Renewable Officer

In UK, that is a new profession called renewable officer. The birth of this profession is due to the requirement of each development project to have at least self generating 10% renewable energy at site. The Renewable Officer will assess the installation of renewable method and evaluate its perfomance so as to ensure that compliance to planning permission is observed. This is an interesting development as emerging changes to the World has in turn revolve our thinking, way of doing things and perhaps business model. In other words, nothing is stagnant and unchanged. Everything is subjected to its relevance because of the new changes, new order in the World and of course the eminent changes of environment. Perhaps this is new challenge to many older professions such as engineers, planners, architects, surveyors, lawyers and etc. Either we evolve and embrace new demand or we are out of business.

Economic Downturn vs. Sustainable Development

We always listen to and discuss about the impact of climate change towards the Earth and human being. We talked about how global warming has melted the iceberg in North Pole and then after the rise of sea water level and the effect of CER reaching 400ppm and beyond. All these are making the World less sustainable. We talked about how to make sustainable development to be sustained further and better. But, who care especially during the economic downturn and financial turmoil crisis now! If majority of the people are adversely affected by their job, income and high inflation that making the cost of living unbearable and reducing their affordability for owning house and better lifestyle for example, certainly we cannot expect them to concentrate their energy and effort on sustainable development. However, unless the notion of achieving sustainable development is also meant to saving one’s pocket without compromising the quality of life, the aim of sustainable development will be distracted because of economic impact. This is the topic of discussion for many in the environmental cycle. The United Nations is taking the lead of initiating a discussion on the impact of global financial and economic crisis on sustainable development. What say you?

Organic Waste Composting

The first organic waste composting centre would be operationalised in Jalan Othman Market, Petaling Jaya in a week time. The Centre with 2 tonnes capacity will handle about 40% of total organic waste generated daily from this wet market. The organic waste will be converted to compost fertiliser within 24 hours time, making it feasible and possible to be established in the urban setting with physical space constraint and negative perception on degradable waste. The partnership between the City Council of Petaling Jaya and a private firm with no financial capital outlay and requirement for daily operation and maintenance making it possible for the pilot project be implemented. The expenditure for constructing the Centre, the procurement of machine, workforce and utilities bills are to be footed by the firm. It is a private-public partnership in effective solid waste management and 3R concept in practice. By turning the waste into compost within the market compound will not only helping in solving problem of excessive waste generated at source, but also help in reducing the cost of management as well as the reduction in carbon emission. It is achieved from the production of methane gas at landfill and also fuel burn generated from lorry trips commute from PJ to landfill. At the end of the day, oeration cost of the Council will be reduced. The quote "environmental friendly can be profitable" is in practice...

Budget

Budget announced last week provided so many goodies for people. Basically everyone will have a share on it. Students will get RM250 each, even for young people, they can have rebate of RM200 to purchase smart phone. It is a people's budget, some said. Some, of course worried about the high deficit we have and wonder where tbe money comes from. For me, perhaps the most important question to ask is sustainability and quality of life in long term. Are we better off with RM500 to spend in few months time or are we talking about maintaining a high quality of life without bothering much about inflation that is unreachable. I think we must go back to the basic, live simply and act moderate.

Green Developer

I attended a meeting discussing the implementation of low carbon cities in Malaysia last week. It was an enlightening experience with the chances of hearing what others have done and also sharing of knowledge and opinion with others on the way forward. One of the particular people impressed me the most must be a young developer with plenty of ideas and actions of going green in his development projects. More than often we hear others of wanting to do it but might not have even started it, but Sam Tan of Ken Property Holding Bhd has so much showcases and good green practices to share. He reckoned that how extra steps and effort have to be taken for enduring green route. His maiden trial was converting an abandoned office project into a service apartment in Bangsar area. The green beginning did not stop there but continue with other development projects having green facade and elements. The green building is not mere compliance of minimum guidelines for being accredited, but a lot of innovation and creative design are incorporated. For example, designing a pathway for flow of natural ventilation in order to reduce capture of hot air and locating space for optimisation in natural lighting are some of the example. Of course, the design has eaten into the bottom line of profit margin. This however does not prevent them to experience with new green ideas and design. Their good gesture was paid back with overwhelming response from the buyers who do not mind to pay extra for getting a green home. After all, in long run, the house buyers are able to save from the green gestures. For example, the pre-installed rain water harvesting tanks will help reduce the water bill. This has obviously brought in new dimension to the property development and construction sector. I wish to have more property developers with such "green and low carbon" features in mind come on board.

