A round up of events and happenings within the industry

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia has awarded MRCB George Kent Sdn Bhd with 5-star Sustainable INFRASTAR certification for the design phase of the Light Rail Transit Line 3 (LRT3) project, from Bandar Utama to Johan Setia. This is the first infrastructure project to receive 5-star rating for Environmental Sustainability, a strategic thrust under the Construction Industry Transformation Plan 2016-2020 (CITP).

The certificate of recognition was presented by Works Minister Tuan Baru Bian, who also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between CIDB Malaysia and MRCB George Kent Sdn Bhd to enhance environmental sustainability programmes and good practices in construction works.

Sustainable INFRASTAR, launched in March 2019, is an objective and evidence-based evaluation system that assesses an infrastructure project on key sustainability factors such as land use, impact of equipment use, resource and waste management on construction sites. The assessment tool covers the gap in addressing environmental concerns for the construction industry and it complements other tools such as the Malaysian Carbon Reduction and Environmental Sustainability Tool (MyCREST) for building construction by CIDB Malaysia, and Malaysia Green Highway Index by the Malaysian Highway Authority.

“By participating in the Sustainable INFRASTAR assessment, industry players can reap many benefits including reducing construction and operation costs, if they incorporate sustainability elements during the design stage,” said Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri Abdul Hamid, Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia.

The Government of Malaysia through the Ministry of Works has set a target of getting 50% of the nation’s infrastructure projects to be certified under Sustainable INFRASTAR or any other sustainable infrastructure rating tool. To encourage more companies to participate in the rating programme, CIDB Malaysia will bear the assessment costs of between

YB Tuan Baru Bian and Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri (Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia) touring the LRT3 construction site.

YB Tuan Baru Bian (Minister of Works) presents the certification of recognition to Patrick Hwang Chee Leong (LRT3 Project Director of MRCB George Kent Sdn Bhd), in conjunction with a working visit to the LRT3 construction site.

RM8,000 and RM30,000, based on the scale of the project. CIDB Malaysia is also conducting roadshows and seminars to promote awareness of Sustainable INFRASTAR.

In 2019, five pioneer infrastructure projects were assessed under this rating tool, namely the Regional Sewage Treatment Plant in Bandar Indera Mahkota, Kuantan, Pahang; Power Generation Plant in Sandakan, Sabah; Kahang Dam construction in Kluang; the Setiawangsa–Pantai Expressway; and the West Coast Expressway (Banting to Taiping). The Sungai Besi Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway and DamansaraShah Alam Elevated Expressway were added to this list later.

Rekind completes Phase One of Muara Laboh PLTP Project

PT Rekayasa Industri (Rekind) has completed the Muara Laboh Phase One Geothermal Power Project (PLTP) located in Solok Selatan Regency, West Sumatra, Indonesia.

This was marked by the announcement of the commercial operation of the 85 Megawatt (MW) net power plant by PT Supreme Energy Muara Laboh (SEML), which is a joint venture between PT Supreme Energy, ENGIE and Sumitomo Corporation. This electricity will be supplied to the Sumatra electricity network owned by PT PLN (Persero), which can be distributed to approximately 340,000 households.

“As a National EPCC contractor, Rekind’s scope of work in Muara Laboh PLTP project is quite extensive because it includes the construction of the Wellpad & Road Access that is carried out simultaneously with the construction of a Geothermal Power Plant and Steam Gathering System. All of this is done independently by Rekind’s best assets. We can also complete this project in accordance with the targets set by the stakeholders. Obviously, this is a proud achievement,” said Yanuar Budinorman, President Director of Rekind.

Muara Laboh PLTP is an embodiment of the power plant included in the National Strategic Project implementation programme, related to the 35,000 MW power plant acceleration project. In the West Sumatra Region itself, this PLTP is the first power plant that utilizes new and renewable energy. New and renewable energy sources come from WKP Liki Pinangawan

Muara Laboh Phase One Geothermal Power Project (PLTP) located in Solok Selatan Regency, West Sumatra Province, Indonesia.

