Category: 2023 July

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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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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.”

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2023 July

Our MRT Stories: Conversations with Project Managers – Chew Say Hong

Our MRT Stories: Conversations with Project Managers - Chew Say Hong

We continue our mini-series with Chew Say Hong, the project manager for the Hospital Kuala Lumpur MRT Station. Let’s hear from Say Hong as he shares about a new method that was used in the construction of the underpass connecting the station to the hospital, as well his dream sports team.

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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. 

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2023 July

Sustainable Constructions and Real Estate Knowledge Exchange

Sustainable Construction and Real Estate Knowledge Exchange

The “Embracing Sustainability in Construction and Real Estate” symposium organised by The Edge Malaysia and YTL Cement aims to drive awareness of sustainable construction while serving as a platform for industry players to discuss and address sustainable construction needs. Ts. Lim Hui Yan, Executive Director of Gamuda Engineering and Jess Teng, Executive Director of Gamuda Land, represented the Group in the symposium and discussed innovative solutions brought on by Digital IBS and the importance of sustainable developments. 

Myth vs Reality : Innovative Solutions of Next-Gen Digital IBS 

by Ts. Lim Hui Yan, Executive Director of Gamuda Engineering 

With next-gen Digital IBS, digital construction can enhance sustainability: 

  • 40% reduction in embodied carbon  
  • 55% reduced reliance on foreign labour 
  • Upskilling local talent 
  • Utilises robotic, cloud and smart technology  
  • Eliminates redundancies, defects, overlaps and resource wastage 
  • High precision and accuracy enable creativity and flexibility in design 
Navigating Risks, Finding Opportunities: Buying Into Sustainable Development 

by Jess Teng, Chief Operating Officer of Gamuda Land  

Green builds such as Gamuda Cove are facilitated by sustainable master planning featuring:  

  • Climate-responsive design  
  • Integrated transport  
  • Low energy buildings  
  • Smart features  
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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. 

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2023 July

West Hampstead Central: A perfect blend of heritage and contemporary

Getting To Know Our Project 

West Hampstead Central: A perfect blend of heritage and contemporary 

Nestled in the heart of London’s vibrant West End Lane and a stone’s throw away from Hampstead Village lies a new Gamuda Land development that pays tribute to English heritage and contemporary design.  

Drawing inspiration from the elegant mansion blocks of the area, the design exudes timeless charm. The red brick façade and aluminium windows pay homage to the local architectural aesthetic with their simple colour palette and repeated shapes. Delicate brick patterns and balconies adorned with wrought iron railings further enhance the connection to the neighbourhood’s rich heritage.  

West Hampstead Central will also feature combined commercial and retail space on the ground floor, opening out onto West End Lane and Potteries Path. 

This exclusive collection of 101 one and two-bedroom apartments embodies the distinctive style of West Hampstead. Its enviable location is a mere walking distance from independent shops, bars, restaurants and cafes, boutique gyms, fitness studios, art galleries and more, with easy access to tree-lined streets and beautiful green spaces. Finchley Road, home to supermarket branches and Hampstead Village, are approximately one mile away.  

A well-connected location on vibrant West End Lane and close to Hampstead Village, benefiting from fast links into central London and leafy parks and squares nearby, West Hampstead Central offers an exceptional place to live with convenience in a famous London borough rich in culture and heritage.  

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West Hampstead Central fuses local heritage with contemporary design which focuses on sustainability, where natural light is maximised to each apartment, and thoughtfully planned green spaces for the residents. 

Rising five floors above ground level, the design of West Hampstead Central also embraces the future with mindfully thought-out modern building techniques for greater energy efficiency and sustainability features. Natural light is maximised for every unit, and the community will have that connection to nature through extensive landscaping within and surrounding the development.   

The local neighbourhood of West Hampstead itself is a treasure trove of artistic heritage. Keats House, the former residence of poet John Keats, offers a glimpse into his creative world, while Burgh House and Fenton House provide venues for exhibitions, concerts, and other cultural events.  

The nearby Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill, and Primrose Hill offer breathtaking natural landscapes, creating a harmonious balance between urban and natural beauty. 

Well-supported by overground, rail and tube stations within a 2-min walking distance, travelling for work or leisure is easy, offering residents easy access to the city’s top attractions and neighbourhoods.  

Living at West Hampstead Central allows the whole city to become your playground, waiting to be explored! 

 

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2023 July

Exciting New TVET Course For Next-Gen Digital IBS Unveiled

Exciting New TVET Course For Next-Gen Digital IBS Unveiled

This public-private partnership between Gamuda and VTAR shows how industry and education providers can collaborate to create a more effective TVET course. 

Earlier this month we signed an MoU with VTAR Institute (VTAR), a prominent private vocational training institution, to launch a new Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) course for next-gen Digital Industrialised Building System (Digital IBS), the first for Malaysia. 

Through this programme, Gamuda will collaborate with VTAR to create the Certificate in Digital Manufacturing in Construction Program. The first intake for this programme will be in September 2023.  

