Providing Local Solutions with Global Expertise – MECIP Global Engineers Sdn Bhd
With nearly 30 years of experience under its belt and an equally experienced workforce, MECIP Global Engineers Sdn Bhd (MECIP) has grown to a professional organisation with over 200 personnel in Malaysia as well as overseas representatives in Europe as one-stop, innovative engineering solutions provider. MECIP commenced business in 1994. Looking back, chairman and founder Ir Ahmad Nazari Bn Ashari says, “When we started, we provided engineering design and management for building services, before expanding our scope to provide engineering design and management of plant changes for the oil, gas and petrochemicals sector”. “Our expansion occurred in 2001. We have since established a reputable track record in process engineering, piping and mechanicals, instrumentation and electrical, civil and structural engineering for plants in the downstream oil and gas sector”.
MECIP stands for Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Instrumentation and Process – which encompass the services the company provides. MECIP is registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and the Ministry of Finance Malaysia (MOF). As an ISO 9001 certified company since 2013, MECIP’s results speak for themselves. Their clients include some of the industry’s biggest names such as PETRONAS, Shell and BP. The company also has numerous clients in Europe. In nearly all cases, MECIP’s clients represent long-term repeat contracts, which demonstrates the professional services and quality given by MECIP to each customer and every project.
The best people and practises
“Back then, it was four young engineers who came together to start the company; a civil, mechanical, electrical and chemical engineer,” says Nazari. Working as an electrical engineer, Nazari had come to the realisation that in his line of work, there was always something to modify or repair. He eventually decided to run his own company doing and now, MECIP reaps the benefits of his immense wealth of experience having been in the industry for nearly three decades. Ir Mahmood Azmy Muhammad Shukri, MECIP’s CEO, joined in 2010. This was a significant development for the company as Mahmood has more than two decades of invaluable experience. His extensive experience in mechanical engineering, includes technical and project management in the oil, gas and petrochemical industries for local and international companies. Throughout their working years, both Mahmood and Nazari have managed to build important working relationships within the industry, as well as establish requisite connections with specialists and experts in their field. This, as well as their cumulative experience and knowledge, plus the support and resources from their workforce continues to drive MECIP forward.
Proudly Malaysian
Keeping in line with the fact that MECIP’s leaders are proudly Malaysian, the company holds steadfast to this as they expand their workforce. MECIP hires most of their engineers from local universities and from the company’s internship training programme. Nazari notes that the company’s priority is to hire local Malaysian candidates, adding “as long as they are equally good across other attributes like communication and working a part of a team.” “It’s important to hire the right people with the right attitude and mindset. We look for people who want to grow with the company as we want to develop them to become future leaders of our business. MECIP is a place where young and fresh talent is nurtured into becoming competent and professional engineers. The energy and idea brought by the fresh talent combined with experienced and knowledge of senior staff has brought synergy into the projects undertaken by MECIP “ adds Mahmood
Lean management and a happy environment
Founder Nazari and CEO Mahmood have implemented the best work practices at MECIP. This comes about from their vast experience working and dealing with local and international corporations. MECIP has a global work culture with lean management and a flat hierarchy. The company also puts great effort into ensuring that their staff are happy and well looked after and hence, enjoy coming to work. Says Mahmood: “we believe in looking after our people and providing them with a great place to work. We prioritise the ongoing personal development of each of our colleagues and proud to have a workplace that promotes equality and diversity.” “One example is how we encourage our technical engineers to continuously improve their communication and presentation skills in English. Even though they may make mistakes, the important thing is they keep trying. We motivate them by presenting awards to the “Best Speakers” during annual dinners.”
“We also reward those who give internal training and share their knowledge with others. We get junior staff to vote for their seniors as to who they think are the ‘best coach’ or ‘best teacher’”. Mahmood also encourages his engineers to follow in his footsteps and pursue additional certifications and join professional societies such as Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) and Institute of Materials Malaysia (IMM) with ultimate career progression to serve the company as a professional engineer. These are important steps in building industry connections and learning new technologies. Outside of work, a glance at MECIP’s activities show a workplace that cultivates healthy habits in their employees. The company organising events such as regular Family Days and Fun Bike Rides. MECIP also place great emphasis on their CSR outreach programs; organises food and monetary donations to the less fortunate, helps with the upkeep of the community’s mosque and performs ‘Save the Environment’ beach clean-ups.
Embracing technology
MECIP is always looking for better ways to improve their work processes and efficiency. “Technology has been developing so rapidly around the world. In terms of engineering software, it has changed the way we do things. In design, we need to invest in computer software and programmes. This is a necessary financial investment for us to adapt and grow,” says Mahmood. The primary projects targeted by MECIP over the coming years will be in the realm of energy management and digitalization. Here, the company will conduct preliminary assessments to help a client define the scope of work needed to reduce the consumption of energy at their plants, while for digitalization, MECIP will come forward with digital solution for any given “pain point” related to extensive data extraction and digitization process in improving plants operational practices. MECIP is also actively looking at growing their international clientele. As Nazari emphasises: “MECIP has been actively promoting services, not just in the ASEAN region but also in selected markets in Europe.”
“We have been providing services to Norway, via a partner company in Bergen. With the assistance of MATRADE, we are an active participant in oil and gas exhibitions. We have been to Aberdeen, Houston, Brunei and Abu Dhabi.” “We are selective in choosing the country we wish to venture into. Some factors that we consider include competitiveness, ease of doing business and the need for a local partner.” Whilst MECIP continues to provide reliable and efficient engineering solutions to their everexpanding market base locally and internationally, the company is gearing for a significant milestone – listing on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange. This proudly local company is not letting the fact that they are based in Kerteh, Terengganu, a relatively small town on the east coast of Malaysia, stand in their way of success. With the oil and gas industry being a catalyst in driving Malaysia forward, MECIP will continue to strongly play their part while serving other industries as well to build the nation. Mahmood and Nazari strongly by their vision “We will continue to provide local solutions with global expertise.”