Construction and development company, ORANGEBEAM has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vietnam-based Hoa Binh Construction Group Joint Stock Company to establish a synergistic commercial cooperation for infrastructure development in both markets.

ORANGEBEAM and Hoa Binh will work closely to study the possibility of exchanging expertise, knowledge, experience and collaborating with each other in both markets, starting with maritime and marine infrastructure construction projects in Vietnam.

“Emerging markets like Vietnam and the Philippines are currently going through a construction boom. Highly technical infrastructure developments, for one, can benefit from the support of established industry players like us, where we can extend our wealth of experience and construction know-how,” said Dato’ Faris Yahaya, ORANGEBEAM Group CEO.

Faris added: “Expansion into emerging markets like Vietnam is part of our efforts in ensuring the sustainability of our business and helps us stay ahead amidst the slowing construction sector. The timing is right for us, and while we look at digitising ourselves and disrupting our business, we can also make an impact beyond

Orangebeam ventures into Vietnam by inking MoU with local conglomerate

Muara Laboh.

Through mastery of technology and innovation and supported by the ability of human resources in the field of industrial design and engineering, Rekind continues to make a real contribution to the development of geothermal energy in Indonesia. In the 38 years since it was first involved in the geothermal field, Rekind succeeded in building 16 Geothermal Power Plants (PLTP) in Indonesia.

Rekind, a subsidiary of PT Pupuk Indonesia (Persero), is also involved in the construction of the Rantau Dedap PLTP project with a capacity of 98.4 MW (2 units) owned by PT Supreme Energy Rantau Dedap (SERD). Rekind was selected to work on the EPCC Geothermal Power Plant work package, including the Steam Gathering System, Wellpad & Road Access. The project is located in Muara Enim Regency, Lahat Regency and Kota Pagar Alam, South Sumatra.

Dato’ Faris Yahaya (CEO of ORANGEBEAM Group) and Mr Le Viet Hai (CEO of Hoa Binh Construction Group Joint Stock Company).

Malaysian shores.”

ORANGEBEAM is one of the few companies in Malaysia with vast understanding and experience in this highly-specialised sector. It has completed more than RM14.5 billion worth of projects in total with approximately RM3 billion worth of infrastructure projects. To date, Hoa Binh Construction Group Joint Stock Company has completed over 400 projects, which include Le Meridien Saigon, Tan Son Nhat International Airport Extension Terminal and Vinhome Landmark 4-5-6.

NEWS & EVENTS Grundfos and Augury sign strategic partnership to bring intelligent, sustainable water solutions to the market

Grundfos, a world-leading pump and water technology company, and Augury, a fast-growing data analytics company and leading Digital Machine Health solution provider, have signed a long-term strategic partnership to develop smart diagnostics solutions and services for Grundfos’ customers.

The two companies have already been working together successfully over the past two years to test new products and service offerings across several markets and industries. Now, they are committing to the next step, offering a range of services and new business models enabled by connected equipment.

“By adding an AI-driven intelligence layer on top of existing assets, we can automatically collect mechanical and operational data, providing actionable machine health insights and diagnostics to our customers and service organisation,” says Tommy Due Høy, Group VP, Global Service & Solutions, Grundfos. He believes the partnership puts down a marker for future solutions.

Augury works with the world’s largest manufacturers and industrial companies to transform their operations by providing real-time diagnostics regarding the health and performance of their machines. The combination of Augury’s AI-based solutions with Grundfos’ deep applications expertise has the potential to change water delivery and services as we know them.

“We have spent the last eight years working with manufacturers and utilities to ensure that people around the world can always rely on the machines that matter and have seen first-hand the impact it brings. I am thrilled to be partnering with Grundfos to bring this impact to a wider market,” says Saar

Augury and Grundfos are taking a major step toward digitizing water and utility infrastructure worldwide by signing a long-term strategic partnership.

