Synopsis of Lecture

The traffic congestion in Kuala Lumpur and the high demand of urban space would inevitably lead to an underground transit system. The underground works will inevitably be posed with all the constraints and challenges in both design and construction that is unique to Kuala Lumpur’s geology, land use and social-economic structure.

This lecture captures some of the salient aspects of the successfully completed underground section of the Sg. Buloh to Kajang (SBK), Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit (KVMRT) Project. The underground works contract between Semantan and Maluri was awarded as a design and build contract to MMC Gamuda Joint Venture.

This lecture considers the engineering challenges related to deep excavation and tunnelling in the different geology encountered along the SBK line. The design of deep excavation, temporary retaining systems and other associated works for stations and its performance in Kenny Hill and Kuala Lumpur Limestone will be elaborated. The tunnelling works connecting all the underground stations will be briefly discussed including the innovative variable density tunnel boring machine. The risk management process, building damage assessment/protection and monitoring particularly to verify the performance of unconventional construction sequence will be briefly explained.

This lecture also make reference to the efforts made to develop the human resource to meet the tight construction program. The successful completion of the project is only possible with the dedication and commitment of the client, the management and the support of the many dedicated staff who had laboured tirelessly to complete the project on time and in a safe manner. The valiant effort and cooperation of various parties are gratefully acknowledged without which the subject matter of this lecture would not have been possible.  

NOTE: The written version will be co-authored by Dato’ Ir. Paul Ha and Ir. Dr. Ooi Lean Hock.


C.V. of the Speaker

A civil engineer, Dato’ Ir. Paul Ha has 39 years of experience in the engineering and construction sectors, of which 28 years of it has been with Gamuda Berhad. He has extensive experience in large-scale design-and-build (DAB) projects, build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects and project delivery partner implementation concept from project inception to project financing and implementation, both in Malaysia and overseas.

As Gamuda Berhad’s Deputy Group Managing Director, Dato’ Ir. Paul assists the Group Managing Director in managing the Group’s local and international engineering and construction, property development and infrastructure concession business divisions. Currently, through the Company’s role as Project Delivery Partner (PDP), and Underground Works contractor, he also directs, oversees and manages the implementation of the massive Klang Valley MRT Projects.

Dato’ Ir. Paul expertise and extensive experience particularly in large and complex projects enable him to contribute significantly to the Group’s business and to the Board. He was also appointed Vice President of the China Economic & Trade Promotion Agency in September 2010 on a 5-year term.

Dato’ Ir. Paul holds a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree from University of Malaya and was a student of Professor Chin Fung Kee. He is a Professional Engineer registered with the Board of Engineers, Malaysia; a Chartered Structural Engineer and a Chartered Engineer registered with the Engineering Council, UK; a Fellow of The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (FIEM); a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, UK (FICE); a Fellow of The Institution of Structural Engineers (FIStructE), UK and a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation, UK.


IMPORTANT:  All registration fees must be FULLY paid before commencement of the Lecture.