Author: YeeChung Tan

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2024

Behind The Scenes: Exploring Defu Station Project’s Journey

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Behind The Scenes: Exploring Defu Station Project's Journey

In the vibrant heart of Singapore, a transformative journey unfolds along Tampines Road, orchestrated by the dedicated team behind the Defu Station project. Led by Project Director Mr. Yek Tiu Hang and steered by the expertise of Project Manager Mr. Cho Young Soo, this endeavor transcends mere infrastructure construction–it’s about enhancing lives. 

“Our team is committed to ensuring the safe and efficient completion of this project, adhering to the highest standards of quality and safety throughout the construction process."

says Mr. Yek Tiu Hang, Project Director of Defu Station.

Smiles all around! Mr. Yek Tiu Hang, Project Director of Defu Station [third from right], celebrating with the team on CR111’s milestone contract win during the Chinese New Year 2024 department lunch.

As we delve into the current progress of Defu Station, it’s evident that every step forward is a testament to the dedication of our team. From the Electrical Shaft Substation (ESS) enabling work, which involves noise barrier erection and creating a shaft linking to the tunnel, to the ongoing road and drainage construction at Serangoon River Road and Tampines Road as part of Traffic Diversion Stage 2, each task is a building block in our collective journey. The trenching work, facilitated by BC cutters on-site, and the bored piling work inside the station, ensuring stability for future excavation, reflect our commitment to excellence in every aspect of the project. 

Looking ahead, there are several milestones and events that we’re excited to highlight. From the upcoming Traffic Diversion Stage 2 on April 28, 2024, to the ongoing construction of the Electrical Shaft Substation near Holy Innocents Primary School, excavation and strutting works to prepare the launching shaft for the tunnel boring machine (TBM) driving scheduled for January 2025, each represents a significant step forward. As we anticipate reaching 1 Million Manhours in May 2024, it’s a moment to celebrate not just the hours worked, but the dedication and teamwork that define us. While we’re making strides in construction, it’s also essential to consider our environmental impact. With plans to utilise LED lighting during tunnelling and implementation of carboncure concrete on temporary structure for the Defu Station project, we’re committed to adopting sustainable practices every step of the way. At Defu Station, it’s not just about building infrastructure—it’s about building a better future for all. Together, as a team, we’re shaping the way people experience transportation in Singapore, one milestone at a time. 

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2023 July

MBAM OneBuild and ICW BuildXpo 2023: Spotlight on Innovative Technologies

MBAM OneBuild and ICW BuildXpo 2023: Spotlight on Innovative Technologies

Justin Chin (managing director of Gamuda Engineering); John Lim (group chief digital officer of Gamuda); Lim Hui Yan (executive director of Gamuda Engineering); Jess Teng (chief operating office of Gamuda Land); and Lam Siew Chee (executive director of Gamuda Land) with Gamuda Engineering and Gamuda Land teams orchestrating a seamless experience at our booth, ensuring every detail shines  at the MBAM OneBuild 2023.

In the realm of digital construction, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to advancing the nation’s infrastructure industry through partnerships with Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) and Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB).

At the recent MBAM OneBuild and ICW BuildXpo 2023, our participation in the exhibitions went beyond a symbolic show of support; it extended to exploring technologies that highlight our pioneering role in engineering advancements. 

Gamuda has been a key partner that echoes MBAM’s strategic vision in advancing Malaysia’s construction industry. Through our years of mutual collaboration, we have been fostering sustainable practices towards a future defined by excellence and resilience. This, in turn, has positively driven continuous transformation in the Malaysian economy.

Oliver Wee, MBAM President

The inaugural BuildXpo 2023, has gathered over 200 exhibition booths from over 50 companies. With Gamuda's participation, the event has been enriched by its digital innovations that fostered discussions among local and international industry players in digitising the construction industry.

Ir. Hj. Yusuf Bin Hj Abd. Wahab, CIDB Chairman
Introducing the Team Behind Our Innovative Exhibition Showcase

Augmented Reality Experience

The collaborative efforts of Gamuda Excellence Transformation (GET), Project Management Unit (PMU) and the Marketing team resulted in the creation of the Gamuda Cove Masterplan Augmented Reality (AR) Experience, unveiling a new dimension of Gamuda Cove through AR technology. This user-friendly app turns a small table into a dynamic showcase, displaying infrastructure overlays and captivating animations. Livestreamed for public viewing on a large screen, the app invites up-close interaction with tablets, providing an immersive journey into 3D models and interactive information.

