< PreviousIndustry & Practices IP The Accident Prevention Convention 2025 gathered leaders from government, industry, and safety bodies to push for a safer, healthier working environment for all Malaysians. Officiated by Deputy Minister of Human Resources, Dato’ Sri Abdul Rahman Bin Mohamad, the event underscored the message: prevention is better than cure. CIDB Malaysia successfully held the Stakeholder Meeting and Soft Launch of International Construction Week (ICW) & BuildXpo 2025 at the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur. Officiated by Minister of Works, Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, the event marked the official launch and promotional kickoff for ICW 2025, themed Constructing the Future of ASEAN. The event is scheduled to take place from 28 to 30 October 2025. ICW continues to serve as Malaysia’s 26 FEBRUARY 2025 Soft Launch—International Construction Week (ICW) @ BUILDXPO 4 FEBRUARY 2025 Accident Prevention Convention & PERKESO Grant Ceremony 2025 premier annual construction event and one of Southeast Asia’s most important platforms for innovation, networking, and business development. BuildXpo 2025 will act as the central exhibition, supported by conferences and forums designed to foster thought leadership and meaningful industry dialogue. The soft launch aimed to introduce the key components of ICW & BuildXpo 2025, outline planned activities, and generate early interest from industry stakeholders, media, and potential exhibitors. CIDB also shared its The convention’s urgency was underscored by a recent fatal road accident involving a young student — a tragic reminder of the real cost of inaction. Each year, Malaysia records hundreds of thousands of preventable accidents. PERKESO continues to respond proactively through initiatives like Ops Cegah 2025, which this year sees participation from over 7,000 employers. As part of its ongoing prevention efforts, PERKESO awarded Financial Assistance Grants to organisations championing safety. MBAM, represented by Council Member Alec Chong Sun Park, was recognised for a 100% grant success rate in 2024 — a testament to its commitment to raising safety standards in the construction sector. With support from strategic partners including DOSH, NIOSH, PDRM, and others, PERKESO remains focused on achieving Vision Zero — a future with no preventable accidents, where every life saved is a future protected preventable accidents. aspirations for this year’s edition in supporting the transformation and growth of the construction sector. The programme began with guest registration and light refreshments, followed by a welcome address from Noryani Ismail, General Manager, Corporate Communication Division, CIDB Malaysia. This was followed by a presentation by Yuhanis Latif, Director of Business Events, Qube Integrated Malaysia, highlighting the event’s objectives, themes, and participating partners. Speeches were also delivered by Zainora Zainal, Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia, and the Minister of Works. The session concluded with a media Q&A and networking opportunity. The event attracted participants from across the construction ecosystem, including contractors, developers, suppliers, government agencies, and professional bodies. Many expressed early commitment to take part as exhibitors or delegates. The soft launch set the stage for strong stakeholder collaboration in the lead- up to ICW & BuildXpo 2025. 48 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135Industry & Practices IP 28 FEBRUARY 2025 MIBA Event— ‘Constructing the Future’ 20 FEBRUARY 2025 Seminar—Driving Green Growth In collaboration with Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited, MBAM organised a seminar on Driving Green Growth at the MBAM Training Centre. The event featured three distinguished speakers. Dennis Wu, CEO and Executive Director of Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited, spoke on strategies for unlocking green finance. Matt Tan, CEO of Sunrise Shares Energy (SSE) Group, shared insights on advancing low-carbon industrial parks. Johan Yang, Executive Vice President of PT Polymindo Permata, presented on championing sustainable products. 27 FEBRUARY 2025 62 nd BIPC Meeting MBAM President Oliver HC Wee and Executive Director Loh Mei Ling attended the 62 nd Building Industry Presidents’ Council (BIPC) meeting that was held at the MIP office. During the meeting, MBAM raised concerns about the proposed implementation of the Service Tax in May 2025 and its potential impact on the industry, as well as the proposed EPF implementation for foreign workers. A Construction Labour Exchange Centre Berhad (CLAB) Board Meeting was held at JKR Petaling Jaya to discuss key matters relating to the management and mobilisation of foreign construction labour in Malaysia. MBAM President, Oliver HC Wee and MBAM Secretary-General Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz attended the meeting on behalf of MBAM. 24 FEBRUARY 2025 CLAB Board Meeting MBAM President Oliver HC Wee and General Manager Lenny Lim attended the Malaysia Integrated Builders Association (MIBA) event titled Constructing the Future, which was held at the Tropicana Golf and Country Resort. The event provided an opportunity to engage with MIBA representatives and strengthen ties between the two organisations. 