A seminar on “Interpretation of Passive Fire Requirements in the UBBL 1984” was held on 17 November 2012 at PAM Mini Auditorium. 37 attendees comprise of architects and architectural graduates attended this talk.
The speaker was Ar. Chong Lee Siong MIArbs, MIFireE, graduated from Deakin University, Geelong in 1990. He worked in Australia for three years where he developed his keen interest in the study of safety in buildings. Upon returning to Malaysia he contributed to the drafting of the proposed revisions to the UBBL and to the publication “Guide To Fire Safety for Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia, Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia and other organizations and is currently in the drafting committee for the new proposed revisions to the Uniform Building By-Laws.
Ar. Chong Lee Siong stated that the fire safety provisions of the Uniform Building By-Laws 1984 is often misconstrued to be restrictive and outdated in its scope, hence limiting Architects’ flair and creativity in the realization of our designs. However, the basic principles of designing for fire safety and the understanding of the characteristics of fire which is the basis of the formulation of the UBBL is still relevant today.
During the seminar he presented in details the fundamental concepts of fire safety, interpreting the UBBL and the practical applications of the relevant fire safety codes in Architecture. Ar. Chong also gave a detail explanation of the 4 basic principles on fire fighting: 1. Evacuation; 1. Passive Containment; 3. Active Intervention; 4. Only one fire at one place at one time.
He also briefly spoke about the latest changes to the UBBL (pending on Parliament reading), including the clarification on the perimeter access for fire appliance. Ar. Chong clarified that min 6.1m Access Way is required for Bomba staging; while the Access Road for the passage of Bomba appliances may be less than 6.1m wide.
The talk was very informative and participants had the opportunity asking many questions, tips and advice. It ended at 1.00pm.
Vote of thanks is accorded to Ar. Chong Lee Siong for the very informative talk and everyone for making their valuable time attending the seminar.
A talk on Automated Waste Collection System was organized by the Chapter on Saturday, 24 November 2012 at PAM Mini Auditorium. 30 attendees comprising of professional architects, engineers and architectural graduates attended this talk.
The 1st speaker was Mr. Sri Kanda Rajah, Managing Director of STREAM Environment Group of Companies. His core areas of responsibilities include Head of Sales / Marketing, Engineering/ Design as well as Research and Development. He gave an introduction of STREAM group of companies and its core business which is the Automated Waste Collection System (AWSC), where STREAM is used and their track record.
He presented information of the Automated Waste Collection System (AWCS) which is also known as a “pneumatic waste conveying system”. This system transport municipal or domestic solid waste through pipes at high speeds from the garbage chutes into a sealed container well away from inhabited areas.
Garbage transported through the pipes is stored in a sealed container that is collected at a specified period by a conventional flatbed truck.
In his presentation he also spoke about the multiple advantages of the system:-
- Hygienic – No more exposed filth and contamination, nor messy spills and stains.
- Convenient – Regular removal and automated handling.
- Healthy – Odour free and no heavy bins to lift.
- Cost Efficient – An unobtrusive and compact system that frees up valuable space, and let you save on the labour costs, energy, cleaning and maintenance.
The 2nd speaker was Ir. Chea Thean Teik General Manager of STREAM Environment Sdn Bhd. An experienced and qualified Professional Engineer (Mechanical) with 17 years of experiences in the area of Building’s M&E services, Mechanical Handling Engineering, Project Management, Central Vacuum Systems and Automated Waste Collection Systems.
His topic was more on the technical aspects of the systems. He presented details of the technologies and installation methodologies.
The presentation was very informative and participants had the opportunity to ask many questions. It ended at 1.00pm with lunch.
Vote of thanks is accorded to the team from STREAM Environment Group of Companies for providing an informative presentation and to everyone present for making their valuable time attending the talk.
A talk on Armstrong Ceiling System was organized by the Chapter on Saturday, 13 October 2012 at PAM Mini Auditorium. 36 attendees comprising of professional architects, engineers and architectural graduates attended this talk.
The 1st speaker was Mr. Norman Eric Domingo Eusebio, Country Manager, ABP Philippines. He gave an introduction of Armstrong group of company and introduced Armstrong’s main product which is the Mineral Fiber Ceiling. He also covered the topics of when and why do you need Acoustic. He explained that suspended ceilings provide excellent acoustic control by helping to reduce both sound inside a room (sound absorption) and sound that carries from one room to another room (sound attenuation). In addition he spoke about the Mineral Fiber Ceiling specification – Sizes, Relative Humidity, Noise Reduction Control, Durability, Grid and Warranty.
Norman highlighted that the sagging problem associated with mineral fibre board is normally due to high humidity, board not sitting on tee properly, or light fittings not separately supported. Armstrong board comes with RH99 and RH100 rating which guarantees no sagging at highly humid area for 30 years.