Malaysian Timber Council has appointed Mr Wong Kah Cane as its Acting Chief Executive Officer effective 13 March 2020. Mr Wong, 52, who joined the council on 1 November 2019 as Deputy CEO, will take over from Mr Richard Yu Tuan Chong upon the expiry of the latter’s contract.

Graduating from Universiti Utara Malaysia with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in 1992, Mr Wong started his career in transforming small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into successful enterprises with most noted contribution in Eu Yan Sang, a traditional Chinese medicine company.

In addition, MTC has appointed Mr Roger Chin Chew Choy as its new Chief Operations Officer effective 1 March 2020. Prior to joining MTC, Mr Roger Chin was attached to Advance Information Marketing Berhad where he served as its Executive Director since January 2018.

Mr Roger Chin, 54, a Bachelor of Law graduate from the University of Wolverhampton, United Kingdom, brings with him more than 25 years of experience in the financial services sector with international banks specialising in consumer, corporate and Islamic banking. His career in the banking industry started in 1993

MTC appoints Acting CEO and new COO

Yoskovitz, Co-Founder and CEO of Augury.

“Our applications knowledge has consistently been the key differentiator for us to provide best-in-class pumping solutions to the world. As we prepare our portfolio for the future, it is key that we leverage this knowledge base to build more intelligence, IoT, remote monitoring and advanced diagnostics into our offerings to ensure differentiation, which is one of the highest priorities for Grundfos,” said Anupam Bhargava, Group Vice President, Industry at Grundfos.

Wong Kah Cane, Acting CEO.

Roger Chin, Chief Operations Officer.

with Standard Chartered Bank.

“The appointment of Mr Wong Kah Cane and Mr Roger Chin is to further strengthen the management team of MTC,” said Chairman Dato’ Low Kian Chuan. He added that with their combined fields of expertise, Mr Wong and Mr Chin will be great assets to the timber industry and MTC, a council under the Ministry of Plantation Industries and Commodities.

From left: Datuk Ir Ahmad ‘Asri (Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia), Dato’ Dr Syed Omar Sharifuddin (Secretary General of Ministry of Works), YB Tuan Baru Bian (Minister of Works), Dato’ Ir Dr Meor Abdul Aziz (Chairman of CIDB Malaysia) and Datuk Ir Elias (Deputy Chief Executive of CIDB Malaysia) after the launch of CONVINCE.

CIDB Malaysia launches CONVINCE, a one-stop construction information portal

The Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia has launched the “Construction Information for Your Convenience” or CONVINCE, a one-stop portal for all construction-related information, which is now available to all stakeholders.

A key initiative under the Construction Industry Transformation Programme (CITP) 2016-2020, CONVINCE provides the latest information and updates in the form of interactive construction statistics, data request services, digital publications and searchable directories. The information made available through CONVINCE will enable organisations to make more effective policy formulation, strategic planning and

construction industry forecast.

“Having access to comprehensive construction information will enable industry players and stakeholders to make information-based decisions and reduced business risks,” said Tuan Baru Bian, the Minister of Works during the launch of CONVINCE.

The main objective of CONVINCE is to enhance the availability and awareness on construction information, specifically to establish a centralised online platform to manage and compile construction information, increase efficiency and reliability in extracting and analysing data, and enable easier access and availability of construction information. CONVINCE expect to register more than 3000 users by the end of 2021.

Apart from the launch of CONVINCE, the Minister also announced key milestones under the CITP across all eight focus areas of the CITP, achieved at the end of 2019.

“Given the ambitious targets of the CITP that were to be realised in a very short time frame, the achievements of the industry are commendable. However, transformation of the Malaysian construction industry is an on-going process. We must continue to push for systemic change in order to create a new culture in the industry, so that our industry players can be confident, globally competitive and resilient to market change,” said Tuan Baru Bian.

