Kota Kinabalu: New Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (ACEM) Sabah chairman Ir Benny Song reiterated its commitment to the “Sabah First” policy, which prioritises local engineering talent and consultancy firms in state development projects, and strengthen the role of local professionals in shaping Sabah’s infrastructure landscape.
Speaking at the annual meeting at Sheraton Hotel, he also raised concerns over rising operational costs faced by consulting engineering firms.
He attributed the pressure to new government requirements, levies, and statutory compliance obligations, while urging local authorities to improve efficiency in plan approvals and administrative processes.
“We are not asking for shortcuts; we are asking for a system that moves at the speed of modern business,” he said, adding that excessive administrative delays and unnecessary red tape could threaten the sustainability of local engineering practices.
A key agenda item at the AGM was the reinforcement of professional ethics in fee quotation practices. Members were reminded to strictly adhere to the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Scale of Fees. Benny cautioned against under-cutting and unsustainably low pricing strategies in the private sector, describing such practices as detrimental to the profession.
“We must respect our own value if we expect others to do the same,” he said, urging firms to maintain fair and ethical fee structures amid rising industry costs.
The executive committee also extended congratulations to Immediate Past Chairman Datuk Ir Chin Shu Ying on his appointment as a State Assemblyman.
The committee expressed its intention to collaborate with him in efforts to modernise outdated state by-laws and reduce bureaucratic barriers affecting the construction and engineering sectors.
The newly elected executive committee includes Ir Wah Kheng Haw as Deputy Chairman. Datuk Ir Dr Amarjit Singh as Honorary Secretary, while Ir Kenny Lo takes on the role of Honorary Treasurer.
Datuk Ir Chin continues to serve as Immediate Past Chairman. The committee members are Ir Tan Koh Yon, Ir Mohd. Arzahri, Ir Hiew Vun Heng, Ir James Leong, Ir Lim Kwan Sin and Ir Brandon Galimam.
The AGM concluded with a call from the Chairman for members to remain resilient, innovative, and united in addressing industry challenges through the ACEM platform, while continuing to advocate for a more efficient and sustainable engineering ecosystem in Sabah.
