Keppel Group Newsletter Keppelite - 吉宝置业中国 … Business Keppelite I March 2008 Business...

Keppelite I March 2008

Driving growth

in Vietnam 4

Walking the

innovation talk 13

Our people,

our priority 30

Special Focus: Safety recordexceeds 11 million man-hours

Special Focus: Safety recordexceeds 11 million man-hours

Keppel Group Newsletter

MARCH 2008www.kepcorp.com/ekeppeliteeppel

Keppelite

MICA(P) NO. 047/11/2007

March08 28/3/08, 2:38 PM1


Published for people in the Keppel Group by the Group Corporate Communications Division, Keppel Corporation Limited, 1 HarbourFront Ave, #18-01 Keppel Bay Tower,Singapore 098632. Printed by Image Printers Pte Ltd, Blk 1002, Redhill Industrial Estate, Jalan Bukit Merah, #03-12, Singapore 159456.

Editorial AdvisorWang Look Fung

EditorDiana Chan

Editorial CommitteeAndrew Ong, Ang Lai Lee, Catherine Tan, Chen Xi, Cheryl Tang, Chung Xin Lei, David Loh, Donald Sng, Gayathri Prakash Nair, Geraldine Lai, Grace Chia, Ivana Chua, Irene Lee,Jacquelyn Wong, Jeanette Pang, Joey Ho, Lee Yin Chiin, Lynette Goh, Mak Chui Ling, Mohd Nor Nordin, Phang Weng Onn, Rebecca Ng, Roy Tan, Sarah Seah, Serena Toh,Tan Siyi, Teri Liew , Woon Pek Yong

Contents

CO REG NO: 196800351N

eppel

BUSINESSDriving growth in Vietnam 4

Keppel Log wins two FMCG contracts 7

A cut above the rest 8

A Super and Safe delivery 9

Bouquet for West Prospero 10

Steely quality standards 11

Leggy Rowan heads for Angola

Green, green grass of home 12

Walking the innovation talk 13

The luxe life at Keppel Bay 16

Visitors ahoy! 18

Special FocusRoadmap towards safety excellence 19

More than the sum of its parts 24

Keeping bird flu all cooped up 25

TEAMClosing ranks with the best 26

PEOPLEOur people, our priority 30

Honouring an industry stalwart 31

KIE finds room to grow 32

Road trip to friendship

Keppel college rolls out first management course 33

Raising the Bar 34

World of opportunities at Keppel 35

Screened for work-life balance

Keppelites AbroadBraving new worlds 36

Filled with compassion 37

COMMUNITYKeppel Cebu joins the road to a common good 38

Time to share

Keppel VolunteersBack to school 39

BACK PAGEKeppel FELS to build US$205 million jackup rig 40

4 16

31

March08 28/3/08, 2:39 PM2


Editorial


Cents and sensibility

Success is often measured in dollars and

cents in a modern world. Thus, a job with high

pay and great perks is not surprisingly a common

benchmark by which one is judged to have ‘arrived’

or ‘made it’ in life.

But that may be too simplistic a view when defining

a career.

The word ‘career’ draws its origins from the Latin

word carrus, meaning ‘chariot’ in English, and the

French word carriere, meaning ‘road’ or ‘race

course’.

Having covered a bit of distance in my two years

at Keppel, I am starting to value the importance

of the path travelled, and how it is shaping my

personal growth and global outlook.

A career at Keppel is indeed more a journey than

a destination.

With operations in more than 30 countries, Keppel

offers many opportunities to break new grounds

as we compete with the best in class and seek out

new prospects in China, Central Asia, the Middle

East, Europe, and Latin America.

In January 2008, the Uniquely Singapore clipper,

sponsored by Keppel, arrived at the brand new

Marina at Keppel Bay.

From afar, Uniquely Singapore looked like any other

sailing boat berthed at the spectacular new marina.

However, up close and personal, the racing yacht

powered by a united crew, much like working in

Keppel, inspires passion, adventure and dare.

Circumnavigating the world in 10 months, the six

selected Keppel Ambassadors would have literally

and metaphorically gone the distance for Keppel.

At Keppel, we run a different race. Rather, we hold

the chariot’s stirrups firmly in our hands, we decide

which route to take, determine how fast or slow

we go, and most importantly, where we want to

go.

Considered this way, one may soon realise that

the salary is only one part of the career equation.

The real prospect of expanding one’s horizons,

embracing personal growth, contributing to

collective strength and having those efforts

recognised should push many to look beyond the

validation of a paycheck.

While the road ahead is not always clear-cut for

all, each fresh Keppelite will get a chance to make

his or her own path – with more seasoned

Keppelites at hand to call out speed bumps or

potholes along the way.

Now that is something money cannot buy.

March08 28/3/08, 2:39 PM3

4 Business


4 Business

Demand for prime propertyis at an all-time high inVietnam, and Keppel Land ispoised to fulfil the country’sneed for quality housing.

The pioneer real estateinvestor has built upextensive networks and richexperience in the attractiveemerging South East Asianmarket.

Keppel Land kicked off 2008on a positive note. First, itshared concept plans for newphases of Saigon Centre withkey dignitaries from Vietnam

Driving growth in Vietnamand Singapore. It then wenton to receive an investmentcertificate for a waterfrontdevelopment in Ho Chi MinhCity’s (HCMC) District 7.

UNVEILING SAIGONCENTRE CONCEPT PLANSHCMC’s main thoroughfareLe Loi Boulevard is set tobecome greener and morestunning with Keppel Land’sfurther investments intoSaigon Centre.

On 26 February 2008,Keppel Land presentedconcept plans for future

phases of Saigon Centre todistinguished Singapore andVietnam delegates in Hanoi.The contingent was led byHis Excellency S R Nathan,President of the Republic ofSingapore and Vietnam’sDeputy Prime MinisterHoang Trung Hai.

Saigon Centre is a mixed-usedevelopment strategicallylocated along two hectaresfronting Le Loi Boulevard,the epicentre of HCMC’sCentral Business District.

Phase One of Saigon Centre,

was completed in 1996with 25 storeys. It comprisesa three-storey retail podium,11 levels of prime officespace, 89 units of servicedapartments and three levelsof basement carpark.

The prominent developmenthas maintained its position asthe market leader in terms ofoccupancy and rental rates inHCMC. The office and retailcomponents are 100%leased and the servicedapartments, managed bySedona Hotels International,enjoy near full occupancy.

Briefing the President on developments in Vietnam. (From left) Mr Kevin Wong, Group CEO of Keppel Land; Mr Lim Chee Onn, Executive Chairman of Keppel Corporation; Mr Hoang Trung Hai,Deputy Prime Minister of Vietnam and HE S R Nathan, President of Singapore

March08 28/3/08, 5:37 PM4

Business 5


Over the years, SaigonCentre has won manynational and internationalaccolades, which includeVietnam Quality Award –Gold Medal (2005); TheGuide Award – Best ServicedApartments (2003 – 2005)and Asia Pacific QualityAw a rd – O u t s t a n d i n gAchievement (2000).

Building on their existingsuccess, Keppel Land andlocal partners, SOWATCOand RESCO, will embark onplans to develop an iconiclandmark developmentintegrating subsequentphases of Saigon Centre.

Skidmore, Owings andMerrill, one of the world’slargest architectural firms, isthe architect appointed forthe new concept plans forSaigon Centre.

KEPPEL LAND GETSGO-AHEAD FORWATERFRONT HOMESThe HCMC People’sCommittee has awardedElaenia Pte Ltd (Elaenia), awholly-owned subsidiary ofKeppel Land and local jointventure partner, Tan TruongCo. Ltd (Tan Truong), theinvestment certificate tobuild a waterfront residentialdevelopment in HCMC’sDistrict 7.

This is the second investmentcertificate Keppel Land hasreceived in Vietnam over thelast 12 months.

“We will bring ourexperience in creating iconic

Strategically located in HCMC’s Central Business District, Saigon Centre is poised to be Vietnam’s iconic landmark

premier waterfront homesand lifestyles in Singapore tobear in Vietnam,” saidMr Ang Wee Gee, ED andCEO, International of KeppelLand International Limited.

The company sees strongdemand for quality housingand therefore, investmentopportunities in Vietnam’sresidential market.

“With rising affluenceand exposure afforded bytravel overseas, Vietnamesehomebuyers have becomemore discerning aboutquality and the lifestyleassociated with theirhomes,” Mr Ang continued.

Strategically located inDistrict 7, the site is just6.5 kilometres away or amere 15-minute drivefrom HCMC’s CentralBusiness District. Theluxury condominiums withsupporting commercialcomponents will sit on an8.5 hectares (85,118 sm) sitealong the banks of Ca CamRiver, next to the commercialcentre of Phu My Hung.

Phu My Hung i s anestab l i shed res ident ia ltownship popular with theupper income locals andthe expatriate communitybecause of its easy accessto international schools,

foreign-developed officesand apartments, a hypermartand retail and F&B outlets.

The total investment capitalfor the waterfront project,which will be developed inphases, is estimated atUS$206 million (approximatelyS$288.4 million). Elaeniaw i l l t ake up a 7 5 %s t a k e a m o u n t i n g t oUS$46.5 million (approximatelyS$65.1 million) of thetotal registered capital ofUS$62 million (approximatelyS$86.8 million) in RivieraPoint Ltd Company, the JVcompany, while Tan Truongwill subscribe for theremaining interest.

Continues on page 6...

March08 28/3/08, 2:40 PM5

6 Business


Consisting of 700 units, the first phase of Keppel Land’s waterfront development in District 7 of HCMC is expected to be launched in 4Q 2008

The proposed developmenthas a potential gross floorarea of about 408,500 sm. Itwill comprise some 2,400waterfront apartments andrecreational facilities,including a clubhouse, aswimming pool and tenniscourts in lush surroundingsand under 24-hour security.

Phase One of the project isset to launch in 4Q 2008.

Mr Ang added, “KeppelLand’s homes have beenvery positively received by

the market and there ismuch anticipation for theroll-out of our residentialdevelopments pipeline.”

The company was given thegreen light in August 2007to develop The Estella, a1,500-unit residential projectwith supporting commercialcomponents located in AnPhu Ward of District 2.Potential home buyers wereenthusiastic during a previewof The Estella’s Phase One,registering interest for all 650units showcased.

NETWORKING LUNCHEONFOR VIETNAMESEDELEGATIONAs one of Vietnam’s pioneerand largest real estateinvestors, Keppel Landplayed host and sponsored anetworking luncheon forsome 60 internationaldelegates at the VietnamReal Estate 2008 Conferenceheld at Marina MandarinSingapore on 5 March 2008.

Major regional and Americanindustry players andVietnamese government

officials were among thedelegates networking andexploring investmentopportunities with theirSingaporean counterparts.

In a luncheon presentation,Mr Linson Lim, ChiefRepresentative of KeppelLand Vietnam Propertiesr e a f f i r m e d K e p p e l ’scommitment to developresidential developmentsand townships in growthcorridors, and integrateddevelopments in the businessdistricts. keppelite

...continued from page 5.