The inspiration to develop the AR Experience came when the GET team wanted to extend the capabilities of BIMAR to the masses by showcasing Gamuda Land’s townships.

Discussions with PMU and the Marketing team ideated a marketing tool that makes a more interactive customer experience. In under four months before  MBAM OneBuild 2023, a six-member team led by Josiah Yang, a software developer engineer, including a senior architect, managers and intern developed the application.

While PMU crafted 3D building representations, marketing provided relevant information for Gamuda Cove, and the GET team created the AR app capable of displaying architectural models in AR.

Development took place in the Gamuda Innovation Hub, where the software development team received feedback from like-minded individuals passionate about breaking new grounds and digitalisation.


“The collaboration between PMU, Marketing and GET was truly remarkable, seamlessly transforming the concept of the AR table into a reality—an experience that showcased effective teamwork leads to creative solutions," said Josiah Yang.

“The innovative app not only enhances physical scale models but also seamlessly integrates AR, creating a captivating experience,” he added.

Highlighting Gamuda Cove’s commercial area, the current AR Experience serves as a compelling preview of what’s to come.

Looking ahead, Josiah expressed the team’s vision is to expand these AR Experience to the Gamuda Cove Sales Gallery and other Gamuda Gardens projects. As Josiah emphasised, the goal is to go beyond conventional approaches when it comes to real estate presentations.

Next-Gen Digital Industrialised Building System

Another major display that we showcased was the efficiency of producing Prefabricated Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) units, which reduce construction time and textured walls in vibrant colours.

The stackable PPVC units and pre-textured facade walls streamline the building process, showcased through physical samples for a hands-on experience.

 

"Our Industrialised Building System (IBS) team pushed boundaries by mounting textured walls on the PPVC unit to transcend space limitations. This move allowed attendees to interact with and appreciate the textures of real-life walls, showcasing the immense potential of Digital IBS walls. The collaborative design and fabrication process turned a challenge into a remarkable opportunity to spotlight our commitment to cutting-edge technologies." said Abang Ibrahim bin Abdul Rahman, senior manager of Gamuda IBS.

TBM Simulator

The TBM Simulator showcases the complicities and advantages of operating the autonomous Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM). Utilising a scaled-down model of TBM, users experienced the challenges of precise control while highlighting how the autonomous TBM programme enhances ease and safety through automated manual operations. The device elucidates the machine’s intricacies, emphasising the extensive information operators must monitor during prolonged hours, reducing the risk of human error.

 

Categories
2023 July

GEMS: A Shining Example of Teamwork and Innovation

GEMS: A Shining Example of Teamwork and Innovation

Imagine launching a new Human Resources platform that covers four countries with Singapore in progress now, in one go. The launch of GEMS was a monumental achievement that took a year of hard work, coordination, problem-solving across borders and cultures.

Having operated through GES, an on-premise system for 9 years, we recognised that adapting to the evolving business environment and our international growth necessitated a more resilient system with seamless integration capabilities, thus driving the decision to migrate to GEMS, a cloud-based system with mobile app capability. 

Why this move? 

  • GEMS improved employee experience and engagement, supported business growth and provided global access and transparency. 
  • GEMS streamlined data management, facilitating insights into our workforce and talents. Its mobile accessibility enhanced productivity by enabling on-the-go access to crucial information. 
  • GEMS stayed current with updates and custom features, adapting to evolving business needs in a flexible manner. 

“GEMS’ success stems from four-country collaboration, facing challenges head-on. With a 90% adoption rate, it fostered a sense of unity among employees,” said Winnie Wong, head of HRIS.


A recent GEMS survey found that

  • 69% of respondents felt GEMS is easy to navigate and allows quicker access to real-time information anytime, anywhere.
  • GEMS offers an improved system interface, accessible both via desktop and mobile app.
  • GEMS’ useful features include on-the-go leave application, training enrolment via mobile app and easy access to anyone across the Group using the organisation chart function.

Using GEMS, employees felt more engaged and empowered, as it made global collaboration feel like a close-knit family. The team behind GEMS is not stopping at this milestone.

They have a two-year roadmap to further improve their HR platform, with plans to enhance mobile user experience, improve data visibility for managers, integrate more HR technologies, and strengthen data security.