“I call on all stakeholders to work together with the Ministry of Works, CIDB Malaysia and related agencies to embrace change to make the construction industry in Malaysia highly efficient, productive and progressive, in line with the CITP tagline, “Driving Construction Excellence Together”,” he concluded.

Kent Teo (Founder and CEO of INVADE) speaks about harnessing the creative eco-system in Malaysia at the launch with the creative community, with (L-R) Toh Shia Lynn (Founder of The Artsy Craftsy), Azfar Jamili (Founder of Far Off Records), Brian Johnson Lowe (Founder of Poptron), and James A. Tang (Sales and Partnership Lead of Pestle & Mortar Clothing).

Co-making space MOX launches largest hub to bring together local creative in Kuala Lumpur

MOX, a brand under Singapore-based creative retail space activation and events management company INVADE, has launched MOX Malaysia in collaboration with Sunway Putra Mall. Riding on the success of its existing concept in Singapore, the new co-working space is now the largest of its kind in Malaysia, with the aim of bringing together and empowering the creative community through collaborative workspaces, opportunities to ideate and access to an international platform.

MOX Malaysia is located at the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s central business district with its prime location in Sunway Putra Mall. With a gross floor area that spans roughly 21,000 sq ft, MOX Malaysia houses various types of co-working space, a curated multi-label retail zone known as Marketplace, a café and a plethora of specialty facilities all on one floor. This include a 2,000 sq ft auditorium and screening room, professional resource studios for photography, videography and audio recording in addition to a general workshop for experiential workshops and craft sessions.

MOX Malaysia also conducts regular entrepreneurial talks and community gettogethers to build connections and inspire the exchange of new ideas across a variety of disciplines from leather to fine art.

Creative enthusiasts trying their hand at a cakesicle decorating workshop held in conjunction with the launch of MOX Malaysia.

Members will also have the opportunity to organise creative workshops at MOX Malaysia and appear in INVADE’s immensely popular retail markets including Artbox and Shilin Night Market.

“With MOX’s first overseas expansion to Malaysia, we are also effectively creating a two-way channel for crosscollaboration between Singapore and Malaysia’s creative communities. Our MOX network now extends beyond these two cities to include the wider region such as Hong Kong, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand,” said Kent Teo, CEO of INVADE.

“Through this partnership with MOX Malaysia, we are excited to usher in the next phase of retail innovation, where businesses must create meaningful retail experiences to connect with customers in order to stay ahead,” said Kevin Tan, COO of Sunway Malls. “As such, Sunway Putra Mall is committed to building a vibrant community alongside MOX Malaysia by integrating our current tenant offerings with dynamic co-making and co-working spaces.”

All three options grant members access to member rates for facilities rental and community events.

Mobilus to bring the first Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system into Malaysia

Mobilus Sdn Bhd (Mobilus) has recently signed a Purchase Agreement with CRRC MRT Urban Traffic Co. to import the first unit of Automated Rapid Transit (ART) system for a pilot project in Iskandar Malaysia in 2020. The ART unit will be delivered to Malaysia by mid-2020 with the pilot project sets to be launched in the second half of the year.

Mobilus is a 51:49 joint venture company established between Ireka Corporation Berhad and CRRC Urban Traffic (Europe) Co. Ltd. (CRRC UT, a member of CRRC Group) to pursue urban transportation business opportunities in Malaysia and the ASEAN region. CRRC Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of rolling stock and rail related products and systems.

All eyes will be on the ART Pilot Project as it is intended to seek Government approval for the ART vehicle to be deemed roadworthy in Malaysia, and subsequently in other countries across South East Asia. Malaysia will be the first country outside of China to potentially adopt this technology.