The 2nd speaker was Ms. Fong Li Kuan, Country Manager, ABP Malaysia, and 
The 3rd speaker was Mr. Sean Yong, Business Development Manager of BDC Corporation Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor of Armstrong products in
Sean emphasized that Armstrong’s specialty ceiling are produced to meet the architects’ demand for more interesting design which also has good acoustic properties as well as easily maintained.
The presentation was very informative and participants had the opportunity rising up many questions. It ended at 1.00pm with lunch.
Vote of thanks is accorded to the team from Armstrong (
Reported by:
MOK JY
The Joint Consultative committee consisted of Malaysian Institute of Architects, Sabah Chapter, (PAM) Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia, ACEM Sabah Branch, Institution of Engineers Malaysia, IEM Sabah Branch and Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia, RISM Sabah Branch led by their respective chairmen Ar. Lo Su Yin, Ir. Fung Yin Khun, Ir. Lo Chong Chiun, and Sr. Maria Othman respectively paid a courtesy visit to the Putatan District Council on 8th October, 2012. This was the first time whereby the joint professional bodies from the building fraternity visited the District Council.
The delegation comprising of twelve committee members of The Joint Consultative Committee were met by the District Officer, Encik Ag. Abdul Ghani Hj. Pg. Yusoff, Executive Officer, Encik Awang Saifudin Hj Jumat and the council members. Also present at the meeting are representative from the Perancang Bandar dan Wilayah and Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran
Putatan District Council is the latest addition of the 26 district councils in Sabah. Since the formation of the Council 2 years ago, Putatan town had experienced tremendous growth over the past years.
The objectives of the visit were to forge closer link with the Council through dialogues cum discussion sessions. There is an urgent need to focus and update on the planning guidelines and plan submission procedures so as to streamline the plan approval process and to achieve a balanced and orderly growth.
Encik Ag. Abdul Ghani Hj.Pg Yusoff informed that all development plans previously submitted and approved by the Penampang District Council which now fall under the Putatan District Council boundary will be transferred and handled by their council. The status of their approvals will be maintained as long as there is no amendment made to the development layout.
Other issues raised at the meeting included the revision of the building by-laws for Putatan District Council, traffic congestion and pressure exerted on the existing centralized sewerage plant.The close proximity of the district to the KKIA would mean that building height within the district can be restricted by the aerodrome of the Department of Civil Aviation.
Putatan is a vibrant and fast growing district and has attracted a lot of development. There is a need for orderly development to be a sustainable and environmentally friendly for conducive living, working and recreation, The Joint Consultative Committee recommended major infrastructures such as traffic, sewerage, water, power etc. are required to be planned in an integral manner.
The Joint Consultative Committee representatives pledged to render their full support to the council by way of offering their professional services as part of their corporate social responsibility for Putatan and beyond.
Ag. Abdul Ghani(front 6th from left) with representatives from PAM, ACEM, IEM & RISM
Reported by Ar. Lo Su Yin/ Ir. Fung Yin Khun / Ir. Lo Chong Chiun
Tuesday, 9th October 2012 a product talk on “Sports Flooring, Outdoor Decking, Clear Erase & Low Volatile Organic Compound (LVOC) Wall Paper)” was held at PAM Mini Auditorium and was attended by 38 participants.
The speakers were Mr. Derrick Ng and Mr. Caulfield Khoo, Product Manager with Goodrich Global specialized on product selection, research development and providing presentation and training mainly to the Goodrich regional offices (Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong, China and Indonesia).
The talk was mainly about:-
Latest product update
· 4 types of Wall Coverings (paper, fabric, texture & specialty) – Pro & Con
· Tarkett floorings
· Geff Laminate and Engineered Timber floorings
· Pergo floorings
· Silvadee decking, fencing and railing
The speakers informed the participants that Sustainable Development is their main motivation. Thus they offer customers simple, relevant and durable products which come with Low VOC and post-consumer content. Insisting on using only wood from sustainable forestry programmes and organic dyes for printing décor papers of laminate flooring and panels. In addition suppliers are carefully selected for their environmental and social policy.
The talk was very informative and participants had the opportunity asking many questions.
Vote of thanks to all the participants and Goodrich Global (E.M.) Sdn Bhd on the informative talk. The talk ended with fellowship and light refreshment at 4.30pm.
Reported by:
Ar. Mok JY
A briefing cum dialogue with the Tribunal for Housing Purchaser Claims was held on the 27th September 2012 at PAM Mini Auditorium. 44 participants attended the briefing.
The briefing was presented by Tuan Hj. Ahmad Sedik, President of The Tribunal for Housing Purchaser Claims Sabah and the purpose of the briefing is to disseminate information about the roles, function and jurisdiction of the Tribunal, procedure for making claims and penalty for failure to comply with the award made by the Tribunal.
Thursday, 13th September 2012 a product talk on ”Lockcase 2012:Security System” was held at Hibiscus Garden, Level 1 Pacific Sutera, Kota Kinabalu and was attended by 45 participants.
