EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER FOR SAMLING GROUP OF COMPANIES Vol 1-2020.pdf · Sabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP) is a 512-kilometre long and 36-inch diameter natural gas pipeline linking Sabah

PP 18334/12/2013 (033725)

FOR INTERNAL CIRCULATION ONLY

EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER FOR SAMLING GROUP OF COMPANIES

Vol 1 - 2020

SECURING THE SABAH- SARAWAKGAS PIPELINE PROJECT

MANAGEMENT FOREWORD pg. 1-2

pg. 3-4 LEE TOH HOU

YAP CHIN HUA

pg. 10-21

pg. 8

pg. 9

pg. 7FOREWORD PEOPLE

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

EVENTS/ HAPPENINGS

SPECIAL FOCUS

STAY FOCUSED AND GATHERFOR A BRIGTHER FUTURE

pg. 5-6

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

FOREWORDFOREWORD

The monsoon rains have retreated after months of heavy downpours that hinder many of the open-air activities. Fortunately, the weather is still quite predictable. For instance, March signals the turning point of a more favourable weather pattern, despite the fact that Miri has recently experienced some haze, giving us an added reason for putting on face masks. Operationally, the log production will improve with improved weather conditions, and will reduce the regular finger-bit-ing anxiety of the mill personnel as to whether there would be enough source for them to manu-facture their products or not.

am glad that Kata-Kata remains active with many of the employees contribut-ing while new and interesting features are added to it from time to time. Many of our customers will invariably pick up a copy of the magazine placed in the

marketing office, curiously wanting to take a peep at what we do socially and also hoping to discover something about our business activities.

I

MANAGEMENT

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James HoChief Operating Officer

FOREWORD

Last year has been a very challenging year for the timber industries and will remain so this year, if we stay with the way we have been operating. Yet, Samling is a resilient company and in time of challenges there will always be something bright coming out of it. We decide to make new invest-ments in the manufacturing of new timber products, which have puzzled many in the timber indus-tries, wondering what Samling is up to at a time when there is a general reduction in resources and activities due to severe downturns.

With the steadfastness and focus of the leaders in Samling led by Group CEO, Mr. Lawrence Chia, we embark on Timber 2.0 by launching first, a project to make wood pellets, seizing the opportunities of an increasing needs of users aiming at countering the effects of climate change. Samling is making use of its planted forests, which it has laboured for many years in its Licences for Planted Forests (LPFs) and is now harvesting them to become the input materials for this product.

Secondly, two other projects, one of which is to make kitchen and other cabinets in joint ventures with Chinese Manufacturers and the other to make flooring products with our Chinese counterpart. Both projects are facing high tariffs from their importing countries. They will also be using the plant-ed timbers to make plywood with innovative manufacturing methods.

The same doubt could have existed in the minds of the staff and workers with the ongoing sustain-able management certification exercises on the natural forest concessions where production activi-ties will be largely reduced or suspended. In the face of this bleak situation, they must have won-dered what would happen to them. As the General Manager (Logging), Mr. Yeo Soon Hee marvelled, every time there is such a concern, the Company would somehow manage getting some outside projects that would need the skills of the logging camp personnel, thereby keeping them employed. The latest is the Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline contract which hopefully, will keep us busy for many years to come.

One aspect of the Company’s activities that many in our organisation and the public is not aware of is its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Company has for many years managed a sizeable CSR programme to provide community assistance to the people living in and near the areas of its forest operations and it is a well- known fact that, where it is within reasons, it will not deny the requests for help by these people to improve and ease their lives. In addition to community assistance in the forms of roads to their kampongs, building materials for their houses, and facilities for electricity, water sources and others, we also provide them employment, train them to improve their skills while ensuring a safe and healthy working environment. Almost yearly, the Company works with Govern-mental hospitals to organise medical outreach in its camps to provide medical treatments for the native people and workers.

I am sure many of our employees must have wondered that with the reducing timber production and challenges the Company is encountering, what would be there for them in the future. Hence, these projects that we are now under-taking will put them at ease and dispel any lingering doubts that they might have harboured. We only need to reshuffle some employees to accommo-date the new requirements.

..., Samling is a resilientcompany and in time of

challenges there will alwaysbe something bright

coming out of it.

Together we must strive tomake it a great success.

We are proud to note that most of the longhouse folks have never ceased to express their gratitude to the Company for its contribution to the communities.

Finally, Timber 2.0 is an important milestone for our future in the timber business; there will be many more challenges in the coming months and for those involved in its implementation, and hence, together we must strive to make it a great success.

