INGENIEUR
results . In tandem , human capital development , adequate and capable workforce , are also only befitting our current level of technological capacity . The industry ’ s level of sophistication as well as its competency need to be seriously upgraded if we are really serious about the targets that we have outrightly missed .
THE HARD TRUTH
Within the SBSR realm of economic sustenance , the complete value chain of the industry needs to be addressed . From the industrial development policy of the sector right to the lowest of the downstream sub-chain , the troubling points must be identified and the root causes must be addressed accordingly . From the blurred policies subjugating the industry , the unprioritised action plans of the industry players , the unscrupulous business ethics to political meandering on the industry , the reality is totally out of favour for its development and sustainability .
The country is facing low levels of technological and technical capabilities , impeding any further progress . This may be attributed to heavy dependence on foreign contractors and the loss of the will to generate homegrown technology . It is a real fact that the technology gap that exists is far and wide , so much so we have lost the basic ability to be creative and innovative . We have physically and mentally lost the drive and ability to create a sustainable industry and are still clinging on dearly to whatever that we can grab within arm ’ s reach . Our quest for the sustainability of the marine industry and to participate in the global economic outreach is a dream that could never be realised .
Anointed champions of the shipbuilding and ship repair industry are totally underperforming . Quality and delivery have formed a stigma that seriously downgrades the capability of our flagship local conglomerates and significantly depicts a bleak potential . Still , contracts are being handed down , with the prospect of more projects in the future , regardless of the present surrounding fiasco .
In its full irony , while we present a strategic “ Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Strategy 2020 ”, there is no strong leadership attached to this drive . At the governing level , this responsibility was informally shared by various agencies ; thus the lukewarm drive and unknown objectives . Progressing forward seems impossible . Marine industry players are lost for guidance and strong leadership .
One of the most interesting findings of the Government procurement exercise is the presence of several “ Islands of Authorities ”. These “ islands ” have their own sets of requirements and fancies . No co-ordination of asset specifications , no common impactful strategies . We will be building vessels of about the same specification but the decisions to acquire are not aligned to the overall national interests of economic prudence , technology development , favourable cost-benefit ratio supporting the growth of the marine industry and other supporting industries at large .
The industry is facing a huge dilemma and a real head scratcher . Various attempts to restore the industry have been tabled and acted upon . But the hard truth is that we are nowhere near the aspired outcome . Still dumbfounded . Still digressionary .
STUCK AT THE BOTTOM
Notwithstanding whatever the perceived potential that we have or have bragged about , Richard A . Bitzinger , a senior fellow of the S . Rajaratnam School of International Studies ( RSIS ) in 2017 concluded that “ Malaysia is unlikely to rise above the current positions as a relatively minor player in naval shipbuilding . Naval shipbuilding will continue to be ad-hoc and sporadic , limited to MRO ( maintenance , repair and overhaul ), low-end manufacturing ( hulls and sub-assemblies ), final production and a few showcase arms projects that are , for the most part , generally low-tech in nature .”
DEVELOPING SHIP DESIGN CAPABILITY
There are several means that would lead to a vibrant industry . From favourable Government policies that protect and develop the local industry , tax incentives , favourable financing support , skilled manpower , to capable research and development , one of the key strategies to intensify the application of science and engineering in the SBSR industry is ‘ applying local design and
8 VOL 83 JULY-SEPTEMBER 2020