Their continuous improvement mindset ensures that HR stays aligned with business needs, driving progress and success in the fast-paced business world. As they continue to refine their HR platform, they are ready to take on even bigger challenges and opportunities in the future. 

Gamudian’s experiences as they share their thoughts on using GEMS:

Categories
2023 July

Gali Batu Multi-Storey Bus Depot in Singapore Construction work progress

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Gali Batu Multi-Storey Bus Depot in Singapore Construction work progress

Our Gali Batu Multi-Storey Bus Depot in Singapore is in full swing! We recently completed the Level 2 Slab for the bus depot. Get the latest insights into the work progress of Singapore’s largest bus depot, designed to accommodate the growing bus capacity under the Bus Service Enhancement Programme (BSEP) and Bus Contracting Model (BCM). This 5-storey hub will offer parking, refuelling, washing, maintenance facilities and administrative offices, ensuring seamless daily bus operations.

The Project Team celebrated this progress and to express their gratitude to all the workers, they hosted a barbeque dinner. Mr Toh, our General Manager – Operations for Singapore, personally handed out awards to the Best Safety Conscious Workers.

Well done to all of them! We hope everyone will continue to uphold our exemplary health and safety standards.

Stay tuned for more updates.

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Categories
2023 July

A Journey of Discovery: Embracing the Beauty and Brilliance of Coffs Harbour, Australia

A Journey of Discovery: Embracing the Beauty and Brilliance of Coffs Harbour, Australia

Whether you seek a relaxing coastal lifestyle or exciting job opportunities, Coffs Harbour has something to offer everyone except bubble tea enthusiasts.

Embark on an adventure with Szeto Yan Weng, environmental and sustainability coordinator of Gamuda Australia, as he shares his exciting experience living in Australia and working closely on one of our projects.

“From tendering for the Coffs Harbour Bypass in the cold calculative streets of North Sydney to enjoying the suns and winds of Park Beach, it still feels like a dream to me. Working on the Coffs Harbour Bypass team with Ferrovial and Gamuda Australia has been such an eye-opening experience. I’m proud to be working with a diverse group of talented engineers from Australia, Spain, Malaysia, Scotland, Brazil and Poland, all with the added feat of them being engineering geniuses in their own right. I’ve even been to one of my colleague’s farms!

Besides the team, this exciting project has all the workings of a successful legacy project. The project presents environmental and engineering challenges, but with a collaborative client and contractor team, we can make significant improvements for the City of Coffs Harbour (a.k.a. Garlambirla) and its surrounding communities.

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Szeto Yan Weng and his wife, Low Kah Mun enjoy exploring the Royal National Park.

Beyond work, the project’s location is stunning, surrounded by natural beauty such as Park Beach and the nearby Great Dividing Range, offering numerous hiking and nature trails. Even an urban homebody like me has done several walks with my partner, such as the Urunga Boardwalk, the Muttonbird Island Trail, and the Look At Me Now Headland Walk.

Although typically, you will find me at the Peach and Wolf at Park Beach vacuuming a Cinnamon Scroll or a Sausage Roll (sometimes both), I’ve also enjoyed fresh produce like bananas from Cunninghams and even picked my own blueberries! Where else in Australia can you pick blueberries in the morning and enjoy fresh seafood from the Fisherman’s Co-op, just 10 minutes away?

Despite being told that Coffs Harbour might be dull compared to Sydney, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the Friday Night Markets and community events such as the Coffs Harbour Buskers and Comedy Festival, Summersalt! I’ve even found a regular spot at the project’s Moonee Beach Hotel’s weekly trivia team (Let’s Go Quiz My Bypass)! Overall, living and working in Coffs Harbour has been an incredible experience. Whether you seek a relaxing coastal lifestyle or exciting job opportunities, Coffs Harbour has something to offer everyone except bubble tea enthusiasts.”

Categories
2023 July

PSI Project Heralds the Dawn of a Bright and Sustainable Future for Penang

PSI Project Heralds the Dawn of a Bright and Sustainable Future for Penang

Culminating years of positive economic advancement and progress, Penang is now on the cusp of a new and exciting phase of sustainable development, aiming to join the ranks of world-class port cities like Singapore and Hong Kong, which overcame the challenge of limited space through land reclamation. The key to this bright new future for the state is the Penang South Island (PSI) project, an ambitious but achievable solution to the problem of limited space for development. Given the urgent demand for affordable housing in Penang today, the PSI project offers a golden opportunity to address this need while simultaneously acting as a driver for sustained economic development. Together with complementary infrastructure enhancements like the proposed Penang Light Rail Transit (LRT), the PSI project offers a pathway to an improved quality of life for all Penangites.

