Category: Sept 2020

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Sept 2020

DisCOVEr Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands

ARCHIVE: September 2020

DisCOVEr Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands

Nadia Zuraida

Copyright © 2020 Gamuda Berhad

Worldwide travel restriction, coupled with a prevailing apprehension towards travelling in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, has certainly put a strain on tourism operators throughout the country. 

Domestic tourism, or commonly known as Cuti-Cuti Malaysia, has therefore become an integral element that could fill the void and consequently translate into spurring the country’s economy forward. 

To this end, Malaysians can be an important catalyst for local tourism by playing tourist on home ground. 

While exploring local attractions for potential family holiday and weekend hangout, many are beginning to discover the countless  unique and breathtaking local tourism spots that Malaysia has to offer. 

Home to a nature sanctuary and experiential activities, one should not miss the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands at Gamuda Cove.

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Copyright © 2020 Gamuda Berhad

Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands

A hidden gem located next to our township, Gamuda Cove, many are rediscovering the majestic beauty of this lush and rustic wetlands just 30-minute from the city. 

Spanning across 1,111 acres of lush greenery, 14 lakes, swamps and tropical forests, the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands is teeming with biodiversity – 142 aquatic plants and animals, 40 types of fish, 23 types of mammals, 225 bird species, and 220 types of terrestrial plants and herbs.

To ensure the community enjoys an enhanced quality of life, Gamuda Land has put in conscious efforts into reviving the area to reflect its natural surroundings and create a nature sanctuary. 

From small squirrels to enormous crocodiles and shy critters, there is something rare to see with every visit. 

There is also fun for both the seasoned adventurers and young explorers as Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands offers an educational nature trail, called the Jungle School programme. Participants can go on an adventure in a safari truck into the wetlands, and even get up close with the Nile Hippopotamus, crocodiles, Khaki Campbells, porcupines, tortoises and terrapins. 

For adventure-seekers and nature-lovers, stay tuned for upcoming eco-tourism activities which include horse riding, fishing, cycling, bird watching, boat cruises, hot air balloon rides, nature trekking and camping. 

The Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands can be easily accessed via the ELITE highway, exit 607A. It opens daily from 8.30am to 5.30pm, except on Tuesdays.

To participate in the Jungle School Programme, purchase the tickets via https://kidxy.com/discoverywetlands 

 

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Sept 2020

Modernising the core

Enterprise Resource Management ERP software system for business resources plan presented in modern graphic interface showing future technology to manage company enterprise resource.

ARCHIVE: September 2020

 Freepik.com

MODERNISING THE CORE

Wong Tsien Loong 

BACKDROP

The construction industry accounts for 6% of global GDP[1]. In Malaysia, we contribute 4.7% of GDP, which is valued at RM71 billion annually (2019 estimate[2]). Over 60% of that value is in real estate, to deliver residential and non-residential buildings.

The scale of our industry is such that we are the biggest consumers of raw materials and resources, consuming 50% of global steel production and 3 billion tonnes of raw material.

However, productivity in our industry still lags. By some estimates, over the past 25 years, productivity in construction is a quarter of manufacturing[3]. In a world where sustainability is gaining tremendous traction, we have a poor record.

HEADWINDS

This on-going pandemic has shown how vulnerable we are as an organisation. Even before the pandemic, we were already contending with a slew of domestic and external difficulties. Low margins, ultra-competitive landscape and political uncertainties constrain growth.

The rise of new forms of digital technologies could help us in some ways, and we have seen promising gains through our digital procurement that is powered by SAP Ariba. However, to further leverage on digital technologies such as analytics and artificial intelligence, we are hampered by our disparate legacy and manual systems.

Data, when it even exists, is stored in various inconsistent formats residing in islands. It takes tremendous effort to extract and cleanse to be useful because each system is fragmented, isolated and independent.

Analysing data requires significant manual effort off-system (using Microsoft Excel) to extract and aggregate information from different sources. Consequently, the reporting process is slow, and there is less time available for analysis to generate insights. Lack of granularity and visibility impairs proactive control of cost, time and scope overruns.

Hence our decision to bite the bullet, forge ahead to modernise our core systems, and deploy a modern ERP.

