Last February, a joint venture between Gamuda Singapore and Wai Fong Construction Pte Ltd. broke new grounds with the award for constructing Defu Station and Tunnels package worth SGD$467 million (RM1.45 billion) from the Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA). Unprecedented for a Malaysian contractor, it was a landmark achievement for Gamuda as a relative newcomer in the landscape. 

In Singaporean government projects, companies are allocated tender limits based on their business grades. Making a thorough review of the organisation’s track record, financial position, workforce personnel, growth, and more, this process could make or break the bidder’s chances of prequalifying in the first place. Over the last 1.5 years, Gamuda Singapore tendered for six contracts in the latest MRT line known as the Cross Island Line where each could involve up to 15 unique competitors vying for the job.  

Considering that each tender process typically takes 5-7 months, with numerous presentations to LTA, it was no small feat for a lean team of just 10-15 persons, said Assistant Tunnel Manager, Jefry Santhosam. Facing overwhelming competition from local bidders and veteran players from Japan, China, Korea and Australia, nerve-racking prequalification rounds, and enduring long tender cycles – the journey was an emotional yet fruitful one for the team.