Category: March 2022

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March 2022

Banking fraud prevention tips

ARCHIVE: March 2022

Banking fraud prevention tips

Sheena Wong 

“There are so many banking scams these days. What can I do to avoid them?”
“Spend all your money first” is definitely not the right answer. 

Jokes aside, we interviewed Gamuda Berhad Information Security Manager, Victor Ho for advice. With more than 18 years of experience in the banking industry, he recommended sticking to these basic rules – always be vigilant, think twice and verify every request that comes to you. 

The convenience of internet banking services today comes with its own security risks. It has become a menace of modern life to receive fraudulent emails, SMS phishing (smishing) and voice phishing (vishing) that attempt to steal your sensitive account information. The rapid change of communication channels over the years and uncertainty brought by the COVID-19 pandemic has also exacerbated the problem. 

Here are some of the frequently asked questions on fraud prevention that you should know:

At the end of the day, the best fraud prevention still requires cooperation and awareness from the users to follow good practices when they perform online transactions. Always adhere to these basic security practices. 

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March 2022

Teh Tarik with Jane Samynadan

ARCHIVE: March 2022

Conquering public speaking with 3R

Sheena Wong 

Public speaking is among the most important forms of communication at work. Talents with strong communication skills are in demand for various roles and positions. Dynamic and well-prepared speakers are even more valued to take on bigger responsibilities and leadership positions. 

Yet, having a room of audience paying attention to every word we say can be nerve-racking. You are not alone – the fear of public speaking, also known as glossophobia is remarkably common, but it should not stop you from speaking up. The first rule is to practice speaking. 

Jane Joseph Samynadan recently delivered a lively speech on how the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted our lives. Her engaging presentation style won her the first prize in the Gamuda Video Speech Contest 2021.

Need some advice to start your presentation?

We asked Jane for some personal presentation tips in this video. 

Video prepared by Rahyu Waris 

Over the years, Jane has enhanced her self-esteem by practicing public speaking and is no longer afraid to speak up her thoughts. She was given ample opportunities to engage with stakeholders, which expanded her career pathway through different roles and positions.  

Regardless of your job title, if you want to advance in your career, you have to work on your communication and public speaking skills. Thus, Jane strongly encourages Gamudians to seize the learning opportunities provided through Gamuda Toastmasters Club and English Language Unit to sharpen their soft skills.  

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March 2022

Gamudians band together to aid flood victims

ARCHIVE: March 2022

Photo by Freepik.com

Gamudians band together to
aid flood victims

Yuevern Loh 

The aftermath of the floods were scenes of devastation which made pitiable headlines in the news in December 2021. Gamudians immediately jumped into action and responded with flood relief efforts to help the needy.  

A Group-wide effort across Gamuda Engineering and Gamuda Land, we set out to help in any way we could. Where there were sufficient donations and aid distribution from the public, we focused on providing other assistance such as machinery provisions and medical supports.   

We also partnered with NGO, Crisis Relief Services and Training (CREST), our 2021 Gamuda Inspiration Award (GIA) winner to leverage on their resources and experience in disaster management. In some instances, we were the first support team to arrive in the affected areas.  

Our MGKT colleagues mobilised three response teams to provide plant and machinery support to several affected locations in Hulu Langat. 

Yayasan Gamuda and Gamuda Clinic partnered with CREST to provide essential on-site medical aid and medications for flood victims around Taman Sri Muda and Klang Utama.

The team at twentyfive.7 dispatched Gamuda volunteers to help clean up the affected areas in Shah Alam. 

The twentyfive.7 team also donated electrical items, daily essentials and packed food to the affected residents in Kampung Lombong.

A donation drive was also held at Gamuda Cove and Menara Gamuda for Gamudians to donate daily necessities and food items to SK (A) Bukit Cheding, Jabatan Kemajuan Orang Asli (JAKOA) and residents in Puchong Batu 13.  

Meanwhile, GL Cares prepared warm food and collected donations for four temporary evacuation areas or PPS (Pusat Pemindahan Sementara). Over 6,000 meals were distributed in a span of seven days throughout four locations in Dengkil and Hulu Langat:  

  • PPS Sekolah Agama Bukit Changgang  
  • PPS SK Bukit Changgang  
  • PPS Taman Seri Ehsan Banting 
  • PPS SK Seri Cheding 

Zipped wardrobes were also donated to JAKOA Sepang which was then distributed to about 80 Orang Asli families whose homes were affected by the flood.  