WHAT IS AN ERP?

ERP is an acronym for enterprise resource planning. It is an integrated enterprise platform to manage day-to-day business activities such as accounting, budgeting, procurement, project management, compliance and supply chain operations.

The initial concept of ERP was of four core, integrated modules aimed primarily at manufacturing and retail companies: financials, HR, order management and manufacturing (now we see why manufacturing has improved productivity!). However, since then ERP has expanded to become the organisation’s end-to-end process and information backbone.

Correctly implemented, ERP help enhance profitability and productivity by:

  • Improving business process efficiency with better consistency;
  • Enhancing visibility of financial and operational data; and
  • Becoming the foundation and catalyst for agility and business transformation

ERP is more than a software – it requires Gamuda to retool how we operate. The systems, processes, roles and organisational culture that have served us well through the last four decades will not be sufficient in enabling us to realise our strategic goals and reclaim market share. Our legacy systems with siloed data were not designed for usability and insight.

With a modern ERP, we are embarking on a program of transforming how we operate as an organisation by leveraging technology where appropriate, but most importantly by focusing on information as a corporate asset.

HOW WILL ERP HELP?

To transform and become a data-driven organisation, we have to re-establish our foundation. By implementing a modern ERP, we will deliver a new operating model that will see the replacement or enhancement of core business systems over the next twelve months.

Through a single ERP platform for the Group, we promote better efficiencies, cost reduction and productivity by adopting leading practices that were developed with the likes of global business services (GBS) organisations.

With one database, it removes the opportunity for errors from manual data entry and delivers real-time reporting and analysis. We deploy the same system to other countries as we expand Gamuda’s geographical footprint.

It will become the platform that supports existing and future business models by providing the secure and stable foundation upon which differentiating and innovative capabilities can be realised.

WHAT ERP ARE WE DEPLOYING?

SAP S/4HANA is a new generation cloud ERP platform that will provide the foundation for the Group to streamline current and build future business capabilities.

During the MCO, when we were working remotely, it became apparent that we had to re-think our approach to business continuity, system availability, accessibility, resilience and security. A modern, cloud ERP like SAP S/4HANA ticks all the boxes to enable our mobile, flexible and remote workforce of the future.

HOW WILL ERP ENABLE US TO BECOME AN AGILE ORGANISATION?

SAP S/4HANA is consistent with our move to becoming an agile organisation that is quick and nimble in how we respond to changes in the market; and where teams are built around end-to-end accountability:

  • Delayering, where accountability is driven down the leadership chain, with ERP making available timely, accurate data and analysis for informed decision-making, spotting opportunities for innovation and cost reduction;
  • Adopting leading practices for efficient processes that differentiate us competitively when delivered more consistently and effectively across the Group;
  • Data integrity and consistency allow us to use tools to promote process automation;
  • Extending the core ERP for better customer engagement, using analytics to grow sales; and
  • Improving productivity and efficient use of raw materials and resources, less wastage and advocating sustainability throughout our operations.

With SAP S/4HANA, we will have a backbone for new ways of operation, new services and products where new business models can be developed.

When we improve productivity, we conserve resources. And that is good business.

[1] World Economic Forum (2016) “Shaping the Future of Construction”

[2] Fitch Solutions “Malaysia Infrastructure Report, Q3 2020”

[3] https://www.economist.com/leaders/2017/08/17/the-construction-industrys-productivity-problem

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Sept 2020

Imbibing teambuilding and communication skills

Close up of microphone in concert hall or conference room

ARCHIVE: September 2020

Imbibing teambuilding and communication skills

Emelyn Lee 

freepik.com

 

Mirosha has high regards for Gamuda Toastmasters’ positive influence and expanding membership.  

Toastmasters International District 102 representative, Mirosha Somasundram regards Gamuda Toastmasters as a “star corporate club” among its peers as she witnessed growth in its membership. 

“The positive vibe of Gamudians can be felt whenever I participate in their meetings. They are unstoppable, they strive to make a difference in their club members’ lives,” Mirosha said when I recently contacted her. 

Toastmasters International was founded in 1924 by Ralph C. Smedley. The word “toastmaster” refers to a person who proposed the toasts and introduced the speakers at a banquet.  