Dear Colleagues,

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SPECIAL FOCUSSPECIAL FOCUS

GAS PIPELINE PROJECT

SSGP Project TimelineSyarikat Samling Timber Sdn Bhd (SST) has been awarded by PETRONAS a lump sum contract, namely the Terms of Contract for Civil Works Maintenance at Sabah-Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP) on 28 January 2019. This contract commenced on 1 Febru-ary 2019 for the duration of three years which will expire on 31 January 2022 with two extension options of 1 year each. The first extension will commence on 1 February 2022 and expire on 31 January 2023 and the second extension will commence on 1 February 2023 and expire on 31 January 2024.

Sites CoverageSabah Sarawak Gas Pipeline (SSGP) is a 512-kilometre long and 36-inch diameter natural gas pipeline linking Sabah Oil and Gas Terminal (SOGT) in Kimanis to Petronas’s LNG complex in Bintulu, Sarawak. This pipeline is part of Sabah-Sarawak Integrated Oil and Gas Project (SSIOGP). Total costs incurred during the construction is RM 4.6 Billion starting from 2008 and completed on year 2014. The operations of the SSGP pipeline commenced from year 2014, whereby this pipeline passes through challenging mountainous dense jungle terrain which is subject to soil erosion and shifting soil movement.

The Civil Work Maintenance of this SSGP pipeline awarded under this Contract is separated into three areas, namely Area B: Lawas - KP 92 - KP 210.999, Area D: Layun - KP 246 - KP 334.999, and Area E: Niah Bintulu - KP 335 - KP 503. This project kicked-off on 19 February 2019 at Pullman Hotel Miri, Sarawak with the works commenced in Lawas Area (Area B) in March 2019 with the forecast of completion in October 2020. The current workforce employed by SST and its Engineering Consultant (Wan Husin Associates) is 632 staff with a mixture of professional and skilled workers with 237 staff in Area B, 284 staff in Area D and 111 in Area E. The sites awarded in this contract for first year includes Area B: 15 KPs + 4 ARs, Area D: 22 KPs + 3 ARs, Area E: 1 KP + 6 AR, which is equivalent to 51 sites in the first year. Another additional 64 sites will be awarded to SST by PETRONAS on the second year.

(Notes: KP refers to Kilometre Point and AR refers to Access Road.)

The Appointed Team SST SSGP Team is led by Encik Arman Md Yasin, the Project Director assisted by his Senior Project Manager, Encik Nilhakiem Zulkupli and Project Engineer, Encik Nor Syahmi Zainal Abidin. For Area B (Lawas), the team is led by Project Manager, Mr. Suraphorn Phongsawat Eh Por assisted by the Construction Manager, Encik Mohd Redzuwan Ahmad. For Area D (Layun), the Project Manager is Encik Shaharuddin Semaun, Construction Manager, Mr. Walter Lawrence.

For Area E (Bintulu), the Project Manager is Encik Shamsuri Alias, whom will be assisted by Construction Manager, Encik Norazanshah Zakeria. Meanwhile, the HSE Team is led by HSE AGM, Mr. Chang Kuet Ming with three Safety Officers (SHO), namely Mr. Jespher Apan (Area B), Mr. Victor Howell Jabu (Area D), and Mr. Jeffery Pengulu (Area E).

Whereas, for Contract and Cost Control team, Cost Control Manager, Madam Goh Ai Ping is working together with Contract Manager, Mr. Chiong Chung Chung along with several experienced Quantity Surveyors. The Engineering Team is led by Encik Noor Azim Kamaruddin, assisted by Engineering Project Manager from Wan Husin Associates (WHA). For Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) related and main office support matters, the team is led by Mr. Yeo Soon Hee and assisted by Mr. Lai Ka Shin.

SSGP pipeline project is a blessing to the down of timber business and provide alternative support to the local native people as well as for those affected due to the downsized of the timber business. Despite the challenges faced by the team, the team has made every possible effort to best manage and overcome these challenges. Recognition shall be issued to the SST SSGP project team for their achievement in CSR and project delivery.

Hydrology Work at KP 247.2 (Layun)

Aerial View of the Reinforced Soil Slope At KP 396.98 (Bintulu)

Lowering the shoring box inside the pit at P 162.8 (Lawas)to do welding job. Sectional Pipeline Replacement at KP 162.8 (Lawas) commenced.

Toolbox Briefing at KP 162.8 (Lawas) between SST andPETRONAS before start a job.

Pellita plus tree selected in 8yr old plantation at Paong.

With the combined efforts of all team members, the company has achieved remarkable performance and sales results that should be highly regarded and respected.

In terms of culture and talents, sorting out the new corporate culture, creating new consumers' mindset, through business excellence training courses, talent planning programme, etc., the capability of personnel is greatly enhanced.

In terms of brand and channel, the brand promotion was strengthened through cooperation with the Chinese women's football team and joint-industry design with famous and influen-tial public figures. By strengthening the development of channels and launching of new promotion model whereby purchase of flooring products come with free home textile products has successfully boost the sales volume.

