theceomagazine.com | 169and services for construction projects worth
about RM1.5 billion. “In developing power
plants, we create not only electricity but also
employment and economic benefits. These
impacts bring me great satisfaction and give
me the momentum to keep going.”
Edra is in the process of completing
a large-scale pilot solar photovoltaic plant
in Kedah, with a generating capacity of
50 megawatts. The largest in the country,
Edra’s Kedah solar plant will generate
electricity via renewable energy, contributing
significantly to the state’s economic growth
and Malaysia’s energy needs. “We want
to mobilise our expertise and resources
to ensure that the completion of the
project is timely,” says Mark.
In line with his vision
to grow Edra’s regional
footprint, Mark
ensures the company
pipeline is always
full of promising
developments. “My
main focus for Edra
in the near future is
to continue providing
reliable and safe
electricity supply to
the markets we operate in.
I will ensure that our current
development pipelines proceed on
time, and that we continue to increase
our generating capacity and complete
fundraising exercises,” he says.
“We are actively sourcing opportunities
for local and international expansion and
exploring new mixes of fuels for future
growth. To support this expansion, we are
continuously strengthening our talent pool,
and developing operations and maintenance
teams so that we can provide high-quality
services to third parties, governments and
private power entrepreneurs,” explains Mark.
“In addition to our conventional
generating capacity, we are also interested
in renewables, with solar photovoltaic and
wind development projects in the pipeline.
Over the past few years, power generation
technology has improved tremendously,
with better efficiency, and clean energy »With consistent results, we are able to
provide confidence for our customers. The
combination of our experience, our strong
foothold in the industry, and the unstinting
support of CGN has put us in a position to
reach greater heights. Our shared resources
allow us to identify, develop and acquire both
green and brownfield opportunities in our
core technologies of gas and coal, while also
expanding our portfolio to include renewable
energy and grow our footprint.”
Since the acquisition was completed in
March 2016, CGN has grown its investments
considerably in Malaysia. In April last year,
Edra entered into a strategic power purchase
agreement with Tenaga Nasional Bhd.
“We work closely with
our partners and suppliers,
not only in our daily
operations but also in
the development of
new power plants.
“Collaborations
are very important
because, by
working together,
we build trust,
combine our
strengths, and deliver
better results,” says Mark.
“To enhance our earnings,
we are currently developing a
2,242-megawatt combined cycle gas
turbine power facility in Melaka, and have an
allocation of 500 megawatts for solar power.”
Lighting up 10 per cent of Malaysia’s
electricity requirements, the new plant will
deliver the most cost-effective conversion of
fuel to electricity and will make Edra the
largest IPP in Malaysia. With operations
expected to begin in 2021, Edra contracted
three domestic banks to raise RM5.28 billion
through a sukuk, or bond program, in
November last year.
The project potentially has immense
spillover effects for the local economy in
generating more than 1,000 jobs, particularly
for the local community. Mark says the
company is committed to ensuring that
the project benefits the local economy, and
estimates the procurement of local supply
“I measure success by
relentlessly eliminating as
many failures as possible. A leader
inspires, empowers and motivates
others to perform beyond their personal
expectations. I strongly believe that
teamwork delivers results you could
never achieve on your own.”Interview | INVEST