Labour Day

1st of May is the Labour Day. A day in celebrating the employees' contribution and dedication, I think. If this is the spirit, then perhaps the celebration should be initiated by the employers and not entirely the responsibility of the employees to organise event for celebration and hence seeking recognition. Then again, if both the divides can celebrate together, it must be a sign of smart partnership and collaboration. People always say no sound is loud enough without clapping both the hand. It means any work or job is the produce of collaboration between the employers and employees. Without anyone will definitely making the job incomplete. Some would like to name the day as Workers Day because the words of labour implying the contribution of employees have been belittle. This is so because in the past they are providing energy and time only in return for remuneration. In present day, this is not true that only energy and time is paid, but rather other services or talent such as consulting or ideas are getting rewards too. Perhaps workers are also not a word to reflect the emerging changes on employment sector. For proper recognition, perhaps we can have a more appropriate terminology such as Employees Day. Previously, we have a chain of production that demarcated clearly the link between different of workers and the boss. For writer, you will need to get a publisher to publish your works. For song composer, the boss of recording company is important to get your song be sang and produced. Whoever artist he decided to sing it will have a bearing on how popular your song can be in the market. The employers and employees relationship is obvious in making the chain of production work effectively. With the advancement of technology especially the ICT which provide plenty of opportunities and platform for all, the relationship between employers and employees are also evolving. The writer does not necessary to secure a contract with publisher first before writing. He can upload it to the web site and market it with the social media for getting readers. And mind you, world is the market size we are talking about. Similarly, for song composer, he can produce a demo and upload it for sharing and listening. In this respect, no clear employers exist. They are the so call freelancers and their own boss. Is this group of people celebrating the Labour Day? I do not think so because they might have no employees to celebrate with. With the growing number of this group whom relying on ICT to be their own boss as mean of living, will the number of people celebrating Labour Day decreasing? Happy Labour Day, anyway before the time comes for us celebrating the contribution of employers and employees together.

Making Peace During War Time

I attended a management meeting last week and one of the interesting point raised by the Chair of the meeting is everyone in the market place has no time to take a real rest time as we have to either preparing the war during peaceful time or making peace during war time. Either way we have to make good preparation. Confucius and Sun Tze once said in ancient time that as a leader we need to worry first before others about things during good time or else you yourself is no more other than the ordinary people. This is rightly so because the leader is leading and he has to think well ahead and prepare for any untoward happenings or else he might have caught off guard for any eventuality. Under such circumstance, he is not fit any more to lead the followers who might have listen and follow the instructions as given. Of course, some might have just lamented that any untoward happening is the act of God or factors beyond their control or influence but no one will admit of miscalculation of misjudgement.

Having said this, of course not many will be able to sense and feel the right timing. Is now a war time or peaceful time is very much depended on who you have forwarded the question to. For example, although many are preparing for the rainy day anticipating that 2012 will be a difficult year because of the global economic slow down and domestic political uncertainty scenario, the government servants that I met up might have thought differently. Those having secure and protected career, fix income and stable life will not bother much about the surrounding disturbance as long as their life style is maintained and no drastic changes are taking place.

For those preparing for the war during peaceful time, it is of course an opportunity for better thing to come during a rainy time. They are with them sufficient resources and energy to capture what have been good and "cheap" for them.

For local authority, now must be the time to showcase to the stakeholders that we are care and concern about them. We are here to facilitate them overcoming the hardship or even developing wider opportunities for them during this difficult time. People are concerned about cost and ease of doing business. Is it chances for us to think about lowering the cost and easing the procedure of conducting business. I certainly think so.