As for products and services, a large extent of modification has been made in the aspect of product research and development, launching a new brand of service known as "Excellent Service", by gradually upgrading and transforming the role of manufac-turer to becoming service provider.

"Dedicated to becoming the world's best flooring service provider" was proposed by the company in 2018, and we shall keep striving to achieve this vision. 2020 is the sprint year for Elegant Living which was determined by its three-year strategy. Despite how chaotic, complex and dynamic the market was, the goals set forth by Elegant Living will not be changed, and we will contin-ue to work towards achieving our dreams.

Keeping up with time, 2020 will be Elegant Living's significant milestone in rejuvenating the youth. This year, a comprehensive brand upgrade will be carried out, launching an entirely new VI system, changing the traditional perception of consumers towards Elegant Living, where a better communication with young people will make Elegant Living trendy and internation-ally accepted. At the same time, in order to undertake brand upgrades and promote brand image, a new brand ambassador, Elkeson, was appointed, to bring up the vitality and passion of Elegant Living across China.

Elegant Living Keep Moving Forward in 2020!

A BRIGTHER FUTURE

STAY FOCUSED& GATHER FOR

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BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTBUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

ear 2019 has come to a close, for the team members of Elegant Living who have been relentlessly working hard throughout the years, we are very grateful to them. Thanks to all of you, Elegant Living is able to "See a Brighter Future"!

In addition, guided by the works of three international designers, namely Masayuki Kurokawa, Sergio Fabio Rotella and Cui Shu, we will be focusing on the products innovation, launching new products that can better meet the needs and trends, while comprehensively upgrading the product experience display to create a new generation of exhibition hall. Meanwhile, in the international market, investment in exhibitions and brand advertising will still be increased.

Behind all these actions lay the determination and confidence of Elegant Living towards its youth-focused strategy. At the same time, in 2020, through the channel development and mutual empowerment with dealers and distributors to enhance product competitiveness, and walk alongside our collaborating partners in our journey towards achieving our dreams.

At the beginning of year 2020, a sudden outbreak of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) which spread from Wuhan to the entire country. Upon the occurrence of this epidemic, Elegant Living has immediately responded to ensure that both preventive measures and economic development are well conducted. In order to help employees to return to work as soon as possible, rewards are given to employees who arrive at work within the expected time, and chartered transports are arranged to pick up employees to “return home", that is, Elegant Living.

In terms of domestic sales, we invested funds to support the steady development and expansion of dealers, offering our support in a larger scale. The foreign sales order was affected during the end of last year and shipments of products were withheld. Although we have suffered a short-term difficulty after the Chinese New Year, but along with our upstream and downstream partners, Elegant Living has the confidence and ability to achieve a better performance and sales results. In 2020, let us get together for a bright future.

Lee Toh HouMagna Foremost - Assistant Mechanical Manager

i, I am Lee Toh Hou from Bintulu, Sarawak, a small town where I was born and brought up. My encounter with Samling Group kickstart-ed since 2012 until present. I am glad that I have been given various trainings and oppor-tunities to go through different work process

and operation, from production (QC, Finishing Line) to Engineering, and now back to production with involvement in sawmill operation too.

A Second ChanceI can still vividly recall my first interview with Magna Foremost during the year end of 2012. The appointment had been made earlier but somehow, when the day of interview came, I totally forgot about it. I was busy helping my father to fix his car and as a result, I did not make it to the interview. I thought that I had completely lost my chance to get the job, and yet, by sheer luck, the HR personnel called me again to set appointment on another day. That’s how I managed to grab the chance and it became the starting point for me to connect with Samling.

Valuable LessonsMy superior always tell me, “It’s okay to make mistakes along your working path, but you must make sure that you don’t repeat the same mistake. Everyone will make mistakes in work, but it is their attitude in handling the mistakes. Most importantly, what are the lessons learned from the mistake and how you can improve from there by not repeating the same mistake.

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GETTING TO KNOW YOUPEOPLE

Movement withinSamling

Mr. John Wong Yoon Hin

Wong Yoon Hin has been appointed as the Assistant General Manager – Sales & Marketing (Downstream) from 2 January 2020 onwards. Based in the Kuala Lumpur Corporate Office, he will be reporting to the Head of Sales & Marketing. Mr. John Wong will assist to further improve the marketing infrastructure and strategies for downstream.

Mr. John Wong was previously the Managing Director for Boyden China Ltd and he has been an entrepreneur for more than 12 years in fashion retail, restaurants and bakery. He has also worked in the corporate sector, namely with Electrolux and American Express.

With business experience in Malaysia, Hong Kong and United States and China which has gained him a strong network of business associates, we are confident that he is able to bring the downstream business to a greater level.