49 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135Industry & Practices IP 3 MARCH 2025 Launch of Anugerah Kecemerlangan Industri (AKI) 2026 The Anugerah Kecemerlangan Industri (AKI), or Industry Excellence Award, was introduced by MITI in 1991 to recognise companies that demonstrate excellence in management practices, product and service quality, and the delivery of value to stakeholders. Over time, the award has undergone several restructurings and is now held biennially. The launch of AKI 2026 took place at Menara MITI and was attended by YB Tengku Zafrul Aziz, Minister of MITI, together with MITI’s top management, heads of agencies, chambers and business associations, and industry players. MBAM General Manager Lenny Lim was also in attendance. 13 MARCH 2025 Signing of Memorandum of Collaboration with CIDB MBAM has firmed up a collaboration with CIDB Malaysia for the implementation of six programmes spanning the period from 2025 to 2026. The exchange of the Memorandum of Collaboration (MoC) was carried out in the presence of the CIDB Chairman and CIDB Board of Directors. MBAM was represented by President Oliver HC Wee. 5 MARCH 2025 Meeting—PEMUDAH Technical Working Group on Business Location (TWGBL) 1/2025 The first TWGBL meeting was held at KPKT, Putrajaya, and was attended by MBAM President Oliver HC Wee. 50 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135Industry & Practices IP training applications • Single Window – A unified platform for all HRD Corp services • Customer Experience – Dedicated support tailored to employer needs • Relationship Manager – A designated contact to guide workforce development initiatives Additional privileges include access to training previews, strategic partnerships, special rebates, appreciation events, best practice sharing, advisory meetings, an exclusive employer dashboard, and opportunities for HRD Corp ambassadorship. The launch of PEN represents a significant milestone in Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen workforce development through meaningful industry collaborations. By providing a tailored and strategic approach to human capital investment, HRD Corp aims to empower businesses with the necessary tools to nurture talent and drive sustainable economic growth. MBAM welcomes this initiative and looks forward to further engagement with HRD Corp in advancing human capital excellence. 17 MARCH 2025 Launch of Premier Employer Network HRD Corp recently launched the Premier Employer Network (PEN), an exclusive initiative aimed at providing tailored training management solutions and benefits to top-tier employers. MBAM was represented at the launch by it’s Secretary-General and HRD Committee Chairman Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Committee Member Khairatul Akhmam, and Secretariat Shirley Foo. The launch was officiated by KESUMA Secretary-General, Datuk Azman bin Mohd Yusof. PEN recognises and supports employers committed to workforce development. Companies contributing a monthly HRD Corp levy of RM100,000 or more will be automatically enrolled in the network, which aligns with the Human Resources Ministry’s vision of enhancing industry engagement and talent capability. Effective 1 June 2025, PEN members will be entitled to the following benefits: • Flexible Grant Policy – Customisation of the Allowable Cost Matrix to suit specific training needs • Industry Talent Fund – Allows parent companies to support subsidiaries and related industries • Green Lane – Priority access and fast-track approvals for 5 MARCH 2025 Technical Committee Meeting on Building Design and Construction (NSC 04/TC 11) No. 2/2025 The second Technical Committee Meeting on Building Design and Construction for 2025 was held online via Google Meet and chaired by Ar Steven Thang Boon Ann of Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM). Several Malaysian Standards under the purview of this committee were tabled for discussion and review, including: • MS 2015 – Public Toilet, • MS 2279 – Performance Standard in Building, • MS 2394 – (Parts 1 & 2): Building and Civil Engineering, • MS 2426 – Planning and Designing for Basement Parking, • MS 2439 – Determination of Dynamic Weather Resistance of Roof – Test Method, • MS 2440 – Design, Installation, Maintenance and Inspection of PV Mounting System, • MS 2577 – Architecture and Asset Management of Masjid, • MS ISO 6240 – Performance Standard in Building – Contents and Presentation (ISO 6241:1984, IDT), and • MS ISO 6241 – Performance Standard in Building – Principles for Their Preparation and Factors To Be Considered. A working group will be established to further deliberate and update the above standards. Members with suggestions or requests for updates on standards relevant to the construction industry are encouraged to contact MBAM. MBAM was represented by Senior Manager, Muhammad Fadzley bin Salim. 