The Gamuda Cove team rounded up 80 volunteers to help with post-flood clean-up of 30 houses in Bukit Changgang, Banting and 15 houses in Hulu Langat. 

During these trying times, it’s heart-warming to see Gamudians coming forward to help those in need.  

 

The Bandar Botanic team spared no time to roll up their sleeves to remove fallen trees, cleaned up surface roads and disposed flood debris and detritus in affected areas. They also arranged for sewerage specialists from Envitech to facilitate drainage efforts at Ambang Botanic. 

Led by the Gamuda Cove team, essentials such as diapers, canned food and shampoo were among the items donated to the Orang Asli community.

SMART Tunnel in action

When the floods occurred last year, the Stormwater Management And Road Tunnel (SMART) swung into action and diverted five million cubic metres of water (equivalent to almost 2,000 Olympic-size swimming pools) – preventing major floods in Kuala Lumpur.  

SMART Tunnel is a dual-purpose infrastructure that mitigates major floods, thus minimising losses. In fact, the tunnel alone addresses 45% of Klang Valley’s major floods. Without SMART Tunnel, the flood in Klang Valley could’ve been a lot worse based on case studies and socio-economic statistics of floods in Malaysia.  

Click here to read more

Mode 4 was activated at 9.15pm on 18 December 2021. 

Within an hour, CCTV footage at 10.03pm on the same day showed high volume of flood water being directed into the tunnel. 

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March 2022

Accuvio for seamless ESG data management

ARCHIVE: March 2022

Photo by Freepik.com

Accuvio for seamless ESG data management

Sheena Wong 

Just as we require a dashboard to monitor our car performance, we need appropriate tools to track our Group-wide ESG data for our annual sustainability reporting. It’s also to facilitate transparent audit trail for assurance, ensure compliance with global ESG standards and monitor progress against GGP 2025 targets. 

At present, our ESG data is captured by respective data owners across the Group via Excel or Fieldview and then manually extracted for reporting. Manual data acquisition is prone to human error, time consuming and challenging to validate, posing a high risk of data integrity.  

A real-time dashboard to streamline ESG management

We need a software that can provide robust and integrated ESG data management. It must possess the ability to transform manual data collection into an integrated dashboard that can present up–to–date ESG performance and reflect our trajectory on achieving the GGP 2025 targets.  

MANAGECO2 Software Limited provides Accuvio software from Ireland with an office in Kuala Lumpur. With extensive experience in supplying ESG management solutions, it has been servicing companies worldwide such as CBRE Group, Kingspan Group and Balfour Beatty for over 12 years. The software covers all scope of emissions and provides the best statistical analysis performance.

“We are preparing colleagues across projects to use the Accuvio software. It will have built-in compliance capabilities to meet stringent requirements of global emission factors and sustainability frameworks such as Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), Greenhouse gas (GHG) Protocol, Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI), MSCI and FTSE4Good. This will support our effort to obtain improved scorecards by the ESG rating communities and be ready for Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi),” Jee Lian explained. 

Let’s hear from our colleagues on the Accuvio software

An example of Accuvio’s GHG dashboard, where it can generate sustainability and carbon reports with over 2,000 types of emission sources (including waste, water, transport, business travel, commuting, and supply chain).  

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March 2022

Gamuda Australia launches Reconciliation Action Plan

ARCHIVE: March 2022

RAP artwork: Together, Weaving Our Future designed by Wakka Wakka man David Williams, Executive Director at Gilimbaa.  

Gamuda Australia launches Reconciliation Action Plan

Burson Cohn & Wolfe (BCW) 

The Australian team recently launched its first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), marking a major first step towards building positive partnerships between Gamuda and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. 

In Australia, organisations have been implementing RAPs since 2006, which are effectively a blueprint for organisations to take meaningful action to support First Nations self-determination. Reconciliation is an ongoing journey to build relationships, respect and trust between Indigenous Australians and the wider community. This includes operating in a way that is equitable for all and enhancing opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities in society and the construction and infrastructure sector.  

The RAP will serve as the team’s framework for engaging, respecting, and creating meaningful partnerships with local Traditional Owners on every project delivered in Australia. This includes creating opportunities for upskilling and training, diverse hiring, and engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across all aspects of future projects.  

Ewan Yee, Executive Director of Gamuda Australia said, “In building our business in Australia, we aim to contribute to the local infrastructure landscape and leave a positive social legacy in the communities in which we operate. That includes ensuring our offices and worksites are culturally safe, welcoming and respectful places for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and businesses.  