March08 28/3/08, 2:41 PM6

Business 7


Keppel Logistics Pte Ltd(Keppel Log) has beenawarded a contract by fastmoving consumer goods(FMCG) giant Unilever toprovide cold-chain logisticsservices for its popular icecream brands, Ben & Jerry’sand Walls.

Keppel Log also won acontract from NTUC FairPriceto provide warehousing anddistribution services for someproducts.

Reiterating the company’scommitment to clients,Ms Ong Bei Keau, GM ofKeppel Logistics, said, “We

Keppel Log wins two FMCG contractsfeel privileged to be chosenas NTUC FairPrice’s third-party logistics serviceprovider and Unilever’s cold-chain service provider. Wewill stay nimble and keeppace with the fast growingdemands of our FMCGcustomers.”

UNILEVERThe integrated logisticsservice provider’s ability tointerface seamlessly withUnilever’s back-end supplychain system was key tosecuring the contract.

At the same time, it hasimpressed Unilever with

i t s customised, mul t i -temperature cold roomfacility, which is capable ofstoring ice cream at -28°C.This is below the industrynorm of -20 to -25°C.

Beyond answering Unilever’sneeds for container trucking,custom declaration, totalinventory management, andreturn management, KeppelLog is also able to assist theFMCG firm with shelf-lifemanagement through amonthly pre-alert report forexpiring products.

Jennifer Low, Logist icsManager of Uni lever,

Keppel Log expands cold-chain facilities to meet growing needs of consumer goods giant Unilever

commended the dedicationof the Keppel Log team,saying, “A big thank you forthe successful transfer of thefrozen goods. We appreciatethe long hours, excellentsupport, and cooperation bythe staff to ensure a seamlesstransfer.”

To h a n d l e U n i l e v e r ’sincreasing business in theregion, Keppel Log hasexpanded its cold-chaincapacity by 65%.

NTUC FAIRPRICESelected goods from FairPricesuppliers arriving at Keppel’sAutomated Storage andRetrieval System (ASRS) aredistributed directly to their 80retail outlets island-wide.

Through flawless coordinationwithin various departments,Keppel Log was able toovercome the tight deadlineand volume surge as a resultof Chinese New Year.

ASRS staff worked doubleshifts and through theweekends to ensure allFairPrice outlets were well-stocked with goodies.

Serving as an overflowfacility, Keppel Log has beenNTUC Fairprice’s logisticspartner since 2001. keppelite

March08 28/3/08, 2:41 PM7

8 Business


Keppel Batangas has cut tothe chase with fabricationwork on the ultra deepwatersemisubmersible (semi)ENSCO 8503.

Partners and clients ofthe Philippine shipyardwitnessed the first steelsheet cut for the semi at itsstrike steel ceremony on26 February 2008.

M r K o k B o o n H e n g ,P r e s i d e n t o f K e p p e lBatangas, thanked KeppelFELS and the rig’s Texas-based owner ENSCOInternational (ENSCO) fortheir vote of confidence,saying, “We’re honoured tobe chosen once again tofabricate the port andstarboard pontoons, andlower hull columns forENSCO’s new rig.”

When completed, thesemodules will be assembledwith other semi parts atKeppel FELS in Singapore. Thetotal project value is worthsome US$427 million (S$591

A cut above the rest

million) with deliveryexpected in 3Q 2010.

ENSCO 8503 is the latest offour ENSCO 8500 Series rigsbeing built by Keppel FELS.The first three are on trackwith expected deliveriesbetween mid 2008 and late2009.

ENSCO’s Director of CapitalProjects, Mr Brian J. Higgins,praised Keppel Batangas’p r o j e c t t e a m a n dm a n a g e m e n t a t t h e

ceremony, saying, “I wantyou to know that ENSCO isdeeply pleased to see notonly the progress that youhave made in the physicalplant but also your ability totake Keppel Batangas to adifferent level in productivityand in safety.

“We look forward not onlyto the strike steel of ENSCO8503 but hopefully for morerigs to come in the future.Again, hats off to you for ajob well done.”

Upon completion, ENSCO8503 will be capable ofdynamic positioning anddrilling in water depths of upto 8,500 ft, and can readilybe upgraded to 10,000 ftwater-depth capability.

Enhancements include a twomillion pound quad derrick,offline pipe handlingcapability, increased drilling

capacity, greater variabledeck load, and improvedautomatic station keepingability, making the semiwell-suited for challengingdeepwaters.

“We would like to thankENSCO for their trust andconfidence in Keppel. Weare fully committed todeliver the project on timewithout compromising safetyand quality,” said Mr TanSong Yang, Keppel FELS’Construction Manager.

K e p p e l B a t a n g a s i ssimultaneously working onthe offshore blocks forENSCO, Maersk Contractors,Queiroz Galvão Óleo e Gásand Floatel. The yard isadding two more blockassembly areas to takeadvantage of the projectsbuoyant business in theoffshore industry. keppelite

ENSCO 8503 project team members strike a pose in Keppel Batangas shipyard

Representatives from Deep Sea Drilling, American Bureau of Shipping, and Keppel FELS bearwitness as Mr Brian Higgins, ENSCO’s Director of Capital Projects, make the first cut at thestrike steel ceremony for ENSCO 8503

March08 28/3/08, 2:41 PM8

Business 9


Keppel Philippines Marine,Inc. (KPMI) and Keppel CebuShipyard, Inc. (Keppel Cebu)have successfully delivereda newly built 45-tonnebollard pull harbour tugeach to Keppel Smit TowagePrivate Limited (KST).

A joint venture of KeppelShipyard with Smit,Singapore-based KST owns,manages, and operates tugs,providing marine supportservices in the Asia Pacificregion.

“These new additions toKeppel Smit’s fleet willenhance our harbour towage

A Super and Safe delivery fromKeppel’s Philippine yards

service and address ourclients’ growing needs. Wethank the shipbuilding teamsof both yards for completingthe projects successfully,” saidMr Ben Chew, GM of KST.

The KST Super sailed off fromKPMI’s Keppel BatangasShipyard (Keppel Batangas)to Singapore on 24 February2008, making it thecompany’s fourth newbuildto be delivered.

Sister ship KST Safe followedsuit to Singapore, but set offfrom Keppel Cebu, a littleover a week later on 4 March2008.

Mr Fok Swee Yin, Presidentof Keppel Cebu, said, “Thedelivery of KST Safe is asignificant milestone as itrepresents our shipyard’s firstnewbuild delivery.”

“The two Keppel yards inPhilippines have alreadydelivered five tugboats ofinternational standard sincethey adopted a newbuildingstrategy under the build-for-sale programme. We willcontinue to work hard toensure our workmanship’squality,” said Mr Toh Ko Lin,President of KPMI andChairman of Keppel Cebu.

The 45-tonne bollard pullharbour tugs of the AzimuthStern Drive (ASD) type arebuilt with fire-fightingcapabilities for worldwideservice according to therequirements of Lloyd’sRegister.

Based on a design by MarineTechnology Development,Keppel Singmarine’s R&Darm, the vessels measure27.9 metres long and ninemetres wide. Each tug has aservice speed of up to 12knots with two 1800 PSNiigata main engines drivingits twin screw propulsionsystem. keppelite

KST Super shows her fire fighting capabilities during the sea trial in Batangas Bay

March08 28/3/08, 2:42 PM9

10 Business


It could have been a driller’snightmare when WestProspero suffered a majorpunch-through off thecoast of Terengganu, WestMalaysia on 2 February2008.

Thanks to its sturdy legs, thisKFELS B jackup rig came outof the incident unscathed.The rig was delivered aheadof time in June 2007 toSeadrill, parent companyof Integrated PetroleumServices.

After two OffshoreTechnology Development(OTD) engineers ran sometests on the rig, WestProspero was back inoperation on 8 February2008, the second day of theLunar New Year. keppelite

Bouquet for West Prospero

March08 28/3/08, 2:42 PM10

Business 11


The freshly framed ISO9001certification bestowed onKeppel Offshore & Marine’sjoint venture with Mitsui &Co., Regency Steel Japan(Regency Steel), is theoutcome of a fight hard won.

President of Regency Steel,Dr Yip Hee Yan, also SeniorProgramme Manager ofKeppel Offshore & MarineTechnology Centre (KOMtech)since November 2007, sat onthe management committeethat oversaw the specialiststeel maker’s certificationadoption.

Recalling the company’sstrive to attain a pervasivequality culture that respectsoptimum working practicesand management systems,he said, “We knew that inorder to compete globally,Regency Steel’s commitmentin total quality of ourproducts is as important asthe price. So, the companyset about to attain theISO9001 certification.

Steely qualitystandards

“Each and every staffmember prepared, instituteda n d d i s p l a y e d f u l lcommitment to the qualityprocess and systems. I amvery proud that we achievedthe international standard.”

R e g e n c y S t e e l i s amanufacturer of large,high-quality steel structuresfor internat iona l anddomestic markets. It sources,fabricates and suppliesspecialised steel parts for theconstruction of high-strengthstructures, new steelmakingfacilities and nuclear powerplants.

Its rigorous qualificationprocess for the ISO9001i n v o l v e d f i v e k e yperformance areas: productand quality improvement,operation and maintenances t a n d a rd i s a t i o n , r u l ecompliance assurance,introduction of control andsharing assurance, and staffmotivation. keppelite

The Regency Steel Japan team in solidarity behind the quality standards of the ISO9001 certification

With a triangular hullmeasuring 93 metres longand 91 metres wide, leggyjackup rig Rowan GorillaVII of the LeTourneauSuper Gorilla breed nowstands at an imposingheight of 290 metres.

Managed by Rowan UKLtd., the self-elevatingdrilling rig was originallyscheduled for only one11-metre leg extension.However, the procedurewas completed swiftly andRowan Gorilla VII’s ownerdecided to extend allthree of its legs by another11 metres.

Built for explorationdrilling, Rowan Gorilla VIIis capable of digging intowater depths of up to10,000 metres. Her longerlegs will give her a largerworking area, providingmore leverage to search foroil in deeper waters.

The striking jackup rig’sevening silhouette inRotterdam will be missed,now that she has set offfrom the Keppel Verolmeyard on 22 March 2008 forher next assignment on thecoast of Angola. keppelite

Leggy Rowanheads for Angola

Rowan Gorilla VII visited Keppel Velromeyard for several modifications and a leg lift

March08 28/3/08, 2:42 PM11

12 Business


Green is the colour of envy,some say, and it may well beso at Jakarta Garden City inEast Jakarta.

At a recent opening of itsshow units on 8 March 2008,more than 100 guests sawthe vision of a gated garden-like paradise they could callhome.

Developed by Keppel Landled joint venture, thetownship spreads over 270hectares, offering a self-contained live, work, andplay home environmentamidst lush foliage boastingtree- l ined boulevards ,sculptured gardens, andample parks.

Located within a half hour’sdrive from the city centre,Jakarta Garden City offershomeowners easy access tothe town centre for work orpleasure.