Smedley named his group “The Toastmasters Club” to reflect the social atmosphere among peers. Today, this network has close to 300,000 members across 116 countries. 

Gamuda Toastmasters, in line with Toastmasters International’s vision, seeks to inculcate public speaking skills.  

For seven years, Gamuda Toastmasters has and continues to help Gamudians embrace their stage presence and speak their minds in a safe space.  

Hakuna Matata meeting @ South Gate, KL! One of our themed meeting sessions where we (temporarily) forget our worries. 

The club, as of today, has close to 30 in membership. It believes one does not stop learning. In November 2019, the “Art of Effective Speaking” workshop offered a crash course on public speaking and saw the recruitment of eight new members.  

“So, what’s in it for me?” you may ask. Well, Gamuda Toastmasters activities are designed to have its members to think on the spot. 

In a recent Table Topics session, members answered impromptu questions such as “Should women act like Doraemon at home?” and “What is life like under the Movement Control Order (MCO)?” 

Fledgeling members of Gamuda Toastmasters Club, guided by seniors’ evaluation, gained insights into WHAT is appropriate in formal and casual conversations and also HOW to say it well. 

The mentor-mentee system facilitated knowledge-sharing to help members become better versions of ourselves.  

Yours truly has gone from being hardly communicative to be more confident in sharing my ideas and passions via the club’s social media postings and poster designs. After serving two years as a committee member, the execution of my administrative tasks has also improved. 

Gamuda Toastmasters gives new members the opportunities to take on executive committee roles. From there, they gain first-hand experience in being responsible and supportive as a team in planning and executing goals.  

Earlier this year when the global COVID-19 pandemic worsened, Malaysia had, on 18 March 2020, imposed the MCO to lower risks of viral infection. Many economic and social activities came to a halt. 

 

Despite MCO, it didn’t stop us from celebrating Gamuda Toastmasters Club’s 7th Anniversary via Zoom. 

Gamuda Toastmasters, however, went online via the Zoom video application. It gave us the opportunity to improve our skills as orators because there is a lot to think about when you are speaking on camera to an audience instead of being physically present. 

On 1st April 2020, we held a virtual toast, via Zoom, to seven years of Gamuda Toastmasters. Here’s to more collaborative activities with other clubs. Who knows, you may find new business contacts, if not friends! 

Wirestock – Freepik.com

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Sept 2020

Decorating spaces

ARCHIVE: September 2020

Decorating Spaces

Sheena Wong

At some point in time, every house needs a makeover. Everyone has different ideas on what they prefer, whether it is to make their home more pleasant-looking or functional. 

Even before the government enforced a stay-at-home order to break the chain of COVID-19 infections, many of us like to remodel our living spaces to suit lifestyle changes. 

Thus the Movement Control Order (MCO) gave us even more opportunity to redesign every nook and corner of our house. 

“We will see future homes designed with multifunction and flexible uses in mind” 
Linda Lim

Senior General Manager of PMU, Linda Lim and Assistant Manager of Interior Architecture for PMU, Anis Syuhada Daud are the in-house interior design (ID) team for Gamuda Land.  

In an interview with Rise, they shared thoughts on decorating spaces. Linda, especially loves redecorating and reviving her house with new and trendy wall colours.

“Spending more time at home during the MCO made us rethink the function of indoor spaces. It was an opportunistic time to incorporate energy-efficient and green elements within our living zones.  

“After being confined indoor for so long, we now probably prefer to live in a house with at least a small outdoor space!” she said. 

“More importantly, we will see future homes designed with multifunction and flexible uses in mind. Such as, transforming dedicated work stations into a gym, or creating rooms that are configurable depending on the time of day,” added Linda. 

The ID team’s basic rule starts with spatial planning. It defines the occupants’ circulation patterns within a space, and from there, they develop a plan for furniture layout.  

Understanding the occupants’ lifestyle needs and preferences are also crucial. The team talks to potential home buyers to learn how they make full use of their living spaces. 

Once a design concept is formulated, they mesh the colours, materials and other elements together in a mood board to achieve the desired ambience. 

Weaving in the core principles of arts, like balance, scale, proportion, harmony and unity in the layout is essential to creating aesthetic values for interior design.  

