CEO Insights Magazine

Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions play a critical role in shaping the future of industries and communities. One company at the forefront of this domain is UEM Edgenta, a leading organization in the region and a subsidiary of UEM Group. With expertise in Healthcare Support, Property & Facility Solutions, and Infrastructure Services, UEM Edgenta offers a comprehensive suite of services that encompass the entire lifecycle of assets. Guided by their visionary strategy, "Edgenta of the Future 2025," the company focuses on digital solutions and technological advancements to become a technology enabled solutions provider. With operational presence in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates and The Kingdom of Saudi, UEM Edgenta is committed to leveraging technology, sustainability, and innovation to drive growth, efficiency, and value for its clients. Syahrunizam Samsudin, MD/CEO of UEM Edgenta Berhad, is a future focused leader who prioritizes business sustainability and embraces the transformative power of technology. Under his guidance, UEM Edgenta has witnessed remarkable advancements in digitalization, driving growth, process efficiencies, and cost competitiveness while building sustainability and shareholder value. "Being A Fervent Technophile, I Leverage Digitalization To Drive A Company's Growth, Optimize Operational Efficiencies, & Enhance Cost Competitiveness, All While Prioritizing Sustainability & Maximizing Shareholder Value"

With a strong commitment to digitalization, Syahrunizam has enhanced the user experience by implementing new and improved technology solutions across various industries. His expertise in engineering and technology has played a pivotal role in steering UEM Edgenta towards product expansion, innovation, and growth.

Recognizing the significance of investing in technology, Syahrunizam advocates for a mindset that prioritizes innovation and technological advancements over rigid cost frameworks. His vision is aligned with the Edgenta of the Future 2025 (EoTF25) strategy, which places technology and sustainability at the forefront of the company's operations. In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights Asia Magazine, Syahrunizam walks us through the various facets of his company. Tell us about your leadership approach and what has been your success mantra so far? What are your strengths and your leadership style? As a forward-thinking leader, my primary focus is on shaping a sustainable global UEM Edgenta franchise. I firmly believe that business sustainability, also known as corporate sustainability, involves harmonizing environmental, social, and financial considerations to ensure responsible and ethical practices. From my perspective, I believe that a sustainable business rests upon three vital pillars that form the foundation of a sustainable business: social, environmental, and economic demands. By carefully balancing these elements, we can create a thriving organization that not only generates profits but also contributes positively to society and the environment.

Central to my leadership approach lies a profound appreciation for every individual within the workplace. I hold great respect for the perspectives and ideas of younger team members, as I understand that innovation often stems from the minds of those who bring fresh and diverse insights. By fostering an environment where we uplift and respect one another, we cultivate a culture of continuous growth and unwavering mutual support.

  Define UEM Edgenta Berhad as an organization and what makes it a preferred choice among customers as a leading Asset Management and Infrastructure Solutions company? Technology transcends software and apps, driving tangible, positive transformations in people's lives. UEM Edgenta understands this, driven by a mission to make a real difference. Through innovative infrastructure and asset management services, the company revolutionizes healthcare, properties, roads, and rail networks. In healthcare, UEM Edgenta introduces non-clinical innovations, from managing waste disposal, linen and laundry, providing biomedical engineering maintenance, to housekeeping and portering services. This enhances patient care, and we understand the demands and needs of the healthcare industry. In infrastructure management, Edgenta empowers facility managers with energy-saving solutions and optimized asset management, reducing energy, water consumption, as well as provide maintenance and management of major transport projects and infrastructure assets. With expertise in facility management, UEM Edgenta oversees operations for 500 buildings. As a leader in Green Building Solutions, we divert organic and recyclable waste daily. Moreover, UEM Edgenta excels in highway maintenance, with extensive experience in railroads, expressways, and state roads. Leveraging data analytics, the company ensures safer and reliable roadways for the public.

What are the factors you take into account when developing effective corporate growth strategies? As a passionate technophile, I drive digitalization for growth, efficiency, and cost competitiveness. Embracing digital transformation ensures longterm sustainability and shareholder value. At UEM Edgenta, I spearhead digital initiatives, enhancing user experiences with impactful technology solutions.