Kota Kinabalu Market is A Tourist Place

Last Saturday morning I have the chance of walking about in the premise of market of Kota Kinabalu. The market comprises of fish monger section, fruits and vegetables, dried good and handicraft within the building or in the open area has become a tourist attraction area. The market is opened 24 hours in which night time will see stalls selling household, personal, souvenirs and food items. Many outsiders coming to Kota Kinabalu consider visiting the market is a must. When we talked about a market place, first thing comes to our mind is it must be a dirty, wet, untidy and smeary place that only those who are in need will go. Housewife or restaurant owners will usually go there to source for daily consumption. Then if we are told about the long hour of operation, we will then form up our perception that it must be worse than the normal market place as no time is permitted for cleaning and washing.

It proved me wrong during my round in the market. Walking within in the market area here is a pleasant and enjoyable experience, although you might feel a little bit humidity and hot. I do not have the experience of dirtiness, smear and untidy. Although the fish monger section is having a wet floor, nonetheless the floor is very tidy without obstruction and no untoward smear. The open area in which fishermen displaying their catch have no pothole filled up with dirty water. The sundry stalls are arranged nicely and presentable for a pleasure marketing. Although the section with handicraft and souvenirs is a bit noisy, it is understood as the tourists are doing their bargaining for better price. You will not believe that value for money is always at the end of the day. Perhaps it is because Tourist First concept and fulfilling the objective of Kota Kinabalu City Hall in making this city a premium tourist city.

I wonder why can't the markets in other part of Malaysia have the same environment? I cannot avoid from comparing the market in Old Town of Petaling Jaya with this one. While the Old Town Market has only one morning session for trading, the untidiness and dirtiness remain and last forever. Perhaps one of the reason I can think of is the commitment of the stakeholders. The sense of belonging to keep clean and tidy is not the order of the day for hawkers, market supervisors, the customers, the cleaning contractors and even the officers overlooking the management of the market. Of course, if politically permitted, something drastic is urgently required. We must have the gut of making changes. These include terminating the license of irresponsible traders and contractors, strict enforcement towards customers and even those officers involve in the management and maintenance should be held responsible for any identified shortcoming. Until then, I am not sure the image of wet market now can be changed. Of course competition posed by hypermarkets and modern market will displace the wet market if nothing is done now.

Green Economy

I attended an industrial seminar on green economy yesterday. Every speaker spoke about the importance of green and low carbon development for sustainability and to stimulate the process, providing economic incentives apart from the voluntarism and legislation requirement is crucial. While providing monetary gain is welcome, looking into the green economy as business opportunity is not entirely right approach as the solution for the environmental challenges we are facing today. For example, having more hybrid car as replacement for the fuel-driven vehicle is good for the environment, it does not necessary mean the traffic congestion will disappear as volume of cars will remain the same. Similarly, fixing the solar heater does not correlate with the reduction of energy consumption if one has installed more air-con units in the house. In other words, applying technology and system without changing the mind set and behaviour of the people will not become a final solution to the green issues.

Another speaker equated that activities good for the environment are always good for the business. This, I certainly agree if we are talking about public good and for environment in wider scope. However, the problem we are facing today is many of the businesses only concerned about their balance sheet and profit for their shareholders rather than taking into consideration the public cost as part of the production cost of their services or products. For example, consuming more water to produce paper is alright as long as the profit margin is maintained. On the other hand, some businesses are depending on solving environmental issues or daily polluted routine for survival and if no such problem exists, then that businesses will be out of business. For example, waste contractors will hope for more rubbish for collection and will be out of business if a successful 3R program was in place in a community. Similarly, it is illogical to request a beverage company to promote drinking less or ask a petrol company to promote less travelling. Having said this, although companies that have done so is not definitely a green company, but at least with green in heart. These companies should have developed and embraced green initiative in their existing business operation or have developed new green business model.

