5th Issue Editio

January 2005

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Exclusive Thoughts... 2005Exclusive Thoughts... 2005Exclusive Thoughts... 2005Exclusive Thoughts... 2005Exclusive Thoughts... 2005

Management of Toll RoadsManagement of Toll RoadsManagement of Toll RoadsManagement of Toll RoadsManagement of Toll Roads

Bridge AestheticBridge AestheticBridge AestheticBridge AestheticBridge Aesthetic

Co

nte

nts Rise to the Occasion

We welcome feedback and comments on any of thetopics featured. Sensitivity to any of the articles isapologised. If you wish to be on our mailing list, pleaseemail your details to [email protected]. Thank you.

EDITOR’S NOTE

DISCLAIMERWe reserve the right to edit submissions for clarity andbrevity.

EDITORIAL CORNER

Editor-in-ChiefDatuk Ir. KunaSittampalam

EditorMs. Bonnie Chong

Technical EditorDr. Chow Chee Onn

Staff WriterMs. Jadryn Loh

Graphic DesignerMs. Anita Mohammad

Cover DesignerMs. Bonnie ChongMs. Anita Mohammad

PublisherWisma HSS Integrated,B1 (1-4), Block B,Plaza Dwitasik,No. 21, Jalan 5/106,Bandar Sri Permaisuri,56000 Kuala Lumpur.Tel: 03 - 9173 0355Fax: 03 - 9173 0939

Printed byAbza Niaga Sdn. Bhd.11A, Jalan WawasanAmpang,4/3, Bandar Baru Ampang,68000 Ampang,Selangor Darul Ehsan.Tel : 03 - 4270 5031

Howdy!

My question to you is this... “What doyou think 2005 will hold for you?”

We did a quick survey and from friendlychats with many of whom who wishedto remain anonymous, we concludedthat the views varied... many withmuch controlled enthusiasm.

“When life hands you lemons, youmake lemonade!” How often have weheard this quote before? It is true.2005 may not seem to usher in muchpositive vibes, especially within theconstruction industry. Nevertheless,thinking outside the box, there is lem-onade to be made, if we are up to thechallenge! The call for positive atti-tudes and innovative susceptibility tochange within one’s own organisationand within the environment, in whichwe operate in, is overwhelming. Les-sons learnt from the past urged usforward. Courage and perseverance inventuring into new territories be it aforeign country or project need not bea daunting task if we had confidencein our own ability to compete in thisglobalised society. We need to em-brace a paradigm shift in the way weperceive ourselves in the open mar-ket and also in the way we conductour businesses. With the current waveof liberalisation looming, it is inevitablethat we as Malaysian entrepreneursneed to jointly work together to cross-sell and promote each other’s exper-

tise to the overseas’ markets. Suchjoint efforts would promote resourceefficiencies due to the economics ofscale and shared risks.

“They say that time changesthings, but you actually have tochange them yourself.”

~ Andy Warhol

HSS Group believes in taking calcu-lated diversified risks. We know thatbreaking into new territories takesa lot of perseverance, especiallywhen hiccups occur (and we live totell…). Notwithstanding the chal-lenges ahead, we believe that withpassion and faith, our visions shallprevail! There is an old proverb whichsays..., “Where there is no vision, thepeople perish.”

So, ladies and gentlemen, raise yourlemonade (or vodka lime!) glassesand say cheers as we usher in 2005!

Cheers!

BonnieEditor

food for thought...Feature ArticleExclusive Thoughts 3

Cover StoryBridge Aesthetic 4

NewsflashNorthern Region

A City within a Park 6Central Region

Review Management ofToll Road 7Matriculation College 8Putrajaya Office Project 8

Southern RegionBTS for Maxis 8KASEH 9

Personality Profile 10

Sports ClubConfessions of a Travel Bug 11Events / Results 12

Humour 14

Did You Know...? 15Bundles from the Stork 15

HappeningsBuka Puasa FanFare 16We Did It Again!Happy Couples

“Ushering in the New Year,Rubbing our hands in glee

Thinking what is there in store for we…”

As HSS takes this opportunityto wish all our readers a happy, happy new year,

please pause and lest we forget our brothers and sisters in need.

Wishing you a Fruitful, Peaceful and Meaningful 2005.

editorial committee wishes to thank our en-gineers and staff for all their articles, jokes and contri-butions, not forgetting the Sports Club committee fortheir sports and social activity updates.

Editio is a bi-annual newsletter, published by HSS Inte-grated Sdn. Bhd. Consulting Engineers (173265-T).

Do you foresee better days ahead in this coming 2005?

Dato’ Abu Bakar :The construction industry, as indicated in the reports from the pressis not encouraging. Funds allocated for the construction industryunder the 8th Malaysian Plan have been exhausted, so I foresee2005 to be slow. However, 2006 will bring better light, as I under-stand that new funds have been set aside for construction jobs.

