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WSP aligns with Greater KL's goal for sustainable progress

KUALA LUMPUR: A LEADING Canadian consulting firm, WSP Engineering Malaysia Sdn Bhd anticipates substantial opportunities in Greater Kuala Lumpur (Greater KL), driven by Malaysia's economic growth and development.

The firm has made substantial investments in the Greater KL region, complementing the country's development goals.

The firm's office in the Gardens North Tower, Mid Valley, serves as a design centre for regional projects and clients, and is a hub for cutting-edge services and expertise.

Its managing director, Karthegasen Nakulan shared about the company's strategic diversification into new sectors, including power & energy, water and environment.

"This expansion will enable us to leverage our expertise and capabilities to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients," he told Business Times.

He said the food and beverage, aerospace and electrical and electronics industries as well as data centres were some of the key areas where WSP saw significant potential.

Karthegasen highlighted WSP's commitment to leverage its international expertise in transit-oriented developments focusing on enhancing Greater KL's infrastructure.

"This will not only improve connectivity but also promote sustainable development and urban planning."

He added that WSP was excited to play a pivotal role in the Bandar Enstek halal hub.

The company is delivering projects for prominent clients such as Dutch Lady, Mahsuri Food Sdn Bhd, Farm Fresh and Kellanova (previously known as Kellogg's), further strengthening its market presence.

"Overall, our business plans are aligned with the opportunities arising from Greater KL, as we develop sustainable engineering solutions for a future where society can thrive." 

Elevating the nation's aviation infrastructure 

WSP Malaysia was recently conferred the prestigious "IEM Award for Contribution to Engineering Industry in Malaysia 2024" in the "Sustainable Property Development" category for our outstanding contribution to the ExecuJet MRO Services Project.

MRO Services A Dassault Aviation Company

This ambitious venture represents a significant milestone in Malaysia's aerospace infrastructure, setting new benchmarks for design, functionality and sustainability.

Through state-of-the-art infrastructure and innovative methodologies employed in the construction of the Execujet MRO Services & Hangar project, we are contributing significantly to the nation's engineering landscape. 

Moreover, the project embodies a profound dedication to human capital development by nurturing the skills and expertise of Malaysian engineers, thus empowering the local workforce, and fostering growth within the engineering sector. 

Furthermore, environmental sustainability remains at the forefront of our endeavours, as evidenced by our meticulous adherence to eco-friendly practices throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, our Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives extend beyond our operational boundaries, positively impacting the communities we serve.The project at Subang Airport entails the development of an MRO service hangar on a 4.27-acre of land and comprises two components.

The first is an office and workshop block strategically positioned along the main road, offering streamlined access and operational efficiency.

The second component is an aircraft hangar, which faces the airport apron, facilitating seamless maintenance and repair for aircraft.

Karthegasen said the construction of the brand new state-of-the-art Malaysian facility which serves as the headquarters for the Asia region would not only provide essential infrastructure for the aviation sector but also create job opportunities and attract investments — contributing to the growth and developments of Malaysia's economy.

WSP also plays a crucial role in elevating Malaysia's transport system through its involvement in key projects such Kuala Lumpur-Singapore Joint Development Partner for the High-Speed Rail, MRT Corp Circle Line System Wide Consultant, Kelana Jaya Line Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, and Safety (RAMS) Audit, System Assurance Services for Malaysia-Singapore RTS Traction Power Supply Work Package for Pestech and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Automated People Mover Refurbishment. 

As the lead consultant, WSP provide project management support and technical advice on HSR systems and operations, while developing the technical and safety standards to assist in preparing documents for the upcoming tenders.

"At WSP, we drive sustainability in global rail projects through innovative solutions, blending advisory and engineering expertise. Our integrated approach reduces costs, adds value, and mitigates risks, fostering vibrant communities and Future Ready transit systems with a focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability."

"WSP Malaysia is at the forefront of Mission Critical Facilities, particularly data centres. Our local team is spearheading multiple Master Planning and Technical Due Diligence projects across greenfield and brownfield sites in Johor, Cyberjaya, and the Kuala Lumpur area. 

"These initiatives cater to WSP's international clientele from the USA, Middle East, Singapore, Hong Kong, and China. 

