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BIODATA - NIK ZAFRI
Kelantanese, Alumni of Sultan Ismail College Kelantan (SICA), IT Competency Cert, Certified Written English Professional US. Has participated in many seminars/conferences (local/ international) in the capacity of trainer/lecturer and participant.
Affiliations :- Network Member of Gerson Lehrman Group, Institute of Quality Malaysia, Auditor ISO 9000 IRCAUK, Auditor OHSMS (SIRIM and STS) /EMS ISO 14000 and Construction Quality Assessment System CONQUAS, CIDB (Now BCA) Singapore),
* Possesses almost 30 years of experience/hands-on in the multi-modern management & technical disciplines (systems & methodologies) such as Knowledge Management (Hi-Impact Management/ICT Solutions), Quality (TQM/ISO), Safety Health Environment, Civil & Building (Construction), Manufacturing, Motivation & Team Building, HR, Marketing/Branding, Business Process Reengineering, Economy/Stock Market, Contracts/Project Management, Finance & Banking, etc. He was employed to international bluechips involving in national/international megaprojects such as Balfour Beatty Construction/Knight Piesold & Partners UK, MMI Insurance Group Australia, Hazama Corporation (Hazamagumi) Japan (with Mitsubishi Corporation, JA Jones US, MMCE and Ho-Hup) and Sunway Construction Berhad (The Sunway Group of Companies). Among major projects undertaken : Pergau Hydro Electric Project, KLCC Petronas Twin Towers, LRT Tunnelling, KLIA, Petronas Refineries Melaka, Putrajaya Government Complex, Sistem Lingkaran Lebuhraya Kajang (SILK), Mex Highway, KLIA1, KLIA2 etc. Once serviced SMPD Management Consultants as Associate Consultant cum Lecturer for Diploma in Management, Institute of Supervisory Management UK/SMPD JV. Currently – Associate/Visiting Consultants/Facilitators, Advisors for leading consulting firms (local and international) including project management. To name a few – Noma SWO Consult, Amiosh Resources, Timur West Consultant Sdn. Bhd., TIJ Consultants Group (Malaysia and Singapore) and many others.
* Ex-Resident Weekly Columnist of Utusan Malaysia (1995-1998) and have produced more than 100 articles related to ISO-9000– Management System and Documentation Models, TQM Strategic Management, Occupational Safety and Health (now OHSAS 18000) and Environmental Management Systems ISO 14000. His write-ups/experience has assisted many students/researchers alike in module developments based on competency or academics and completion of many theses. Once commended by the then Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia for his diligence in promoting and training the civil services (government sector) based on “Total Quality Management and Quality Management System ISO-9000 in Malaysian Civil Service – Paradigm Shift Scalar for Assessment System”
Among Nik Zafri’s clients : Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd, (MRP II, Accounts/Credit Control) The HQ of Royal Customs and Excise Malaysia (ISO 9000), Veterinary Services Dept. Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), The Institution of Engineers Malaysia (Aspects of Project Management – KLCC construction), Corporate HQ of RHB (Peter Drucker's MBO/KRA), NEC Semiconductor - Klang Selangor (Productivity Management), Prime Minister’s Department Malaysia (ISO 9000), State Secretarial Office Negeri Sembilan (ISO 9000), Hidrological Department KL (ISO 9000), Asahi Kluang Johor(System Audit, Management/Supervisory Development), Tunku Mahmood (2) Primary School Kluang Johor (ISO 9000), Consortium PANZANA (HSSE 3rd Party Audit), Lecturer for Information Technology Training Centre (ITTC) – Authorised Training Center (ATC) – University of Technology Malaysia (UTM) Kluang Branch Johor, Kluang General Hospital Johor (Management/Supervision Development, Office Technology/Administration, ISO 9000 & Construction Management), Kahang Timur Secondary School Johor (ISO 9000), Sultan Abdul Jalil Secondary School Kluang Johor (Islamic Motivation and Team Building), Guocera Tiles Industries Kluang Johor (EMS ISO 14000), MNE Construction (M) Sdn. Bhd. Kota Tinggi Johor (ISO 9000 – Construction), UITM Shah Alam Selangor (Knowledge Management/Knowledge Based