Ir. Chan Kin Pooi:In my opinion, the 2005 outlook for the construction industry inMalaysia will continue to be slow. 2005 marks the final year of the 8th

Malaysian Plan. It is a fairly well known fact that whatever limiteddevelopment budget allocated under this plan has largely beenexpended. The balance of the unutilised budgets are reserved toservice projects already committed. Therefore, we expect no majornew developmental projects to be launched in 2005. The positiveoutlook is that 2005 is the foundation year for the next (9th) Malay-sian Plan, we should see the commencement of some detailedplanning initiatives, studies or even detailed designs for some pri-ority sectors in the construction industry. The priority sectors arelikely to be targeted largely at rural development, in line with poli-cies to eradicate poverty and to uplift the standard of living in therural areas.

How do you foresee the performance of HSS in the engi-neering industry for 2005?

Dato’ Abu Bakar :Again, I emphasise that the construction industry will be slow in2005 and hence, our performance will most probably be affected.Pull through 2005 and 2006 will be brighter.

Ir. Chan Kin Pooi :HSS still commands a relatively healthy order book of securedprojects. The challenge for HSS in 2005 is to turn these projectsover to a revenue generating position, but in the 1st and 2nd quartersof 2005, we anticipate continued tight cash flow positions. 2005 willalso see HSS reposition itself in anticipation of the launch of the 9th

Malaysian Plan in 2006. We will need to strengthen our skills andresources in the priority sectors such as rural amenities, water re-sources and sanitation engineering, at the same time scale downand consolidate in sectors where opportunities are in decline.

Other than our current core services, do you foresee moreemphasis placed in other areas of the HSS Group of Com-panies, such as HSS Facilities Management?

Dato’ Abu Bakar :Perhaps sometime in the future.

Ir. Chan Kin Pooi :The planning philosophy in the setting up of the satellite companiesincluding HSSP, HSSPM and others was for the HSS Group of Com-panies to “move up the value chain” in the construction sector andto reduce our dependence on Engineering Consultancy (HSSI) tosurvive into the 21st Century. This planning philosophy is still valid,but our actual and aggressive entry into these sectors needs to beappropriately timed to meet market requirements. Some of the sat-

Ir. Chan Kin Pooi, CEO

ellite companies such as HSSPM has already gained entry fairlysuccessfully, while the others such as HSSFM is still in its earlygestation.

How do you anticipate HSS’s standing in the global infra-structure arena in 2005?

Dato’ Abu Bakar:The outlook is bright, particularly in India as HSS is currently bid-ding for a few jobs there. We foresee the good potential that HSSIndia will bring for 2005.

Ir. Chan Kin Pooi:We are at the transition and threshold of the dawn of the WTOliberalisation for cross border provision of Trade and Services. Weare cautiously monitoring the situation and positioning to the entryof competing internationally. To venture the success or otherwisedepends on several factors, not least the determination and abilityto finance a long incubation period with the long term intention tostay and operate from that country. In order to successfully achievethis objective, the company needs to dedicate staff and resources,and staff must be prepared to relocate to these countries to de-velop these markets.

Going forward, what are your New Year resolutions forHSS?

Dato’ Abu Bakar:2005 marks the end of the 8th Malaysian Plan – therefore, we hopefor the best that 2006 can bring to HSS.

Ir. Chan Kin Pooi:We need to strengthen our order books and to turn some of thestalled projects into revenue generating projects. On the financialside, we need to consolidate and clean out some of the doubtfuldebts or pursue them aggressively by legal or other means tostrengthen our cash flow positions to cushion against fluctuation inour monthly cash collections. We will need to consolidate our staffresources, retraining some, if necessary to position ourselves tochanging market conditions.

Dato’ Abu Bakar, Chairman

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Exclusive thoughts...from our Chairman & CEO for the coming 2005

3

BRIDGE

B ridges have fascinated mankind from

the earliest recorded times. Besides

serving as a crossing for people and ve-

hicles to pass, they are considered as a

symbol of engineering achievement as well

as the specimen of technology and intelli-

gence. The challenges of bridge designs

today, however, cannot be confined to a

technical solution alone while ignoring cul-

tural, historic and art values. Aesthetics,

the environment and ecology are now

major considerations, which must be dealt

with, together with the design.

The definition of the word aesthetics may

vary according to the dictionary one uses.

It usually includes words like beauty, ef-

fect on senses and philosophy. It is man’s

nature to desire things that are lovely and

appealing to the senses such as good

music, soft lightings, nice paintings; all

things that involve a combination of colours

that are pleasing to the eye. The elements

that define a good piece of fine art such

as harmony, unity, variety and balance are

also commonly used to describe a “good

aesthetically looking bridge”.

Many bridge engineers and architects

around the world have presented their

ideas of the basic principles to good bridge

and aesthetic designs, to guide bridge

designers. Though opinions on any set of

principles vary, there are common rules

among the various experts that many

have agreed to as essential.1

Function

For a bridge to be functional, it must fulfill

its purpose for its intent, e.g., the

abutments have to be designed to give an

indication of their role in supporting the

girders and to provide a recognisable flow

of forces.

The Eiffel Tower (Fig. 1) is a good example

of such a structure where the shape

of the tower is a direct translation of the

applied moment due to external forces.

The attention given to the quality of

materials and workmanship is another

factor as it provides a powerful visual

tool with regards to the main structural

elements and details.