Green, green grass of home

Mr Yeo Chee Kian, PresidentDirector of Jakarta GardenCity, said, “Jakarta GardenCity is truly poised to be atownship where lifeflourishes. Our residents willenjoy the convenience ofnearby amenities andmodern facilities, 24-hoursecurity in the gated housingclusters and quality publicinfrastructure such as well-built roads, all in a flood-free,green haven.”

The first phase of thetownship will comprise fourclusters of 994 landedhouses and a modernclubhouse with recreationalfacilities to complementthe residents’ lifestyles.Construction work for PhaseOne is currently underway.

To be developed in phasesover 10 to 15 years, thetownship will provide some7,000 landed homes and

Jakarta Garden City, a gated sanctuary designed for middle to upper-middle income families’ lifestyles and home ownership aspirations

apartments for middleto upper-middle incomefamilies.

Mr Lim Seng Bin, GMof Regional Investments(Indonesia), Keppel Land,said, “In Indonesia, KeppelLand has invested for morethan a decade with a strong

Designed by international interior design firm, Suying Design, the show unit appeals to thegrowing number of Indonesians with international tastes and preferences today

portfolio of diverse projectsranging from residential tocommercial and hospitalityprojects. Leveraging itsregional experience, localnetworks, and intimatemarket knowledge, KeppelLand is well-positioned todeliver quality homes inJakarta Garden City.” keppelite

March08 28/3/08, 2:43 PM12

Business 13


Vital to the furthering ofKeppel’s long-term growth,the Group’s commitment toinvesting in technologyinnovation continues to bearfruit – including nationalawards and importantcollaborative platforms withbusiness partners, academicaand industry experts.

WINNING INNOVATIONSAt Keppel FELS, Keppelitesearned 11 awards – five goldand six silver – at this year’sfourth annual NationalInnovation & Quality Circles(NIQC) Convention.

Ms Ng Siam Gek, SeniorManager at the Ministry ofI n f o r m a t i o n ,Communications and theArts and a judge at theconvention, said wise projectselection and total

Walking the innovation talkcommitment from bothKeppel IQC teams and seniormanagement have producedsuch impressive results.

As the winning Keppelitescompeted, they werebearing out Keppel FELS’long tradition “to adopt,adapt and advanceinnovative solutions andideas into practice.”

Mr Tong Chong Heong, MD& COO of Keppel Offshore& Marine, congratulated thewinning teams, saying, “Togrow and thrive as acompany, Keppelites mustconstantly adopt new workprocesses and technologies,as well as nurture anorganisational culture thattaps every employee’scapability for greaterinnovation and productivity.”

He also urged Keppelites tostrive for the ultimate goal ofmaking quality work andinnovation a way of life,where everyone makes adifference.

Speaking on behalf of herSAF team, award recipient

LIST OF WINNERS AND PROJECTS

Team Name / Dept or Section Project Title Awards

Cradle to Grave Team / Production (Facility) To reduce the frequency of damage that occurs luffing crane bus bar systems Gold

SAF Team / Production (Hull) Block erection guides used in floating conditions Gold

Fusion Team / Production (Piping) To improve flat bar fitting process for leg jetting pipes fabrication Gold

TIME Team / Production (Electrical) To reduce the difficulty in pulling big size cables Gold

MINDS Team / Engineering (CAD) Innovative combined bulkhead penetration to improve accuracy, clarity and Goldreliability for effectiveness global engineering operations

Brainstormers Team / Engineering (Mech) To improve the updating of weight control reports from arrangement drawings Silverusing a central database

Elite Team / Human Resource To improve communication of human resource policies and procedures Silverto employees

George 2 Team / Security Control of leftover marine paints, used oil and scrap metals in the Keppel FELS yard Silver

GS IV Team / Production Engineering Standardisation of bracket and collar Silver& Planning

QUANTUM Team / Quality Assurance Monitoring of panel inspection status through Quality Record Management Silver

A.P.I. (Adept Pipers Invincible) / Enhance job quality and efficiency for new piping staff SilverTeam Engineering (Piping)

Ms Chevron JacquelineLourdes said, “I’m very happythat we won a National GoldAward. My team mates andI had worked very hard onthis project for six monthslast year. We feel good thatour invention has benefittedour division.”


Team Cradle to Grave members (in orange) share their Gold Award-winning project with MrGlenn Gipson, Diamond Offshore (left to right), Mr Tong Chong Heong, MD/COO of KeppelOffshore & Marine, and Mr Muhamad Shah, President of Keppel FELS Employees Union

March08 28/3/08, 4:10 PM13

14 Business


TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSIN WATERMajor local industry players inthe water and environmentsector now have a newnetworking platform topursue lucrative businessopportunities and showcasecutting edge technologies.

Keppel Seghers partneredwith Ministry of Environmentand Water Resources (MEWR)to organise a TechnologyExchange Seminar on March14 2008 at the Water Hub.The event is the first in a seriesof seminars by MEWR toboost Singapore’s waterindustry.

Mr Pang Chee Meng ofMEWR said, “The TechnologyExchange Seminar is anexcellent opportunity forsolution providers andpotential technology adoptersto meet and discover newbusiness opportunities.”

in-house technologies whileProfessor Fane discussedfuture developments in thewaste water industry inhis session, ‘MembraneDevelopments in the NextDecade.’

Professor Fane heads theS i n g a p o re M e m b r a n eTechnology Centre. He is alsoassociated with UNESCOCentre for Membranes at theUniversity of New SouthWales in Australia.

Dr Chris Dotremont fromR&D at KETC, who presentedon the many researchopportunities available inKeppel, said the event gaveeveryone solid grounds tonetwork.

The seminar was wellattended by governmentofficers from PUB and theEconomic DevelopmentBoard, as well as industry

consultants and players likeST Kinetics, Schott, andKeppel’s various businessunits.

Participants from researchand education institutesincluded A*STAR, Centre forAdvanced Water Technology,Nat iona l Univers i ty ofS i n g a p o r e , N a n y a n gTechnological University,Singapore Polytechnic, andNgee Ann Polytechnicamong others.

The Technology ExchangeProgramme is part ofSingapore government’sefforts to develop the waterindustry. It has sparkeddialogues on renewableenergy projects, opened upequipment and servicesprocurement channels, andfac i l i t a ted po ten t i a l ssponsorships or collaborationsamong research institutes andindustry players.

Mr Eric Mun, Head of R&Dat the Keppel EnvironmentalTechnology Centre (KETC)said, “We had a goodturnout. We managed to getsome new contacts as wellas to catch up with existingbusiness associates. Industryand academic players in thewater sector are now awareof Keppel’s R&D programmesand interests. So this is agood start to potentialcollaborations.”

Keppel Integrated Engineering(KIE) recently set the KETCto initiate, manage, andconduct R&D on productdevelopment, engineeringprocess improvement, as wellas project and knowledgemanagement.

Experts at the seminarincluded Professor Tony Faneand Keppel Seghers’ ThomasDieu. Mr Dieu introduced theaudience to Keppel’s various

Dr Chris Dotremont, R&D, KETC highlighting research opportunities in Keppel


March08 28/3/08, 2:43 PM14

Business 15


KNOWLEDGE NETWORKSNot all research anddevelopment work is donein laboratories or behindglass doors.

At Keppel Offshore &Marine Technology Centre(KOMtech), researchersrubbed elbows and sharedideas with fellow researchersand colleagues from otherbusiness units at a pub inRaffles Marina during theirthird KOMtech gathering on29 February 2008.

For the researchers, innovationand brainstorming havebecome a lifestyle.

Amidst the sea breeze, foodand drinks, Dr Lee ChayHoon, GM of OrganisationDevelopment at KeppelOffshore & Marine (KeppelO&M) gave her insights onpromoting Innovation withinKeppel O&M.

She said, “Innovation is keyto a company’s long termsuccess. KOMtech with allits talents and resources,is primed to spearheadinnovation.”

Mr Tan Cheng Hui, GM ofEngineering at KeppelSingmarine shared histhoughts on the successful

Keppel Offshore & Marinesponsored the MarineOperat ions Spec ia l t ySymposium (MOSS) 2008held at the Nat iona lUniversity of Singaporefrom 5-7 March.

Covering topics includingoffshore operation, subseainstallation, safety, anddecommissioning, thesymposium was seen astimely with increaseddemand for shallow anddeepwater operationsworldwide.

M r Ta n C h e n g H u i ,GM (Eng ineer ing ) ofKeppel Singmarine, said,“Symposiums are a usefultool for interaction

Marine operations specialists get together to gain insights on latest industry trends

In support of technology dialogues at MOSS

between industry andacademia partners. Jobs arenow more complex and noone company has all the

resources or competency tocarry out the job fromstart to end. So it’s usefulfor industry players to

convene regularly andshare insights on newtrends and developments.”

launching of icebreakers inJanuary this year.

Developing research in asocial setting is part andp a r c e l o f K O M t e c h ’s

Mr Charles Foo (left), Centre Director of KOMtech, touching on the finer points of researchwith his staff

philosophy for learning. Thequarterly gatherings areaimed at encouragingknowledge sharing andcollaborations amongKOMtech researchers. keppelite

March08 28/3/08, 2:44 PM15

16 Business


The luxe life at Keppel Bay

Don’t miss Asia’s leadingleisure boat and luxurywaterfront lifestyle event,Boat Asia 2008, to be heldat Marina at Keppel Baycome April 2008.

Boat Asia 2008 will featureover 40 exhibitors fromThailand, Hong Kong,Australia, Italy, Japan,Denmark and France. Theparticipants will showcase

More than a signaturewaterfront lifestyle, Marinaat Keppel Bay offers privilegeand prestige to Keppel Bayhomeowners and residents.

Over 12 – 14 March 2008,exclusive Members’ WelcomeEvenings were held at TheWine Glass for members andthe marina managementteam to get to know eachother better.

Ms Alicia Tan, Assistant GM(Marketing) of Marina atKeppel Bay, who hosted theevenings, said, “Hardware isas important as software

Date24 - 27 April 2008

Time1:00pm - 8:00pm

Admission Fees$10 per adult$5 per child (3-12 years)

Asian showcase at world-class marina

Adding glitz and glamour at Marina at Keppel Bay – models strut Chloé’s latest fashion styles at Privé

on water luxury motoryachts, sail boats, keelboats,catamarans, mega yachts,and super yachts fromworld-class boating brands.

Speedboats, jet skis, sailingyachts, marine equipmentand accessories, luxuryresorts and properties, aswell as high-end consumerlifestyle products will also beexhibited on land.

March08 28/3/08, 2:44 PM16

Business 17


A landmark multi-conceptwaterfront F&B andentertainment venue, Privéon the private KeppelIsland is one the latesthotspots in Singapore.

In March, some 150 dinerswined and dined at Privé’sfirst Sensualite dinner,created and hosted by therestaurant’s renownednon-resident executivechef, Mr Tony Bilson fromSydney.

The legendary restaurateurand culinary extraordinairemasterminded severalcreations for the evening,some of which appear inPrivé’s Most MagnificentLunch menu. The Frenchfeast was executed byPrivé’s resident chef decuisine, Mr Simon Song.