“The planning for the ART Pilot Project in Iskandar Malaysia has been underway, and we hope to have the project up and running by mid-2020. This will be one of the test lines for the larger Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) project, a large-scale transit project for Iskandar Malaysia covering an alignment of 51km in Phase 1,” said Monica Lai, Group Deputy Managing Director of Ireka Corporation Berhad, at the signing ceremony held at the Wujiang District of Suzhou, China in December 2019.

ART is a leading edge technology developed by CRRC Group. ART allows for high passenger capacity and a lower cost of implementation and operates on clean sources of energy like electricity or hydrogen. The multi-carriage, electricpowered unit is equipped with sensors that read the dimensions of a road, enabling it to automatically navigate its own route. With a maximum speed of 70km/h, the ART could carry as many as 307 passengers at a time. This makes the ART an agile, comfortable, non-polluting and scalable urban transport system.

“Beyond Iskandar Malaysia, Mobilus will pursue other projects to introduce the ART to various cities in Malaysia. With its strong adaptability and flexibility as a

transit system, we truly believe that the ART will be a game changer to the urban transportation landscape in Malaysia,” added Monica Lai, commenting on the future plans of Mobilus moving forward during the event.

Commercial Building – Swissma Doppelwelt® Standing Seam Roof

Swissma Doppelwelt® Standing Seam Roof

Swissma Snapwelt® Roofing

#MYREALAGENTS, public awareness campaign was launched by Lim Boon Ping (President of MIEA), accompanied by (from left) Sheldon Fernandez (Country Manager of PropertyGuru Malaysia), Selvem Durasamy (Chairman of MAREC Summit 2020) and Lo Tze Kean (Head of Sales Management, CIMB Bank Berhad) at the MAREC Summit 2020.

MIEA launches public awareness campaign in conjunction with MAREC Summit 2020

The Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) has launched its first ever public awareness campaign called #MYREALAGENTS in conjunction with the opening of the two-day Malaysian Annual Real Estate Convention (MAREC) Summit 2020 at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel in Kuala Lumpur. #MYREALAGENTS was developed to raise public awareness especially amongst first-time buyers and renters on the importance to choose Registered Estate Agents or Negotiators for their property needs.

Lim Boon Ping, President of MIEA said, “this is the first time in MIEA’s 46-plus-year history where we proactively developed a public-facing campaign towards improving the public’s awareness and understanding on the importance of choosing Registered Estate Agents or Negotiators, and how the public protect themselves. Buying, selling or renting property is a complex process so Malaysians should let the professionals help guide them”.

A website and social media channels were set up to explain and emphasise the importance of why one should engage with registered agents or negotiators and how one can protect oneself from illegal brokers. The website will also include content on the legal aspects of buying, selling or renting property and also tips, checklists and what to look for when engaging a registered estate agent or negotiator.

This year marked the 34 th edition of MAREC Summit, an annual national convention that has become a leading platform for real estate practitioners to come together, adopt new ideas and gain insights on how to achieve peak performance of their careers.

Lim Boon Ping (President of MIEA) during his opening address.

Themed “Real Estate Practice Vision 2025: ‘Change or Die’”, MAREC Summit 2020 hosted 400 Estate Agents and Negotiators who will learn from 32 speakers on market trends, improving their soft skills and enhance professionalism as well as leveraging technology to better serve the public at large.

Other topics during the convention included personal branding, inspirational stories, motivational insights, digital technology applications, understanding real estate cycles, selling skills development as well as the art of closing.

SkyWorld made affordable sky living luxury

City developer SkyWorld Development Group believes affordable living can be made luxury, hence the idea of having a resort-inspired theme in SkyAwani 2 Residences despite the project being under Residence Wilayah, an affordable housing programme initiated by the government.

SkyAwani 2 Residences boasts 708 units of residences and it was fully sold within six months. The development is targeted to achieve above 70% QLASSIC rating, a system and method used by CIDB Malaysia to assess and evaluate the quality of building workmanship based on the Construction Industry Standard in the country.