Contributed by : Ir. Chen Wai Peng, General Manager (SPD 35)

“Therefore when we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight, nor for present use alone, let

it be such work as our descendants will thank us for, and let us think, as we lay stone on stone, that a time is to come when

those stones will be held sacred because our hands have touched them, and that men will say as they look upon the labor and

wrought substance on them... See, this our fathers did for us.”

~ Ruskin (Steinman & Watson 1957)

Co

ver

Sto

ry

Fig. 1 - Eiffel Tower

Unity of Form and Harmony

Harmony means getting along with others.

The unity of form and harmony is best

achieved by simple designs. Essentially,

while parts of the structure must be in

agreement with each other, the whole

structure must be able to blend with its

surrounding environment. This is a

prerequisite for all artistic or architectural

works and even more so, for bridge

structures. An excellent example of the

elements, spaces and masses of a bridge

blending harmoniously with the

environment is, none other than the bridge

below Mount Fuji (Fig.2) in Japan and

Sg. Dinding Bridge in Perak, Malaysia

(Fig. 3).

Fig. 2 - Bridge in Japan with Mount Fuji in the

background

Fig. 3 - Sg. Dinding Bridge, Malaysia4

AestheticAestheticAestheticAestheticAesthetic

Cov

er S

tory

Good Order

Good order means shaping, proportioning

and alignment of elements in the simplest

form, where the appearance of

haphazardness is avoided.

It is important to minimise the number of

projecting parts and visual intersections

within the structures, to maintain the

smooth flow of lines. For multiple span

structures bridge types, arches, beams

and suspensions can be considered. The

designs in the existing and proposed

Penang Bridge, Malaysia is a classic

example of designs expertly intertwined.

While there are exceptions to the rule,

simply combining various bridge

structures might invariably spoil the

overall beauty of a bridge. For example,

the beautiful view of the five spans Arch

Railway Bridge (Fig. 4) will be spoilt if

girders were to replace anyone of the

spans or if a suspended span was added

on.

Choice of Material

One of the most important fundamental

factors in the appearance of bridges lie in

the material selection, be it the type,

variety or finishing (in terms of colour,

detail, shape and apparent slenderness)

as it does have a great bearing on the

quantity and quality of details of a bridge.

A good example will be the choice between

a precast concrete (PC) beam and a steel

girder. The PC beam will be deeper for

equivalent span but has no visible

bearing and spliced plates, as compared

to a steel girder.

Fig. 4 - Arch Railway Bridge at Westport

Proportions

Good proportions must enlist amongst

others, the relative sizes of the super-

structure, piers and the ratios of the

openings below the bridge. The

proportioning of the Macunian Ways

Bridge in Manchester, England was

carried out following the golden section

rules (1:1.618) (Fig. 5) with apexes of

the triangles representing the eye levels

of drivers.2

It is important to note that proportions will

be changed when viewed from an oblique

angle. In an ill-proportioned bridge, mas-

sive columns may overpower the view of

the superstructure or vice versa.

In general, the bridge will look better if

the span length exceeds the pier heights.

Ornamentation

Ornamentation can add interest and

emphasis to a structure. Historical

bridges, especially those located in a

city centre, were often decorated with

elaborate railing and pylons (Fig. 6). In

certain cases, ornamentation helped to

disguise unsightly components or ugly

discontinuities in a bridge. Care must

be taken however, to avoid over

provision as it could disguise, detract,

Integration with Environment

A bridge has to blend with the

environment. This can be achieved

through structural forms, scale, colour and

landscaping. Other careful considerations

would include the bridge siting, its

location, treatment of approaches and

embankments, and compatibility with

man-made surroundings. A consistent

scale is also important for a good design,

for example, a very long bridge is required

to cross a wide valley to preserve the

view.

Colour and Texture

Drainage stains and construction

irregularities can be hidden with closely

spaced vertical ribs. Just like a piece of

good music and painting, the shape of its

major elements, colour and texture of the

surface determine the strongest visual

Fig. 5 - Golden Section Rules 1:1.618

Fig. 6 - Chain Bridge in Hungary

or even destroy the structural form.

5

PutrajayaPutrajayaPutrajayaPutrajayaPutrajayaN

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HSSI was awarded by Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd to provide

engineering consultancy services for the Matriculation College

in Selangor. The college is located in Banting, Selangor on a 32-

hectare site that comprises of academic, administration,

residential, recreational and associated facilities. The scope of

works included:

Project Management

Mechanical and Electrical Services

Earthworks, Roads and Drainage Network

Sewerage and Water Supply System

Structural Design

Geotechnical Studies

This project was valued at RM250million. Earthworks and ground

treatment works was scheduled to commence on 1st November

2004.

HSSI was appointed by Putrajaya

Holdings Sdn Bhd in September 2004

to provide civil and structural

engineering consultancy services for

the Proposed Construction and

Completion of the Government Office

Building and External Works at 4G8,

Precinct 4, Putrajaya. HSSI’s services

included drainage, road, sewerage,

water supply and earthworks.

Construction is scheduled to begin in

February 2005.

Office Project

HSSI was awarded a project by Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd to provide engineering review consultancy

services for the construction of Base Transfer Stations (BTS) in five sites across Peninsular Malaysia.