Both Linda and Anis believe that refurbishing an old bungalow is more challenging than decorating a small space on a limited budget. 

Redecorating is merely changing the look and feel of a space with new design elements. In contrast, refurbishing involves major structural changes such as knocking down or building up walls, redoing the floors, ceiling and more.  

The ultimate goal is to make homes more livable and comfortable for its occupants. 

“We constantly look at design books, magazines and even websites for new trend and design inspirations,” said Anis. 

“For  those of us who live and breathe design, Pinterest is our best friend,” she added. 

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Sept 2020

Converting food waste into organic fertiliser

ARCHIVE: September 2020

Converting food waste into organic fertilisers

Ong Jee Lian

Freepik.com

Malaysians waste about 3,000 tonnes of food daily. Enough to feed two million people!  

Rising food prices, a crisis for vulnerable households is often caused by limited food supply. Yet, food waste remains a problem so existential for the fate of humanity, and so far away from finding a solution.  

The only way to solve this issue for real, is for all of us to come together and collaborate. Wastage occurs across the food chain – from production, retailing, cooking and eating at our consumer level. 

Wasted food is a known culprit to carbon footprint and climate impact – as most of it rots in the landfill and emits methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) which is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.  

Landfill is also an aggravator for land scarcity and stricter requirements for new development.  

The high fluid content in food waste leads to uncontrollable sludge discharge that contaminates surface and groundwater.  

Such leachate results in proliferation of pests, outbreak of vector diseases, and other health and safety problems in the communities.  

A circular economy approach will help us save money during this economic uncertainty, reduce wastage and achieve greater efficiency in the food industry.

Instead of sending waste to landfills in a linear and unproductive manner, a circular model and closed loop system directs it back into the system with reusable value. 

Composting is a practical solution to transform kitchen waste and food residues into useful fertiliser. Thus, fermentation is a viable technology for treating food waste. 

At Menara Gamuda and eventually at all our townships, we will be managing food waste through the ‘Plate to Plant’ programme. It houses the first, dedicated compost machine in the basement of PJ Trade Centre.  

The food waste compost machine is located at Menara Gamuda’s Level B7, which can compost ±50kg of food waste a day. A same machine is also installed at Jade Hills.

Bio-Mate is a MyHIJAU certified vendor that is supplying the food compost machine – a minimal-heated tank of 300 litres (L) volume that can ferment ±50 kilograms (kg) of food waste daily. 

This machine uses minimal heat which is highly efficient in turning about 40% of the input weight (food waste) into compost. It could produce as much as 240kg of solid compost and 240L of liquid compost in a month.  

Due to the natural fermentation process, the compost is organic (versus a chemical compost) that can be stored up to months, without build-up of mould or odour.   

It also traps the soil nutrients (e.g. nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium) in a simpler form which increases plant nutrient absorption. 

Our office pantries will have designated ‘Plate to Plant’ bins for you to segregate and discard food waste, such as leftover meat, bones, vegetable and fruits. 

Additionally, the programme will benefit the restaurants in PJ Trade Centre, namely Deaf-In-Business Restaurant Cafe, Seri Penang, Toscana, Seven Cups, Mike’s Food Court and San Francisco Coffee. 

These eateries generate food waste from cooking – totalling to about 30kg a day. In the past, they were simply thrown into a common bin without being sorted, and sent to the landfill. 

Now with the compost machine, the food waste gathered from the office pantries and eateries can be fermented into compost within a day. The resulting organic compost will then be used to nourish the landscape of Gamuda Land townships.  

Recovering the value of food waste is an environmental, social and governance (ESG) form of managing waste. It is a clear win-win that helps us obtain the true benefits of material circularity, in addition to optimised waste administration and disposal cost. 

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Sept 2020

Teamwork made the dream work

ARCHIVE: September 2020

Copyright © 2020 Gamuda Berhad

Teamwork Made
the Dream Work

The untold stories behind the final TBM breakthrough of the MRT Putrajaya Line

Adam Anand Row

For many of the tunnel crews working on the underground portion of the MRT Putrajaya Line project, the triumph of the final Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) breakthrough on 18 July 2020 at Ampang Park Station was truly bittersweet.  

