By SHAZNI ONG

HSS Engineers Bhd is bidding for RM215 million worth of transportation, port and water projects to bolster its orderbook, which stood at RM561.3 million as at end-March 2020.

The engineering and project management consulting firm expects to “remain resilient” as it adapts to the “next normal” and continues supporting the nation’s infrastructure development initiatives, its executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Kuna Sittampalam said.

“Going forward, with the government needing to jump-start the economy, we foresee the construction industry, particularly the infrastructure space to play a major role, as this will provide the necessary larger downstream multipliers to the economy.

“As a key player already involved in existing nation-building projects, we will leverage our expertise and track record to be involved in future anticipated projects,” he said during the company’s post-AGM virtual press conference yesterday.

HSS Engineers is currently participating in the East Coast Rail Link, Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit Line 2, Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit project and the Langat 2 Water Supply Scheme projects.

It aims to build a recurring income stream focusing on the renewable energy sector which would involve some level of equity participation.

This is in line with the government’s initiative to increase power generation in the country via renewable energy from 2% currently to 20% by 2025.

The group also remains committed to its regional expansion plan, but is wary of the impact on regional economies post- Covid-19.

“A certain degree of rising nationalism is expected in Indonesia and the Philippines, as the governments of these countries aim to preserve domestic interests and internal resources by striking a delicate balance in empowering local talents and employing external expertise.

“As a result, HSS Engineers will need to evaluate the commitment of these countries to their high-growth infrastructure development plans, and as such, the realistic mid-to-long-term opportunities present to the group,” Kuna said.

The group had previously said it intends to diversify into the Asean region, particularly Indonesia, the Philippines and India, mainly in the transportation and water sectors. It currently operates across Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Chennai in India.