This public-private partnership between Gamuda and VTAR is expected to deliver 600 trainees in the next five years and is a significant milestone in our shared commitment to developing a robust, future-proof front-line workforce in the construction industry. 

It is also a great example of how private entity and education providers can collaborate to create a more effective TVET system.  

  After all, the construction industry is one of the largest employers in Malaysia, and we must have a skilled workforce to meet the demands of the industry.  

Arguably, the construction industry is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by digitisation, automation, and artificial intelligence. This means that the skillsets required in TVET must adapt to meet these shifting demands. However, the traditional TVET model cannot always keep up with the changing needs of the industry.  

 For example, the construction industry increasingly uses digital technologies to automate the construction process. This means that TVET graduates need to be equipped with the skills to work with these technologies.  

This RM30 million collaboration between Gamuda and VTAR will help address this challenge by providing a customised TVET programme tailored to the construction industry needs.  

This also aligns with the Government’s vision to make Malaysia a fully developed industrial nation.  

It is a customised 24-month training programme, open to all Malaysian students. The programme will consist of three months of soft skills training in VTAR, followed by 21 months of on-the-job training with the actual work environment and final assessment at our next-gen Digital IBS factory in Banting. The TVET trainees will be equipped with Gamuda’s digital design and robotic manufacturing expertise. 

By providing our workforce with the skills they need, we can help to make the industry more productive, efficient, and sustainable.  

 A more productive construction industry will mean we can build more infrastructure and housing faster and cheaper. A more efficient construction industry will mean we can use fewer resources and produce less waste.  A more sustainable construction industry will mean that we can build structures that are more resilient to climate change. 

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2023 July

Meet The Masterminds Behind Our Waterpark’s Design

Meet the Masterminds Behind
Our Waterpark's Design

Brace yourselves for the ultimate water adventure and dive into the aquatic wonderland that is SplashMania Waterpark (SplashMania)! 

Nestled within the vibrant township of Gamuda Cove, SplashMania had its grand launch recently, inaugurated by caretaker Menteri Besar of Selangor, Dato’ Seri Amirudin Bin Shari. 

That means 39 waterslides and thrilling attractions are now open to the public.

With the grand launch of SplashMania, all 39 exhilarating water slides and attractions are open to the public.

“SplashMania Waterpark has put the South of Selangor on the map and breathed new life into the region,” shared Amirudin, highlighting its contribution to the state’s Integrated Development Region as part of the First Selangor Plan. 

Since its soft opening in February 2023, SplashMania has welcomed over 75,000 monthly visitors, leaving a splash-tastic impression on domestic and regional tourism markets.  

Tan Sri Dato’ Setia Haji Ambrin Bin Buang, Chairman of Gamuda Berhad, emphasised that SplashMania’s success goes beyond its visitor numbers. It synergistically interacts with the various ecotourism offerings within Gamuda Cove, transforming the area into a major attraction! 

Last month, the waterpark bagged three awards at the Malaysian Association of Themepark and Family Attractions (MATFA) Golden Horse Awards 2023: Waterpark of the Year 2023, Best New Water Attraction and Best Theme Park – Environment & Sustainability Initiative.

SplashMania’s Exhilarating Water Rides 

The much-anticipated addition of Malaysia’s first Virtual Reality Waterslide, Atlantis VR, will take your breath away. And that’s not all—thrill-seekers will be ecstatic to discover the newest high-speed additions, Monsta and Twista waterslides, are equipped with heart-racing twists and turns that will leave you begging for more!  

And for the ultimate rush, daredevils will be captivated by The Wild Rush, a classic body water slide that contains thrilling twists and 360° loops that ends with a dive into a three metre pool. A wild rush, indeed! 

Behind the scenes, SplashMania’s construction was a labour of love that took nearly two years to complete. The main work package for SplashMania started in November 2020. 

Only the world’s top suppliers, renowned for their quality and established safety standards, were selected to ensure the utmost quality and safety of the water slides.  

The designs were crafted by Canadian slidemakers, ProSlide Technologies, and Turkey’s Polin Waterparks, who have worked on iconic projects like Atlantis Aquaventure Dubai and Disney Typhoon Lagoon, as well as Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas Cruise Waterpark and The Wave Coventry, respectively. The park’s theming was expertly executed by Pico Play, a renowned agency.   

So, dear adventurers and waterpark enthusiasts, seize the day and embark on an unforgettable journey to SplashMania Waterpark in Gamuda Cove.

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Be sure to try out the Atlantis VR, Malaysia’s first virtual reality waterslide.

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The waterpark is a great place for families, friends or just solo visitors looking for some aquatic fun.

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2023 July

Our MRT Stories: Conversations with Project Managers – Ngan Yew Teng

Our MRT Stories: Conversations with Project Managers - Ngan Yew Teng

We conclude our mini-series with Ngan Yew Teng, the project manager for the Sentul Barat MRT station (2021-2023) and the assistant manager for Bukit Bintang MRT station (2016-2017). Yew Teng shares one of his earliest memories during the construction of the Bukit Bintang MRT station, as well as what he’ll do if he had the power to turn back time.