The CEO Magazine Asia - April 2018

theceomagazine.com | 53

two

I

think

ahead.

A LWAYS

steps

”

“

Dato’ Ir. Mohd Ashari Alias recounts

the challenges involved in constructing

Malaysia’s Second Penang Bridge,

a world-renowned feat of engineering.

WORDS DANIEL HERBORN • IMAGES ROB WALLER

O

n the southeast coast of Malaysia’s Penang Island, a spectacular

cable-stayed bridge extends as far as the eye can see. Spanning some

24 kilometres, it crosses the Penang Strait, connecting the popular

tourist isle with the mainland.

Formally known as Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Bridge

(and informally as the Second Penang Bridge), it is a structure of

a massive scale. Its construction was an immensely complex process that spanned

seven years, cost RM$4.5 billion, and involved more than 30 different companies

The building, maintenance and operation of the bridge is the responsibility

of Jambatan Kedua Sdn. Bhd, a company formed by the Malaysian government

solely for this project. Its Managing Director, Dato’ Ir. Mohd Ashari Alias, »

Interview | INSPIRE