Also in March, a section ofthe 120-seat waterfrontgastrobar with resort-stylealfresco lounge sofas wasturned into a runway for afashion show by Frenchlabel Chloé.

Set against the stunningwaterfront dotted withstretches of berthedyachts, the models struttedtheir stuff showcasing thelatest and hottest inglamour and style trends.

Bringing world-class glitzand first class cuisine toMarina at Keppel Bay, Privéis poised to redefine thenotion of chic in dining andentertainment for years tocome.

Hip hype at Privé

Ms Low Chin Loo, Caribbean at Keppel Bay homeowner receives a lucky draw prize fromMs Alicia Tan, Assistant GM (Marketing) of Marina at Keppel Bay

when it comes to deliveringa world-class product. AtMarina at Keppel Bay, westrive to ensure our membersand customers enjoy thehighest service standardspossible. Through suchplatforms, we hope to get toknow their needs better, andprovide them with anexclusive and memorablemarina experience.”

Members were taken on atour of the marina andi n t r o d u c e d t o t h ebreathtaking array ofw o r l d - c l a s s b e r t h i n gf a c i l i t i e s , g o u r m e trestaurants, architecture, andlandscaping on the privatefive-hectare Keppel Island.

They a lso received amembership pack comprisinga personalised membershipcard, a Marina at Keppel Bayphoto frame, souvenirpostcards, car decal, avoucher for use at The WineGlass, discount vouchers fordining at Privé and otherwelcome gifts. On top ofone-for-one drinks thatevening, many walkedhome with lucky drawprizes, including premiumchampagne, wines, and Privédining vouchers.

Caribbean at Keppel Bayresidents, Ms Dal Bothaand her family from SouthAfrica, were pleased toreceive their membershippack. They expressed theirkeen anticipation for thecompletion of Marina atKeppel Bay.

Ms Botha enthused, “We

followed the progress of theconstruction works onKeppel Island very closely,and were excited to seeKeppel Bay Bridge’s grandstructure, and the marinafrontage’s dome-shapedarchitecture materialisingduring the last few monthsof 2007. The marina hasadded much colour, life andvibrancy to the area.”

Today, Ms Botha is enjoyingher Caribbean at Keppel Bayhome, saying, “Like manyother residents, I enjoy takingevening walks from myhouse to the island, taking inthe beautiful greenery andsea views.”

Fellow Caribbean at KeppelBay homeowner, Ms LowChin Loo won one of fivebottles of Veuve Cliquotchampagne given away in alucky draw. Likewise, shesaid, “Marina at Keppel Bayoffers a special experience forfine dining as it’s situated onthe private Keppel Island.I enjoy the sea breeze andpicturesque view of theyachts while dining here.Keppel Bay indeed offers anexcellent waterfront lifestyleand I am very happy to havea home here.”

Besides members, boatowners who use the berthingfacilities at Marina at KeppelBay have their own Keppel-organised activities andevents to enjoy the marina.On 7 March 2008 forinstance, boat owners cametogether for an evening ofbarbeque and free flow beeras the sun sets. keppelite

March08 28/3/08, 2:44 PM17


18 Business

FROM COAST TO COASTCote d’lvoire Foreign AffairsMinister, HE Yo u s s o u fB a k a y o k o disembarkedon Singapore’s western coastfor a friendly visit to KeppelOffshore & Marine (KeppelO&M).

Mr Bakayoko and hisdelegation were in Singaporefor two days from 6 Marchto explore trade opportunitiesand to seek bi lateraleconomic cooperation. Thevisit was organised bySingapore’s Foreign Affairsministry.

Besides untapped oilresources, the West AfricanRepublic is also known foragricultural produces likecoffee and cocoa.

Visitors ahoy!Keppel O&M holds thesevalues dear as it establishesitself as a leader in its field.The company shared itsphilosophy and industryknowledge with visitors fromthe Norwegian University ofScience and Technology(NTNU).

Over two days starting on11 March 2008, 173 marinetechnology and mechanicalengineering students andprofessors learnt about therigbuilder’s background,products, and research anddevelopment efforts. Theyalso toured Keppel’s yards,gaining valuable insights totheir operations.

The Norwegian universityorganises such trips forits third- or fourth-yearstudents, who are on a five-year programme, to helpthem gain exposure toindustries related to theirfield of study.

This visit was initiated byKeppel Norway, KeppelO & M ’s w h o l l y - o w n e dsubsidiary which specialisesin technology and engineeringservices with a focus ondrilling systems and modulardrilling units. keppelite

Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman & CEO of Keppel O&M (in blue), gives Cote d’Ivoire Foreign Affairs Minister (Mr Choo’s right) and delegatesan overview of the Keppel FELS yard

The envoy exchanged ideaswith senior managementbefore touring the KeppelFELS shipyard. KeppelO&M’s associate company,S ingapore Petro leumCompany, was also present

to lend insights to itsbusiness.

NORWEGIANSSOUTHBOUNDTechnology leadershipmatters and so do people.

Dr Matthew Quah, Programme Manager (Offshore Structures) of Keppel O&M TechnologyCentre shared with a Norwegian audience the company’s various R&D efforts to drive cuttingedge technologies

March08 28/3/08, 2:45 PM18


SAFETY PARTNERSHIPS:11 MILLION MAN-HOURSWITHOUT LTIKeppel Shipyard has setanother safety milestonewith more than 11 millionman-hours worked withoutlost-time incidents (LTI)on two Floating ProductionStorage and Offloading(FPSO) facilities.

The FPSOs have beenconverted for clients Single

Roadmap towards safety excellenceA strong safety culture at Keppel contributes towards operational excellence,reinforced by continuing efforts to spread the safety message across the Group.

Buoy Moorings Inc (SBM)and Esso ExplorationAngola (Block 15) Limited( E x x o n M o b i l ) f o r t h eKizomba C project in Angola.

FPSO Saxi Batuque, whichwas named on 9 March2008, achieved six millionman-hours without LTI, whileFPSO Mondo which wasdelivered in September lastyear, attained five millionsuch man-hours.

Special Focus 19

Safety icon: FPSO Saxi Batuque was named on 9 March 2008

The successful completionof these FPSOs is theculmination of seven years ofsafety partnership involvingKeppel Shipyard, SBM andExxonMobil.

ExxonMobil’s contributionto Keppel’s safety effortsgoes far beyond the projectsthey work on. The oil majorhas been actively involved inthe promotion of safetyprogrammes at Keppel

Shipyard throughout theseven-year period. ExxonMobiland SBM also play animportant role in KeppelShipyard’s Safety SteeringCommittee.

Saxi Batuque’s deliverymarks a new phase inExxonMobil’s strategic safetypartnership with KeppelShipyard to achieve its SafetyExcellence 2010 plan. Theprogramme will establish

Keppel strives for all its people to go home safe and sound every day


March08 28/3/08, 2:46 PM19

20 Special Focus


a roadmap for additionalsafety improvements toensure that results aresustainable and can continueto grow in the future.

Mr Choo Chiau Beng,Chairman & CEO of KeppelOffshore & Marine at thenaming ceremony said, “Thesafety records of the SBMand ExxonMobil fleet ofFPSO conversions exemplifythe efforts we have takenthrough the years to foster asafety culture at KeppelShipyard.

“We will continue to strivetowards an incident-freeenvironment with thesupport from our partnersand the commitment of ourworkforce. I believe thatthe Safety Excellence 2010

Celebrating the naming of FPSO Saxi Batuque are the Lady Sponsor, the Minister of Planning of the Republic of Angola, Mrs Ana Dias Lourenco,the President of Sonangol, Mr Manuel Vicente and senior management from Keppel, ExxonMobil and SBM Offshore

worked in 2007 is a markedimprovement from 3.48 AFRin 2001.

At Saxi Batuque’s namingceremony, Mr MichaelFlynn, VP, ExxonMobilDevelopment Company said,“The successes achieved onthe Mondo and Saxi BatuqueFPSOs are a direct result ofthe dedication of the entireteam to our shared vision of‘Nobody Gets Hurt’. Safetyand execution excellencerequire strong leadershipskills and alignment to alloweach company and worker tocontribute uniquely to sharedgoals.

“SBM and Keppel haved e m o n s t r a t e d t h e i rcommitment by deliveringthe Kizomba C vessels ontime with a safety record farexceeding previous levels. Inaddition, Keppel is pursuingtheir new ‘Safety Excellence2010’ programme to helpassure excellent performancein the future.”

Mr Francis Blanchelande,COO of SBM Offshore said,“We have a long workingrelationship with KeppelShipyard that has proven verysuccessful. Each project isalways special and I wouldlike to thank the projectteams for the excellent workthey have put in to completethis vessel with a fantasticsafety record.”

The vessel was named SaxiBatuque by the Minister ofPlanning of the Republic of

Mr Choo Chiau Beng, Chairman & CEO, Keppel O&M, presents Mr Michael Flynn, VP ofExxonMobil Development Company a plaque in appreciation of ExxonMobil’s support ofKeppel Shipyard’s safety initiatives

initiative will bring us closerto our goal.”

Over the last seven years,Keppel Shipyard’s Accident

Frequency Rate (AFR) hasconsistently been maintainedat below industry levels. ItsAFR of 0.24 accidentsper million man-hours

March08 28/3/08, 2:46 PM20

21


Keppel and Prosafe build on their partnership with yet another safety achievement

Angola, Mrs Ana DiasLourenco.

To be deployed in the SaxiBatuque Field, Block 15,offshore Angola as part ofthe Kizomba C DevelopmentProject, FPSO Saxi Batuquewill be capable of processing100,000 barrels of oil per day(bopd) with a storagecapacity for 1.6 millionbarrels of oil.

Keppel Shipyard has a strongtrack record of more than 70FPSO and FSO conversionand repair projects.

SBM, Offshore NV, listed onEuronext in Amsterdam is theworld’s number one ownerand operator of FPSO andFSO systems.

1 MILLION SAFE MAN-HOURS ON GAS FPSOM e a n w h i l e , K e p p e lShipyard’s conversion of theworld’s largest gas FPSO,Cidade De Sao Mateus, forProsafe Production (Prosafe)has attained a safetymilestone of one million man-hours worked without LTI.

At the same time, KeppelShipyard and Prosafecelebrated the two millionsafe man-hours of anotherproject, the Floating, DrillingProduction Storage andOffloading (FDPSO) facility,Azurite.

Despite the current heavyworkload, the yard continueson its goal to send every

worker home safely. Thisachievement demonstratesthe safety consciousness andclose collaboration betweenKeppel and Prosafe.

Their project teams, workers,a n d s u b c o n t r a c t o r s ’collective efforts on theCidade De Sao Mateus havebeen recognised at aceremony commemoratingthe safety milestone on23 February 2008.

Lauding the team players,Mr Roy Hallas, President ofProsafe Production said,“Congratulations Keppel,Prosafe project teams andUnion Representatives. Youhave done it again. It isextremely valuable that wehave received four millionman-hours on three vessels.

What is impressive aboutKeppel Shipyard is itsconsistency in safety.”