NEW ROLE

“It’s all about tolerance and acceptance!”Be it in personal life or working life, it all depends on how we adjust our own tolerance and acceptance to determine clearly how far you can accept and how much you set for your acceptance. There is no right or wrong, as different people have their own set of values when it comes to “tolerance and acceptance”. It is important that we should know what is ours and what is others to maintain a good rapport with each other’s without going beyond their “tolerance and acceptance”.

The journey does not end here, and it is just the beginning of another new chapter. I am looking forward to continue working with my current team members while maintaining a strong and solid relationship with Samling Group.

HMr. Andy Lau Seng Kee

Andy Lau Seng Kee has been recently promoted to the position of General Manager – Sarawak Region (Belaga & Lana) effective from 1 January 2020. He will be reporting to the Plantation Director Mr. Ratha. Mr. Andy Lau will continue assuming his current role and responsibilities in overseeing the operations of Belaga and Lana.

On behalf of Samling colleagues, we would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Mr. Andy Lau on his promotion, and we shall continue to extend our fullest co-operation and support to him.

PROMOTION

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EVENTS &HAPPENINGS

GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Yap Chin Hua ParkCity Hanoi - General Director

Taking the Opportunity to TravelI like to travel whenever possible. The last 16 years of my career had taken me to three different countries of diverse cultures and landscapes which has given me very good opportunities to travel within these countries and try various local cuisines and exotic food. As India is rich with festivals and celebrations, we have also been invited to many tradi-tional Indian weddings and receptions which we find it very colourful and full of energy. “Be humble, adaptable, take ownership and perseverance” is my personal motto that I continue to uphold for many years, as I believe we can achieve anything we desire with such attitude. As a Malaysian we would normally choose to retire back home. However, I have not thought about retirement yet, so my search for the ideal spot will still continue.

Difference in Housing Layout PreferencesThroughout the years of working in three foreign countries, I think the most obvious difference in terms of culture is their preference in housing layout. In Pakistan, the layout of a house is very much compartmentalised as privacy is of top priority. Casual friends of the house owner are confined to the reading room of the house only and will not get to see the rest of the house. Only family members and very close friends get to dine with the rest of the family. Meanwhile, in Hyderabad which is located in South India, the layout of the houses is compulsory to be Vastu compliance (similar in principle to Feng Shui but quite different in direc-tion preferences). Hence, houses with layouts designed without Vastu compliance will hardly attract any buyers. As I’ve been exposed to Vastu compliance houses in India for so many years, I was so influenced by it that I’ve chosen and bought a Vastu-compliance apartment in Malaysia. Houses layouts in Vietnam are quite similar to ours in Malaysia but what stands out very clearly is the local landed house owners’ preference for big trees to be planted in their house compound.

’m Yap Chin Hua, an Engineer by profession, and I have been working with ParkCity Hanoi for the last two years. My first 21 years of career started in Malaysia from Engineering Consulting Firm to Property Development and Turnkey Construction Company. I spent the last 16 years overseas work-

ing in the field of property development. I spent two years in Lahore, Pakistan, 8 years in Hyderabad, India and the last 6 years in Hanoi, Vietnam. I chance upon an advertisement for an opportunity in Pakistan 16 years ago and decided to give it a try when I was still relatively young then. I found it interesting to work in a foreign country; being exposed to new cultures, environ-ment, housing ownership preferences and places of interests. Time flies - 16 years had passed and I’ve worked in three foreign countries.

I

W ithout its trademark lush, natural and green environment, Desa ParkCity just would not be the same such as greenery along the roads and parks, the pockets of green areas dotting the neighbourhood and not forgetting the lake of Central Park; a man-made home to a rich aquatic life. Yet, even nature needs efforts so that it is well kept and this is where Desa ParkCity’s Landscape Parks and Public Works Division play a significant role. Besides daily landscape monitoring, their duties include infrastructure mainte-

nance, which covers minding the stormwater drainage system, the lakes, and cleanliness of the roads, public furniture and all open spaces.

One of the efforts that makes Desa ParkCity the picturesque township includes composting organic waste from daily collect-ed dried leaves and branches; a sustainable and cost-effective practice, which helps reduce waste while producing organic fertiliser that can be added to soil to help plants grow. While lake preservation is largely taken care of by systems put in place by Desa ParkCity management such as a biofilter to treat the lake water and biotreatment and hydrological application to maintain water quality, the landscape division is in-charge of maintaining its functionality with regular inspection and maintenance to clear the from the biofiltration system. The department is also tasked in maintaining the health of the lake’s ecosystem. Instead of simply clearing the vegetation found in the area for construction, many of them are saved and transplanted to their new homes when they are ready. A fully operational plant nursery also acts as a temporary home for young trees, flowers and bushes where they are nurtured until they are ready to be introduced back into the community.