The Master of Ceremony, Mr. Bjorn Lidefelt introduced the speaker, Mr. Lyndon Payne, as the General Manager who heads the Product Management & Specification team for ASSA ABLOY South Asia and he oversees all new product development and major project from India to Vietnam and all countries in between.
In his introduction, he spoke about the “ ASSA ABLOY story”, that they are the global leader in door opening solutions, dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience.
The seminar was divided into three sections in regards to door opening solutions:
- Current market relevance products
- Current new products/technologies
- The future in locking
He showed to the participants the types of digital locks that are available and explained in details the characteristics, functions, features and benefits.
· The Yale digital door lock collection (YDM4109 and YDM3109)
· The Norton- 7100SZ Series Safe Zone
· The Lockwood – 3P70 Series and PentagonTM 3P72 Mortice Locks
· The AperioTM Technology
The talk was very informative and added with interesting video presentation on the future locking system where mobile phone is programmed as key to unlock and lock doors.
Vote of thanks to all the participants, ASSA ABLOY team and Hume Marketing Sdn Bhd on the informative talk and for the generous sponsorship. The talk ended with fellowship and cocktail session at 5.30pm.
Reported by
Ar. MOK JY
A product talk on Types of Estop Green Waterproofing System was organized by the Chapter on Saturday, 15 September 2012 at PAM Mini Auditorium. 37 attendees comprising of professional architects, engineers and architectural graduates attended this talk.
The speaker was Mr. Yong Wai Kit, Division Manager – Specification of Estop Sdn Bhd. He gave an introduction of Estop Sdn Bhd. He informed that Estop SdnBhd specialized in manufacturing and marketing of a comprehensive range of products including waterstops, surface treatments, cementitious, epoxy grout and repair products, waterproofing and flooring products using the technology acquired from an International Company based in Dresden, Germany; offering the highest standards of quality from the perfect combination of the “International Technology and Local Expertise”.
He presented the talk on “The Types of Estop Green Waterproofing System”. There are six main type of waterproofing systems such as:-
● Liquid Applied
● Flexible Cementations
● Spray Applied
● Integral waterproofing system
● Self-Adhesive
● Torch Applied
Mr. Yong also cautioned the participants on the difference between water proof and vapour proof i.e vapour proof is also water proof, but water proof may not be vapour proof. This is important consideration when specifying pu or epoxy coating for car park flooring which must be vapour proof to avoid blistering.
Mr. Yong finished the seminar by covering the different types of green roof for different types of vegetation i.e. extensive, intensive and those ranging in between. He also explained the importance of drainage and soil medium for healthy plants.
The presentation was very informative and participants had the opportunity asking many questions. It ended at 1.00pm with lunch.
Vote of thanks is accorded to everyone for making their valuable time attending the seminar and to the team from North Bridge Engineering SdnBhd and Mr. Yong Wai Kit for the informative presentation.
Reported by:
Ar. MOK JY
A talk on “Green Construction and Sustainable Site Management” was organized by the Chapter on 8 September 2012 at PAM Mini Auditorium. The talk started at 9.15 am and was attended by 73 participants comprising of architects,engineers, QS and architectural graduates.PAM Sabah ChapterCPD Chairman, Ar. Mok Juang Yu welcomed all participants and introduced the speakers, Ir. Thirukumaran Jallendran, a professional engineer registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia. He is a founding member as well as the Honorary Secretary of the Malaysia Green Building Confederation (MGBC). He is currently one of the trainers for the GBI Facilitator Training program. He heads the R & D committee and is the Chairman of the GreenPagesMalaysia sub-committee as well as the Editor of the GreenPagesMalaysia green products and services directory.
Mr. Andrew Ong Teng Eng is a Technical cum Marketing Manager with Lean Giap Building Materials Sdn Bhd. Mr. Ong holds a Bachelor Degree in Estate Management from the University of Malaysia and a member of the Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia (RISM)
Ir. Thiru talked about how to manage green projects. He said sustainability in the construction and building sector is best achieved by actively pursuing a holistic approach that strives to strike a balance between the environment and the economy whilst maintaining a healthy consideration for the social need of humanity.
Mr. Ong introduced “ONDULINE® – Green & Energy Efficient Roofing”. ONDULINE® is the world’s largest manufacturer of corrugated composite sheets made of recycled cellulose fibers, high-grade bitumen and thermo-plastic resins which is a leading supplier of lightweight roofing and under-roofing systems.ONDULINE® has achieved a low carbon footprint and recycles some 200,000 tons of material each year. Natural pigments are used for colorations and its products contain no traces of asbestos.
Vote of thanks is accorded to everyone present for making their valuable time to attend this informative and technical talk. The talk ended at 12.30pm with lunch.
Reported by
Ar. MOK JY