Green business means embracing green into existing business or developing new business model with green elements. For existing businesses, going for green can be cost saving and "face" saving as more stakeholders are looking for companies with green to associate with. For example, a packaging company finds ways to reduce the need for using more papers will definitely get the admiration from others. Similarly, applying ICT system effectively to cut down business transaction with physical interface and paper correspondence as well as data storage with large storeroom will be the way forward. With the changing of time and emerging of global environmental issues, new business opportunities occur. For example, turning waste into wealth, treating waste as resources, using renewable energy, reducing the use of non-renewable resources, refurbishment of old goods for new use, 3R of old goods, cost cutting and efficiency are fields that presenting new business opportunities. These have nurtured companies in making nature crafts from used paper, composting waste into fertiliser, collecting rain water for sanitary use, converting waste water into new water, manufacturing chiller for air con and hot water mushrooming in the market.

While ultimately we are looking for green solution, doing it now without talking about economic factor is unrealistic. Without the businesses involvement and monetary return for doing good deed is always the slowest option for success, unless it is life threatening, I presume.

Land Premium vs Urban Regeneration

Urban regeneration is a lengthy process as it involves various stakeholders with different needs and priorities. In an old neighbourhood area, the first generation of settlers might be sentimental and emotionally related to the place for which they have stayed, developed and inculcated the sense of belonging over the years. It is difficult to convince this group of people to leave or distance themselves from their neighbourhood. The second generation might be there since born and going through the childhood and developmental growth in their life phase. Hence, with historical attachment to their birth place, might not be that easy to be convinced to move away. The newcomers are easier lot because they come with new thinking of revitalise the old neighbourhood. This group is the prime mover to push ahead the plan for urban regeneration. The neighbourhood will have imbalance state of regeneration due to different need and agenda of the above mentioned groups. As a result, the whole neighbourhood area will be filled with different phase of development. For example, uneven building height, modern building sandwiched by buildings with deteriorated condition, upgrading of roads and infrastructure in piece meal basis, the presence of vacant and idle land in the centre of the neighbourhood area. This is common scene in the Old Town of Petaling Jaya, the earliest settlement of the City since its inception 60 years ago. One of the reason contributing to this phenomenon is the capability of settlers to pay extra premium for extending their land lease. Lease of the land owned by the settlers is expired soon and need renewal. Without longer lease period, they feel insecure to invest renovating their house. Apart from that, it is also difficult for the owners to secure loan from financial institutions to fund the rebuilding of their dilapidated house. Hence, many of these houses have left with its original condition without any major refurbishment. For the owners to renew the lease, each individual land owner is expected to folk out at least RM 60,000 or more. It is definitely a burden for the land owners especially the first and second generation of settlers who have retired from work. The recent policy introduced by the Selangor State Government on paying only RM 1,000for renewing the lease, is thus welcomed by many. It is anticipated that nearly 100,000 land owners will be benefited from this policy. The land owners will only need to pay RM 1,000 upon approval of the lease extension provided that the family keep the land. If the land owners decided to sell the land later, they have to pay up the premium in full sum or entitled to a 30% discount if payment is made within 3 months of the approval date. Although it is understood that some question about people need to folk out higher amount when making a sale later, this However should not become an excuse for not supporting this policy of providing another alternative. People with no financial capability of securing loan in rebuilding their house can do so now. This, will help in rehabilitating the old neighbourhood with modern building and better infrastructure. It indicates that land premium and urban regeneration is closely related as it will determine whether the owners will be able to support the plan or not.

Budget 2012

The 2012 Budget Announcement last Friday brought much cheers to many especially the lower income segment of the community and public servants. It is said a people friendly budget. The measures have been focusing on minimising the pain for escalating cost of living in the urban area, reducing the cost of doing business, ensuring general public of affordable housing and transportation as well as maintaining the competitiveness environment of Malaysia for investors and businesses. It is also the hope of improving the benefits of public servants will help in enhancing the effectiveness and quality of public delivery service. Although nothing is sure on this, the measure has however uplifted the morale of the public work force. Hopefully with the emphasize on innovation, public service will be more creative, innovative and leading the way in enhancing the quality service delivery. I believe we can produce more Steve Jobbs alike by giving individual public servant a chance to be innovated instead of the conventional bureaucratise way of protocol.