While they shared the satisfaction and exhilaration of a job done exceptionally well, their celebrations were coloured by a twinge of sadness as it marked the completion of a grand adventure and unique experience that the mining works had provided.   

The Rise team caught-up with some of the Conlay tunnel team members who helped achieve the final TBM breakthrough to share some thoughts on their experiences up to this point.  

 Image © Tang Tzye Wai

I feel blessed to have been q part of the Conlay tunnel team over the past two years, carving a path through both good and tough times.  

From planning, assembling, operating, disassembling and finally finishing up with post-tunnelling works, the entire team, be it plant or tunnel crew have been supportive and played a vital role in the success of the Conlay tunnelling works. 

We faced a herculean task of launching four Variable Density TBMs within six months in a congested 153-metre-long station box. Thus, it is with no small measure of pride and accomplishment that we are thrilled to have completed all four tunnel drives from Conlay to Ampang Park and Tun Razak Exchange stations, respectively.

The final breakthrough of TBM S774 at Ampang Park station was undeniably memorable. I have countless precious memories of the journey that got us here; from pushing through the 180 metres length of Persiaran KLCC Station, to operating the TBM throughout the Movement Control Order (MCO) with minimal manpower and finally passing underneath the twin tunnels of LRT Kelana Jaya Line with limited cover above us before breaking into Ampang Park station. It has been a defining experience for everyone involved.

 Image © Tang Tzye Wai

Joining the MRT Putrajaya Line project as a Tunnel Engineer back in 2017, I was just a fresh graduate with limited knowledge and experience in tunnelling in particular.  

I was fortunate, however, to team up with helpful and supportive teammates who were willing to share knowledge and advice.  

Through their guidance and assistance, I learned how to control the supply sequence of rings to the TBM and to enable correct ring construction, as well gained valuable experience in Quality, Safety, Health & Environmental compliance.  

Being part of a passionate team of people working towards a common goal has been a constant source of motivation for me. 

Completing the final TBM breakthrough for Tunnel drive (TU4) was quite challenging.  

Prior to the breakthrough itself, thorough checking and testing were required with tunnel crews, mechanics and electricians all working in sync as a well-oiled unit to ensure success.  

Surveyors helped to confirm the correct positioning of the TBM, while the tunnel team closely coordinated with the Ampang Park station team to ensure both the breakthrough and the subsequent retrieval would proceed smoothly.  

The experience from start to finish reinforced our shared belief that teamwork is key to success in tunnelling. 

 Image © Tang Tzye Wai

Working with the MMC Gamuda KVMRT (T) Sdn Bhd team is in fact the culmination of a long-time goal of mine.  

Back in the day, the construction of Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART), the longest stormwater drainage tunnel in Southeast Asia, inspired me to dream of one day working in the tunnelling industry.  

I started with having no prior knowledge about tunnelling but have definitely learned a lot since completing the SL1M programme with Gamuda Berhad and joining the Conlay tunnel team as one of the Plant Engineers. 

As one of the earliest certified compressed air workers here in Conlay, my first compressed air dive in TBM S774 stands out as a cherished memory. 

My Tunnel Manager, Daniel Boylan, trusted and assigned me as team lead for the intervention works although I had yet to experience conditions within the excavation chamber.  

I’m proud to say that thanks to the steady stream of guidance via communication from the outside, I managed to lead the intervention team in achieving our objectives.  

Upon emerging to the surface and meeting Daniel again, he smiled proudly and said, “This was how I trained before, too!” It was a special moment that will stay with me forever. 

Copyright © 2020 Gamuda Berhad

The testing for the new MRT Putrajaya Line Electric Trains (ET) kicked-off on 16 June 2020 with pre-requisite fouling tests to ensure physical compatibility with the current MRT Kajang Line tracks. ET 1 then commenced powered testing from 6 to 10 July 2020, completing a successful run along a stretch of tracks on the elevated viaduct of the MRT Putrajaya Line, between Damansara Damai and Sri Damansara Sentral Station. With initial testing of checking all the right boxes, our systems engineers are now gearing up for the full-scale testing of the automatic ET systems in mid-August 2020. 

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