SYNOPSIS

The talk focuses on the importance of effective stakeholder engagement in the planning and implementation of projects in Malaysia, especially in the context of the present socio-political climate. Lessons learnt from selected infrastructure projects in Malaysia are discussed.

This is particularly important topic for engineers who are involved in the planning, designing and construction of infrastructure projects.  Stakeholder engagement is a mechanism to involve those who are affected by a decision in the decision-making process. It encourages sustainable decisions by providing stakeholders with the information they need to be involved in a meaningful way. The amount of stakeholder engagement and participation in project planning in Malaysia has increased in recent years. Nevertheless the process can be improved with a better understanding of stakeholder concerns and needs and use of appropriate tools and techniques.

With the numerous infrastructure projects being implemented all over the country, it is pertinent that we improve the public participation in the planning, design and implementation of such projects. The risks of infrastructure projects such as roads, railways, airports, water supply and flood mitigation could be significantly reduced by engaging stakeholder early and effectively. Stakeholder participation is key to good governance.  It will help ensure our planning process is effective and the projects sustainable.


BIODATA OF SPEAKER

Ir. Dr. G. Balamurugan is the Managing Director of ERE Consulting Group. Over the past 30 years, Dr Bala has been actively involved environmental and natural resources management and planning in the region. He serves as consultant to many Government agencies, private enterprises and non-governmental organizations in a variety of areas ranging from natural resources planning, environmental assessment and capacity building. He has worked in a wide range of sectors from transportation, infrastructure, industry, forestry & biodiversity, transportation, energy and water resources. He has completed over 300 projects in Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Bangladesh and Myanmar.