For environmental front, the tax incentive for hybrid and electric car will be extended until 2013. It is in fact a good move of encouraging hybrid car as an alternative to the present mode of transportation. Perhaps the local authority can compliment this effort by offering some incentive to encourage more such model replacing the existing vehicle. For example, car parking incentive and priority parking. Having said this, the changes might have help in reducing the emission of CO2, it does not help in reducing the car volume on the road. At the end of the day, I presume providing efficient and affordable public transportation is still the way forwards. It will be nicer also if more incentives have been provided for corporates and individual to do more greenery things. For example, shall i enjoy some tax rebate for recycling waste in my house, for reducing rubbish generation, for using less water and electricity, for supporting local products and etc.

For social front, this year must be a good starting for many good years to come. For the household earning RM3000 and below, a hand out of RM500 is given. For taxi drivers buying local made model vehicle is also getting big relief. For family with schooling children, the offering for education is also good. Basically nobody is left out from the list. It is only hope that what have been intended for will be utilised 100% for the purpose for greatest benefits, and no other else.

For local authority, it must be a year full with challenges. The challenge of businesses encountering stir competition and possible economic slow down, the residents facing with escalating cost of living and jobs opportunity, the bulky public service and the work performance of the service contractors. It is especially so for local authorities in Selangor, they will have to learn and relearn how to manage the solid waste and area cleansing after a lapse of 12 years of not doing so. It is an area so visible to the public and have an immediate impact on performance of the local authorities because you cannot hide the problem of cleanliness as what most people said you cannot sweep the rubbish under the carpet without others knowing about it.

For me, the budget is definitely a morale booster if not for career advancement but at least financially YES. I wish the new assessment scheme of SPBA replacing the SSM will right the previous wrong. Qualified servants will be notified and given the chance to serve. It is who you are that count rather than who you know or who you are with.

Catch 22@PJ: Environment vs $

When it comes to the need of protecting the environment and expenditure for doing so, how do you strike a balance? This is a question many people will like to skip and avoid. Given an opportunity, everybody would like to make good and hence feel good by doing more for the betterment of their living environment. People tend to collect old newspaper for recycling and then earn some return. Some might go extra mile of planting trees and flora not only within their house compound, but also the surrounding area like garden and road shoulder in front of their house. This partly because of immense benefits they are enjoying and also the cost involved is not that high.

If you are asked to contribute more than you are willing to do so, would you still have no problem of carrying out the contribution towards environment that you are used to do? I was asked this question during a meeting. I made a proposal recently for replacing the billing with electronic and digital format. Instead of receiving hardcopy of the bill by postal, the receipients will be asked to voluntary himself to not receiving the bill and make payment through online system. By doing so, the cost on printing and sending the bills will be reduced and carbon footprint can be deducted. While the saving on billing is not that significant compared to the potential total collection from billing and possibility of non-payment, the process will bring in positive message to the public that carbon emission is possible even though with a small process of business doing that have a risk of non collection of due. In this respect, shall we go ahead facing the potential financial risk for the good of protecting our environment later?

I am fortunate that members of the meeting brought the arguement and agreed with the proposal. Perhaps many people out there would do the same if given proper guidance and information, that is preferring environmental conservation for public good rather than taking financial outflow as the only consideration.

Effective Implementation

It was reported that rebate scheme for energy efficiency electrical appliances offered by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water does not meet the anticipated result. After 2 months of implementation, many qualified purchasers of new appliances do not care of applying for the rebate. It was quoted as a complicated process and the restriction is too much to fulfill with. While the scheme is a good start to encourage low carbon and energy saving living, the process itself becomes a hindrance for achieving the target.

People always say for effective implementation of a programme, 3 factors are important, namely the content, context and process. While the content itself of going green is noble and by right should be welcome by all like-minded people in dollars saving and environmental friendly, it does not mean that everyone will aim for it. Right context is also important such as the right target group, timing and circumstances. For example, affordability is one issue. If i can purchase an air-con with life span of 5 years but with more than 50% cheaper than the energy efficiency product, then for those concern about paying higher capital expenditure at the initial stage, the cost factor will be prioritised. Similarly, right process is also critical. We should facilitate the process by making application is an easy task and not adding eextra burden to the decision process of purchasing. If you request me to visit the Ministry in Putrajaya for the form and to submit again, then it might be not cost efficient for me to do so.