51 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #13552 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135 ADVERTORIAL Professional-Grade Interior Finishes How Nippon Paint Solves Patchy Wall Challenges for Contractors Painting Sealer Nippon Paint 5300 Basecoat Sealer Painting (Finishing) Nippon Paint Super ECO 5000 4 Base Skim Coat CMI® Base Mortar 781 / CMI® BlockSkim 782 1 Top Skim Coat CMI® WallSkim 681 PLUS 2 Improper Mixing Conditions Over Dilution of Paint Incompatible Skim Coat and Paint Overly Compressed Skim Coat project, regardless of the specification level or build standard. Fortunately, Nippon Paint Professional now offers developers, contractors and applicators in Malaysia the first One-Stop Anti- Patchiness Internal Wall System in the region—a game-changing, fully compatible solution to tackle this common industry headache. Patchiness occurs when different Contractors know that patchy, uneven interior walls—whether in high-rise residential projects, commercial developments or show units—can quickly become a costly and time- consuming issue. Common defects such as ‘tiger stripes’, surface shadowing, rough & uneven surfaces and hairline cracks not only require rectification, but can also compromise the overall quality perception of a completed absorption rates on skim coats affect the way paint spreads and dries. Variations in sheen, gloss and surface texture appear because the paint absorbs unevenly across different parts of the wall. This can result from multiple causes: — Over-compressed skim coats — Low-quality or improperly mixed skim materials — High moisture during application 3— Over-diluted paint — Incompatibility between skim and paint systems — Inadequate application method Common visual defects include: — Bumpy or rough patches — Spider-like hairline crack s from surface moisture — Tiger stripe marks (ghosting) - Bands of different texture and sheen — Shadowing – Uneven gloss creating dark/light patches Left unresolved, these defects can lead to costly touch-ups, client dissatisfaction and even project delays. A Fully Compatible Solution: The One-Stop Anti-Patchiness System Nippon Paint’s breakthrough lies in creating a fully compatible system that optimises paint absorption at every layer—from base skim to topcoat: 1 Base Skim Coat CMI ® Base Mortar 781 / CMI ® BlockSkim 782 2 Top Skim Coat CMI ® WallSkim 681 PLUS 3 Painting Sealer Nippon Paint 5300 Basecoat Sealer 4 Painting (Finishing) Nippon Paint Super ECO 5000 Optimisation of product formulation between Nippon Paint. The best compatibility between skim coat and paint provides a higher paint absorption rate to minimise interior wall defects. ADVERTORIAL Rough Suface Appearance Spiderweb Cracks Patchiness (Tiger Stripe) Patchiness (Shadowing) Key Benefits of the System — Anti-patchiness Solution Provides smooth & even interior wall finishing — Compatible System Solution Excellent adhesion between skim coat & paint — Paint Transfer Performance Excellent coverage for the best hiding performance — Vibrant Finishing Promotes richer colour appearance — Fungus Resistance Resists the growth of fungus, mold and mildew. Valid for brick walls, block walls, and reinforced concrete (RC) walls in new- build projects, this warranty provides unmatched assurance—backed by both product expertise and site support from Nippon Paint’s Professional Team. Build Better with Nippon Paint Whether you’re delivering luxury condominiums, commercial interiors, or residential projects, the Nippon Paint One-Stop Anti-Patchiness Internal System is the ideal choice to elevate the quality of your walls—and your brand reputation. To learn more or schedule a consultation: 1-800-88-2663 https://professional.nipponpaint. com.my/anti-patchiness Flawless walls, vibrant finishes & peace of mind—now within your reach with Nippon Paint Professional 53 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135Visits & Dialogues VD MBAM Technical Visit to Penang 14 JANUARY 2025 infrastructure and mechanical engineering developments through visits to three key locations. The first stop was at Jeti PPM, Gelugor, where participants were received by Project Manager of CHEC Construction (M) Sdn Bhd, Yan Ming Jun and his team. Kenneth Liew delivered brief remarks thanking the host before the session began with a safety briefing. Participants then travelled by speedboat to the transmission towers constructed by Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), where the CHEC team gave a detailed The Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) Committee of MBAM conducted a one-day technical visit to Penang, led by MBAM Deputy President and Chairman of the M&E Committee, Kenneth Liew. The visit, attended by 20 participants, aimed to provide insight into 54 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135Visits & Dialogues VD MBAM Study Visit to ICP Klang Factory 16 JANUARY 2025 The study visit to the ICP Klang Factory was organised by the MBAM Technical & IBS Committee to provide members with insights into the products and services offered by Industrial Concrete Products Sdn Bhd (ICP). The visit also allowed members to explore modern construction practices, foundational technologies, and to network and discuss shared industry challenges. ICP is recognised as the first commercial manufacturer of High- Performance Pretensioned Spun High-Strength Concrete Piles (ICP PHC Piles) in Malaysia and the largest in Southeast Asia. These piles are valued for their durability, high strength, and versatility across a wide range of applications. The visit aimed to showcase ICP’s innovative manufacturing processes, product diversity, and advanced technological capabilities. A total of 35 MBAM members participated in the visit, which included an extensive tour of the ICP Klang Factory. The tour featured an overview of the PHC pile manufacturing process, highlighting the use of advanced spinning technology and steam curing. Participants were also introduced to ICP’s customisation capabilities designed to meet diverse project specifications. Live demonstrations showcased pile joining technology used to produce extended-length piles. The visit also provided insights