Mr Hallas adds that attentionto safety is highly regardedwithin the industry, saying,“When we bid for newprojects, these safety resultsraise the profile of eachproject for the company andthe individual. Saving healthand saving people’s livesraises the company’s profile.”

Beyond a good brand name,the safe work environmenthas a l so kept KeppelSh ipyard on t rack inconverting the 276,000 dwtVLCC tanker into a Gas(FPSO) unit.

Mr Abu Bakar, Senior GM(Operations) of Keppel

Shipyard said, “Apart fromsaving lives, there is a wholespectrum of rewards tomaintaining a safe workingenvironment. We arecommitted to delivering ourprojects successfully andsending our workers homesafely.”

However, keeping an eye onsafety brings its fair share ofchallenges.

Mr Stuart Brown, Prosafe’sConstruction Manager said,“The main challenge is thatbecause many activities arehappening at the same time,coordination between thedifferent trades and differentdepartments is crucial.

“This is the fifth FPSOconversion I’ve done. With


March08 28/3/08, 2:46 PM21

22 Special Focus


Foshan drivers take their seats in regular safety lessons, part of new initiatives to improve safety awareness


e a c h o n e , I s e e t h eexcellent integration andthe coordination gettingbetter and better. I thinkthe main reason has to dowith our daily vessel safetycoordination committeemeetings where key pointsare brought up andresolved.”

Some see the dedication anddiscipline it takes to have asafety mindset.

Best supervisor award winnerMr Tan Heng Woon said,“Safety is important and sowe do checks frequently.Take 5 is done every morningas it encourages the workersto look out for safety. We

ensure that we check thematerials, the tags, etc, everymorning.”

Mr Hans Kristiansen,Prosafe’s Senior VP ofProjects agrees, saying, “Ithink the key to this is theworkers’ positive attitude,which I can see in the goodhousekeeping and a respectfor the safety signs.”

Raising the bar, he added,“I’ve been in Prosafe sinceOctober last year and this isthe third safety achievementI’ve seen. We will follow upon what we have achievedtoday and aim for the nextmillion and the nextmillion.”

DRIVING SAFETYABROADOver in China, KeppelLogistics (Foshan) Limited(KLF) launched a “DriverS a f e t y M a n a g e m e n tProgramme” targeted at87 truck drivers to improvetheir road safety.

The programme is part ofKeppel Telecommunications& Transportation’s (KeppelT&T) holistic efforts to raiseawareness and enhancesafety across all itsoperations, includingoverseas subsidiaries.

Mr Au Yong Kong Seng,GM of KLF, said, “In line withthe Group’s Key Safety

Principles, we believe thatwe need to involve allstakeholders to effectivelydrive a safety culture andconsciousness into eachworker. We took theChairman’s Safety Challengeheld last year as a startingpoint for us to launchinto a sustainable safetymanagement programme.So we target not only ourown drivers, but also oursubcontractors’ drivers.”

Through the programme,KLF has implemented a seriesof initiatives to improve itsdrivers’ safety practices. Ahandbook for truck driverswas produced and postersreiterating safety messages

March08 28/3/08, 2:47 PM22

23


Fire warden, Mr Danny Ng from BMW Group (Asia), conducts a headcount to ensure all aresafe and sound

It’s an all clear after a smooth drill run and tenants were directed back to their offices

was posted in common areasto help drivers keep safetyin mind.

In addition, training sessionsto provide safe driving tipsare being held quarterly.A “Model Driver” awardrecognising and rewardingthose who drive safely hasalso been launched, givingrole models and good habitsa boost.

Global Positioning System(GPS) modules have alsobeen installed on most oftrucks. Besides offeringoperational benefits intracking the location of thedrivers, the GPS also detersdrivers from speeding andalerts management if thereare vehicle breakdowns oraccidents.

Mr Au Yong said, “Since thelaunch of this programme,we are pleased to see moredrivers adopting some of thesafe driving habits. We areencouraged by the feedbackand will look into other areasof operations where we canimprove on. In the end,everyone benefits from asafer working environment.”

LEAPING TO SAFETYIn one of Keppel Land’soffice buildings, Keppel BayTower, some 1,000 tenantsgathered on 29 February2008. No, they were notcelebrating the leap day.Rather, they were performingan evacuation drill.

Organised biannually by theproperty management team,

the drills are designed tofamiliarise tenants with thebuilding’s escape routes andsafe mustering spot duringemergencies.

Designated fire wardensfrom tenant companies playimportant roles alongsidethe property managementteam to ensure everyone’ssafety.

The fire wardens will springinto action once a fire alarmgoes off, ensuring that theareas they are responsible forare clear of all staff beforemaking their exit. Tenantscan also leave their buildingin an orderly fashion withhelp from the wardens.

Mr Danny Ng from theFinance and AdministrationIT support team of BMWG r o u p ( A s i a ) i s t h e

appointed fire warden forthe company.

He stressed the significanceof such drills, “It is veryimportant for tenantsto know the emergencyprocedures. The training will

come in handy, especially inlight of recent tremorsSingapore experienceddur ing the Indones iaearthquakes. Kudos to theproperty management teamfor coordinating this timelyand well-planned drill.” keppelite

March08 28/3/08, 2:47 PM23

24 Business


The little red dot calledSingapore has produced theworld leader in the offshoreand marine industry. This wasbrought home to bear in thedocumentary “More thanMettle: The Keppel O&MStory,” which aired overboth Mediacorp Channel 5and Channel NewsAsiaInternational in March 2008.

Fast -paced, taut andsuccinct, the documentarytraced the phenomenalgrowth of Keppel O&M sinceit was created in 2002through the integration ofKeppel’s offshore and marinebusinesses.

By focusing on technologya n d h u m a n c a p i t a ldevelopment, Keppel O&Mwas able to ride on the rapidsurge in the offshore andmarine industry in recentyears. From less than 10projects over five years ago,the group is today carryingout 43 major newbuildingsand conversions.

The documentary reviewedthe history of the three maincompanies making up thegroup: Keppel FELS, KeppelShipyard, and KeppelSingmarine. Together, theyhave a combined heritage ofmore than 200 years. Itshowed the survival instinctsof Keppelites, persevering inspite of enormous challengesand growing the company’s

More than the sum of its parts

businesses through goodand hard times.

Such a spirit is amplifiedin the expansion of yardcapacities during thecourse of the group’shistory. In 1982, KeppelShipyard commissioned the330,000 dwt Raffles Dockwhen shiprepair was facinga downturn. At the dock’sopening ceremony, the lateMinister for Finance, Mr HonSui Sen, captured Keppelites’resilience with these words,“Keppel’s new dockinvestment is an act of faithin her ability to win business

The documentary shows very clearlythe solid teamwork that we havein Keppel, and with classificationsocieties, surveyors and customers.Our strong focus towards acommon goal has allowed us tobuild the impressive rigs and vesselsseen in the show.Mr Hoe Eng HockExecutive Director, Keppel Singmarine

March08 28/3/08, 2:48 PM24

Business 25


Keppel Nantong and KeppelCebu were the two latestyards to conduct an avianflu containment exercise aspart of Keppel Offshore &Marine’s (Keppel O&M)Pandemic Preparedness roll-out.

These exercises prepare avianflu screening committeeson proper procedures, as wellas familiarise and educateworkers on the necessarysteps to take in case a flupandemic breaks out.

Workers entering KeppelNantong’s main gate on themorning of 1 February 2008had their temperaturestaken. Those found orsuspected with fever were

Keeping bird flu all cooped uptransferred to quarantinebays for monitoring. Thetemperature screeninginvolving staff, workers, andsubcontractors took over anhour.

While in the Philippines,Keppel Cebu conducted asimulation drill for avian fluon 23 November 2007.On their way to work at sixin the morning, employees’temperatures were takenand suspected fever casesw e re b ro u g h t t o adesignated isolation areaknown as the “hot zone.”Once there, they filled out ahealth declaration formbefore heading to theKeppel Cebu clinic forfurther medical check-ups. Keppel Cebu workers fall in step for rigorous temperature screening

Mr Fok Swee Yin, Presidentof Keppel Cebu said, “Thebird flu exercise is part ofKeppel’s risk managementstrategy. We want to feelprepared so that in the eventof an outbreak, our workerscan be safe and our yardoperations can continue.”

Such containment exerciseswere first held in Keppel’sSingapore yards and thenreplicated in its yardsworldwide regularly. Forexample, Caspian ShipyardCompany conducted itsavian flu exercise involvingmore than 50 workers inDecember last year. keppelite

by Keppelites. It hopes tocommunicate that spirit tofuture Keppelites.

The TV documentary isloosely based on the book by

The documentary was veryimpressive. Seeing the breadthand scale of our operations fromSingapore to Brazil is amazing.I am sure many people will beencouraged to join Keppel O&M.Janna LowPersonal Assistant, Keppel O&M

in the fiercest competition atprices which will give anadequate return.”

Keppel FELS and KeppelSingmarine repeated this“act of faith”. In 1986,Keppel FELS acquired theformer Mitsubishi yardduring an industrydownturn. While in 1989,Keppel Singmarine boughtthe former MarathonLetourneau yard.

This “faith” is strategy.Keppel’s disciplined approachto capital investments, evenin challenging times, has

positioned the group toprofitably meet futuredemand growth.

Senior Contracting OfficerYenley Beh, who has beenworking for two years inKeppel Shipyard, said, “Iwatched the documentarywith my parents. To see thechallenges that Keppel hasovercome to achieve itscurrent standing, has mademe proud to be a memberof this company.”

All in all, the documentaryhas effectively portrayed thegrit and gumption displayed

the same title published byEditions Didier Millet andKeppel O&M in December2007. The book is availableon sale at major bookstores.keppelite

March08 28/3/08, 2:48 PM25

26 Team


26 Team

Uniquely Singapore arrived inHawaii after the untimelyend of a gruelling 4,400-milerace across Pacific Ocean, thelargest expanse of water inthe world.

Finishing fourth in RaceS e v e n , t h e K e p p e lCorporat ion-sponsoredyacht advanced from ninth

Closing ranks with the bestUniquely Singapore places fourth in Hawaii after a close chase and early end tovigorous Race Seven.

to seventh in overall positionin the sixth annual Clipper07-08 Round the WorldYacht Race.

Skipper Mark Preedy said,“It was pretty hard actually,the winds were all over theplace all the time. The crewhad to work hard to keep theboat going and they did

really well. We nursed it inthe heavy winds and thatpaid off because wecaught up, and were fourthwhen the race was called,unfortunately.”

For a few hours during therace, Uniquely Singaporewas hot on the heels ofoverall No. 1 ranking Durban

2010 and Beyond, whichwas one of two yachtsdismasted en route fromQingdao, China.

“We know we’d have got atleast third and if not secondif we’d have pushed harder.I’m just pleased we could getnear the podium finishbecause that’s our main aim

Uniquely Singapore shows competitive streak in Race Seven, attaining fourth position as it enters Hawaii

March08 28/3/08, 2:49 PM26

Team 27


Onboard Uniquely Singapore

The exciting restart of the Clipper Race, in Race Seven from Qingdao to Hawaii, has seen a series of trials and tribulations testing the mettle of the fleet

now,” Mark said, summingup the team’s strategy.

