Dr. Ir. Beh Kooi Ho is the Chief Executive Officer of SD Associates Sdn Bhd (SDA), a distinguished company headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. SDA offers a comprehensive range of services, including engineering, architectural design, quantity surveying, procurement, and construction management. The company’s presence extends beyond Malaysia, with operations in East Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates, and a notable global footprint. With a diverse portfolio, SDA has been entrusted with high-profile projects across various sectors, including energy hubs, power plants, and process plants. The company has amassed an impressive track record, with projects valued at approximately USD3 billion.
Exceptional Project Management and Industry Expertise
SDA’s remarkable success is largely attributed to its ability to maintain high standards in project management. The company’s portfolio includes significant ongoing projects, such as the Tunisia Racing F1 City, wave energy generation plants in Indonesia, and chlor-alkali plants in Uzbekistan and Tanzania. SDA’s commitment to quality, cost control, and safety standards is reflected in their consistent adherence to OHSAS standards and project quality expectations. These accomplishments have earned the company numerous accolades, including the Asia Pacific Top Excellence Enterprise Awards 2021, SME 100 Awards 2020, and STAR Outstanding Business Awards 2020. SDA’s dedication to excellence is also demonstrated by its ISO certifications, including ISO9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), and ISO45001:2018 (Occupational Health & Safety Management System).
Educational and Professional Achievements
Dr. Ir. Beh’s educational journey has been instrumental in shaping his leadership approach. He holds a Bachelor’s in Engineering from the National Ocean University, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Construction Management, and a Ph.D. in International Business Management. Additionally, he is a Registered Professional Engineer with a Practicing Certificate from the Board of Engineers Malaysia. His continuous pursuit of education reflects his belief in lifelong learning, which has not only enhanced his personal growth but also contributed to the success of his business.
Influence of Inspirational Role Models
Dr. Ir. Beh’s approach to leadership and business is deeply influenced by the philosophies of renowned figures in the engineering field. He draws inspiration from Sir Ove Arup, an English engineer known for his innovative and collaborative approach to solving engineering challenges. Sir Ove Arup’s belief in concept analysis and problem-solving has greatly impacted Dr. Ir. Beh’s own leadership style, where collaboration and open-mindedness are essential to delivering high-quality work. Furthermore, Dr. Ir. Beh is motivated by the journey of Dato’ Dr. Ir. Ts. Mohd Abdul Karim Bin Abdullah, the founder and CEO of Serba Dinamik Holdings Berhad, whose tenacity and courage in overcoming early business challenges have shaped Dr. Ir. Beh’s view on leadership. The story of Dato’ Karim reinforces Dr. Ir. Beh’s belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness with determination and resilience.
Leadership Philosophy and Commitment to Personal and Professional Growth
Dr. Ir. Beh is known for his direct and straightforward approach in expressing opinions. His definition of success is not rooted in wealth or fame but in personal integrity and moral values. He places a high premium on respect, both within and outside the workplace, and strives to lead by example. Recognizing the importance of continuous self-improvement, Dr. Ir. Beh has always sought additional qualifications and certifications to enhance his leadership capabilities. By demonstrating his own commitment to lifelong learning, he encourages his staff to pursue personal development and strive for excellence.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Vision for the Future
As an entrepreneur, Dr. Ir. Beh is driven by a vision to expand SDA’s global reach, taking the company to as many countries as possible. His entrepreneurial journey is defined by his ability to embrace a “can do” attitude, even in the face of skepticism. Despite the demands of a 24/7 work schedule, Dr. Ir. Beh enjoys the flexibility and autonomy that comes with entrepreneurship, allowing him to work whenever and wherever he chooses. His advice to budding entrepreneurs is simple yet profound: “Embrace a ‘can do’ attitude even though there will be many telling you, you can’t.”
A Transformative Leader in the Making
Dr. Ir. Beh Kooi Ho exemplifies the qualities of a visionary leader who is transforming industries and inspiring future generations of entrepreneurs. Through his commitment to innovation, quality, and collaboration, he has proven that his “can do” attitude is not just a personal mantra but a guiding principle for success. His ability to lead by example and embrace continuous learning ensures that his company remains at the forefront of the engineering and construction industries, setting a high standard for others to follow.
Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer of MORS Group, aptly describes Dr. Ir. Beh as the kind of entrepreneur nations are built on, highlighting his far-seeing vision, transformative impact, and unyielding determination to succeed.