Commenced on October 2004, services provided include checking and reviewing existing tower designs,

and preparing summaries findings from each tower to Maxis.

Newsflash... Southern Region

Maxis

matriculation collegeBanting

BTSBTSBTSBTSBTSfor

8

Contributed by : Beh Chun Chong, Construction Manager

HSSI was recently appointed by IJM

Construction Sdn Bhd (IJMC) as

design consultants for the entire

KASEH Lebuhraya Project.

This project involves the construction

of a 44.3km new dual-three lane

highway connecting Kajang to

Seremban. The highway alignment

commences immediately south of the

Kajang Ring Road and traverses

generally south towards Seremban,

terminating at Federal Route 51

(approximately 7km east of

Seremban). The major urban centres

and suburbs located within the vicinity

of the highway corridor are Semenyih,

Bangi, Beranang, Pajam and Mantin.

The total highway is divided into three

main packages (as shown in the map):

Package 1

(two sub-packages):

Package 1A

(approximately 1.5km)

which was completed in

March 2004.

Package 1B

(approximately 17.7km)

starts from Kajang

Selatan Interchange and

ends at Pajam

Interchange.

Package 2 (two sub-packages):

Package 2A (approximately 7.8km)

starts from Pajam and ends at

Mantin Interchange in Negeri

Sembilan.

Package 2B (approximately

3.1km) starts from Mantin and

ends at Setul Interchange.

Package 3:

Package 3 (approximately 15.2km)

starts from Setul and ends at

Paroi Interchange.

Construction work for Package 1B

and 2A commenced on 15 July 2004

and is expected to complete by July

2006.

The balance of the works is expected

to complete by April 2007.

Additional Project Facts…

The highway will adopt both Closed

and Open Toll systems:

Package 1 and 2 will operate on

a Closed Toll system.

Package 3 that is part of the

Seremban Bypass, will operate on

an Open Toll system.

The highway will comprise of:

Seven interchanges

Three main-line toll plazas located

at Kajang Selatan, Setul and

Jelebu

Three off-ramp toll plazas at

Semenyih, Pajam and Mantin

A rest and service area complete

with public amenities, and petrol

kiosks at each direction

Administration centre

Maintenance depot

The highway will also be equipped

with the latest Traffic Control and

Surveillance System that will link the

highway to the Malaysian Highway

Authority’s traffic control centre.

Proposed KASEH highway alignment

ProposedNilai - PajamLink Road

S E R E M B A N

PAJAMINTERCHANGE

NILAIINTERCHANGE

MANTININTERCHANGE

SETULINTERCHANGE

N E G E R I S E M B I L A NS E L A N G O R

NILAI

SEMENYIH

MANTINPAJAM

BERANANG

BANGIINTERCHANGE

SEMENYIHINTERCHANGE

PORT DICKSONINTERCHANGE

NORTH-SOUTH HIGHWAY

PANTAI

PAROIINTERCHANGE

KAJANGKAJANG SELATANINTERCHANGE

SENAWANGINTERCHANGE

KLIAINTERCHANGE

N

BEROGA

JELEBUINTERCHANGE

KAJANG

Sg. Rinching

Sg. Semenyih

Sg. Beranang

KTM RAILWAY TRACK

Revised Alignmentbetween

Jelebu to Paroias approved by UPEN

ProposedSenawang – ParoiLink Road

Proposed Realignmentof Mantin Setul Road

N24

N28

N36

B18

B34

1

N34

1

1

1

N38

86

97

N38

86

51

KAJANG – SEREMBAN HIGHWAY

Lebuhraya ELITE

BYPASS

Sg. L

anga

t

SEREMBAN (N)INTERCHANGE

BANGI

NEW NILAIINTERCHANGE

KASEH Highway

Proposed Senawang – Paroi LinkRoad

Proposed Realignment of Mantin-Setul Road

Revised Alignment betw een Jelebu to Paroi asapproved by UPENProposed Pajam – Nilai Link Road

Legend:

1A

1B

2A2B

3

ProposedNilai - PajamLink Road

S E R E M B A N

PAJAMINTERCHANGE

NILAIINTERCHANGE

MANTININTERCHANGE

SETULINTERCHANGE

N E G E R I S E M B I L A NS E L A N G O R

NILAI

SEMENYIH

MANTINPAJAM

BERANANG

BANGIINTERCHANGE

SEMENYIHINTERCHANGE

PORT DICKSONINTERCHANGE

NORTH-SOUTH HIGHWAY

PANTAI

PAROIINTERCHANGE

KAJANGKAJANG SELATANINTERCHANGE

SENAWANGINTERCHANGE

KLIAINTERCHANGE

N

BEROGA

JELEBUINTERCHANGE

KAJANG

Sg. Rinching

Sg. Semenyih

Sg. Beranang

KTM RAILWAY TRACK

Revised Alignmentbetween

Jelebu to Paroias approved by UPEN

ProposedSenawang – ParoiLink Road

Proposed Realignmentof Mantin Setul Road

N24

N28

N36

B18

B34

1

N34

1

1

1

N38

86

97

N38

86

51

KAJANG – SEREMBAN HIGHWAY

Lebuhraya ELITE

BYPASS

Sg. L

anga

t

SEREMBAN (N)INTERCHANGE

BANGI

NEW NILAIINTERCHANGE

KASEH Highway

Proposed Senawang – Paroi LinkRoad

Proposed Realignment of Mantin-Setul Road

Revised Alignment betw een Jelebu to Paroi asapproved by UPENProposed Pajam – Nilai Link Road

Legend:

1A

1B

2A2B

3

New

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(K(K(K(K(K ASEH)ASEH)ASEH)ASEH)ASEH)

9

Kajang - Seremban Highway

Against the backdrop of limestone

hills, Ipoh’s People’s Park is one of

the few riverfront projects that has

been identified for the development

of recreation and beautification.