Closing in on the rankingchampion in the race issparking a turnaround fromthe original crew philosophyof enjoying the experience.Now the Uniquely Singapore’steam is starting to show theircompetitive side.

“Now the crew want it, andthat’s being driven by them,”Mark said. “We’ve got ahappy crew and a crew that’sworking well, and they’vebeen looking after the boat

so the sails are being lookedafter. I want them to see wecan still have a happy boatand a performance boat.That’s never been ourultimate goal, but there’s nopoint being here if you’re notgoing to try to win it as well!”

Singaporean crew memberand Keppel Ambassador,Koh Kok Siong, said, “Ithought the motoring washarder than the sailing – itgives you too much freetime! This race has beenreally good though aswe experienced diverse

conditions. It’s really good tofinally be here in Hawaii.”

Uniquely Singapore, one often internationally-backedboats competing in Clipper07-08, arrived at the Ala Waiharbour in Honolulu at 1600on Tuesday 18 March (0200GMT Wednesday 18 March).

During the Hawaiianstopover, the ten crews werehosted by Waikiki YachtClub, Hawaii Yacht Club, andMagic Island Petroleum. Theyalso stocked up on foodsupplies and performed

the routine maintenancerequired to keep their oceanracing yachts in tip-topcondition for the next race.Naturally, the crews alsomade time to enjoy thesights, sounds and flavoursof the island of O’ahu.

However, the Clipper RaceTeam had extra maintenancework this time around. It hadto call on local companiesto aid in repairingwesternaustralia2011.comand Durban 2010 andBeyond’s masts and rigging.keppelite

March08 28/3/08, 2:49 PM27

28 Team


The mettle of the fleetwas tested by a series oftrials and tribulations inthe Qingdao to Hawaiileg of Race Seven in theClipper Race.

Leaving behind the warmhospitality showered bythe Chinese sailing city,the ten Clippers battledagainst harsh winter coldand blizzards as theypitted tactical strategiesagainst one another.

H o w e v e r, n e w s o fwesternaustralia2011.com‘srig failure and subsequent

the rest of the fleet tostop racing and proceedto Honolulu.

Only 85 percent of RaceSeven was completed atthat point. But the racewas cut short as aprecautionary measure inthe interest of the crews’safety, and it ended at0600 GMT, 13 March 2008.

Uniquely Singapore andQingdao were diverted tomeet the South AfricanDurban 2010 andBeyond to transfer fueland offer support.

Putting safety firstSafety prevailed as westernaustralia2011.com and Durban 2010 and Beyond tackled mast damage duringRace Seven.

dismasting on Day 11 of therace blindsided fans andorganisers on the morning of5 March 2008.

The Clipper was about 700nautical miles east ofYokohama, Japan, in thePacific Ocean when its 81-foot (24.5 metres) mastsuddenly snapped in half.It was sailing at some10-15 knots of wind underspinnaker.

Fortunately, no one wasinjured. But the crew had tohack away the trailingrigging using hydraulic

cutters to prevent damage tothe 68-foot yacht’s hull.

Then, about a week lateron 13 March 2008, Durban2010 and Beyond suffered adismasting in the PacificOcean too. However, thecause of this incident wasthought to be different fromthe problem faced bywesternaustralia2011.com,which had experienced a rigfailure.

That was when the RaceCommittee, headed byrenowned yachtsman SirRobin Knox-Johnston, called

As the fleet crossed theInternational Date Line(IDL), the crew faced theprospect of living the sameday twice.

Skipper Hannah Jenner onGlasgow: Scotland withstyle pondered, “If wehave crossed the date lineand relived a day, does thatmean we are a day older?”

IDL is an imaginary lineon the surface of theEarth opposite the PrimeMeridian which offsets the

date as one travels east orwest across it. Roughlyalong 180° longitude,with diversions to passaround some territoriesand island groups, it mostlycorresponds to the timezone boundary separating+12 and -12 hours GMT(UT1). Crossing the IDLtraveling east results in aday or 24 hours beingsubtracted, and crossingwest results in a day beingadded.

(Source: www.wikipedia.com)

Taking it one day attwo times

Overall position as at end of race six

TEAM POINTS

1 Durban 2010 and Beyond 42

2 Hull & Humber 39

3 Glasgow: Scotland with style 39

4 New York 34.5

5 Liverpool 08 33.5

6 westernaustralia2011.com 33

7 Nova Scotia 23.5

8 Qingdao 21.5

9 Uniquely Singapore 21

10 Jamaica 14.5


March08 28/3/08, 2:49 PM28

Team 29


Onboard Uniquely Singapore

One of the biggestl e s s o n s K e p p e l i t eLawrence Chan, 36,hopes to take away fromhis sailing experience inthe Clipper Race 07-08 isa better ability to handleproblems in a calmer,more confident andobjective manner.

T h e c o r p o r a t ed e v e l o p m e n t a n dplanning manager says,“One of the constantsabout the sea is that youcannot predict whatwould happen out thereand you never knowwhat to expect. There aremany times whensituations are simplybeyond your control. Youjust have to managethem as best as you can.This changes your wholeapproach to dealing withproblems and certainlyaffects the way I meetchallenges on land and inmy job.”

The idea to join a Clipperrace was planted inLawrence’s mind right inthe board room back in2005.

K e p p e l ’s E x e c u t i v eChairman Mr Lim CheeOnn had just announcedthe Group’s involvementin the 2005-06 race aspart of the company’s

Executive decision

people developmentinitiatives. Along with theparticipation, two KeppelAmbassadors were to begiven the opportunity of alifetime to experience thecross-oceanic race!

Asked by the Chairmanhimself if he would beinterested, a gung-hoLawrence said yes almostimmediately, inspired by thethought of challenging hisown limits. However, he hadjust transferred to a newdepartment so he decided toput off getting involved untilhe had settled into his newrole.

When Keppel sponsoredUniquely Singapore again inthe Clipper Race 07-08,Lawrence was ready andraring to go, backed bytremendous support fromthe company and his boss,Keppel Corporation’s SeniorExecutive Director and GroupFinance Director Mr Teo SoonHoe.

Recalling the fervour,Lawrence says, “Mr Teomade sure things happenedin such a way that neither mywork nor my personalcommitment to this wasaffected.”

A five-week training inGosport, Portsmouth, UK hastaught Lawrence a few

The Clipper experiencehas also given Lawrencean opportunity to reflecton his personal goals. Histhoughts and feelings forhis then-girlfriend havebeen so crystallisedduring his training thathe proposed to her uponhis return to Singapore.

salient things in life. Heshares, “When you face upto your fears you can doanything. We learn from themistakes we make along theway. The harder thechallenge, the more satisfiedI become from meeting it,and the more I take awayfrom it.”

Gung-ho Lawrence braves wind and waves for experience of lifetime

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30 People

Like any other leadingglobal company, KeppelCorporation values peopleas assets and not just acost on its balance sheet. Assuch, Keppel’s employees,a f f e c t i o n a t e l y c a l l e dKeppelites, are nurtured andtended throughout theircareer with the firm.

Marking the beginning ofthis learning and developmentprocess is a full day KeppelGroup Orientation to inductnewcomers into the Keppelfamily.

Our people, our priority“Our most important asset ispeople, which is why we payso much attention to thedevelopment of each andevery Keppelite, and thatexplains this orientation,”said Mr Lim Chee OnnExecutive Chairman, KeppelCorporation to a group of200-strong new recruits atRaffles City ConventionCentre on 24 March 2008.

“Orientation is the only timewhen all three seniordirectors address Keppelitesone after the other. It’s a very

clear demonstration of thepriority we give todeveloping our people, ourhuman resource,” he said.

Senior Directors andKeppelites speaking on theoccasion gave participants anoverview of Keppel Groupand its strategic businessuni ts ’ funct ions . Theypeppered their talks withpersonal histories, as well askey insights into winningstrategies at Keppel in thepast decades.

Participants said theorientation provided agreat learning experience.Michael John Perry, newat Keppel Offshore &Marine Technology Centre(KOMtech) said, “It was agood opportunity to learnmore about Keppel and thevarious business units. It wasinteresting to hear storiesabout how the company hasevolved.”

Keppel Senior ExecutiveDirector and Group FinanceDirector Mr Teo Soon Hoesummed up the objective ofrallying the fresh recruits. Hesaid, “It is not about joiningindividual business units. It isabout joining the KeppelGroup. It is ultimately thestrength of the Group thatwill see us through thechallenges, because the coreculture of Keppel is theability to adapt to changingcircumstances.”

Held biannually, theKeppel Group Orientationintroduces the group’sbusinesses and brings tolife its vision and businessstrategy. At the same time,it provides an opportunity fornewcomers to interact acrossbusiness units and functions.

But most importantly, it setsaside a special day and placeto create a common identityand bond among a l lKeppelites. keppelite

Fresh Keppelites get to know each other and the Group better through fun games and ice-breaker exercises

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People 31


Mr Choo Chiau Beng,Chairman & CEO of KeppelOffshore & Marine (KeppelO&M), was appointedHonorary Fellow of theInstitute of MarineEngineering, Science andTechnology (IMarEST) on14 March 2008.

Three other gentlemenwere also conferred thedistinguished award. Theyare the renowned ProfessorCostas Th. Grammenos OBE,DSc, Pro-Vice Chancellor andDeputy Dean (Head ofUndergraduate School) ofCass Business School, CityUniversity in London;Mr David Long, a long-timemember of the IMarEST,directly engaged in themanagement, direction anddevelopment of the Institute;and Mr Derek Lutyens, aformer investment managerand presently a Trustee andHonorary Treasurer of IMarEST.

Based in UK, IMarEST is aninternational professionalmembership body with aworldwide network of49 branches and 15,000members. Formerly knownas the Institute of MarineEngineers, it is also the firstprofessional Institute to bringtogether marine engineers,scientists and technologists.

The Institute has 18 HonoraryFellows, all by invitation,in recognition of theirdistinguished careers.

Honouring an industry stalwart

Luminaries include HRHThe Duke of Edinburgh.

Mr Keith Read, ChiefExecutive of IMarEST, said,“We are delighted to awardthe Honorary Fellowship toMr Choo Chiau Beng for hiscontributions to the industry.He will benefit the institutewith h is internat iona lr e p u t e , p ro f e s s i o n a leminence and broad, in-depth knowledge.”

Mr Choo shared, “I amhonoured by this appointmentas a Fellow of the eminentfraternity of IMarEST, anorganisation that hascontributed to the marine,maritime and offshore industry.

“We are at the crossroadsof major growth anddevelopment. My passionafter 40 years in this industryis to attract more people oftalent and ability, people whohave a Can Do! spirit, toexploit opportunities andachieve breakthroughs in theareas of engineering,technology and the businessof offshore and marine.”

