11 hours ago
Benny is new Acem Sabah head
Published on: Sunday, June 08, 2025
Published on: Sun, Jun 08, 2025 Text Size: The new line-up posing for a photo. Kota Kinabalu: Benny Song was elected new Chairman of Malaysia Association of Consulting Engineers (Acem Sabah) succeeding Datuk Chin Shu Ying. The new committee includes Wah Kheng Haw as Deputy Chairman and Datuk Dr Amarjit Singh as Honorary Secretary.
Advertisement The new leadership team also includes seasoned professionals from various engineering disciplines such as Kenny Lo (Honorary Treasurer), while the executive committee comprises Tang Koh Yon, Mohd. Arzahri AR, Hiew Vun Heng, Silvia Voon and James Leong. In his farewell address, Chin spoke about the consulting engineering sector, identifying eight major issues threatening the profession's future. 'Consulting engineers play an important role in shaping Malaysia's infrastructure, economy and future. 'However, we face unprecedented challenges that require immediate attention,' he said. The most pressing concern, according to Chin, is fee undercutting that undermines professional standards.
Advertisement 'Unfair competition is eroding the integrity and quality of our work,' he said. The industry is also grappling with a talent crisis, as experienced engineers leave for better opportunities abroad while universities struggle to produce job-ready graduates. This brain drain coincides with bureaucratic bottlenecks that delay project approvals and increase costs. Rising legal liability represents another significant challenge, with engineers facing increasingly unfavourable contract terms. Chin advocated for mandatory professional indemnity insurance and fairer agreements between consultants and clients. The sector's slow adoption of modern technology also emerged as a key concern. 'We must embrace artificial intelligence, Building Information Modeling, Internet of Things and other digital tools to remain competitive,' he said. Environmental pressures are mounting as well, with engineers expected to lead Malaysia's transition toward sustainable development and carbon reduction while addressing climate change impacts. Perhaps most critically, Chin said was the profession's limited influence in national policymaking despite engineers' crucial role in development planning. He called for greater representation in government decision-making processes. 'We suffer from fragmentation and lack of collaboration,' he said, urging stronger partnerships between firms and enhanced knowledge-sharing across the industry. He challenged his successors and the broader engineering community to unite in upholding the dignity of the profession, champion value-based practices, mentor the next generation and embrace innovation. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