into the company’s sustainable practices, with particular emphasis on pollution-free installation techniques. Participants also engaged in dialogue with ICP representatives, gaining further knowledge on the technical specifications, applications, and benefits of the products on display. The visit offered valuable exposure to cutting-edge manufacturing techniques and innovative product development. ICP’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and project-specific solutions positions the company as a leading player in Malaysia’s construction and engineering sectors. MBAM does not endorse, recognise, or promote the marketing or sale of ICP products or services. Any views expressed during the visit are for informational purposes only and do not represent any official endorsement by MBAM. Organisations interested in arranging similar visits or collaborative events with MBAM can reach out to Muhammad Fadzley at mbam18@mbam.org.my for further details. presentation on the 31 monopole towers that form a crucial link between the island and the national grid. The visit concluded with Kenneth Liew presenting a souvenir and certificate of appreciation to the CHEC team on behalf of MBAM. The second location was the Prai Swing Bridge in Butterworth. The group was welcomed by KTMB Northern Region representative, HanafiBazali, who specialises in the mechanical and operational aspects of the bridge. A detailed briefing was held in the operation control room, outlining the bridge’s function in enabling maritime passage through ports and rivers. Participants were then taken to the drive room to observe the electro-hydraulic pump system that powers the swing mechanism, gaining firsthand understanding of its technical operation. Lunch was hosted by Council Member and Deputy Chairman of the M&E Committee, YBhg Dato’ Lim Chee Tong. The informal networking session with members of the Penang Master Builders (PMB) provided an opportunity to exchange industry knowledge and strengthen professional ties. The final stop was the Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) centre in Bukit Mertajam. Participants were welcomed by Senior Operations Executive, HanafiIdris, who conducted a concise briefing on the CTC system. The system allows real-time monitoring and control of train traffic between Butterworth and Padang Besar and can also be operated remotely from KL Sentral. The visit ended with a souvenir and certificate of appreciation presented to the KTMB Northern Region team by Kenneth Liew. The technical visit to Penang was a rewarding experience that offered participants valuable exposure to major infrastructure systems and ongoing developments in mechanical and electrical engineering. Group photo with participants and ICP Klang Factory representatives 55 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135Visits & Dialogues VD Meeting— Construction Competency Committee Meeting (Contractor Management) 1/2025 8 JANUARY 2025 MBAM Council Member Ir Anthony Teoh attended the meeting held at CIDB 520, The Met Meetings with CIDB and SIRIM on ABMS 10 JANUARY & 11 MARCH 2025 Meetings were held at CIDB The Met to discuss ongoing developments related to the Anti-Bribery Management System (ABMS). MBAM was represented by Council Member Ir Anthony Teoh, and General Manager Lenny Lim. Courtesy Visit to CIDB Chief Executive 2 JANUARY 2025 MBAM paid a visit to the CIDB Chief Executive, Zainora Zainal, at CIDB 520, The Met. MBAM was led by President Oliver HC Wee, Deputy President Kenneth Liew, Vice President Richard Wong, Secretary-General Datuk Astaman Abdul Aziz, Council Member, Ir Anthony Teoh, Executive Director Loh Mei Ling, and Secretariat representative Shahila Atika. The meeting served as a platform to discuss current industry-related issues and explore opportunities for future collaboration between CIDB and MBAM. 56Visits & Dialogues VD Lembaga Akitek Malaysia Townhall 8 FEBRUARY 2025 Courtesy Visit to Hitachi Construction Machinery 6 MARCH 2025 A delegation from MBAM, led by Machinery Resources Committee Chairman CK Teoh, and comprising committee members Tan Zini, Frankie Voong and Dheepan Sukumar, together with MBAM Secretariat representatives Calvin Cheng and Shirley Foo, conducted a courtesy visit to Hitachi Construction Machinery (Malaysia). They met with the Managing Director of Hitachi Construction Machinery (Malaysia), Takuya Iijima, to strengthen industry ties and explore potential collaborations. The visit included an introduction to Hitachi’s latest 5G Excavator, highlighting its advanced technology and potential to enhance construction efficiency. Discussions also addressed market trends, challenges, and opportunities for innovation. MBAM representatives shared updates on the association’s events and initiatives, and encouraged Hitachi to participate more actively. Both parties expressed interest in future collaboration for the benefit of the industry. MBAM President Interview with Star Property 12 FEBRUARY 2025 Oliver HC Wee was interviewed on current issues in the construction industry The LAM Townhall was held at the Ministry of Works Discussion for MYSPACE The Edge article 14 JANUARY 2025 The brief online discussion was held with KY Pung and MBAM President Oliver HC Wee, together with Executive Director Loh Mei Ling and General Manager Lenny Lim Courtesy Visit by Zoomlion 14 JANUARY 2025 MBAM President Oliver HC Wee with Zoomlion Regional Manager, Tinco Cao 57 MASTER BUILDERS JOURNAL #135Next >