Economy /TQM), Telesystem Electronics/Digico Cable(ODM/OEM for Astro – ISO 9000), Sungai Long Industries Sdn. Bhd. (Bina Puri Group) - ISO 9000 Construction), Secura Security Printing Sdn. Bhd,(ISO 9000 – Security Printing) ROTOL AMS Bumi Sdn. Bhd & ROTOL Architectural Services Sdn. Bhd. (ROTOL Group) – ISO 9000 –Architecture, Bond M & E (KL) Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9000 – Construction/M & E), Skyline Telco (M) Sdn. Bhd. (Knowledge Management),Technochase Sdn. Bhd JB (ISO 9000 – Construction), Institut Kefahaman Islam Malaysia (IKIM – ISO 9000 & Internal Audit Refresher), Shinryo/Steamline Consortium (Petronas/OGP Power Co-Generation Plant Melaka – Construction Management and Safety, Health, Environment), Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (Negotiation Skills), Association for Retired Intelligence Operatives of Malaysia (Cyber Security – Arpa/NSFUsenet, Cobit, Till, ISO/IEC ISMS 27000 for Law/Enforcement/Military), T.Yamaichi Corp. (M) Sdn. Bhd. (EMS ISO 14000) LSB Manufacturing Solutions Sdn. Bhd., (Lean Scoreboard (including a full development of System-Software-Application - MSC Malaysia & Six Sigma) PJZ Marine Services Sdn. Bhd., (Safety Management Systems and Internal Audit based on International Marine Organization Standards) UNITAR/UNTEC (Degree in Accountacy – Career Path/Roadmap) Cobrain Holdings Sdn. Bhd.(Managing Construction Safety & Health), Speaker for International Finance & Management Strategy (Closed Conference), Pembinaan Jaya Zira Sdn. Bhd. (ISO 9001:2008-Internal Audit for Construction Industry & Overview of version 2015), Straits Consulting Engineers Sdn. Bhd. (Full Integrated Management System – ISO 9000, OHSAS 18000 (ISO 45000) and EMS ISO 14000 for Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Consulting), Malaysia Management & Science University (MSU – (Managing Business in an Organization), Innoseven Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 MSPR8 – Awareness and Internal Audit (Construction), ISO 9001:2008 and 2015 overview for the Construction Industry), Kemakmuran Sdn. Bhd. (KVMRT Line 1 - Signages/Wayfinding - Project Quality Plan and Construction Method Statement ), Lembaga Tabung Haji - Flood ERP, WNA Consultants - DID/JPS -Flood Risk Assessment and Management Plan - Prelim, Conceptual Design, Interim and Final Report etc., Tunnel Fire Safety - Fire Risk Assessment Report - Design Fire Scenario), Safety, Health and Environmental Management Plans leading construction/property companies/corporations in Malaysia, Timur West Consultant : Business Methodology and System, Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) ISO/IEC 27001:2013 for Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya ISMS/Audit/Risk/ITP Technical Team, MPDT Capital Berhad - ISO 9001: 2015 - Consultancy, Construction, Project Rehabilitation, Desalination (first one in Malaysia to receive certification on trades such as Reverse Osmosis Seawater Desalination and Project Recovery/Rehabilitation)
* Has appeared for 10 consecutive series in “Good Morning Malaysia RTM TV1’ Corporate Talk Segment discussing on ISO 9000/14000 in various industries. For ICT, his inputs garnered from his expertise have successfully led to development of work-process e-enabling systems in the environments of intranet, portal and interactive web design especially for the construction and manufacturing. Some of the end products have won various competitions of innovativeness, quality, continual-improvements and construction industry award at national level. He has also in advisory capacity – involved in development and moderation of websites, portals and e-profiles for mainly corporate and private sectors, public figures etc. He is also one of the recipients for MOSTE Innovation for RFID use in Electronic Toll Collection in Malaysia.
Note :
Tuesday, December 19, 2023
ATAS PERMINTAAN : BEBERAPA KOLEKSI TULISAN/HAIPOTESIS SAYA MENGENAI SEJARAH, SILSILAH DAN KEBUDAYAAN - NIK ZAFRI
Sunday, December 17, 2023
TATAKELOLA YANG SALAH - RENUNGAN HARI INI
Bila berbicara mengenai tatakelola, ketelusan adalah salah satu asas yang penting. Tidak guna berbicara mengenai tatakelola dengan niat yang tidak jujur.
