Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid highlighted that as part of the Local Business Development (LBD) Circular No 01/2019, the Contractor Development Programme (CDP) has been implemented to support one of the three key elements of LBD, which aims to increase the participation of local business owners.

The minister said this in response to a question by Legislative Council member Yang Berhormat Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Ibrahim concerning the latest development regarding the LBD policy to produce competitive entrepreneurs.

“The (CDP) aims to enhance the capacity of local contractors, particularly those 100 per cent locally owned, through training courses and briefings related to the construction industry. This initiative forms part of the ministry’s strategic efforts to strengthen the competitiveness of local entrepreneurs.”

He explained that the programme was conducted in two sessions, with 30 participants in each session. Training was delivered by appointed local training consultants and featured technical, management and entrepreneurship modules, conducted by two international project management experts.

The minister delved into some of the key components of the course modules delivered by the international experts, which included the mastery of blueprint interpretation and accurate, structured construction cost estimation, entrepreneurship fundamentals and systematic financial management practices, as well as project management skills, including understanding construction contract terms and conditions. He highlighted that performance evaluations before and after training showed improvements in participants’ competencies, highlighting the programme’s effectiveness.

Notable improvements recorded were Blueprint Interpretation and Work Estimation, which went from 52 per cent to 68 per cent; Entrepreneurship and Financial Management which went from 40 per cent to 84 per cent; and Project Management and Contract Understanding from 59 per cent to 74 per cent.

Meanwhile, 84 per cent of the participants provided positive feedback on the programme, stating that it had enhanced their technical understanding, boosted their confidence in project management, and improved their readiness to compete in the national construction sector sustainably and competitively.

“The second phase of the CDP will continue this September, focusing on technical training such as preparing tender documents and fulfilling the role of safety coordinators to improve compliance with workplace safety and health requirements.”

The minister said the ministry will continue to review and refine this initiative over time.

(News & pic source: Borneo Bulletin)