A Colombo Plan Scholar anda Master of Science graduatein Naval Architecture fromthe University of Newcastleupon Tyne, Mr Choo joinedKeppel Shipyard in 1972.Under his stewardship,Keppel O&M, which is anintegration of Keppel’s

offshore and mar inebusinesses, has grown tobecome a world leader inoffshore rigs, ship repair andconversion, and specialisedshipbuilding.

A Senior Executive Directorof Keppel Corporation,Mr Choo is also Chairmanof Singapore PetroleumC o m p a n y a n d S M R TCorporation.

Mr Choo was conferredthe Public Service StarAward (BBM) in August2004 and NTUC Medal ofCommendat ion (Gold)Award in May 2007. He isSingapore’s Non-ResidentAmbassador to Brazil. keppelite

Mr Choo (right) is presented the Honorary Fellowship certificate by IMarEST President, Professor Choo Yoo Sang, who is also Director ofResearch at the Centre for Offshore Research & Engineering under NUS’s Department of Civil Engineering

March08 28/3/08, 2:50 PM31

32 People


interact in an informals e t t i n g . T h i s b u i l d scamaraderie and giveseveryone a well deservedrest.

Responding to a need toexpand and to find betterfacilities with easier access,K e p p e l I n t e g r a t e dEngineering (KIE) made the

KIE finds room to growmove to its new locationalong Corporation Road,uniting all operations underone roof for the first time.The whole process from

location sourcing to theactual move took a little overfive months.

Commenting on the move,

KIE celebrates new office opening with a welcome reception

Relax, rejuvenate and bond.

Those were the threedirectives to 104 members ofKeppel Credit UnionCo-operative Limited (KCU)and Keppel Recreation Club(KRC) who set off on anovernight coach to Penangon the night of 21 February2008.

Organised jointly by KCUand KRC, the three-day,three-night group tour waspart of the organisations’annual team buildingactivities. The trip gaveemployees opportunities to

Road trip to friendshipmingle with yard staffmembers and take a well-earned break at the sametime.

They went sightseeing atPenang Hill, visited famoustemples like Kek Lok SiTemple, and toured a batikand a chocolate factory. Theadventurous parasailed orrode horses at BatuFerringghi while otherschose to unwind by thebeach.

KCU organises two to threesuch activities every year toencourage colleagues to

All smiles: Keppelites balance work and play

Mr Edmund Song, GM of HR,KIE said, “It’s perfect forour needs in terms of timing,price, location and amountof space.” KIE is all set towelcome its guests at its newaddress: 2 Corporation Road,#02-07 Corporation Place,Singapore 618494.

KIE’s new office boastsmodern and spaciousinteriors that canaccommodate up to 400staff. Its former Shipyardoffice will be taken overand converted into an R&DCentre by Keppel Offshore& Marine. keppelite

KCU HAS MOVED!KCU’s new address: Block 1Jalan Bukit Merah Unit#01-4532 Singapore 150001.keppelite

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To maintain its lead in theindustry, Keppel Offshore &Marine (Keppel O&M) hascontinually sought ways tonurture and challenge itsmanaging staff.

Paramount to this effortis the Global AdvancedManagement Programme(GAMP) launched on25 February 2008. It isthe f i r s t managementp r o g r a m m e u n d e rKeppel O&M College, whichwas set up in November last

Keppel college rolls out firstmanagement course

year to oversee group-widedevelopment programmes.

The college is collaboratingwith Nanyang TechnologicalUniversity (NTU) for thenew week-long course,developed to heightenmanagers’ key competencies,sharpen their businessacumen, and hone theirmanagement skills.

Mr Lyudmil Stoev, GM ofKeppel FELS Baltech,completed the inaugural

course ended on 1 March2008.

He shared, “I liken theKeppel Group to anorchestra made up of peoplefrom different cultures andrhythms. This programmenot only fine-tuned our skills,but also choreographed ourdifferences to give depthand character, making theorchestra sound better.”

During the week, 29 seniormanagers from the group’sbusiness units worldwide

attended classes taughtby NTU lecturers. Thesubjects included corporategovernance, enhancingshareholder value, and usingSun Tze’s Art-of-War asbusiness stratagems.

As a pat on the back forcompleting the programme,the participants were treatedto a Gold-class screening ofthe movie ‘Jumper,’ wherethey were free to hit the callbuttons on the plush reclinerseats for concierge services.keppelite

Proud graduates of Keppel O&M College’s inaugural Global Advanced Management Programme

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34 People


Tan Min Hui, Legal Counselat Keppel Offshore & Marine(Keppel O&M), won theInternational Bar Association(IBA) Corporate CounselForum Scholarship 2008.

Raising the Bar

The clinch follows her papersubmission to IBA on acorporate counsel’s role instrengthening an enterprise.Competing against many otherworldwide entries representing

various jurisdictions, Min Hui’swinning piece was selectedbased on legal argument,research, style, logic, originality,and overall content quality.

Min Hui said, “I am veryhonoured to receive thisscholarship. As the first of itskind, the award reflects IBA’srecognition of corporatecounsels as important assetsto organisations and a needfor their professionaldevelopment.

“This is in line with Attorney-General Chao Hick Tin’sspeech in March that theneed for in-house lawyersw o u l d g r o w a s t h eGovernment pushes towardsmaking Singapore a choicelocation for multinationals.”

The inaugural scholarshipis aimed at fostering theprofessional development oflawyers working in-house.Previously, IBA has only givenout scholarships to lawyers inprivate practice.

“P a r t i c i p a t i n g i n t h escholarship was an excellentopportunity to put Singaporeand Keppel on the map,”Min Hui said.

The scholarship gives Min Huifull access to professionaldevelopment opportunitiesby the IBA for two years,which included an all-expenses paid trip to the IBASeventh Annual CorporateCounsel Conference inFrankfurt, Germany from19 to 21 Februrary 2008.

Established in 1947, the IBAis the world’s leadingorganisation of internationallegal practitioners, bara s s o c i a t i o n s a n d l a wsocieties. The associationinfluences the developmentof international law reformand shapes the future of thelegal profession throughoutthe world. keppelite

In-house Legal Counsel Tan Min Hui takes a proactive approach to handling Keppel O&M legal matters

We are all proud of Min Hui’srecognition by the IBA and heroverall contributions and supportto our in-house legal team.Mr Jeff ChowGM (Legal), Keppel O&M

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People 35


A career at Keppel promisesopportunities for personalfulfilment, professionaldevelopment, overseasexposure and more – this iswhat students from NanyangTechnological University(NTU) and National Universityof Singapore (NUS) foundout at the recent campuscareer fairs.

It is the second straight yearKeppel Group participated inthe universities’ career fairs,at t ract ing over 5000undergraduates to its booths.

“I’m impressed with Keppel’smany scholarships becauseit shows that the company

World of opportunities at Keppelputs in the resources totrain and develop talents.Keppel is definitely one ofmy top choices to workfor,” said Choo Yuen Teng,a second-year businessundergraduate. He wasamong many who appliedfor a Keppel internship.

Along with the Group’srecruitment drive, KeppelOffshore & Marine (KeppelO&M) also conducted careertalks in both campuses,where its saw a strong turnoutof 300 eager students.

“Through presentationtalks and yard tours, wehope to share with them

the challenging careero p p o r t u n i t i e s w i t h i nKeppel O&M group ofsh ipyards ,” exp la inedMr David Low, Senior HRManager of Keppel FELS.

Keppel Land staff, togetherwith their friends and familymembers, entered thefictional world of “10,000BC” and “The SpiderwickChronicles”, immersingthemselves over twoevenings of adventure,fantasy, and imagination inMarch 2008.

This is all thanks to KeppelLand’s Welfare Committee,who organised the freemovie treats, completed withcomplimentary snacks andbeverages.

Screened for work-life balance“The Committee aims topromote employee wellnessand work-life balancethrough activities outside theoffice. Such activities alsoprovide informal meetingopportunities for our staff tointeract and know eachother better,” said JohnRomano Rafol, IT Manager,Keppel Land and Chairmanof the Welfare Committee.

Entitled to a pair of freetickets each, Keppelitessnapped up more than 800tickets for the 7 and 19

The company is also gearingup for unique ways to attractyoung talents. At KeppelNorway for example, arecruitment advertisement isset to run for six months inthe cinemas. keppelite

Keen students bombarded Keppelites with queries about the Group’s businesses and careerprospects

March 2008 shows screenedat Bugis Junction’s ShawCineplex – a stone’s throwaway from Keppel Land’scorporate office at BugisJunction Towers.

“My brother and I enjoyedthe movie very much. Iappreciate the committee’seffort to encourage fellowKeppelites to have a moreactive and vibrant social andpersonal life outside ofwork,” said Kylie Chow fromMarina at Keppel Bay. keppelite

Like Kylie Chow from Marina at Keppel Bayand her brother, Keppelites enjoyed themovie treat organised by Keppel Land’sWelfare Committee

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36 People


Keppelites Abroad

Braving new worldsKeppelite Mr Lee Tai Kwee isnow President of KeppelNantong Shipyard. But hehas always been on the movewearing many hats during aKeppel career that spans 27years.

The globetrotter says hewould not have it any otherway.

“You must have guts. Youmust grab every opportunityand do your best to deliver.Remember that opportunitiesdo not knock on your dooreveryday. You must step outof your comfort zone toexperience what the life‘outside’ has to offer.”

And venture out he did.

As early as 1989, he, alongwith his wife and two younggirls, left tropical Singaporefor sunny California, USA. Hewas heading up fibreglassyacht maker Pacific Seacraftas President after eight yearsserving as shipbui ldingp ro j e c t m a n a g e r f o rSingapore Slipway.

In the United States, heshuttled between LosAngeles, California andPhoenix, Arizona on a weeklybasis. That was becauseon top of Pacific Seacraft,he was managing three

other Keppel companies –powerboat company Skipjackand two av i a t i on andmanufacturing companies.

Upon his return six yearslater, Mr Lee also travelledfrequently, seeking newbusiness ventures andprojects for Keppel.

By the start of 2003,Mr Lee, then Senior GM(Commercial and BusinessDevelopment) of KeppelSingmarine, was sourcing fora suitable shipyard in China.

The Keppel team he was apart of combed landsextending from the country’sPearl River Delta to NorthernDalian. The team finallyzeroed in on a site withneighbouring marinesupporting industries alongChang Jiang River in themunicipality of Nantong, 110km northwest of Shanghai.

The venture led to KeppelOffshore & Marine sealing anagreement with NantongZhonghe Holding Companyin May 2005, and KeppelNantong became a Keppelsubsidiary, where Mr Leenow serves as President.

Speaking on the experienceand on what drives him, MrLee says, “I relish challenges.

I especially enjoy taking upthose of new frontiers. It isheartening for me to see myefforts pay off with positiveresults achieved.”

FORGING STRONG TIESWITH CUSTOMERSThroughout his journeyingcareer, Mr Lee says oneoverriding principle stands:

b u i l d i n g a s t r o n grelationship with customersand partners will always standone in good stead.

