Master Builders Association Malaysia (MBAM) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Open University Malaysia on Tuesday 4th January 2011 where both organizations welcomed the opportunity to mutually establish affiliation and collaboration with the objectives to enhance the capability and intellectual development of educational and training programmes for the construction industry. MBAM was represented by Mr Kwan Foh Kwai, MBAM President while OUM was represented by OUM Vice Chancellor Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali.

The signing of this MoU is a milestone for both MBAM and OUM as it will enable both parties to work together to provide the following training programmes which will emphasize on developing competency based training and education programme such as:

1. Executive Diploma in Construction Project Organization & Control
2. Executive Diploma in Construction Management
3. Executive Diploma in Project Management
4. Executive Diploma in Contract Administration
5. Executive Bachelor in Construction Supervisory Management
6. Executive Bachelor in Integrated Construction Project Management
7. Executive Bachelor in Contract Management and Administration

Apart from the above courses, the signing of the MoU also signifies that both parties will promote collaborative training programmes in the areas of contract management, project management and contract administration which will include the promotion of training and development materials and resources for academic and training programmes, seminars and conferences in the area of Building and Construction.

MBAM has always played an active role in improving the skills and knowledge of its members in the construction industry and with this collaboration with OUM it is hoped that this role can be expanded to involve improvements to curriculum planning of construction related programmes with established institution of higher learning such as OUM.

This alliance is an outcome of both organization’s continuous efforts to develop proficient professional courses to bridge the gap between the industry and academia and to make its students well qualified and well equipped for the industry. This association will bring to fore MBAM’s expertise in the construction industry, while MOU will bring its wealth of experience in devising industry-specific programs that would equip students with technical skills as well as other essential soft skills such as teamwork, innovation, global mobility, strong communication, flexibility and learning in the construction industry.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kwan Foh Kwai, MBAM President said that, "It's a significant development for MBAM as we see a soaring demand for quality construction industry professionals these days and there is considerable shortage of well trained and qualified talent in the country, particularly in the Klang Valley. Our Association with OUM will facilitate quality education and industry awareness to aspirants who want to join the construction industry and this will also fulfill the industry’s demand for skilled professionals. Currently there is a critical need to replenish a pool of skilled construction manpower as a majority of the skilled workers are already ageing and it is estimated that 35.1% local construction personnel will reach the age of 50 years and above in 7 years from now. In fact for the categories of Supervisors & Construction Managers & Professionals who are the targets of our training program, 55.5 % & 51.7% respectively will be above 50 years old by 2017!

Furthermore, the Association would like to contribute towards helping the country achieve high income status through high quality competency based training and education programmes. With the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) expected to produce 553,000 new jobs by 2020 under the Greater Kuala Lumpur/Klang Valley National Key Result Areas (NKRA) it will definitely be necessary to have training and education programmes that can prepare graduates for a good future in the industry. OUM’s expertise in diverse education courses combined with our commitment in preparing workforce for the industry would pave way to achieve the desired goals that we lay down for potential students of the industry from this programme."

Says OUM Vice Chancellor Professor Emeritus Tan Sri Anuwar Ali, "We are happy to collaborate with MBAM in the fields of contract management, project management and contract administration", noting that the association would lead to the birth of a dynamic generation of knowledge professionals equipped to handle the challenges of the dynamic upcoming era.

Kwan Foh Kwai JMN
MBAM President