On the National Stage: Representing COWAM at BEM–MEIS 2026
Updated: Jul 18
I am truly honored to have served as a panelist at the BEM – Malaysia’s Engineering Institutions and Societies Meet 2026 (BEM–MEIS 2026), held on 27 January 2026.
Representing the Construction Inspector of Work Association Malaysia (COWAM), I had the privilege of contributing to two key sessions:
Session 1: Initiatives in Engineering
Session 4: Strengthening the Engineering Community
What made this experience particularly meaningful was the opportunity to share the stage with respected leaders from IEM, ACEM, and MySET. The discussions went beyond technical boundaries, focusing on how we can collectively shape and strengthen Malaysia’s engineering ecosystem—not just for engineers, but for the broader built environment community.
This event also marked a significant milestone with the launch of the BEM Strategic Plan 2026–2030, officiated by the Honourable Minister of Public Works, Dato’ Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi. The plan is anchored on four key thrusts:
Talent
Governance
Recognition
Innovation
These pillars set a clear direction for the future of the engineering profession in Malaysia.
Out of 37 engineering-related institutions (including associations and institutions of higher learning) only IEM, MySET, ACEM, and COWAM were selected as “synthesizers”. This role entrusted us with articulating current challenges within the engineering landscape and proposing strategic ways forward. It was both a responsibility and a privilege to contribute to these national-level discussions.
A particularly memorable moment for me was being invited, on behalf of COWAM, to join the Honourable Minister during the tea break for further dialogue. It was an invaluable opportunity to exchange views more personally on key industry matters.
One of the milestones we proudly celebrate within COWAM is the recognition of BEM-registered Inspectors of Work (IOW) under the Dublin Accord signatories. This recognition signifies that IOW qualifications are now acknowledged internationally across full signatory countries, including the United States, South Korea, Malaysia, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Ireland, and Canada, with the United Kingdom as a conditional signatory.
Although I am not an IOW by profession, I remain committed to supporting the growth and recognition of the community. I hope that my contributions, however small, help strengthen professionalism and advance the development of IOWs in Malaysia.
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