"Notably, our team has successfully delivered design packages for two data centre sites in Indonesia, collectively achieving an installed IT load of nearly 100MW. Currently, we are advancing a third site in Indonesia, where we are incorporating advanced cooling technologies, including liquid cooling systems, to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. 

"This commitment to innovation underscores our role as a trusted partner in the global data centre landscape."

Innovation, diversification and strategic partnerships

WSP Malaysia would continue to solidify its presence in Greater KL, supported by a combination of innovative solutions, strategic diversification and a strong global support network.

The company had successfully expanded its operations by adopting several key strategies, ensuring it remained at the forefront of the engineering and consulting industry.

"With WSP's Future Ready approach, our smart solutions are not just about innovation—they're about creating human-centered, adaptable spaces that drive efficiency, enhance sustainability, and foster digital connectivity. Thus, we not only future-proof our infrastructure but also ignite economic growth and empower communities to thrive in a rapidly evolving world."

"This focus on innovation has allowed WSP to maintain a competitive edge and extend our services into new sectors."

Meanwhile, diversification into industrial, aerospace, mission-critical facilities like data centres, power and energy, and water and environment sectors has enabled WSP Malaysia to adapt to changing market conditions.

This approach has opened up new avenues for growth, allowing the company to capitalise on opportunities in various industries.

Furthermore, Karthegasen said strategic partnerships with other firms had also helped bolster WSP Malaysia's capabilities.

"These collaborations enable the company to access new markets, technologies and expertise, enhancing its ability to deliver comprehensive solutions to its clients."

The company believed that collaboration was essential to drive growth, innovation and sustainability.

WSP's partnerships with government agencies, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and academic institutions are critical in achieving its goals.

"We have partnered with investment arms, such as InvestKL, Invest Selangor and Invest Negeri Sembilan, to support the growth of domestic businesses and industries.

"We are also working closely with the High Commission of Canada to facilitate knowledge-sharing and talent development between Canada and Malaysia."

Karthegasen said WSP was committed to supporting SMEs and companies by partnering with them in various projects such as railway, food and beverage, aerospace, property and buildings and mission critical facilities.

"These collaborations enable us to share our expertise and resources, while also promoting the growth and development of Malaysian businesses.

"We are launching mentorship programmes to support companies in their growth journey. Our experienced professionals will provide guidance to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals." 

Advancing sustainability in Greater KL 

Recognising the importance of minimising its ecological footprint, WSP Malaysia is taking significant steps to promote sustainable practices in Greater KL.

To reduce its environmental impact, WSP Malaysia has launched several green initiatives.

One notable effort was the WSP Global Inventory Environmental Data Collection-Asia, a comprehensive data collection programme that tracked energy and resource consumption across the globe, including Malaysia.

"This data is instrumental in monitoring the company's carbon footprint and identifying areas for improvement, driving more sustainable practices across its operations."

WSP Malaysia has also implemented an environmental, social and governance focused classification system for its projects, ensuring that sustainability is woven into every stage of design and delivery.

According to Karthegasen, this approach not only helps clients achieve their sustainability goals but also contributes to a positive environmental impact.

"Furthermore, we integrate sustainability into all our designs from the inception of projects, ensuring that our solutions are not only environmentally friendly but also economically and socially sustainable.

"By doing so, we help our clients achieve their sustainability goals and contribute to a more sustainable future," he said. 

Investment impact on the local community and broader ecosystem

WSP Malaysia's ongoing investments in Greater KL are making a substantial impact on the local community and broader ecosystem.

The company is enhancing public transportation infrastructure, improving airport operations, and supporting major projects, which, Karthe said, contribute to Malaysia's economic development.

"Providing essential infrastructure and services enables us to support the growth of businesses, industries, and communities in the region," he added.

"In addition, we believe that our projects will enhance public transportation infrastructure, improve airport operations and provide better services for the community, making their lives easier," he said.

Moving forward, a key focus of WSP Malaysia's investment strategy was ensuring that all projects were designed with sustainability at its core.

"The company's commitment to sustainable practices minimises environmental impact, promotes responsible resource use and supports the broader goal of sustainable development in the region.

"Through these initiatives, WSP Malaysia is not only contributing to the economic and social well-being of Greater KL but is also continually striving to create a significant impact in the world," he added.

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