The recent news about the project’s approval marks the culmination of a comprehensive journey of rigorous analysis and study of the PSI project to address environmental concerns. Thorough assessments of environmental impact have been meticulously conducted to ensure that the reclamation works adhere to stringent regulations and implement sustainable practices. Going further, the PSI project would address climate change concerns like rising sea levels, building higher platforms for the islands to face rising sea levels, providing water catchments and green spaces to prevent surface runoffs, and implementing other green initiatives and policies. The end result is a world-class blueprint for sustainable development that will usher Penang into a new era of prosperity.

Sustainable land reclamation is no longer a pipe dream today, as technology has progressed much from the days of the first land reclamations in Holland, in the 1600s. Modern techniques have enabled land reclamation to be carried out with minimal environmental impact. In fact, land reclamation is now used extensively worldwide to maintain and protect coastal ecosystems, helping to preserve precious marine habitats for future generations. A prime example is the coastal regions of Florida, America, where erosion is a serious issue and consequently, sand restoration is conducted annually. Florida’s coastlines are a key economic driver for the state, with every USD 1 spent on restoration, estimated to return USD 700 in foreign revenue through tourism and other economic activities.

Compared to other growth centres, which are mere real estate projects, PSI is a state government project to serve as a strategic enabler. PSI is the launching pad for the following economic growth engines, given its strategic proximity to the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone ecosystem to transform the Penang economy.

In this context, an opportunity exists to enhance the Electrical & Electronic Sector as an aggressive economic enabler.

Penang’s economic heart of electrical and electronic manufacturing is ready for up-scaling and expansion into new high-tech sectors, thereby overcoming challenges of technological stagnation and, consequently, raising the income levels of workers while re-positioning Penang as the regional hub for advanced manufacturing and R&D activities for Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, digital health, Big Data Analytics, Machine Learning and more. Penang can attract much-needed foreign direct investment to its shores.

The PSI project similarly has the same potential to drive exponential growth in Penang’s tourism industry, creating a slew of new job opportunities and breathing life into the local economy. One does not have to look far for proof of this with notable projects worldwide like Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, South Korea’s Songdo International Business District, Japan’s Kansai International Airport and Qatar’s Hamad International Airport, which have had overwhelmingly positive ripple effects on economic growth, tourism, infrastructure and job creation in their respective regions.

Ultimately it is essential to recognise that each land reclamation project is unique, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of its contextual intricacies, environmental considerations and social impacts. Land reclamation can indeed be executed without compromising the environment and marine life with meticulous planning and adherence to sustainable practices, which are the core principles that underpin the PSI project. With the green light for the PSI project now being given, exciting times are ahead for Penangites, as Penang looks to transform into a thriving metropolis of the future. 

Categories
2023 July

Inspiring Environmental Leadership With Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award

Inspiring Environmental Leadership With Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award

In an exciting moment of pride and accomplishment, Gamuda Berhad has been honoured with the prestigious Prime Minister’s Hibiscus Award (PMHA), Malaysia’s premier private sector environmental award for the 2021/2022 cycle.  

We secured the Notable Achievement Award in Environmental Performance for our environmental efforts in the Merdeka 118 Infrastructure Package 05 project. 

Times are changing within the construction industry, and gone are the days when environmental concerns are sidelined in favour of project progress and cost. Gamuda emerges as a trailblazer in the Malaysian construction industry, prioritising the environment to address the urgency of climate change.  

Lui and her team deems participating in similar awards such as the PMHA is important to gear up for international environmental awards. Seen on stage Mr Justin Chin receiving the award from Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister. 

“We are truly proud and honoured that our efforts have culminated in bagging the Notable Achievement Award for PMHA in our maiden attempt. We hope that this award will be the catalyst in breaking ground for a greener tomorrow and drive us to even greater environmental excellence,“ said Andy Lee Choon Foh, general manager, Quality, Safety, Health and Environment (QSHE) Department.

“When the Merdeka 118 Infrastructure Package 05 project was announced in 2018, we just knew this was it. And when we got the award, we were so happy and proud. It’s our first submission for this award, and we got it!” enthused Lui Lee Yen, Senior Environmental Manager, Quality, Safety, Health and Environment (QSHE) Department. 