Leveraging my engineering and technology background, I lead UEM Edgenta's expansion, innovation, and growth. Recognizing our size advantage, I promote flexible margins and prioritize technology investment for future success. Sacrificing innovation for cost structures hinders our ability to evolve in a dynamic business landscape.

I firmly stand by the belief that continuous evolution and adaptation are paramount to ensure the long-term sustainability of our business. Embracing innovation and making strategic investments in technology are essential steps to propel UEM Edgenta forward. By doing so, we unlock new opportunities, stay ahead of the competition, and position ourselves for success in an ever-changing landscape.                                                        

What are the best industry practices you have implemented to help your team draw valuable insights from the market to ensure the company stays afloat and steady among its competitors/trends/ market fluctuations? Throughout our journey, we have remained resolute in executing our Edgenta of the Future 2025 ("EoTF25") strategy, which revolves around leveraging technology and promoting sustainability across all aspects of our business.

As part of our growth strategy, we are venturing into new sectors that offer higher margins and promising growth opportunities. We have set our sights on the manufacturing, education, and hospitality industries across Singapore and Taiwan, expanding our reach beyond our traditional markets. By leveraging our expertise in technology and sustainability solutions, particularly in asset and facilities management, we are widening our addressable market in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In response to the growing demand for digital asset management in the healthcare industry, we have developed Asseto for Health a tailored solution designed specifically for hospitals. Moreover, we have been actively building a tech ecosystem of Smart City solutions, collaborating with esteemed international partners.

Through our relentless efforts to enhance our product and technology offerings, we have effectively distinguished ourselves in the market. This differentiation has resulted in the successful acquisition of significant contracts, enabling us to provide our clients with cutting-edge, innovative, and efficient solutions.

What is your strategy to address margin compression setbacks? While it is true that our group's gross profit margins have faced some decline, it is important to note that we have a solid foundation to rely on. We possess long-term contracts extending over a decade and an impressive order book amounting to RM12.2 billion. These factors provide us with stability and confidence moving forward.

Despite the challenging margin situation, I remain undeterred. This determination stems from the remarkable achievements we have made in securing substantial contracts. Year to date, we have successfully secured hospital services contracts worth RM900 million in Singapore, along with an additional RM100 million in Taiwan. These accomplishments vividly illustrate our adeptness at expanding our reach and effectively penetrating new markets.

Looking ahead, our international focus will continue to revolve around the Gulf states, namely the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We recognize the potential for growth and opportunity in these regions. In fact, our international market expansion drive in FY 2022 saw 70 percent of the Company's revenue growth stemming from our endeavors in Singapore and Taiwan.

Where do you see UEM Edgenta headed in the upcoming years and what is your future roadmap? As we embark on our path to a sustainable global business, UEM Edgenta remains committed to agility and innovation. With the expansion of our technology solutions and business footprint, we actively seek collaborations with new partners in the dynamic fields of smart city solutions and sustainability services. Additionally, we are venturing into promising markets in the Middle East to further broaden our reach.

We serve as the bridge between the present and the future of service delivery. Departing from the conventional 'maintain-repair-restore' model, our focus has shifted towards asset preservation and continuous operational optimization of buildings, townships, and cities. By embracing this approach, we are able to drive efficiency, sustainability, and lasting value for our clients and the communities we serve.

This paradigm shift has opened the doors to groundbreaking technology-based solutions, and we are proud to introduce Edgenta NXT as a catalyst for innovation. Give us a glimpse of your personal preferences and activities that bring you joy out of work. I thoroughly enjoy indulging in my hobbies, which include playing golf and practicing Jujitsu. The thrill of the game and the discipline required in martial arts provide a perfect balance for me. Culinary delights also play a significant role in my life, and I must admit that my favourite cuisine is steak. The succulent flavours and tender texture of a perfectly cooked steak truly captivate my taste buds. As an avid reader, I have a special affinity for the book 'The Outliers' by Malcolm Gladwell. It has left a lasting impact on me, offering valuable insights and inspiration.