KUALA LUMPUR: When Awalludin Ahmad Che Ku Chik and Abdul Muttalib Hussein established Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd in 2001, they did not expect it to become a growing force in Malaysia's oil and gas services and equipment (OGSE) sector.
Based in Kertih, Terengganu, Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd has emerged as a key manpower supplier to the oil, gas and petrochemical industry while also specialising in inspection and asset integrity, equipment maintenance, ICT consultancy and implementation, and trading and supply.
The company is now helmed by its operations director, Mohd Hairul Abdullah, a vibrant and energetic young man from Terengganu.
Reflecting on the company's humble beginnings, Hairul said that the company started with only three permanent staff when it was first established. Now, Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd has expanded to over 75 permanent employees and more than 1,600 contract staff.
"Our employees are supplied under 32 ongoing manpower contracts with reputable clients including Petronas and many more.
"With a robust manpower database, Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd has become a bridge between talent and the oil and gas industry, simultaneously pursuing its vision of providing unconventional solutions for the evolving energy sector," he said.
STAKEHOLDER SUPPORT IN
ACHIEVING ASPIRATIONS
As one of Petronas' vendors, Hairul explained their role in providing competent manpower for upstream projects.
"Among the range of critical roles supplied include multi-discipline engineers, construction site superintendents, radio operators, roustabouts, crane operators, material coordinators, and document controllers.
"Apart from Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd, Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd also provides manpower to the Petronas downstream sector in Terengganu," he added.
Apart from awarding contracts, Petronas also organised the OGSE Partners Day in Kertih. This full-day programme served as a meaningful platform to exchange insights and explore collaboration opportunities in elevating the capabilities of Petronas vendors.
From a financial standpoint, Hairul explained that manpower supply is a cash-intensive business which requires strong working capital and a healthy cash flow.
"Our monthly commitment for employees' salary is almost RM7 million per month.
"We are grateful for the strong support from Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) and Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (Teraju) in providing business financing up to RM65 million, together with financial assistance offered under the Petronas Vendor Financing Programme," reflected Hairul, with a sense of gratitude.
Since 2018, the Petronas Vendor Financing Programme has facilitated access to financing of over RM342 million for 54 Terengganu-based companies, in partnership with nine financial institutions.
PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST
To ensure a high standard of quality, Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd considers the health and safety of all stakeholders involved in their operations to be of fundamental importance for the integrity of the company.
Hairul reflected upon how the unprecedented outbreak of Covid-19 presented a formidable challenge to businesses worldwide, including their own, just as Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd was beginning to find its footing.
"The pandemic forced us to quickly adapt by closely collaborating with Petronas to establish new Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) that included mobilising employees for essential services, implementing additional safety measures, facilitating remote work, and accelerating our digital transformation through online meetings and system enhancements," he recounted.
Among other initiatives embarked on by Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd to motivate their employees include offering upskilling and training programmes, introducing custom-made insurance packages and allowing staff from certain positions to work from home.
"Despite being a private limited company, we try to emulate our work culture and ethics towards public listed or multinational companies, providing a level of confidence to our clients in terms of governance and deliverables.
"This approach has allowed us to be certified by ISO in the areas of Quality Management System and Occupational Safety, Health and Environment," added Hairul.
Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd has not recorded any Lost Time Injury (LTI) cases in the last 23 years since its inception, a feat that many OGSE companies strive to achieve.
"Through the hard work and dedication of all our employees, we reached RM120 million in audited revenue last year, and we anticipate it will climb to RM135 million this year," said Hairul, reflecting on a promising growth trajectory.
EMPOWERING TERENGGANU
BUSINESSES
As a Terengganu-based company, Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd embraced and prioritised local content in its business.
According to Hairul, the company has more than 550 employees based in Terengganu, with 75 per cent of them being born and raised in the state itself.
"Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd prioritises Terengganu staff in all projects based in the state," he added.
The company's achievements have also enabled it to obtain the Anak Terengganu Certificate (ATC) that was launched on March 7 by Yayasan Pembangunan Usahawan Terengganu (YPU).
This has enabled Aworldtec Engineering Sdn Bhd to participate in numerous business enhancement programmes conducted by Petronas and YPU.
When asked further about the benefits of ATC to local Terengganu businesses, Hairul hoped that ATC members would be given more job opportunities in the oil and gas industry.
"We believe that ATC members should be prioritised for contract opportunities with Peronas and other industry players," Hairul added, expressing a shared vision for a brighter future where local talent plays a pivotal role in the oil and gas sector.
GROWING BEYOND HOME
Reflecting on Aworldtec Engineering's journey thus far, Hairul saw the company as a success story of how a Bumiputera company based in Terengganu can compete on the national front.
"The performance of our employees has been paramount to our success and achievements. Our people are our main assets and without them, our success would not have been possible," noted Hairul.
Looking ahead, he aspires to grow his business even further on a regional scale.
"We are always optimistic that our company can grow regionally in South East Asia with further support from Petronas, the state government, and other government bodies such as Teraju and Mara," concluded Hairul.