I wish the assessment rebate scheme for environmental friendly house owners offered by Petaling Jaya City Council will be an easy process.

Development

People said development is unstoppable. You are either join in the crowd or be marginalised. Having said this, many of us only consider physical and economy development are the so called development and progress. We are looking at the physical transformation of a place or materialistic as development. We are seldom take into consideration social development as progress development. For example, in the 60s, people knew each others and neighbourhood security is of non issue. Nowadays, high fencing and tight security are there to protect the neighbourhood for the reason of better safety. While we have achieved economically well, we are backward when it comes to social development. So, are we talking about the true meaning of development here. We are at the Catch 22 situation here as society is facing the vicious cycle of development. People rich with friendly and social interaction in the old days are more happier than now that we hardly talk to each others or even know our immediate neighbours. Are we paying the price for so called development?

If the answer is yes, then why should we so eagerly pursuing the development as what we perceived now? I think many are in the loss. People are working hard to feed their family in which they will have to fore go the precise time together with the family. When they have accumulated enough wealth, the relationship between husband and wife or parent and children are not as cordial as we should think of, hence the starting of other social problems such as youth rebellion, drug etc. If we have realised it from the beginning, why should we not prioritising the family and social development first instead of the wealth creation?

In this era of competitiveness and capitalism, no one will dare to risk their chance of not doing well and harder for more wealth. Hence, not many can afford to place family first and economic development later. The game of pursuing development will go on until and unless the nature call for us to go slower or stop. We will only learn the lesson when the time comes, I presume.

Who pay?

We have a very interesting debate last week over who should pay either the developers or the buyers if an infrastructure contribution is imposed by the authority. This was brought up during the MBPJ-REHDA Workshop on Development and Planning Guidelines.

MBPJ is imposing various charges for the betterment of environment and capacity of infrastructure so that the existing infrastructure system can support the increased of development projects. MBPJ is in the dilemma as residents are only favoured of further high intensity development the present capacity of infrastructure can take it or if not, the improvement for absorbing the extra burden from new development. This is understood as many of the residents are residing here in PJ for such a long time and used to having a harmony, quiet and peaceful living environment. The encroachment of new development and newcomers are bringing in new changes to their life style and daily routine. They are asking to have status qua and prefer not to have changes. While this sentiment is understood, the residents also acknowledge that development trend is unstoppable and hence agree to permit some form of development provided that the capacity of infrastructure is sufficient and traffic system is in place. Hence, the charges for improving the infrastructure, the green fund, the development charge and etc are imposed by MBPJ for carrying out works to improve the surrounding environment.

While developers agreed such necessary for improving the infrastructure, they are of opinion that the quantum should be within reached of the developers or else the extra financial burden would be passed down to the buyers. If this is the case, some participants reckoned that the effort on providing affordable houses will be greatly affected. However, some also argued that the contribution is neccesary as the sum is meant to improve the quality of environment and to not deteriorate the environment further in which it will have bearing on the property value of the area. Since it will benefit the developer as a whole, they should absorb the extra cost.

The ultimate for residents is provision of sufficient infrastructure capacity or else no development which is creating more problem can be allowed. For MBPJ, improving the overall quality of environment by balancing new development with existing one within the carrying capacity of infrastructure is critical. For developers, bottom line is of course the $ and cent, the viability of the project. It is difficult to strive a balance, but everybody has no choice but try to compromise for an amicable solution.

Economy Instrument

Being green is profitable has been the quote for everyone in dealing with the environment movement. We always ask people to embrace green as it is not that difficult and troublesome, and at the same time you can either save your pocket or making some profit. However, except for those who are passionate enough about environmental conservation, not many will actually able to change their life style or daily routine or even working style to capitalise on the doing good things. This voluntary instrument method is simply not suit to the ordinary people or for a society which has not inculcated the value system on environmental conservation as their culture and way of life.