Desa ParkCity Landscape Parksand Public Works Division

Grooming the

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EVENTS & HAPPENINGSEVENTS & HAPPENINGS

WORKING TOGETHER TO FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

January - March 2020

Elegant Living, ChinaThe outbreak of coronavirus which has kickstarted in Wuhan, China, has greatly impacted many people, especially those living and working at the affected region. Elegant Living has taken preventive measures and closely monitor the health of its employees by establishing the “Elegant Living Prevention & Control Work Programme against Coronavirus”. The date of returning to work has been postponed three times, from the initial 3 February to 24 February 2020, and lastly to 2 March 2020. On February 23, the Zhongshan factory's headquarters has chartered transport to bring the workers from Guizhou back to work. "Return to work subsidy" of RMB 500 and RMB 200 per worker were rewarded to workers who returned to work on 24 February 2020 and 2 March 2020 respectively. To better cope with operation and sales matters, Elegant Living has quickly made a sales shift from offline to online marketing, while increasing support for its dealers through its "Gather for a Brighter Future" programme with a series of policies in terms of supply guarantee, product promotion, business training, investment promotion planning and advertising.

Samling Singapore Pte LtdSince 11 February 2020, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has outlined several measures for businesses units to combat the virus. In line with this, Samling Singapore has started temperature screening for all staff entering the workplace twice a day. Employee who is displaying signs of fever is prohibited from the workplace. From 18 February 2020 till further notice, alternate teams of staff are deployed to work based on different work schedules or locations on rotation basis; staff of Team A (Monday to Wednesday & Sunday) and Team B (Thursday to Saturday) and both teams must not physically interact with each other, including after work hours. Staff who have been issued the quarantine orders by the MOH is strictly prohibited from entering the office until the order is lifted. Meanwhile, staff also need to postpone all travel plans until further notice. The company urges its staff to prioritise daily personal hygiene and sanitisation, and social distancing including using video conferencing apps for meetings.

All in all, Samling Group and all its counterparts worldwide have taken ongoing initiatives to help reduce the chain infection risk, particularly for its employees and business associates, and generally for the members of public, during this critical period.

Xylos IndiaThe Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi has called for ‘Janata Curfew’ on 22 March 2020 to curb the spread of COVID-19. According to The Star online news (30 March 2020), the number of Covid-19 positive cases has crossed 1,000 mark in India. To cope with the current coronavirus outbreak without affecting the business operation as much as possible, Xylos Arteriors India Pvt. Ltd., has taken preventive measures to reduce the infection risk. The entire premises are thoroughly sanitised with disinfectant including work stations and common contact areas. Regular related updates are shared with employees while they work from home. Meanwhile, masks and sanitizer are provided for all employees and private vehicle expenses claims are allowed in case they really need to meet the clients.

Samling MalaysiaSamling Headquarters and its Kuala Lumpur Corporate Office are taking preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 by screening all staff and visitors entering the premises, besides educating staff on the importance of practising strict personal hygiene to minimize the infection risk of staff and visitors within the office building. Anyone with signs of fever is prohibited from entering the premises and will be advised to seek immediate medical attention. Samling’s Group Human Resource Department has recently issued two circulars on the measures and compliances that all staff and visitors need to adhere to, especially during the complete nationwide lockdown period from 18 to 31 March 2020 in Malaysia, which is extended until 14 April 2020 until further notice. The office was temporary closed and staffs are requested to work from home. During the Movement Control Order (MCO), the Kuala Lumpur Corporate Office performed a thorough and extensive terminal cleaning and sanitisation (all common areas including lifts and toilets) on the 24 March 2020.

The severity of recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has resulted in many countriestaking stringent preventive measures to reduce the chain infection risk including movementrestriction and complete lockdown. Due to the seriousness of this epidemic, Samling Groupand all its counterparts worldwide have also taken proactive preventive measures to helpreduce the chain infection risk as much as possible.

PT. Tunas Borneo Plantations As a measure to help curb the spread of coronavirus, PT. Tunas Borneo Plantations has also taken steps in line with directives from the government as well as adhering to the guidelines provided by Samling’s headquarters. Besides daily body temperature check, personal hygiene care and social distancing, the Jakarta Regional Office also provides masks and sanitizers to staffs while reducing the number of visitors to the office during this period. The office was temporary closed and staffs are requested to work from home. Another notable effort is the corroboration with BPBD (Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah) Kabupaten to carry out sanitizer spraying at our offices and labour quarters.

Samling Hong KongAs the Government of Hong Kong has instructed most Government offices to be closed, most staff need to work at home since 23 March 2020. Samling Office in Hong Kong has requested its staff to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The staff will come to work and leave the office at non-peak hours while keeping the staff informed with weekly related updates. Besides daily body temperature check and sanitisation of hands and office equipment, staff working in the office are also provid-ed masks and sanitizer. If any of the family members of staff needs to be quarantined, the staff involved has to work from home until the 14-day quarantine period is over.