Thursday, December 14, 2023
JV AGREEMENT AT ANCASA ROYALE, BANDAR DIRAJA PEKAN, PAHANG DARUL MAKMUR
(I want to convey my deepest appreciation to my family, select relatives, and friends whose unwavering support has propelled me to reach this stage.
Participating as (Noma SWO Consult) Consultant (QHSE/ESG) at a significant event involving the signing of a JV Agreement at Ancasa Royale Pekan for a construction project in Bandar DiRaja Pekan, Pahang Darul Makmur.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to conduct a quick a pre-assessment site visit, hope to commence my duties with the new client Alwasi in the first quarter of 2024 (February).
Notable attendees include: Yang Hormat Mulia Tok Muda Tengku Haji Mohd Mustaffa Bin Tengku Dato' Haji Ibrahim, DIPM, SMP., AMP (Royal Family of Pahang Darul Makmur)
Yang Hormat Dato' Haji Zainal Abidin bin Md.Amin, DIMP., AMP.
Yang Dipertua Majlis Perbandaran Pekan, Pahang Darul Makmur
Sunday, December 10, 2023
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT HAS REACHED A NEW HEIGHTS - NIK ZAFRI
The evolution of Knowledge Management requires adapting knowledge to fit the present landscape. Big data and data mining might soon yield to the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Computers, and even blockchain. However, it's crucial not to undermine the core principles of KM; otherwise, we risk losing our sense of direction.
A CASE STUDY OF CORRUPTION IN PROCUREMENT (CONSTRUCTION) THAT WAS OVERLOOKED BY ABMS AUDITORS - BY NIK ZAFRI
True case. That's why ABMS Auditors and the Authorities should also be equipped with some "forensic audit skills" especially when it comes to construction industry.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY, SHOULD TECHNICAL STANDARDS ADAPT TO CERTAIN COUNTRY'S CLIMATE?
I had a query from someone of professional engineering position which I am familiar with the topic. It's about technical standards/codes of practice for construction where some references need also to suit a specific country's environment to avoid miscalculation and errors.
For example : For concrete in cold climate - Concrete temperatures should be maintained between 50°F (10°C) until the expected strengths have been reached after the finishing process. If concrete freezes prior to reaching an initial strength of 500 psi (3.5 MPa), it will not achieve its intended strength.
The same however cannot be applied fully to the Malaysian environment/climate.
I agree totally that standards and codes of practice must adapt to the country's environment. These can be done by assessing the environmental factors - understand the unique conditions of the country - climate, geology, natural hazards etc. (Consider the absence of snow or the prevalence of tropical weather, seismic activity, etc.)
In order to make this happen, we need to engage local experts, engineers, architects, and environmental scientists to gather insights about the specific challenges and requirements in that environment.
Adapting technical standards requires a comprehensive understanding of local conditions, collaborative efforts among experts, and a commitment to ensuring safety and efficiency in construction practices within the country's specific environment.
Friday, December 08, 2023
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
I recognize that I tend to offer critical responses when addressing inquiries from readers and experts. I strive to offer a broader viewpoint derived from my own experiences, rather than relying solely on traditional principles that may not always apply, whilst it's common to use AI but to heavily leaning on ChatGPT without even checking the responses, you will likely offer similar responses like the majority. It's valuable to provide examples from personal experience, as it carries more credibility and authenticity to the information shared with readers.
Thursday, December 07, 2023
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - INTELLIGENCE CAN SOMETIMES BE AN ANNOYANCE
Popularity alone doesn't guarantee respect; it must be earned. It's not always about skill or intelligence but about one's character. I know several renowned individuals who aren't actively seeking fame but are consistently praised for their admirable qualities.
Conversely, many bright minds face rejection, likely due to tendencies toward arrogance. The key lies in balancing intelligence with humility—a blend that embodies true wisdom.
Tuesday, December 05, 2023
CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF THE LATE FORMER HEALTH MINISTER, DATO' CHUA JUI MENG
In 1995, while I was employed by Mayjaus JV - Hazama Corporation (KLCC Petronas Towers during construction) and also a weekly-columnist for a national paper, I first encountered the late former Health Minister, Dato' Chua Jui Meng. During that time, I was meeting with Allahyarham Tun Ahmad Sarji, the then Chief Secretary to the Government of Malaysia, to delve deeper into implementing ISO 9000 in civil services.Subsequently, the newly appointed Health Minister asked me to join him and his assistant in a private discussion room. He was interested in hearing my perspectives on enhancing quality management in healthcare.