Then, how about legal instrument? Getting people to have no choice, but comply with the requirement. Is this going to work? Perhaps yes if people have no choice and importantly it will affect their livelihood or balance sheet of the company. For example, the furniture manufacturers have to obtain certificate of sustainable forestry for their material or else the products are not allowed into European Countries. Similarly, the developers are required to comply with the conditions set or else their project would not be approved or intensity of development will be reduced. Presumably this will only work if the enforcement system is in place and people have no choice but to do it. What happen if this is not a dead or life issue but merely a collective responsibility of doing it for the sake of community and Earth at large? How about give a choice to people by applying the polluter pay or user pay principle? You pay more on what you consume or doing bad on the environment. For example, by using more electricity or water, you have to pay higher tariff.

Most countries will opt for economic instrument as a complimentary measure to both the above. While voluntary instrument is too soft a way and will only work in longer term after the whole society has inbuilt with the culture, legal instrument is too harsh and will only effective with stringent enforcement. Economy instrument will provide a choice to people. People can choose to do it for some incentives return. This instrument is popular as people is given a choice to do good. Of course, at the same time you will have to pay more by not doing it. This is especially worked well at the infant stage of a programme in which more encouragement and promotion is required.

Hence, the proposal by Petaling Jaya City Council providing assessment rebate to the people embracing green is great. Similarly, the rebate by Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water for buying energy efficiency air-con, fridge and chillers is equally encouraging.

Green Developer

I met with Sam Tan, a young developer whom is passionate about green building and sustainable environment recently. The way he conveyed to me about greenies things that he aspired, and in fact has done give me more hope on our next generation of urban development. While our country targeted to reduce 40% carbon emission by 2020, not all sectors have gone into exploring the strategies and actions to realise the target. Many have on their own initiative trying to put green here and there without an overview of how to do it strategically. Sam demonstrated to me how an existing building has been transformed into a green building with accreditation. At the same time, how a township development was accreditated. Sam shared with me his idea of renovating a building currently used as an orphanage home in PJ. What amazing the most is he managed to influence and bring on board other young developers. Presumbly, I am impressed with what presented to me and change my little perception towards developers.

The bigger challenge of course is still go back to the bottom line of dollars and cents. No point of talking about going green if you cannot make a profit. Worst still making a loss. So, the question is how to be motivated for going green? Either getting the feel good sense or the economic incentive. Some said, at the initial stage we might wish to offer incentive for people going green simply because nobody has started it and the purchasers have not made a request for it. Sam, however has a different idea of getting it done first and offered an option for the purchasers. The sale of development project and value appreciation on his properties shown that he has made a right choice and create a nieche market and branding for himself. Being environmental friendly is still profitable is being tested now. The success story of company that Sam represented justified this call.

Corporate Inspiration

I attended a briefing on Mongolia recently. While knowing the potential and prospect of the Country is refreshing to me, the conductor of the session is equally amazing to me. He is so inspiring that everyone has no time to think twice on what he conveyed but followed the tune of his dance. I think it is a skill for born leader. It is a life experience sharing that awaken everybody up. I, myself revisit what I have done so far in my life and start thinking of where is my next destination.

Everybody talking about inspiration and trying to motivate others. It is not an easy task of selling your ideas and thoughts as well as convincing others what you have said and done is what they actually want. Many of the time we saw managers failed to bring their message across simply because of their own failure in convincing others. They have, either failed in their appearance, communication, preparation or even characteristics. At time you might sense that they are not even able to motivate they own self. If you cannot even motivate yourself, then how can you expect others to be motivated by you. The body language is simply cannot be hidden.

The conductor has demonstrated to us that keep talking and people believe on what you say, but provided that what you are talking about make sense, realistic and achievable. No point of talking something superficial and unattainable. Worst still talking something without any follow up actions. It is critical for action-oriented talking rather than talk first action later kind of approach. It is more convincing of showing somebody that action has been taken and in progress while talking is on going. In this respect, I have much admiration for the session conductor whom has not only done his home work on talking, but action taking.