Ipoh’s People’s Park will home a beau-

tified river and provides a suitable en-

vironment for city folks to carry out rec-

reational activities.

The project consultant, Tajul LandArt

appointed HSSI to provide engineer-

ing consultancy services for

civil and structural, as well as

mechanical and electrical

works.

The main features within the park are:

Entrance arch and portico with

water feature

Food stall and public toilet

Open theatre and gazebo

Landscape garden with a

playground

Fish pond and wading pool

Pedestrian pathways along the

river bund.

Valued at RM 4.4 million, this project is

expected to complete by February

2005.

Contributed by : Zamri Mohd, Engineer (Infrastructure)

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impression of a bridge. Contrasted with

the background to enhance and enrich

the structural form, opportunities for

control and use of colour can come from

a selection of concrete aggregates,

cements and admixture, and painting of

steel members.

The choice of a good blend of texture can

soften the hard appearance of the solid

concrete barriers and abutments.

Depending on the context or siting of a

bridge, a variety of textured finishes can

be obtained by using manufactured form

liners or by application of vertical ribbed

to form. While it is harder for people

traveling at high speeds to note the

patterns and textures of the bridge, pe-

destrians on footbridges will have more

time to observe these subtle features.

Lighting and Shadows

There is no better way to dramatise the

bridge design than to light it up for all to

see. A good example is illustrated in our

Penang Bridge (Fig. 7). The playing of

shadows during the daytime can enhance

the structure colour or create a percep-

tion of depth.

Conclusion

Bridge design is generally more oriented

towards structural and cost aspects rather

than towards the appreciation of its quali-

ties. Simple principles when applied cor-

rectly can improve aesthetic qualities of

the bridge.

Good appearance is often associated with

slender members or with bridges designed

efficiently to the flow of forces. These de-

signs automatically translate to a minimum

use of materials resulting in savings of cost.

Engineers should remove the myth that im-

proved appearance means additional costs.

While it might not be necessary to spend

more to achieve bridges with good appear-

ance, truth must be told that not every low-

cost bridge will be beautiful.

Northern RegionNewsflash...

The scale model of Ipoh People’s Park

References :1 TRB National Research Council (1991)2 AC Liebengerg (1992),Concrete Bridges : Design and

Construction3 Steinman DB & Watson SR (1957), Bridges and Their

Builders New York : Partner

Fig. 7 - Picture of the Penang Bridge, Malaysia taken during the night

6

A City within a Park...

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Newsflash...Central Region

The Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) is the

highway authority responsible for the management

of over 980km of tolled roads in Malaysia. To date, there

are sixteen highway concessions in operation whilst nine

others are either under construction or in the procurement

process.

Having recognised the importance to establish a frame-

work for the management of all tolled roads, HSSI in asso-

ciation with Halcrow Consultants Sdn Bhd were appointed

by LLM to provide assistance in developing the framework

for the regulation of tolled roads in Malaysia.

The four and a half-months study that began in October

2003 had focused on four modules. These modules form

the technical and contractual framework for management

and further development of tolled roads in Malaysia. The

four areas underlying the basis for the modules are:

1. Review of the current concession agreements between

LLM and its concessionaires,

Contributed by : Ir. Sharifah Azlina Raja Kamal, Chief Engineer (Highway)Acknowledged by : Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM)

2. A study of congestion from two angles. The first be-

ing congestion arising from traffic growth; and the sec-

ond from inefficient management of the tolled roads,

3. A review of the current tolling mechanisms including

toll policy and toll rate assessment, and

4. An update of the methodology for evaluation frame-

work as part of LLM’s strategic planning.

In May 2004, as part of the program for the knowledge

and technology transfer; representatives from LLM, HSSI-

Halcrow and several selected concessionaires attended

a series of meetings with various bodies and agencies

to observe and discuss at first hand, current UK prac-

tices in procurement as well as the implementation, op-

eration and maintenance of highways and bridges. The

intensive program also included a visit to the offices of

Performance Audit Group. This Group audits the perfor-

mance of the private sector companies who operate and

maintain the trunk road network in Scotland.

A typical toll plaza in Malaysia (Photo taken at Ipoh South Toll Plaza)

Review Management ofToll Roads Malaysia

7

Per

sona

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Pro

file

YOUNG ENGINEERSWhat Makes Them Tick?What Makes Them Tick?What Makes Them Tick?What Makes Them Tick?What Makes Them Tick?

