Global engineering, design and advisory company Aurecon has announced a strategic investment in Malaysia’s GCU Consultants Sdn Bhd (GCU), a move that will strengthen the company’s regional presence and expertise. This will take effect from 1 April 2021.
William Cox, CEO of Aurecon, highlighted that the investment in GCU is an important step in the company’s growth ambitions and creates a direct presence in one of Southeast Asia’s most important economies. “There is strong alignment between our companies and when we first looked at GCU, we were impressed with its technical excellence, professionalism and success,” he said.
“Malaysia will be one of Southeast Asia’s most active markets in the years ahead and with GCU joining Aurecon, we will be able to expand our work in the country and lead the industry through innovative engineering solutions that solve complex challenges and bring ideas to life.”
According to The Economist Intelligence Unit and the World Bank, Malaysia’s GDP is projected to grow by 4.4% and 6.7% respectively, explained Aurecon. “Factors contributing to growth include the government’s budgetary support of RM69 billion, which will accelerate new and ongoing infrastructure projects such as the Mass Rapid Transit Lines 2 and 3, East Coast Rail Link projects and other rail sector investment in the country. The Penang Transport Master Plan is another flagship infrastructure programme that will present significant infrastructure development opportunities for the engineering and construction sector.”
Expanding into Malaysia
With Malaysia’s engineering sector expecting ongoing growth, Aurecon said it is now well placed to help the country “bring to life” its most ambitious engineering projects. In recent years, the company has completed some of Asia’s most striking developments, including the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station; Vincom Landmark 81 Tower in Vietnam; the Shanghai Tower in China; Dau Tieng 1 and 2 PV Solar Power Plant Project in Vietnam; and the Mauritius Metro Express.
Stephane Asselin, chief executive for Asia at Aurecon, noted that GCU’s specialist geotechnical expertise along with its track record of delivering innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges makes it a good fit with Aurecon. “This strategic investment enables Aurecon to have a direct presence in Malaysia and it enables us to broaden our offering with a truly multi-disciplinary practice,” he said.
“Aurecon is an Asia Pacific firm that has been in Asia for over 40 years, and we stay committed to growing our business in the region. We are excited at the integration between GCU and Aurecon as it will allow us to accelerate our growth and pursue more opportunities in Malaysia and the Asia Pacific region.”
GCU was established in 1998 and has a strong reputation for its market-leading geotechnical consultancy. The company also offers expert consultancy in civil and structural, and mechanical and electrical engineering disciplines. Its client base covers both public and private organisations, including government agencies, developers, turnkey contractors, highway concessionaries, general contractors, civil and structural engineering consultants and more.
Some of its high-profile projects of recent years include the Express Rail Link to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA 1 & 2), Kuala Lumpur Mass Rapid Transit (KL MRT) Lines 1 and 2, Electrified Double Track Projects and a number of toll expressways such as the current West Coast Expressway, Cameron Highland hill road as well as the Pengerang RAPID.
With a team of 50, GCU has completed more than 500 projects during the last 23 years including roads, railways, airports, high-rise buildings, commercial and industrial buildings, oil and gas facilities, hospitals, ports, land reclamation and hill-site developments.
Ir. EG Balakrishnan, managing director of GCU, said that joining Aurecon will give his company the opportunity to secure bigger, more innovative projects. “We are very excited to be joining the Aurecon group. There is much to look forward to in Malaysia’s engineering sector and being part of Aurecon will allow to us to offer additional resources and digital engineering tools that will enable us to take on larger and more challenging projects. We look forward to helping even more clients in Malaysia to bring their ideas to life.”
Photos: Aurecon/GCU
