Tourism Promotion Board and Public Works Department for projects like Lucky Chinatown, conservation of Empress Place Museum and the refurbishment of City Hall and Supreme Court. He taught me precious professional and life lessons that were not taught in school, like people skills and the importance of integrity and posture. I returned to Kuala Lumpur as a resident architect in 1992 and to care for my dad who was invalid due to a severe stroke. I rejoined DPA Malaysia in 2000.
“Not many people know this, but back then DP Architects in Malaysia was known as ABC Akitek.”
- Herman Teoh
CP: I joined DP literally by chance: In 1995, I have resigned from a previous firm and was attending the SIA Annual Dinner when I bumped into Chin Thoe Chong – now a director in DP – a senior who had ragged me during the university hostel days and whom I have not met since graduation. He suggested that I consider joining DP. That fateful evening, Francis Lee, our current CEO, impressed me into joining DP – his wits on stage convinced me that working in his firm cannot be wrong! My first project in DP was Berjaya Times Square in KL, working from our Singapore office until 1997 when I decided to move to KL. When the project was finally completed in 2003 – eight years after commencement, and surviving the 1997 Asian financial crisis in between – it was joy and pride beyond description for those of us who have worked on the project. The experience opened my eyes to projects with higher degree of complexity. After that, I worked on two other large-scale projects: The Dubai Marina Mall, Hotel and Apartments, and Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore. The experiences of working on these projects, totally out of my comfort zones then, were nothing short of rewarding professionally.
What is the main difference between working in Malaysia, Singapore and elsewhere? HT: To obtain authority approval in Kuala Lumpur, well, in the whole of Malaysia, requires a more personal touch with the authorities, while in Singapore it is more regulated. TJ: Yes, dealing with authorities in Malaysia is a very different ball game – both frustrating as
well as an art! That said, Malaysia, being less structured, fosters a fertile environment for innovations and businesses alike. CP: The efficiency of the statutory agencies and systems in Singapore is a definite plus compared to KL and Dubai where I’ve also worked. It takes considerably more time and effort to pursue statutory approvals in KL and Dubai. Project implementation wise, during the boom time in Dubai, the contractors practically work 24/7 non-stop in three shifts. The authority in Dubai had to impose strict no-work hours in the afternoon during the high summer, when temperature can hit beyond 45ºC, to stop the labourers who will otherwise continue working to max out their hourly pay at the risk of dying from heat exhaustion!
What do you like most about working and living in Malaysia? HT : The best thing about working in Malaysia is not having to bring along a passport! On a serious note, to be able to contribute to the built environment of my country, and, hence, the lives of my countrymen, is something that I take pride in.
TJ: Well, I come from a humble background. My dad was an immigrant from Chaozhou, China; we sold fruits in the wet market. In my school days, besides my studies, I indulged in gymnastics and scouting. I thank God for being my everlasting fortress and stronghold.
“The traffic conditions in Malaysia took some getting used to; it took me nearly two years before I finally broke into the habit of driving like everybody else!”
- Hoo Chuen Piew
CP: After working as an architect for two years after graduation, I was offered to join Singapore Airline as a cadet pilot. It was then a case of choosing what I had wanted to do for a long time or my girlfriend, now wife. I chose the latter! It was a wise choice that has given me a life partner who has kept me going. Imagine, I would have otherwise become a professional driver all my life!
TJ: What I treasure most about working and living in Malaysia is the abundance of choice, be it living and lifestyle alternatives, the simple joy of food and the experience of the great outdoors.
“Malaysia fosters a fertile environment for innovations and businesses alike.”
- Yeoh Tok Jew
CP: I really enjoy venturing into the outskirts of Klang Valley and beyond to other states and cities, especially along the east coast of Malaysia. Frequent short driving trips with the family to escape from the city routines also helped foster a closer family bond between my wife, our children and I. But the traffic conditions took some getting used to; it took me nearly two years before I finally broke into the habit of driving like everybody else! Workwise, our KL office is smaller which is more conducive for staff interaction.
Tell us something about yourself that few people know about. HT: Friends know I enjoy durian, but they have no idea how much I love the fruit and the great lengths I would go to eat it.
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