PERSONALITY PROFILE

Favourite Sport and Team

Basketball – Chicago Bulls

Favourite TV Programme / Channel

Amazing Race / AXN

Best Movie Ever?

Forrest Gump

My most embarrassing moment…

Forgot to bring a pen to the meeting

and the client coincidentally asked for

it…? (can’t really recall any other em-

barrassing moments!)

Wong Hak WaiWong Hak WaiWong Hak WaiWong Hak WaiWong Hak WaiSenior Engineer (Civil)Senior Engineer (Civil)Senior Engineer (Civil)Senior Engineer (Civil)Senior Engineer (Civil)

The craziest thing(s) I’ve ever done

Roller blading with a group of friends

at midnight (almost every night) in

Tesco Car Park, UK.

I most admire…

Michael Douglas (a good cop in “Basic

Instinct”) Ed: (!!)

Recipe for success

Try to do everything the best you can

and not to be afraid of failure.

Begum Irdawati binti Dowlad RahumanBegum Irdawati binti Dowlad RahumanBegum Irdawati binti Dowlad RahumanBegum Irdawati binti Dowlad RahumanBegum Irdawati binti Dowlad RahumanEngineer (Civil)Engineer (Civil)Engineer (Civil)Engineer (Civil)Engineer (Civil)

Favourite TV Programme

Gilmore Girls and 8TV Quickie

Favourite Quote

The road is endless. Go for it.

Best Movie(s) Ever?

The Green Mile, Toy Story and The Successful Story of a Bright Girl.


Saying something else at the school assembly when I was supposed to be

reciting the morning prayers.

The craziest thing I’ve ever done

Asked a guy to drive me 200km for a RM1.50 ice cream cone from McDonalds!

I most admire…

My parents

Recipe for success

(Still looking for one)

Favourite Sport and Team

Formula One – West Mclaren

Mercedes. The only team with a

heart and soul but without a driver’s

championship :(

Favourite TV Programme

Baywatch of course!!! The only

programme where you wish every-

thing kept going in slow motion!

Best Movie Ever?

Star Wars (the original three only!!)


Now why would I want to share this

and be constantly reminded of it?

I most admire…

… anyone with a strong sense of

character.

Recipe for success

2 cups of rice, 2 cups of coconut milk,

half an inch of ginger, daun pandan,

ikan bilis, big bawang’s, cili kering…

oops! That’s for Nasi Lemak!

Reuben SelvarajahReuben SelvarajahReuben SelvarajahReuben SelvarajahReuben SelvarajahEngineer (Civil)Engineer (Civil)Engineer (Civil)Engineer (Civil)Engineer (Civil)

10

The night before…

Hooray for the Merdeka Weekend! So

excited about the company’s annual

trip tomorrow. Ok, must run final check

for clothes, toiletries, snacks, transport

to airport etc. Must not forget empty

bags to store shopping goodies –

check!

Day 1Sarawak – here we come!

The buzz was amazing and all 100 of

us were revving to go upon touch-

down at Kuching Airport. I boarded Bus

C (for the “Young at Heart” – it was

fun having Anand, Mathen and gang

on board).

First stop - The Court House complex

(built in 1871). Really loved the iron-

wood roofing and beautiful architec-

tural detailing. Also managed to see

the colonial-baroque Clock Tower and

the Charles Brooke Memorial – both

well preserved and in good form.

I must tell my daughter about “The

Malay Kampungs” (villages) so that

she does not miss out on beautiful tra-

ditional and modern Malay architecture

when she visits Kuching. Tourists sel-

dom visit “The Malay Kampungs”, which

is a pity as I thought the view of the

riverside next to Fort Margherita, from

the Kampung was lovely.

Finally checked into the hotel at the

end of the day and happy to get some

rest. How nice to have everything well

arranged for!

Day 2The wheels of a bus round and round…

Another hectic but very interesting

day! Our first stop was the famous

Sarawak Cultural Village, more popu-

larly known as The Living Museum.

There were 7 replicas of ethnic

S a r a w a k

h o u s e s .

We went

from house

to house,

l e a r n i n g

and ab-

sorbing all

of its rich

history and culture. There was also a

colourful cultural performance choreo-

graphed for us.

There was a bit of detour for shopping

after lunch at the Pottery Factory. Some

of us went all out to buy (and haggle!)

clay pottery in all shapes and sizes.

Big muscles came in handy here! ;)

Back to sightseeing. Our tour bus

brought us about 60km from Kuching

to a Bau, an ex-gold mine town, to

view The Wind Cave. This cave had an

interesting collection of small pas-

sageways and got us into a rather ad-

venturous mood to scale and maneu-

ver through them. Tiring effort!

By the end of the day, I definitely

looked forward to dinner and getting

some rest for tomorrow’s “free and

easy”. Phew – what a day!

Day 3Alas, it is but the last day…

I guess good things have to come an

end. I had a really good time, so many

new experiences shared between all

of us these past few days. Shall look

forward to work on Wednesday!

Now, to find a place for my newly

bought bamboo-carpet and family of

pottery...

The Waterfront, Kuching

Admiring the scenery...