Samling JapanAccording to the New Straits Times online news (30 March 2020), Tokyo Governor, Yuriko Koike pleas for the people in the capital and surround-ing regions to avoid non-essential outings until 12 April 2020 after a recent surge in coronavirus infection. Following the announcement, the office of Samling Japan will be closed until 30 March 2020 and its employees will conduct tele-work at home, until further notice from the relevant authority. The company urges its employees to follow the preventive measures including daily sanitizing of their hands, wearing surgical mask, avoiding closed or improper venti-lated space, gathering and close physical contact. Meanwhile, all dinner appointments are tentatively postponed to/ after 12 April 2020.

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A simple ceremony was held in Kuching at Samling Resources Sg. Moyan Pan Borneo Project site office on 15 January 2020 to mark the achievement of 7 million safe man hours for the project since its commencement in August 2016, witnessed by special guests from Samling Resources Top Management, Datuk Adrian Ching, Sarawak State Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Deputy Director, Mr. Mut Sagai and his officers, LBU Head of Construction Ir. Ng Chin Meng and his team, and Samling Resources (WPC02) project management team led by Mr. Peter Ho and Project Director, Mr. Chuah Chuan Chee, and subcontractor’s representatives.

The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of Certificate of Achievement for the “7 Million Safe Man Hours” to Mr. Peter Ho, by State DOSH and LBU for its exemplary management of occupational health and safety for WPC02, Samling Resources as the main contractor WPC02 for Sematan Sungei Moyan and KSR Interchanges (SSM) section has put in a combined manpower input of 7 million hours into the project without any “Lost Time Injury” mishap. It takes a concerted effort by all construction parties (from Project Management and from HSE team) to organise continuous safety briefings, reminders and prompt simultaneous rectifications of identified unsafe acts and conditions at multiple sites to minimise and manage the health and safety risks in a project of this magnitude. Certificates of recognition and appreciation were also presented to staff of SRSB and Subcontractors by SRSB for their contribution to good occupational health and safety culture and practices at the work sites.

PAN BORNEO ROAD PROJECT (WPC02) TEAMCLOCKS “7 MILLION SAFE MAN HOURS” IN JAN 2020

15 January 2020

Mr. Peter Ho receiving the Certificate ofRecognition from DOSH Deputy Director.

Project Director, Mr. Chuah Chuan Cheepresenting Certificate to Subcontractor ofSamling Resources.

AGM (HSE) Mr. Chang Kuet Mingpresenting certificate of Appreciationto Workers for their contribution towork sites’ safety.

Datuk Adrian Ching presenting Certificateof Appreciation to Samling Resources’sSubcontractor.

Mr. Peter Ho receiving Certificate of Achievementfrom Ir. Ng Chin Meng of LBU.

EVENTS & HAPPENINGSEVENTS & HAPPENINGS

GATHER FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE:2020 ELEGANT LIVING CONFERENCE CLOSING CEREMONY

13 January 2020

On 13 January 2020, the Elegant Living Conference with the theme, "Gather for a Bright Future" has drawn its curtain in Zhongshan, China. As an annual grand ceremony, this conference comprises some of the major conferences such as the distributor conference, supplier conference, and media conference. Nearly 700 representatives from distributors, suppliers, invited guests, and media from across the country have gathered in this event to share their ideas in making great develop-ment plan for Elegant Living in 2020, while taking the opportunity to get together. In addition to the re-designed logo, Elegant Living's new generation of showrooms have also been unveiled on 13 January. It comprises two huge international and domestic exhibition halls with 750 square meters of space, more than 300 original products were displayed in different home sections. The dealers and distributors were amazed by the display and commented that it was indeed the best solution for home flooring. From holding the Chinese women's football team to connecting with Elkeson, Elegant Living has always been looking forward to work with those who work hard and always strive for success. Gathering for a brighter future, in this era full of competition and passion, Elegant Living looks forward to walk hand-in-hand with everyone into the future.

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16 January 2020 marks another memorable day for Samling Group as it is the second time Samling Resources Sdn Bhd (SRSB) has put together an appreciation and annual dinner for its employees. The annual dinner was held at the Riverside Majestic Hotel, Kuching, Sarawak, and was attended by over 200 staff, special VIP guests as well as sub-contractors. The event was also graced by the participation of VIP guests, namely Dato Sri Yaw Chee Ming, Executive Chairman of Samling Group of Companies, Datuk Joseph Lau, Dato’ Adrian Ching representing Desa ParkCity, Peter Ho, Chung Kui Siang, and Ong Chee Kean.

The event was enlivened with a variety of performance featuring the traditional prosperity toss, “Lou Sang”, signature lion dance, karaoke performance by staff, Chinese dance, and the “Best Dress of the Night” award for man and women category. All in all, it was a fun and exciting event, where staff happily walked away with lucky draw prizes and Ang Pow. To draw the curtain for the event, a group photo was taken by drone from the air during the closing of the event.