Mr Lee Chee Seng, Chief Operating Officer of SkyWorld, said: “SkyAwani 2 is a strong evidence of SkyWorld’s ongoing endeavour in delivering a good mix of projects centered around our 3 key strengths namely – Value Creation, Integrated Sky Living experience, and Innovative concepts. We deliver value for money without compromising on quality and aesthetics. SkyAwani 2 is a remarkable achievement for our team and this is certainly not possible without strong dedication from our team and most importantly the valuable support from our purchasers”.

SkyAwani 2 at Off Jalan Ipoh is seated on a 2.78-acre of leasehold land, with a total estimated GDV of over RM250 million. It boasts all the SkyWorld strengths – good potential appreciation value given its strategic location at Sentul with impressive facilities such as infinity lap pool, floating gym, multi-purpose hall completed with interior design, reflective pool, sunken Jacuzzi and many more.

With a strong combination of good price, practical layout and fullfledged condominium facilities, it is no surprise that SkyAwani series has become must-owned starter homes for first time homebuyers. This development has also garnered the CSR Excellence Award by Sin Chew Business Excellence Award, Best RUMAWIP project by Ministry of Federal Territories and the Best Starter Home presented by StarProperty.my.

To-date, SkyWorld has launched and sold nearly 4,400 units of residences under its Awani series, with SkyAwani 4 Residences now open for sale. With a total GDV of over RM534 million, it features 3 towers of 55 storey consisting of 1,782 units of residences. All units come with practical layout of 800 sq ft, 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms at a fixed price of RM300,000.

NEWS & EVENTS 34 MTIB civil servants receive Excellence Service Award 2019

A total of 34 civil servants of Malaysian Timber Industry Board received the Excellent Service Award (APC) 2019 at a special ceremony held on 25 February 2020.

The award recipients were selected from various regional offices, departments and agencies under the Board. MTIB Director-General Mr Mohd Kheiruddin Mohd Rani in his speech commended the recipients for their outstanding contributions for year 2019 and encouraged them to continue to set the example of selfless service for others to emulate.

Mr Mohd Kheiruddin also highlighted that the Malaysian timber industry has recorded RM22.5 billion in exports, an increase of 1.04% as compared to year 2019. The furniture sector is the largest contributor with RM9.1 billion or 40% of the total export value.

At the ceremony, Mr Mohd Keiruddin also awarded certificate of appreciation to representatives of the Fibre and Biocomposite Development Centre (FIDEC) for winning the Gold Award and second place for Best Booth Award at the Malaysia Technology

Hong Kong’s construction industry is expected to suffer another year of contraction in 2020 by 3%, making it the fourth consecutive year of decline. However, the industry is forecast to start a recovery phase in 2021 due to the government’s efforts to stimulate economic growth, and public and private sector investments in commercial, residential and infrastructure construction projects, says GlobalData.

The leading data and analytics company in a report revealed that the industry’s output value in real terms is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.58% over the whole forecast period (2020–2024), and reach US$29 billion in 2024, measured at constant 2017 US dollar exchange rates.

Dhananjay Sharma, Construction Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “To support the economic growth and increase the country’s competitiveness, the government plans to invest HKD1 trillion (US$127.6billion) in infrastructure by 2028–2029. In addition, the government’s aim to improve local energy resources is expected to support investment in energy infrastructure projects, which will in turn fuel growth in the industry.”

Hong Kong’s construction industry to witness another year of downswing in 2020, says GlobalData

Expo (MTE 2020), which was held on 20 – 22 February 2020 at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur.

Residential construction was the largest market in Hong Kong’s construction industry during the review period (2015–2019), accounting for 43.2% of its total value in 2019. The market is expected to shrink marginally in relative terms over the forecast period, with residential construction accounting for 42.6% of the industry’s total value in 2024.

Sharma concludes: “The total construction project pipeline in Hong Kong – as tracked by GlobalData, and including all mega projects with a value above US$25 million – stands at US$225.6 billion.”