Sarawak Cultural Village

A thorn among the roses :)

Spo

rts

Clu

b

From the pages of a Diary… “Confessions of a Travel Bug”

Contributed by : Shamala Selvadurai, Document Controller (Highway Projects)

11

Men’s SingleChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up

Women’s SingleChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up

BOWLING

AzroisamBenny PoonChow Peng Neng

AisyahSiu Sui LengNorafizza

Evidently in our company culture, HSS is not just about work. We take pride in creating a balanced environment foremployees to have the best.

Year 2004 was a great success for the HSS Sports and Recreation Club!

Members look forward to monthly organised events and eagerly participate in regular practice sessions, to exercise,improve on their skills AND most importantly, have loads of fun.

After all, life’s a ball – keep it rolling!

Men’s SingleChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up

SNOOKER

VijayS.ArvindranHaslimD.Subramaniam

Spo

rts

Clu

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TABLE TENNISMen’s SingleChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up

Men’s DoubleChampion1st Runners-Up2nd Runners-Up2nd Runners-Up

Women’s SingleChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up

Mixed DoubleChampion1st Runners-Up2nd Runners-Up2nd Runners-Up

Thomas LimNazaruddinSuffianAhmad Nazim

N.Thavaseelan/Thomas LimSundaralingam/L.YogaHamir Rahim/HaslimS.Arvindran/Nazaruddin

Siu Sui LengFairolBegum IrdawatiJadryn Loh

Benny Poon/Siu Sui LengHamir Rahim/FairolS.Reuben/Begum IrdawatiL.Yoga/Jadryn Loh

12

Bridging the Gap,Forging Closeness

Sports Club Results



Mix DoubleChampion1st Runners-Up2nd Runners-Up

N.ThavaseelanHaslimGanesanD.Subramaniam

N.Thavaseelan/HaslimStanley/Ahmad NazimS.Arvindran/NazaruddinAnand/A.Mathen

L.Yoga/Jadryn LohS.Reuben/Begum IrdawatiHamir Rahim/Fairol

Team EventChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up

Structure Dept. / Bridge Dept.M & E Dept.SPD Dept.

Spo

rts

Clu

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VOLLEYBALL

POOL

Team EventChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up

BADMINTONMen’s SingleChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up


Women’s SingleChampion1st Runner-Up2nd Runner-Up

Women’s DoubleChampion1st Runners-Up2nd Runners-Up

Mixed DoubleChampion1st Runners-Up2nd Runners-Up2nd Runners-Up

AzroisamC.SegaranNazaruddinAzahar

Mohd. Jamil/AzroisamAzahar/Mohd. SanipuddinNitchiananthan/Sophee KhooWong Hak Wai/Aziz Din

Susan ChanN.SathiyawathyR.Mary Gladys

Susan Chan/Evelyn KokSiu Sui Leng/K.DilashiniN.Sathiyawathy/Jadryn Loh

Tan Joon Lye/Susan ChanSophee Khoo/Evelyn KokChow Peng Neng/Siu Sui LengS.Arvindran/N.Sathiyawathy



Mixed DoubleChampion1st Runners-Up

A.MohanHaslimV.AnthonyStanley

S.Kana Thasan/C.MuniandyD.Subramaniam/V.SivaStanley/SilvesterSophee Khoo/Abdul Aziz

Wong Hak Wai/Jadryn LohS.Reuben/Begum Irdawati

DART

Highway Dept. 1M & E Dept.Highway Dept. 2

SPD Dept.Structure Dept. / Bridge Dept.

Team EventChampion1st Runner-Up

FUTSAL

SEPAK TAKRAW

13

Memo from CEO to Manager:Memo from CEO to Manager:Memo from CEO to Manager:Memo from CEO to Manager:Memo from CEO to Manager:

Today at 11o’clock there will be a total eclipse of the sun. This is when the sun disappears behind the moon for two minutes. As this

is something that cannot be seen every day, time will be allowed for employees to view the eclipse in the parking lot. Staff should

meet in the lot at ten to eleven, when I will deliver a short speech introducing the eclipse, and giving some background informa-

tion. Safety goggles will be made available at a small cost.

Memo from Manager to Department Head:Memo from Manager to Department Head:Memo from Manager to Department Head:Memo from Manager to Department Head:Memo from Manager to Department Head:

Today at ten to eleven, all staff should meet in the car park. This will be followed by a total eclipse of the sun, which will appear for

two minutes. For a moderate cost, this will be made safe with goggles. The CEO will deliver a short speech beforehand to give us

all some information. This is not something that can be seen every day.

Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:Memo from Department Head to Floor Manager:

The CEO will today deliver a short speech to make the sun disappear for two minutes in the form of an eclipse. This is something

that cannot be seen every day, so staff will meet in the car park at ten or eleven. This will be safe, if you pay a moderate cost.

Memo from Floor Manager to SMemo from Floor Manager to SMemo from Floor Manager to SMemo from Floor Manager to SMemo from Floor Manager to Supervupervupervupervupervisor:isor:isor:isor:isor:

Ten or eleven staff are to go to the car park, where the CEO will eclipse the sun for two minutes. This doesn’t happen every day.

It will be safe, and as usual it will cost you.