THE SRSB ANNUAL DINNER 2019/2020

16 January 2020

Wisma Samling recently held its “Western & Cowboy Style” annual dinner with pomp and grandeur at Eastwood Valley & Country Club. The dinner was attended by Tan Sri and Puan Sri Yaw Teck Seng and family members, heads of all business units, staff of Wisma Samling and their spouses. Everyone dressed to the likes of cowboys and cowgirls, and hats off to CEO, Mr. Lawrence Chia, who came in his best with a cowboy hat! The dinner was graced with a roaring lion dance performance who then proceeded to hand over the scrolls to Tan Sri Yaw and Dato Sri Yaw.

Mr. Lawrence Chia gave an inspiring speech with insights of Samling Group’s business direction for 2020. Before CEO came offstage, he called upon Dato Sri Yaw Chee Ming to present the “Employee of the Year” awards to four outstanding employees with extraordinary performance and achievement, namely Mr. Yeo Soon Hee, Ms. Lindy Ong, Mr. Patrick Kong, and Mr. Lee Toh Hou. The fun-filled night was dazzled with spectacular performances with the opening 6-drum performance by in-house drummers, the heart-throbbing dance by the “Earth-Shakers”, song renditions by Samling’s talented singers and a renowned singer from KL, Yang Ting. The much-awaited finale saw three lucky winners walking away happily with the prize of RM1,500.00, RM2,000.00 and RM2,500.00 respectively, while the rest had a chance to dip for an Ang Pow.

GALLOPING INTO 2020 THE COWBOY STYLE!

17 January 2020

Cowboys in Chinatown Earth-shakers 6-pc drum performance

Employee of the Year receiptients with EC and CEO

Organizing committees with management staff

Grand prize winnerLucky dip

EVENTS & HAPPENINGSEVENTS & HAPPENINGS

1817

Themed as “Hawaiian Night”, Belaga Estate once again proud to be the 6th Annual Dinner organiser of 250 participants from Samling Group for the Oil Palm Division across Sarawak and Sabah operating centres. Beside all the GMs, AGMs, Senior Managers, Managers, executives and staffs, the VIP guests that graced the event include Dato’ Sri Yaw Chee Ming, Group CEO Mr. Lawrence Chia, CFO Mr. Goh York Pooi, Plantation Director Mr. Ratha Krisnan, as well as some of the colleagues from the KL Corporate office. The event was started with a surprise announcement made by Plantation Director on the promotion of Lana and Belaga Assistant General Manager, Mr. Andy Lau Seng Kee to General Manager with immediate effect after obtaining the approval from Dato Sri and CEO.

“ALOHA” PLANTATION DINNER IN BELAGA ESTATE

18 January 2020

Despite having no sandy beach, the organisers managed to bring out the “Hawaian” atmosphere amidst the Borneo forest with colourful floral decorations. What’s more, all the guests were entertained with a variety of performances from all operating centres, namely Belaga, Lana, Jelalong, Lahad Datu and Bintulu Regional Office, featuring dance, singing and live band performance. The title of Best Performance was won by Belaga’s Male Dancer with special appearance of their Senior Manager, Mr. Mohan R Ramasamy who played the guitar during the show. Mr. Andy Lau Seng Kee (GM) entertained the guests with his superb performance accompanied by Lana’s Boys Band with some songs before ending his show with Belaga and Lana Senior Managers and managers who fusion the Malay version of Chinese New Year song and Feliz Navidad for all Christians. Jelalong and BRO presented a great performance which matched the theme and attracted the crowd’s attention. The final round of catwalk for Hawaiian Night Best Dress for both male and female categories have brought another round of excitement to the all guests. As usual was Lucky Draw session offering 76 gifts and hampers became the climax of the event with special lucky draw of cash collected from generous participants and the amount was doubled up by Dato Sri, making it the most desired prize. The event ended with Ang Pow giving ceremony to all participants.

The World Champion Acrobatic Lion Dance Troupe Khuan Loke has staged a theatrical performance and wowed the visitors at the Waterfront, Desa ParkCity. Performances were held on 1 February 2020 in celebration of the new lunar year of the rat. The Waterfront’s centre court area was transformed into Instagram-worthy scenes, featuring a slightly more traditional decoration adorned with gorgeous pink cherry blossoms, giving the neighbourhood mall a festive and lively atmosphere. Throughout the Chinese New Year festive period, many fun activities are specifically arranged for visitors, including Chinese New Year performances every weekend, God of Prosperity Walkabout, the traditional Chinese New Year Orchestra performed by a 3-piece band, Chinese paper-cutting and dough doll’s demonstration.