She also added that the award would not have materialised without the effort and team work from the project team as well as the QSHE team. 

Rigorous Evaluation Process

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The project comprised the construction of the Jalan Belfield Tunnel, flyover, flare wall, relocation of existing utilities, PMU Roadway, and upgrading and improving the surface road. 

Merdeka 118 Infrastructure is a project involving the construction of a 580-metre underground tunnel along Jalan Belfield, crossing Jalan Maharajalela, to facilitate access to the basement car park of the world’s second tallest building and South East Asia’s tallest building, the Merdeka 118 tower. Thanks to this tunnel, visitors can now enjoy convenient entry to the tower through the Syed Putra Interchange.  

Lui admits that the submission process is very stringent, which is no surprise for the country’s top environmental award. There were two stages in the submission process, with Stage 1 requiring applicants to meet 15 evaluation criteria such as leadership, priority and commitment, managing environmental issues, environmental accounting and eco-labelling, to name a few. 

(from left) Khairun Dalila Salihin, Shamsudin Yussof, Andy Lee Choon Foh, Lui Lee Yen and Wong Xiao Wen from the QSHE Department took nearly four months to prepare for the submission meticulously. 

According to Shamsudin Yussof, the QSHE environmental manager, the Gamuda team invested almost six months of dedicated effort to prepare for stage 1 submission and stage 2 site preparation for assessment. This comprehensive exercise involved collaboration among several teams, namely the project operation team, project Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) team and the Group QSHE team. 

The submission underwent extensive evaluation, requiring a minimum score of 50 to progress to stage 2 site assessment. During the stage, assessors appointed by the PMHA secretariat conducted a thorough site audit before assigning a final score.

Gamuda’s Eco-Solutions for the Merdeka 118 Infrastructure Project 

The Merdeka 118 Infrastructure project encountered a myriad of challenges due to its central location in the bustling city of Kuala Lumpur. The confined space is an additional hurdle in implementing robust control measures for environmental protection. However, the construction team at Gamuda met the occasion head-on, demonstrating ingenuity and deploying innovative solutions to overcome these obstacles. 

One such example is the construction of a concrete sediment basin, which replaced the conventional sediment basin due to limited space. This adaptation stands as a testament to our commitment to complying with environmental standards while addressing the project’s unique challenges. 

Wong Chee Keong (bottom, sixth from left), the project manager of the Merdeka 118 Infrastructure Package 05, together with his team, made sure the project adhered to environmental measures despite some constraints.   

“We also engaged a SAMM Accredited Laboratory to conduct environmental monitoring for several parameters such as water quality, air quality, noise and vibration levels even though it was not a client requirement. By taking these extra steps to protect the environment and minimise disruption to the public, we showcased our dedication to sustainable practices,” says Khairun Dalila Salihin, environmental officer of the Merdeka 118 Infrastructure project. 

Furthermore, the construction sequence followed a top-to-bottom method, starting with constructing both sides of the diaphragm wall. Subsequently, excavation was carried out to build the slab structures from the roof to the base level. 

This method is different from the conventional bottom-to-top construction method. It does not require a vast excavation area. All excavation work was done within the two sides of the diaphragm walls. Hence, the earthworks and structural works reduced the impact on the surrounding environment and minimised the social implications for the public. 

Inspiring Future Environmental Initiatives

Lui emphasises that this achievement is compelling evidence that construction companies can prioritise environmental commitments and achieve excellence in their projects.  

After all, this marks the first time Gamuda received an environmental excellence award such as the PMHA (presented every two years since its inception in 1996), typically dominated by multinational companies and oil and gas corporations such as Petronas.  

(from left) Gamuda Engineering’s executive directors Adil Putra Ahmad, and Julian Yeap Kheang Teik, Ong Jee Lian, group chief communication and ESG officer, Gamuda Engineering’s managing director Justin Chin Jing Ho and Wong Chee Keong, the project manager of the Merdeka 118 Infrastructure Package 05, together with the QSHE team. 

Coming on the heels of this win, Lui reveals enthusiastically that the company plans to participate in the following award cycle of the PMHA by submitting the Sungai Rasau Water Supply Scheme (Stage 1) project. 

“We hope to inspire our other project teams through this win. We will keep this momentum going so they have the spirit to protect the environment,” she concludes.