“Improving our understanding of reconciliation and supporting positive engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities is fundamental to achieving this,” he said.  

An important part of the RAP is the artwork that symbolises the team’s reconciliation journey, its pledge to build and maintain strong connections, and Gamuda’s long-term commitment to Australia. Titled ‘Together, Weaving Our Future’, the artwork was created by Indigenous designer and Wakka Wakka man David Williams.  

At the heart of the artwork is the ‘Weave’, a symbol of reconciliation that celebrates coming together to change and grow and creating positive and meaningful actions now and into the future. Alongside the ‘Weave’ are our people, highlighting the strong connections between Malaysia and the Australian team. Each of Gamuda’s intentions – respect, trust, connections, positive impact, sustainability, and innovation, are also highlighted in the artwork.  

The Australian team’s journey towards reconciliation has started with improving the understanding of the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Through our tender activities, we have established partnerships with local Indigenous organisations, including the New South Wales Indigenous Chamber of Commerce, to support greater participation by Aboriginal people in government construction projects. We have partnered with Goanna Services to provide tunnel boring machine training and employment to Goanna staff to facilitate development and upskilling opportunities on future projects.  

Sianne Bennett, Head of Human Resources said, “Gamuda is a culturally safe and inclusive place to work. Everyone in our team has a valuable role in weaving a more equitable future together.  

“Our Reconciliation Action Plan is an important part of our reconciliation journey and the blueprint for ensuring we engage with respect and create meaningful partnerships with local Traditional Owners on every project we deliver,” said Sianne.  

The RAP is part of the Australian team’s broader commitment to social responsibility and empowering people, as outlined in the team’s Seeds for Growth Sustainability Framework.  

Visit the Gamuda Australia website to read the team’s Reconciliation Action Plan. 

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March 2022

A holistic approach to sustainable employment

ARCHIVE: March 2022

A holistic approach to
sustainable employment

Mathenny Kanapathy 

The Enabling Academy (EA) has been equipping individuals with high-functioning autism to integrate seamlessly into white-collar jobs in other corporate companies. It will also embark on a five-year plan from 2022 to 2026 to benefit more young adults on the autism spectrum. These initiatives will be featured in The Star soon, stay tuned for a good read! 

Meanwhile, behind every success there is unseen hard work, sacrifice, and persistence. Thus, the achievements that EA achieved so far are attributed to the team. A group of dedicated job coaches, who worked hard to ensure every EA trainee gets employed, and is able to adapt and remain employed in the long term.  

Hear what the job coaches have to say:

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Project Differently-Abled (PDA) colleagues with job coaches socialising with each other.

Field-trip outing, a practical component for one of the classroom sessions on Travelling Independently by Public Transport.

EA graduate Putri binti Khalid at work

Fun and interactive activities are incorporated during classroom session to stimulate discussion amongst EA trainees. 

EA graduate Dennis Liew’s painting, inspired from his trip to Japan, where he saw a beautiful river. This painting titled ‘Autumn Stream’ represents the time of rejuvenation, new beginnings and a start to the new year. 

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March 2022

Taking the helm

ARCHIVE: March 2022

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Taking the helm

A conversation with the new MRT Putrajaya Line Project Director, Adil Putra

Dr Bhavani Krishna Iyer 

Known for his calm demeanour and affable personality, Adil Putra is a well-known troubleshooter or “Mender” of sorts. He is often sent to projects to address knotty situations and complex challenges. His peers welcomed his return to MMC-Gamuda at the start of January 2022 as he took over a crucial seat as the Project Director for the MRT Putrajaya Line. Tasked with seeing the project through for the opening of Phase 1 and 2, the Rise editorial caught up with Adil for an informal glimpse into the mind of this stalwart who is known for his DIY ways of solving challenging situations. 

Could you give us a short brief about your employment history with Gamuda?

I first joined in 1989, getting involved in building roads and highways. I took a short break in 1998 before returning in 2001, and was initially posted to manage projects in Sabah. Later I was asked to handle the Sungai Buloh Hospital Interchange and then moved on to G. B. Kuari. I was in MMC-Gamuda managing the MRT Kajang Line project. Following the project completion, I moved on to our PTMP project. This briefly sums up my journey with Gamuda over the last 30 years. 

As this is considered a come-back to the KVMRT project, at a time when the project is on its critical last leg, what do you have on your plate?