Memo from SMemo from SMemo from SMemo from SMemo from Supervupervupervupervupervisor to staff:isor to staff:isor to staff:isor to staff:isor to staff:

Some staff will go to the car park today to see the CEO disappear. It is a pity this doesn’t happen everyday.

Sign in men’s rest room in Japan:To Stop Leak Turn Cock To The Right

On an Athi River Highway:Take Notice: When This Sign Is Under Water, This Road IsImpassable

Hotel, Yugoslavia:The Flattening Of Underwear With Pleasure Is The Job OfThe Chambermaid

Hotel, Vienna:In Case Of Fire, Do Your Utmost To Alarm The Hotel Por-ter

In an advertisement by a Hong Kong dentist:Teeth Extracted By The Latest Methodist

Advertisement for donkey rides, Thailand:Would You Like To Ride On Your Own Ass?

Airline ticket office, Copenhagen:We Take Your Bags And Send Them In All Directions

Hum

our

Miscommunication

When English is not your“MOTHER TONGUE”

14

Need we sayMORE...?

Each king in a deck of playing cards represents a great king from history:

Spades – King David Clubs – Alexander the Great

Hearts – Charlemagne Diamonds – Julius Caesar

Farhah Aliah (D.O.B 11th October ‘04)Proud parents are Suzani (HR Dept.)& Ungku Saripulakthar

Alya (D.O.B 26th January ‘04)Proud parents areSharifah Azlina (Highway Dept.)& Zahal

Ahmad Zuhdi (D.O.B 5th April ‘04)Proud parents areAziz Din (Highway Dept.) & Maznah

Siti Fatimah (D.O.B 3rd November ‘04)Proud parents areRomzi (Highway Dept.) & Nadwah

Coca-cola was originally green.

The first novel ever written on a typewriter was by Tom Sawyer.

“I Do” is the shortest complete sentence in the English language.

Bulletproof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers were all invented by women.

In Shakespeare’s time, mat tresses were secured on bed frames by ropes. When you pulled on the ropes the

mattress tightened, making the bed firmer to sleep on. Hence the phrase “goodnight, sleep tight”.

Nuralyadamia (D.O.B 6th October ‘04)Proud parents are

Ahmad Yuzaini (Structure Dept.)& Rusnah

Deevisha (D.O.B 3rd April ‘04)Proud parents arePunithakumar (IRD Dept.) & Chitra

Mohd. Zakhwan (D.O.B 21st December ‘04)Proud parents areZaharuddin (Finance Dept.) & Azlina

Abdul Alif (D.O.B 2nd November ‘04)Proud parents are Abd. Rashid (Highway Dept.)& Norhana

Sushmithadevi (D.O.B 21st December ‘04)Proud parents are Karuna (HR Dept.) & Ganaraj

Niqeerta (D.O.B 24th December ‘04)Proud parents are Sunidha (Infrastructure Dept.)& Devan

HSS Babies...A BIG Congratulations to the families andtheir bundles of joy!

Did YDid YDid YDid YDid You Knowou Knowou Knowou Knowou Know...?...?...?...?...? JOKESJOKESJOKESJOKESJOKESASIDEASIDEASIDEASIDEASIDE11111

2222233333444445555566666

Hasya Hana (D.O.B 7th November ‘04)Proud parents areZulkarnain (Infrastructure Dept.) & Fadzilah

On 3rd November 2004, Dato’ Abu Bakar, Chairman

of HSS, hosted the annual “Buka Puasa Makan” for

all Muslim staff at Kelana Seafood Restaurant, Bandar

Sri Permaisuri. Head of Departments were also in-

vited to join the Buka Puasa, adding cheer to the

festivity.

On 21st November 2004,

Pathamanaathan a.k.a Pat from

Highway Department married

Shamini in Bangi. The happy

couple spent their honeymoon

touring Bali, Indonesia.

Highway Department’s Mohd.

Asrafaizal married Nor Salina on

5th August 2004 in Kuala Lumpur.

Their wedding day was shared

with family and friends.

Congratulations... aaaaagain...!We Did It

HSSI’s Reassessment AuditTwo years since our last audit, HSS Integrated Sdn

Bhd’s (HSSI) underwent a Reassessment Audit Exer-

cise on 11th and 12th October 2004. The objective of

this exercise was to ensure, that the Quality Man-

agement System of HSSI was consistently maintained

and satisfactorily implemented throughout the

organisation.

Headed by Dr. Yeap Ming Keong, Quality Assurance

Manager, along with the HSS Quality Management

Representatives, all HSS staff worked with the audi-

tors of SIRIM, as they randomly sampled certain

projects to check on compliance of processes and pro-

cedures.

The outcome was expected. The SIRIM’s Reassess-

ment Audit was successful. SIRIM recommended HSSI

for renewal of certification to 2007.

SYABAS HSSI!

HSSPM’s Surveillance AuditHSS Project Management Sdn Bhd (HSSPM) was up

for its Surveillance Audit in September 2004. The au-

dit spreading over two days was successfully con-

ducted with HSSPM renewing both SIRIM and UKAS

certifications for another year.

Buka Puasa Fanfare

5th Issue Editio

Documents

Transcript of 5th Issue Editio