H e s a y s h i s t e a m ’sperseverance in makinggood of the partnerships andnetworks in China hashelped establish close tieswith the local Nantong

Mr Lee Tai Kwee braving the cold with valour in Keppel Nantong

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People 37


At Keppel Singmarine,Mr Lee’s tenacity, businessacumen and persuasivepower played a part insecuring the company’sfirst contract with LUKOIL–K a l i n i n g r a d m o r n e f t(LUKOIL) for two icebreaker vessels.

The clinch epitomisedKeppel’s “Can Do” spirit.Keppel Singmarine at thetime had no experiencebuilding ice breakervessels. It was also biddingagainst two highly skilledcompanies.

Nevertheless, Mr Lee

The then new ice breakercontract paved the way formore complex vessel andLUKOIL deals, includingIce-Class vessels and anewbuild Floating StorageOffloading vessel.

Today, Keppel Singmarinehas more than 300offshore support vessels,tugboats, cable layingships, and diesel-electricpropelled vessels under itsproduction belt. It remainsthe only company basedout of a tropical country toproduce an ice breakervessel.

Can Do! spiritmunicipal government andits agencies. It was on thisstrength that Mr Lee wasappointed the ForeignInvestment Advisor to theNantong Gangzha DistrictMunicipal Government.

In a way, the Singaporeborn 60-year-old’s life workhas come full circle. TheUniversity of Singaporeengineering graduate spenthis preteen years on HainanIsland in southern Chinareading Chinese classics.

Confident, gung-ho, andoften called the ‘cowboy ofNantong,’ Mr Lee Tai Kweewill continue to blaze a trailacross China, or any othercountry where he flies theKeppel Flag. keppelite

believed the contractwould round out KeppelSingmarine’s expertise inhigh value niche markets.Besides, he says the companyhad several factors in itsfavour.

E v e n t h e n , K e p p e lSingmarine was reputed fordelivering quality products ontime, on budget and safely totheir customers. In addition,it had a track record ofbuilding critical parts thatmake up an ice breaker vessel.Finally, the specialisedshipbuilder had experiencebuilding the Ice-Class anchorhandling tugs for LUKOIL.

Keppelites willingly doubledtheir budgets for lunch on13 February 2008. That wasbecause they were giving theequivalent cash value oftheir lunch that day to helpunderprivileged children.

Although the annual ‘Share-A-Meal’ day fundraisingdrive under ‘Mainly I LoveKids’ (MILK) was led byKeppel Corporation HumanResources, the Group’sindividual business unitsadded to the pot too. Thecompany management isalso lending their support bymatching dollar-for-dollarthe amount donated by staff.

Filled with compassionMILK Fund is a charityorganisation set up in 2004to reach out and helpdisadvantaged children who“fall through the cracks.”The children typically comefrom troubled or low-incomefamilies, suffer from chronicillnesses, or are physicallychallenged.

The charity works alongsidemainstream programmesand through its partners toprovide a holistic way toguide the children back tomainstream society.

By sharing their lunch money,Keppelites hope to do their

part to raise money that willgo towards programmes forthe children’s basic care,

education, guidance, andspecial needs. keppelite

Keppelites donating the equivalent cash value of their lunch that day to underprivilegedchildren

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38 Community


Time to shareSome 880 digital watcheshave made their way toGrace Orchard School,Singapore Autism School,and Metta School,drawing squeals of delightfrom the students.

The timepieces werespecially ordered andmade for Keppel Offshore& Marine (Keppel O&M) incelebration of its fifthanniversary. They weredistributed to the schoolson 15 and 21 February inkeeping with the LunarNew Year’s festive spirit.

Said Cindy Lim, GroupSenior HR Manager ofKeppel O&M, “While we

enjoy the good times, wemust not forget the lessfortunate. Besides bringingcheer to the children, thewatches are practical giftsthey can use everyday. It’s alittle effort on our part tomake a big difference in theirlives.”

Amidst loud applause,the children received theirwatches from Keppel O&MGroup HR officers, as well asrepresentatives from KeppelEmployees Union (KEU),Keppel FELS EmployeesUnion (KFEU), andShipbuilding and MarineEngineering EmployeesUnion (SMEEU). keppelite

Union representatives from KEU, KFEU, and SMEEU bring cheer to students in homesduring Lunar New Year celebrations

Barangay Looc residents havea lot to smile about thesedays, thanks to a new one-kilometre diversion roadopened in January 2008.

The alternative route directlyconnecting the town andKeppel Cebu Shipyard, Inc.(Keppel Cebu) was fundedand built by the Lapu-LapuCity government withthe support of the localbusinesses and individualland owners, Keppel CebuShipyard Land, Inc., amongthem.

The landowner of KeppelCebu participated in the citygovernment’s expropriationproceedings, allowing partof the road to be built on110 sm of unused shipyardproperty.

Mr Fok Swee Yin, Presidentof Keppel Cebu said, “Besidesproviding employment to

Keppel Cebujoins the road toa common good

Cebuanos, we are alsocommitted to improvingcommunity life by supportinggovernment-led projects likethese.”

Dolores P. Tampus, KeppelCebu’s Finance Manager anda long-time Lapu-Lapu Cityresident said, “The roadprovides easy and safe accessinto town, especially forambulances and fire trucksresponding to emergencies.”

Manuel Adolfo, Keppel Cebucrane operator, agreed, “Thenew road is very convenientfor residents who go to workusing public transport. Itgreatly eases traffic and cutstravel time.”

Before the new access roadopened, commuters had touse congested main roads,going around Barangay, toget to their destinations.keppelite

New public road along Keppel Cebu yard brings workers closer to home

38 Community

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Community 39


volunteers


Back to school

Keppel

As part of Keppel Volunteers’training programme, aworkshop was held on15 March 2008 at KatongSchool. Seasoned and newvolunteers engaged in afruitful session to betterunderstand Keppel’s adoptedcharity, the Association forPersons with Special Needs(ASPN).

The workshop’s objectivewas to help participantsincrease their awareness ofthe key learning andbehavioural characteristics ofindividuals with mildintellectual disabilities.Volunteers also discoveredt h e i m p l i c a t i o n s o fintellectual disabilities onan APSN student’s socialinteraction, work, and familylife.

Jennifer Lee, CorporateCommunications Executiveof APSN, began theworkshop by sharing ASPN’shistory, vision, and purpose.She elaborated on theeducation curriculum andtypes of training availableto equip the studentswith necessary skills foremployment.

The overview was followedby an interactive session on

intellectual disabilities ledby Ms Lorraine Boudville,Principal EducationalPsychologist of APSN.

IN THEIR SHOESThe volunteers were dividedinto groups with the taskof discussing challengesfaced when working withindividuals with mildintellectual disabilities.

However, the volunteersthemselves became thesubject in question whenMs Boudville experimentedon the groups. For example,halfway through theirdiscussions, the volunteerswere asked to write usingtheir non-master hand. Somevolunteers became moreself-conscious, and found itharder to perform thenormally easy task of writing.

By putting the volunteers inthe shoes of people withmild intellectual disabilities,Ms Boudville illustratedhow individuals with suchdisabilities similarly find itdifficult to perform simpletasks efficiently. She took theopportunity to clear up somecommon misconceptionsa b o u t p e o p l e w i t hintellectual disabilities.

sentences when guiding ordemonstrating a task thatneeds to be done.

Indeed, the trip back tothe classroom for KeppelVolunteers was a refreshingone, helping the participantsto become more effective.

“Seeing the smiles on thefaces of the students when Iinteract with them drives meto continue my volunteeringefforts,” said Don Vadiveloo,Executive Officer fromKeppel Shipyard (Tuas).

To find out more aboutAPSN, visit www.apsn.org.sgor email [email protected] for enquiries.keppelite

T h e v o l u n t e e r s t h e ncommented on their feelingsand experiences wheninteracting with APSNstudents. The feedbackranged from fear of rejectionto concerns over how theycould effectively communicatewith the students. Somevolunteers also expresseddoubts about their ability torespond to the students’reactions correctly.

The workshop also taughtthe volunteers techniquesto better interact withind iv idua ls wi th mi ldintellectual disabilities. Forexample, they learned to usevisual aids, pictures, orsimply, to speak using short

Keppel Volunteers discussed barriers faced when mingling with APSN students, andbrainstormed solutions to overcome the challenges

March08 28/3/08, 2:53 PM39

BackPage40


Keppel FELS to build US$205 millionjackup rig for delivery in 4Q09Keppel FELS Limited (KeppelFELS), the wholly-ownedsubsidiary of Keppel Offshore& Marine Limited (KeppelO&M), will build a thirdKFELS B Class jackup drillingrig worth about US$205million (S$284 million) forPetroVietnam Drilling & WellServices Corp’s (PV Drilling)subsidiary, PetroVietnamDrilling Investment Corp(PVD Invest).

This latest unit and PVDInvest’s second rig PV DrillingII are scheduled for deliveryin Q4 2009. The order for PVDrilling II, which is alreadyunder construction, wasplaced shortly after KeppelFELS delivered the first jackuprig PV Drilling I to PVD Investtwo months ahead ofschedule.

“It is estimated that there willbe some 900 explorationwells in Vietnam over thenext 15 years. We want toposition ourselves to capturethis market for specialised oiland gas services with thesupport of a strong andreliable shipyard that candeliver projects punctually,on budget and withoutincidents,” said Mr Do VanKhanh, CEO of PV Drillingand Chairman of PVD Invest.

“We have found all thesequalities in Keppel FELS.

PV Drilling I, the first jackup rig constructed for PV Drilling was delivered by Keppel FELS twomonths ahead of schedule in March 2007

Having worked with them onseveral important projects,I am confident that they arethe best people to help usbuild our highly specialisedrig fleet,” he added.

To meet the tight explorationschedule, PV Drilling intendsto make capital investmentsof around VND 27.4 trillion(US$ 1.7 billion) from nowtill 2025 to build and operatea strong fleet of 11 offshoreand onshore rigs.

“We have built an enduringpartnership with the PVDrilling Group on mutualunderstanding, teamworkand trust. We are honouredthat PVD Invest has chosenKeppel FELS time and againfor their milestone projects,”said Mr Tong Chong Heong,MD & COO of Keppel O&M.“We are prepared to go theextra mile to help ourpartners meet the rapiddemands of their market.”

The latest KFELS B Class rigwill be able to operate inwater depths of 360 ft witha drilling depth of 30,000 ft.The rig’s versatility has beenfurther enhanced to broadenits range. It includes featureslike engines that meet morestringent emission standardsand a lower spud can bearingpressure for operation inareas with soft soil conditions.

Its living quarters are designedto accommodate up to 110men, in 1-men and 2-mencabins.

The Keppel Group has beeninvolved in the Vietnameseoffshore market for more

than 20 years since KeppelFELS first completed theHoang Sa 1,200-tonnefloating crane in 1984. It alsobuilt Vietnam’s first jackuprig, the Tam Dao I in 1988.keppelite

March08 28/3/08, 2:53 PM40

Keppel Group Newsletter Keppelite - 吉宝置业中国 … Business Keppelite I March 2008 Business...

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