I am basically picking up from where Dato’ Wong left off as the Project Director. There were systems work integration and the remaining Underground work challenges that need to be managed before opening of the MRT Putrajaya Line. It’s nothing that we can’t resolve, just that the pandemic has pushed us to the limits in terms of project timelines.  The team is working very hard and I am confident we will be hitting the shore soon.  

Fondly known as En. Adil, the new Project Director was on his rounds inspecting various underground sites.

The team is now much leaner and there is a sort of exodus still happening. What would the impact of this be on the project?

Yes, I must say that the early exits of some key personnel have left us in a tight spot in certain areas, so we are feeling the pinch. On the other hand, it is only to be expected as there are other new upcoming projects and our people are sought-after due to their experience, exposure and skills trained when with us.  

Up close and personal, you come across as mild, approachable, and pleasant. Have you always been this way? People genuinely enjoy working with you but you are still able to command respect and admiration, is this something that is missing in some leadership?

I too was once a hot-headed guy with a temper that easily flared up. However, as I got older, I realised it (the temper) did not solve anything and neither did it benefit anyone. I then began to develop and adopt a conscious approach to changing how I dealt with problems and people. My mainstay now is not to focus on flaws, faults or shortcomings, but rather to explore opportunities that are presented to me in each situation and bringing out the best from individuals in each case. 

The inspected sites were Titiwangsa, Conlay and Hospital Kuala Lumpur stations.

Is there a specific management style you try to emulate? Who are some leaders you look up to? What characteristics define a Leader?

While looking up to many role models, we all certainly have our own management styles. Leaders who seek out of the box solutions, however, are those that inspire me the most. I therefore always try to lead by example and have had demonstrable success in getting people to work together through self-discipline. Ultimately it is all about increasing productivity, which should be our common goal or aim. The other aspect that I strongly feel about is that a leader should be respected and not feared, as people respond better to inspiration rather than coercion. 

I avoid head-on confrontation at all costs. When such situations call, I take a step back, assess the situation and regroup to find the best way forward. In this context, coffee time alone gives me time to think and reflect on things, and suddenly there is the ‘Bingo!’ moment when the idea for a solution comes to mind. 

I am sure you don’t have much free time, but when you do have pockets of such time, what occupies your interest?

I love the outdoors, used to enjoy photography, but got weaned off due to work commitments. My all-time favourite hobby has been playing music. I used to play the guitar and drums during my college days and I still do. Creating music gives me a great sense of pleasure. As we all know, having the right and left brains working consciously in equal measure is a gift and luckily, I think I have it. During the MCO, I rekindled my interest in music and started composing again. Creative thinking can lead to resolving finite analytical problems. When you have the creative streak in you, whether it is music or a work-related issue, it works just as well in helping to drive new out of the box solutions.   

En. Adil was accompanied by Goh Chee Young, Deputy Project Director and Construction Managers of the respective sites.

You have been in the Penang project for a few years now. What are some lessons learnt in Penang from a project management perspective that can be applied in MGJV/MGKT?

In Penang everything was different. We could not apply the same approaches and strategies that were tried and tested here. Suddenly, there was a need for a new wave of thoughts and tactics. We had to invest time and effort in educating our stakeholders and guiding them on building a project of massive size like the PTMP and PSR.

What would you say is lacking in the world today? Care, concern, kindness, love?

I think there is a sore need for people to think beyond themselves, as it is only then that we will realise that many others are not as fortunate. There is a lot of misfortune around us and living with mindfulness helps us respond to people in need. Also, if people are appreciative of their surroundings, they form an innate sense of belonging and the need to preserve it, which is how factors like environmental, social and governance (ESG) become relevant. It is not just about being compliant, it is about developing a distinctive and natural relationship with our surroundings and environment.   

What are your parting words to the project team at the end of this interview?

I hope to see this team working on the MRT to continue to work on future rail projects, expanding their skills sets and expertise. We should be proud for building and nurturing them through the years, though I may be happily retired by then! 

Will we ever get to listen to you play and sing one your own compositions some day?

Adil’s smooth and hearty laughter in response was deceptive,
so I could not tell if it was a Yes or a No. 

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March 2022

Breaking the bias

ARCHIVE: March 2022

Breaking the bias

Sheena Wong 

Women make up 38.8% of the formal workforce in Malaysia. Yet, despite being in a male-dominated construction industry, we have managed to get 35% of women participation in our workforce in 2021.  

A good representation of our female colleagues across the Group fondly shared about the importance of diversity, how the management has helped in shaping their career development and providing the platform for them to shine and climb the corporate ladder.  

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