SPECTACULAR WORLD CHAMPION ACROBATIC LION DANCE

1 February 2020

As a gesture to welcome the Year of Rat, a Chinese New Year Lunch for all Samling’s colleagues who are based in Kuala Lumpur was held at the Aunty Lee Restaurant. It was a fun-filled lunch session that provided the staff the opportunity to mingle around while savouring an array of mouth-watering delicacies. Gathering such as this has always brought positive impact on the staff, as it helps foster good relationship amongst colleagues while uplifting their mood and reigniting their motivation to go all-out for another fruitful year ahead.

LUNCH FOR THE YEAR OF RAT! 4 February 2020

EVENTS & HAPPENINGSEVENTS & HAPPENINGS

2019

It was the time of the year for some “Ong” moments in the office. The sound of Chinese traditional drums and awesome performance of lion dance on 6 February 2020 signifies the 2020 Chinese New Year’s blessing of Samling’s office in Kuala Lumpur. The Lion Dance, one of the most important traditions of Chinese New Year, is believed to be able to bring abundance of prosperity and good luck to everyone throughout the year. Hence, the employees in the office also took the opportunity to get personal blessings by the lions with anticipation of abundance of wealth and luck for the entire year.

BLESSING BY THE LION DANCE!

6 February 2020

Although Glenealy Plantations was established for over 2 decades, the achievement of OER of the Sabah region is still least satisfying as compared to Sarawak region which is one of the best performed regions in Malaysia. Sabah region has recently been re-planting their new and latest crops in 2003 until 2020, and it will be an on-going effort. In the plantation history, this OER campaign is going to be the first organised by Glenealy Plantation, an extraordinary vision for the year 2020. The mission of the campaign is truly structured by the management as a stepping stone in achieving 23% of OER. In theory, the OER can be achieved by good quality crops and efficient milling operations, by far it is not possible to achieve if there is no cooperation’s between the plantations and the mill.

On 8 February 2020, the opening ceremony was held at Timora Palm Oil Mill (TPOM). The event was attended by the Assistant General Manager (AGM) for Sabah Region and Oil Mill’s, Mr. Richard Ng, Senior Manager, Mr. Yaw Abdullah, mill and estates managers, executives and staffs of each centre. The idea came from the TPOM team and was supported by the AGM and the estates managers. The OER Campaign aims to reach a target of 23% OER in the near future. With this initiative, the Glenealy Plantations of the Sabah region can enhance the capability of the management and prove that Sabah region can also catch up with the progress of its sister group.

ROAD TO 23% OER

8 February 2020

• Before the ceremony ends, the management team takinga photo hand-in-hand, symbolising "Work Together Grow Together"

• The management team joining the grading torefresh the quality standard of FFB

All team that contribute for the campaign gather around together at the TPOM office before walking to ceremony area

OER TPOM Team

The opening ceremony view

EVENTS & HAPPENINGSEVENTS & HAPPENINGS

21

Following the announcement of Movement Control Order (MCO) due to Covid-19 by the Goverment of Malaysia on 18 March 2020, which is extended to 14 April 2020 until further notice, ‘Stay Safe by Staying at Home’ has become the slogan by the Prime Minister to remind all citizens and foreign workers residing in Malaysia to stay at home during the lockdown period in order to break the chain infection of COVID-19 outbreak.

In line with this, the management of Timora Palm Oil Mill (TPOM) has established the Safety Operating Procedure to prevent the spreading of coronavirus that hit all sectors and nations worldwide. As many people will face some challenges in this critical period, especially for Glenealy plantation workers, in terms of getting enough supply of foods and essential household items, TPOM tries to minimize the burden of their workers including the Glenealy plantation community.

GLENEALY PLANTATION – TIMORA PALM OIL MILLFOODS SUPPLY EFFORT BY TPOM TO ITS WORKERSDURING LOCKDOWN PERIOD

26 March 2020

On 25 March 2020, the management of TPOM started to supply fishes to every worker of TPOM community. One big bucket full of fishes will be fairly distributed to all families of TPOM community. The management hopes that this little contribution may help minimize the difficulties that the workers faced during this critical period. Such social contribution shows the management priority in taking care of the most important asset of the company — the employees. Such social contribution activity will be implemented whenever it is needed.

EVENTS & HAPPENINGS

E D I T O R I A L T E A M : Lee Chia Jeng

Teresa Lee

C O N T R I B U T O R S :Aliana Or

Arman bin MD YasinChang Kuet Ming

Cherry ChanChirag Shah

Fatin Shafina Binti RasideJames Ho

Junaidi BetaLee Toh HouLiew Sam Tat

Lily ChenSabah Mill (TPOM) Team

Subramanian a/l SubramaniaTakatoshi Ito

Vivienne LiangYap Chin Hua

Zainudin Mohamad

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Balakong, 43300 Seri Kembangan,Selangor Darul Ehsan.

Mailing Address:

C-3A-1, Plaza Arkadia,No 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana,

Desa ParkCity,52200 Kuala Lumpur.

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