LIFE IS A PROJECT

It all began in December 1976 when I joined JKR Pasir Mas, Kelantan as a young engineer. At just 24 years old, with only six months of working experience, I was suddenly entrusted with managing nearly fifty school construction projects under the Ministry of Education. These projects spanned across Tumpat, Pasir Mas, and Tanah Merah, making it a formidable challenge for someone so new to the field. With no formal project management training at the time, I found myself in the role of what I now call an “Accidental Project Manager.” Fortunately, I had the support of several Technical Assistants (TAs) who helped oversee various stages of project planning and construction. Together, we navigated the complexities of execution, often learning through hands-on experience and problem-solving in real-time. After more than a quarter-century in construction and business project management, I transitioned into project management consulting and training, guiding both seasoned professionals and newco...

LIAP #08: BAILEY BRIDGE 20/5/2021 A Rainy Night and a Collapsed Bridge On the night of December 1978, amidst a relentless downpour, I received an urgent call that would test my mettle as a young engineer. My Technical Assistant (TA), responsible for road maintenance, informed me that a bridge along the Pasir Mas–Tanah Merah Road had collapsed due to the heavy rainfall. The situation demanded immediate action: the road had to be closed to the public, and the damaged structure needed to be replaced with a Bailey Bridge as swiftly as possible. Without a moment’s hesitation, I prepared myself and drove to the office, arriving in less than five minutes. As the District Engineer for JKR Pasir Mas and Tumpat, I was fortunate to have government quarters located near my office—a strategic arrangement that allowed for rapid response in emergencies like this. By 10 p.m., I was at the office, where my TA had already assessed the damage and briefed me on the situation. He outlined a plan to erect a...

LIAP #07- BUYING HOUSE (Life Is A Project) Buying a house is often the most significant financial decision in a person's lifetime, and it can have profound implications for both personal satisfaction and long-term financial health. When considering the resale value after 25 years, the importance of location cannot be overstated. For instance, while my house appreciated to 2.5 times its original purchase price, my friend's house soared to 10 times its initial cost, solely due to its prime location. This stark difference underscores the critical role that location plays in property investment. Personal vs. Business Project Purchasing a house to live in is a deeply personal endeavor, but if the intent is to rent it out or sell it later, it transforms into a business project—property investment. In 1984, I made a pivotal decision to leave government service and join the private sector. As a senior officer (Super Scale G), I was entitled to a government housing loan of about RM200,...

Wedding is a family project that needs more than six months of planning and preparation for a one day event.Most of us have to become accidental project managers. Every parent with children will have expereince in managing their children's wedding, sooner or later.Wedding is a wedding project where the father and mother elevated themselves to become project directors and project managers. In some cases the parent's fathers and mothers will join as project consultants-appointed or self-imposed! As parents, when we got married, our parents hosted the event. As we grow older, when our children are getting married it is our turn. We got experience as the bride and the grom but we do not have the knowledge and experience on how to do it. My first experience was more than twelve years ago. My three decades of experience in managing construction and business project helped me a lot but wedding project is a different kettle of fish. A few things beyond our control. We have just to acce...