MBAM YEAR END MESSAGE 2023
As we approach the close of another remarkable year, it is with profound gratitude that I reflect on the activities, collective achievements and strides we’ve made as members of MBAM.
Throughout this year, we’ve marked significant achievements with a few major ones to share with our members, notably in our efforts to revise and advocate for the CIDB Standard Form of Contract for Building Works 2022. Additionally, we’ve worked towards securing CIDB recognition for MBAM Mediation Services, a focus that will gain more traction upon the completion of the new building at Persiaran Harmoni. Anticipated to be ready by the last quarter of 2024, this IBS construction will not only serve as the new MBAM Building but will also serve as a hub for promoting mediation services within the construction industry.
Alongside these developments, we’ve hosted educational initiatives like the “Webinar Programme on Building Defects and QLASSIC” highlighting the proper and correct way to use QLASSIC. We also had a collaborative seminar between MBAM and China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Malaysia’s Construction Industry Working Committee (CECCM) on Post-Covid 19 Measures-CIPAA and Mediation which saw the signing of MoU between both parties in efforts of promoting mediation for resolving contractual disputes in the construction industry. In fact, MBAM Council Members alongside our Affiliate Members have signed a pledge to be fully committed and demonstrate industry leadership to “Mediate First” to resolve disputes among our members and players in the construction industry.
Throughout the year, MBAM has been bustling with diverse events and programmes aimed at enhancing the construction industry such as the Seminar on Green Roof for Sustainable Urban Development. The ICT Robotics and Automation Committee remained dynamic, organising workshops and webinars such as the one on “Enhancing Construction Efficiency”. This effort to work with software providers was aimed to help our members start their digital journey. We also had several finance programmes including “Budget 2024 and IRBM’s e-Invoicing ”.
Alongside this, MBAM organised the Human Resources Conference 2023 and a series of Certified Construction Manager and Certified Construction Project Manager programmes under the Human Resources Development committee emphasising professional development. Safety also took centre stage with initiatives like the MBAM Safety Conference 2023 complemented by specialised training courses in lifting, concreting and occupational safety and health in collaboration with our affiliates.
Collaborations were key, particularly with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to increase the national capacity for inclusive economic growth through more future-ready TVET and skills training systems by promoting greater equity, quality, and relevance. Even in the face of challenging economic times, we also remain committed to providing assistance to deserving students in pursuing their tertiary education. I wish to highlight that MBAM awarded scholarships worth RM155, 000.00 to 7 recipients this year. Since 2004, MBAM has been awarding scholarships as part of our CSR effort amounting to about RM3.5 million, bringing to a total of 178 scholarship recipients.
MBAM wrapped up its final event for the year with the Conference on CIDB Standard Form of Contract for Building Works 2022 And Mediation for Construction Disputes which attracted approximately 180 attendees. The conference brought together experts and leading players from the industry to discuss the new form of contract and mediation for construction disputes which will promote a more sustainable way of doing business. We were also pleased to have Yang Arif Dato’ Mary Lim Thiam Suan, Federal Court Judge and Yang Arif Dato’ Lim Chong Fong, Court of Appeal Judge grace the event. In addition, the presence of YBhg. Dato’ Sr. Mohd Zaid Zakaria, Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia also underscored our collective commitment to nurturing a more sustainable and collaborative future in the construction industry.
Besides that, we had 5 series of Fellowships organised this year to encourage networking and relationship building amongst our members besides hosting the MBAM Focus Group Dialogue and MBAM Dialogue with Affiliate Members to hear feedback from members. The MBAM Hari Raya Open House 2023 was also a time for us to renew our commitment to the values that make our community so special. Adding a touch of leisure, the MBAM Golf 2023 event also provided memorable networking opportunities between members.
Additionally, the 9th MBAM OneBuild Exhibition was an overwhelming success with 120 participating exhibitors which welcomed about 5,000 visitors. Their presence testified to the mounting prestige of the MBAM OneBuild annual event that serious players in the construction industry could not afford to miss out. On the international front, MBAM also hosted several visits from at least five of China’s construction companies and associations where their members shared and showcased through exhibitions and dialogues their expertise and their supply chain.
I am pleased to report that an understanding has been reached with Hunan Power City International Exhibition Company Limited, the biggest local machinery exhibitor in China by way of a collaboration with OneBuild in August 2024 to host an exhibition. The joint collaboration will enhance the value of the upcoming event with relevant visitors and quality exhibitors. MBAM also was represented in the 3rd Changsa International Construction Equipment Exhibition (CICEE) Opening Ceremony in Changsa as well as the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum (IIICF). Other events with China where MBAM was also represented at the China (Guangdong Yunfu) RCEP Industrial Cooperation Conference, co-organized by China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC), RCEP Industry Cooperation Committee and Yunfu Municipal People’s Government of Guangdong Province, China where I shared on current status of Malaysia on RCEP at the international conference.
MBAM delegates also participated in the 53rd ASEAN Constructors’ Federation (ACF) Council Meeting and ACF Conference 2023 in Clark, Manila with the theme ASEAN: Resilient Growth. The event was hosted by the Philippines Constructors’ Association Inc. (PCA) in conjunction with Philconstruct Luzon where I was speaking at the forum on “Partnership on Sustainable Infrastructure” and sharing the success stories of our Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia with representatives from the Philippines local construction authorities and industry representatives.
Under the umbrella of the International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors Associations (IFAWPCA), MBAM participated in the 42nd IFAWPCA Mid-Term Executive Board Meeting in Mongolia where we renewed relations with other IFAWPCA members. In addition to this, MBAM also participated in the 46th IFAWPCA Convention in Nepal. The highlight of the event was the International Forum on “Partnering in Sustainable Infrastructure” which aimed to catalyse meaningful partnerships, foster innovations and inspire actionable solutions that contribute to a more resilient and sustainable future. I was also pleased to be invited as one of the panellists for the panel discussion on “Partnering in Sustainable Infrastructure” which consisted of specialists, experts and stakeholders from various sectors.
Membership within MBAM also serves as the cornerstone for industry collaboration and advancement. With the recent inclusion of Pertubuhan Kontraktor Bumiputera Malaysia (PKBM) as MBAM Affiliate Member into our esteemed collective, our voice resounds with amplified strength across the construction domain as now we have an outreach of more than 20,000 members and with a total of 39 affiliate associations.
I once again would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every member of MBAM for your invaluable contributions, commitment, and resilience as we celebrated our 69th Anniversary through a grand Anniversary Dinner this year. As we prepare to welcome a new year filled with aspirations and prospects, I am also pleased to announce that we will be celebrating our 70th Anniversary in 2024 and we hope you will support and join us in the activities planned for next year.
It is my wish that the industry could overcome headwinds to deliver a resilient performance in 2024. That being said, we hope the government can assist the industry by debottlenecking public project pipelines while also sustaining private projects.
Lastly, I wish you and your loved ones a joyous festive season and a prosperous year ahead.
MBAM President
Oliver HC Wee