The session also is an eye opener for me to witness how corporate is operating in the real world. The Corporate sector can be very cruel and performance-oriented. It is a world filled with $ sign and deliver or you go kind of approach. You are the king the moment you delivered, but the next moment you can be on your door out if you fail in mission given. Sympathy can be the last and least word in use. Having said this, it is hope too as many corporates are embarking on CSR initiative. An initiative that stakeholders will judge the responsiveness of the corporate towards society and environment.

I wish to attend more such session and applying many of the good measurement of private sector into the public and community sphere.

Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility is not solely and exclusively the domain for multi-nation and large companies or organisations. It applies to anyone, be small or big, be private or public, be individual or community. It is a gesture from within the value system of an organisations or companies or individual. A company without soul and heart of the people, community, stakeholders and environment will not have thought about doing something extra benefiting them or the nature in which their bottom line of profit will have to compromise. If this is the case, then every enterprise has the responsibility towards their clients, stakeholders and the environment within the vicinity of their surrounding environment should have carried out corporate social responsibility. For a hawker, he has the responsibility of making sure the food is of higher hygiene and dirtying the place of business should not have happened. For a school authority, making sure students receiving quality education, safe and conducive environment for studying is the responsibility. For local authority, manage the city well above everybody aspiration and needs through efficient service delivery and quality living environment is the responsibility.

How about sin companies carrying out CSR activities? In one hand the company produce is not friendly to either the health of human or damage the environment, on the other hand the company is trying hard to change the perception of people towards their produce. How to manage this crisis of perception? Recently, I was asked to provide feedback on CSR of a company producing alcoholic drink in Petaling Jaya. For some, alcoholic drink is not allowed and hence even though the company has done various activities benefiting the community or environment is still something difficult to ponder. On the other hand, some do not mind for a sin company to do good as long as they are trying their very best to reduce the damage on environment and community. For me, since the law allow their presence, rightfully they should be given the chance to continue with their business and to do good. As a responsible business, the more CSR they are carrying out, the better for the community and environment. Of course, some might doubt the sincerity of this company. For me, it is better for a sin company declaring that they are doing CSR programmes and be seen of doing it rather than a company doing sin behind every possible good agenda they might have projected to the public. For example, is it acceptable for a learning institution to operate in a premise without approval? Is it ok for companies to nail bunting on the tree for promotion and publicity? Is it right for a fine dining restaurant discharging waste water directly to the drain at the back of the shop without treatment? I would rather having visible and transparent CSR agenda from companies even the sin one.

Parking

I was made to understand that providing a car park lot in a complex will require 350 sq. ft of space. This includes the turning and passage for the car movement. No wonder when the Petaling Jaya City Council increased the requirement for car parking provision on condominium from 2 lot per unit plus 20% for visitor to 2.5 lot per unit plus 30% for visitor, the project proponents objected strongly to the requirement. This means from ratio of 2.4 lot to 2.75 lot, an increment of 0.35 lot per unit of dwelling. They explained that development cost will increase and finally the house purchasers will be paying extra.

The Council has proposed the changes due to heavy traffic congestion along the main road adjacent to condominium area due to insufficient of car parking provision in the condominium compound. It is also known that average car ownership in PJ has reached 2.4 cars per household. The trend is anticipated increasing with affluent society of PJ and inefficiency of public transportation network and infrastructure. People even those who cannot afford or those who prefer to take public transport, have no choice but rely on own transport for commuting. Hence, the request for car parking facilities.

So, what is the solution then? To request the project proponents to provide less car parks but without immediate solution or asking them to provide more car parks that cost will be absorbed by the house buyers? I presume sufficient car parking facilities is required as providing a solution to traffic management is critically needed. However, the requirement should also look into locality and other criteria. For example, if a TOD development is proposed, then less car parking should be required. Perhaps for the development site near to public transportation hub or park and ride facilities, the requirement should be reduced and incentives should be given if the project proponents contribute towards building the facilities.