assessment, standards and guidelines and legal requirements. Ts Fuhairah also briefly introduced CIDB rating tools, namely MyCREST and Sustainable INFRASTAR. MyCREST guides construction industry players and stakeholders to design, construct and operate buildings that integrate low carbon and sustainable practices. The aim of MyCREST is to quantify, and reduce the built environment’s impact in terms of carbon emissions and environmental implications. MyCREST covers the planning and pre-design of a building up to the demolition of a building. To help a project team adopt MyCREST and achieve MyCREST criteria, CIDB has created three documents for reference: Reference Guide, Scorecard, and Carbon Calculator. Sustainable INFRASTAR aims to assess the extent of sustainability measures adopted by infrastructure projects in design and construction. It is applicable for all types of infrastructure projects with six core criteria. CIDB has also created two documents for reference, namely the Scorecard and Reference Guide. The second speaker, Acting Director of Standard and Compliance, MRT Corp, Azhar Bin Sofah shared his experience on ‘Sustainable INFRASTAR for KVMRT Putrajaya Line Project’. His presentation included a brief introduction on the Mass Rapid Transit Corporation and the KVMRT Putrajaya Line Project. MRT Corp has participated in the Design Certification Award and the Design + Construction Certification Award in November 2021. On 6 January 2021, MRT Corp Sdn Bhd was awarded the 5-Star Sustainable INFRASTAR certification with a 91.23% credit percentage for the design phase of the KVMRT Putrajaya Line Project. Azhar shared the experience of utilising the Sustainable INFRASTAR for the project and the challenges faced. There were six core criteria for the Sustainable INFRASTAR submission that the project needed to fulfil along with evidence of achievement, which was to be provided to CIDB Malaysia. The six core criteria included Pre-Design & Pre-Construction (PDC), Site Land Use (SLU), Ecology & Environment (ENE), Material Resources & Waste (MRW), Energy Performance (ENP), and Social & Culture (SOC). The third speaker, Project Director of Lim Seong Hai Capital Berhad, Timothy Pang shared his experience on CEEQUAL and Sustainable INFRASTAR for Duke 3 Highway. He gave a brief introduction on the sustainability rating tools used worldwide for infrastructure projects and shared that most people have the perception that carrying out sustainability assessments will mean an increase in costs, manpower and time, exposes project shortcomings, Webinar—Sustainable Rating Tools as Ways to Enhance Your Project 26 OCTOBER 202137 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #123 Industry & Practices IP has no tangible benefit and is not legally required. Timothy went on to say that several sustainability ratings were done on the Duke 3 project, such as ENVISION at the preliminary stage, and CEEQUAL and Sustainable INFRASTAR at the design stage. The project was awarded with CEEQUAL Exceptional Achievement Award 2019. He then shared examples of how the project’s sustainable design led to a better outcome as well as the benefits and details on how they were carried out. Lastly, he shared the lessons learnt from the sustainable assessment process and countered the negative perceptions on carrying out sustainability assessments. The final invited speaker was Director of Greenscapes Sdn Bhd, Ngoh Wan Fei, who shared the experience of submitting SP Setia Berhad Corporate Headquarters’s project to MyCREST. Ngoh started the presentation with an overview of the project and went on to explain in detail the key green design features of the building that helped reduce heat and energy, reduce carbon emission to the environment, minimise the formation of the heat island effect and produce a cooling effect. As an alternative way to generate energy, renewable energy was used to cut down energy consumption. A raised floor system was used in the air-conditioning system of the building to produce more efficient cooling. Ngoh also emphasised on the building’s design features that provide a more comfortable working environment and facilitates the health and well-being of the occupants. In terms of water efficiency, low-flow fittings were used to cut potable water consumption by 56% compared to conventional fittings. Also, rainwater is being collected for toilet flushing. A recycle bin centre and recycle sub- bins within the building promote and raise awareness on recycling. Before she concluded, Ngoh shared her experience of the MyCREST assessment process, the certifications that the project has obtained as well as the challenges faced. A Q&A session was held with all the invited speakers, which was moderated by the Senior Manager of IJM Corporation Bhd, S. Ramesh and Group Chief Sustainability Officer of Gamuda Berhad, Ong Jee Lian. Participants actively participated in the Q&A session by sharing their views and ideas as well as raised questions for discussion. Ramesh and Ong ended the session with a summary of all the presentations. Speakers at the event (clockwise from top left): Ngoh, Ong, Ramesh, Timothy, Fuhairah and AzharNext >