I remember opening the thick 6th Malaysian Plan - quoting the mid term review which read :
"While the government will still remain a provider of basic health services, the role of the Ministry of Health will gradually shifts towards more policymaking and regulatory aspects, as well as, setting standards to ensure quality, affordability and appropriateness of care. At the same time the Ministry of Health will ensure an equitable distribution in the provision of health services and health manpower between the public and private sectors"
I noticed a faint surprise on his face as he remarked, "You read that verse in the 6th Malaysian Plan? I don't even recall it."
With a chuckle, I replied, "I'm aware there's a quality standard based on TQM that the Ministry is already following, and it seems to be working well." (so why need the upgrade?)
However, the main concern at that time, perhaps, was the inevitable rise of Malaysian healthcare privatization. While the Health Ministry and its hospitals aimed to adhere to the standard, certain issues, such as the transition, raised questions about potential disparities in practice between the Health Ministry and private entities, the potential increase in medication expenses and the accessibility/affordability for the public at large.
I held the opinion that implementing privatization too soon might pose challenges in effectively enhancing the quality of healthcare systems due to potential differences in management approaches.
Reflecting on the government's decision at that time to put the privatization plan on hold, I silently speculated, "He (Chua) must have convinced the then Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir."
It's truly a loss. My deepest condolences go out to the family.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
When sharing facts, it's better to include examples rather than filling your post with flashy words that lack depth or connection. Otherwise, your message may lack substance and fail to resonate with anyone and what is supposed to be a fact may likely turn into a fiction
E-Madani and Selangkah Initiatives: Brief Assessment - Access and Impact by Nik Zafri
The E-Madani and Selangkah initiatives by the Selangor State Government have been pivotal for many Malaysians seeking financial support. Even opposition-led states have their own programs, utilizing e-wallets and the "wang ehsan" scheme among others.
(Photos : Assisting individuals from Sri Gombak at no cost, guiding them through the process of installing, verifying, and applying for e-Madani RM100.00 via the Touch 'n Go E-Wallet, especially those who are struggling with the system.
It saddens me to witness the lack of assistance from others, prompting me to volunteer without hesitation. The joy of seeing their smiles makes it all worthwhile. I even used my hotspot - high speed internet to help them out)
E-Madani offers RM100.00 through various e-wallet platforms, but it restricts claims to a single gateway per contribution. On the other hand, Selangkah has notably aided numerous single parents and the B40 demographic, allowing them to use e-wallets and Bingkas for grocery purchases at partnered stores.
However, certain challenges have surfaced during my recent surveys:
a) Elderly individuals and financially disadvantaged people without smartphones struggle to access e-wallets like Touch and Go or similar platforms. They lack the knowledge to verify and apply for contributions, compounded by inadequate internet access.
b) Some remain unaware of these available contributions and their potential to alleviate their financial burdens.
c) There's an issue of unqualified individuals applying for Emadani and Bingkas, leading to rejections due to various reasons. Some of these individuals have resorted to political noise, claiming government deception and complicating the application process.
d) Political differences have caused some to opt out of Emadani, based solely on ideological reasons.
My personal experience in assisting people in applying, downloading, verifying, filling up forms offline and online, writing application letters even went to the welfare office with them - irrespective of race or religion. (many of the multi-racial and mutli-religious residence of Sri Gombak can confirm this)
And then dating back to the BRIM era up to the current initiatives, highlights that these contributions—irrespective of their governmental origin—shouldn't be stigmatized as "begging," "illicit funds," or "bribery." I disagree with these negative connotations, having myself received aid from the PAS-led Kelantan Government and the Regent's zakat during a jobless period in the late 80s and early 90s. Did it breed dependency? No. Many, like me, see these contributions as temporary support during challenging times like recessions.
Many recipients express gratitude, considering these contributions a significant blessing. To those who face rejection or perceive the amounts as insufficient, I encourage applying and redirecting these funds towards charitable causes or assisting friends in need.
Sunday, December 03, 2023
SOME OF THE SHADY TACTICS OF MONEY LAUNDERING - NIK ZAFRI
1) Professional services firms for example accounting, legal and even consultancy firms may unwittingly or knowingly become entangled in money laundering schemes.