IEM Sabah Branch holds AGM with strong national presence, active participation

KOTA KINABALU (April 25): The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch successfully held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Hakka Hall today, with the attendance of Ir Yau Chau Fong, President of IEM, and Ir Alex Looi, Honorary Secretary of IEM Headquarters, highlighting the importance of the occasion.

A total of 128 members attended the AGM, comprising Corporate Members, Women Engineers (WE), and Young Engineers Section (YES), reflecting strong engagement from across the engineering fraternity in Sabah.

The AGM commenced with the opening address by IEM Sabah chairman Datuk Ir Ts Yaakob Jaafar, who highlighted several key achievements of the branch.

He noted that IEM Sabah is the only professional body whose annual dinner was graced by His Excellency, Tun Musa Aman, marking a significant milestone that elevated the institution’s standing and public recognition.

He also proudly shared that IEM Sabah emerged as the overall champion at the 15th IPB Games 2025.

In addition, he expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Young Engineers Section (YES) and Women Engineers (WE) for their strong commitment and dedication in supporting IEM activities, including the successful organisation of programmes such as the IEM YES National Summit.

A key highlight of the AGM was the President’s address by Ir Yau Chau Fong, who delivered a speech on the theme “IEM Creating Impact”.

In his address, he emphasised the Institution’s critical role in shaping the engineering profession, upholding standards of practice, and contributing to national development through technical excellence and policy engagement.

The AGM proceeded with the confirmation of minutes, followed by the Branch Chairman’s report covering headquarters matters. Updates were also presented on the transfer of IEM Sabah’s properties, including the Damai Point office and KKIP land, marking an important development in strengthening the branch’s asset management and long-term sustainability.

Reports were then presented by the Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer, outlining completed and upcoming activities as well as the branch’s financial standing.

Sub-committee updates included activities by the Young Engineers Section (YES) led by Lee Tze Yei and Women Engineers (WE) chaired by Lydia Lisa Edward, alongside seminars and sports initiatives such as the IPB Games 2025.

A report on the successful Golden Jubilee Dinner held on 14 June 2025 was also tabled.

During the AGM, the new Executive Committee (Exco) for the 2026/2027 term was officially announced.

Ir Ts Tan KJ, JP was elected as Branch Chairman, Vice Chairmen were Ir Paul Yap and Ir Ts Dr Michael Tay.

Ir Jack Wong was elected as Honorary Secretary, while Ir Aishah Ashgul will serve as Honorary Treasurer. The Immediate Past Chairman is Datuk Ir Ts Mohd Yaakob.

Before the AGM concluded, the incoming chairman delivered his speech, affirming that IEM Sabah will work closely with IEM Headquarters while strengthening collaboration with the State Government in supporting the aspirations of SMJ 2.0.

Tan also expressed his deepest gratitude and appreciation to Yaakob for achieving significant milestones, from the successful hosting of CAFEO 2024 to the memorable 50th Jubilee Celebration in 2025, as well as strong membership growth and impactful CSR programmes. He noted that Yaakob’s leadership has greatly strengthened the standing and credibility of IEM Sabah.

The Ordinary Committee members comprise Ir Wah Kheng Haw, Ir Nicholas Lim, Ir Thien Sen Fong, Ir Jason Chin, Ir Kenny Lok, Ir Jessie Lee, Ir Petrocelli, and Ir Randy Kuan.

The AGM concluded on a positive and forward-looking note, with the newly elected committee reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the engineering profession and contributing to Sabah’s development agenda.