Schneider Electric Malaysia signs MoU with Gamuda Engineering

SCHNEIDER Electric and Gamuda Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding to boost construction efficiency through innovation and sustainable solutions.

Through this partnership, Gamuda will leverage Schneider Electric’s expertise by expanding on collaborative research to utilise the latest technology and integration, as well as providing training on its tunnelling and engineering offers.

This partnership is seen as a strategic platform for both companies to collaborate in the research and development of machine drives and energy management with Schneider Electric’s innovative offers.

Gamuda Engineering is looking into gaining technological knowledge and adopting efficient approaches with suppliers to form a robust R&D platform that combines the best technical innovation and experience to revolutionise the construction industry in energy-efficient and sustainable engineering, especially in tunnelling and underground works.

Through this partnership, Schneider Electric will be introducing the EcoStruxure Asset Advisor, a predictive maintenance offer. It will analyse motor currents of tunnel boring machines (TBM), indicating machine conditions and provide early warning of deterioration or on-load process alteration.

By providing Gamuda Engineering employees with expert level training in utilising TBMs, the workforce will be upskilled in performing diagnostics, troubleshooting and replacement work safely.

With that, Gamuda Engineering will be equipped to make data-driven decisions, avoid downtime, improve financial efficiency, and access expertise at their fingertips.

“Tunnelling and underground operational interruptions can be costly. Electrical motors account for 60% of total energy consumption, and up to 90% in heavy process industries, making motor downtime a major risk to profitable operations,” said Astri Ramayanti Dharmawan, country general manager for Schneider Electric Malaysia and Brunei.

“The need for innovation to drive operational efficiency is on the rise, especially in the new normal, and Industry 4.0 technologies are accelerating this shift.

“To meet new industry demands, it is vital that organisations take a proactive role in deploying digital technologies and upskilling employees to operate effectively, mitigate costly downtime and avoid unwanted repairs without affecting operating hours.”

Schneider Electric will also be working closely with Gamuda Engineering to enhance their training materials, supply relevant products, such as inverters and switch gears for TBMs, as well as provide necessary technical support for Gamuda’s future training centre(s).

Trainees who have undergone the upskilling program will be certified as drive experts with an advanced level of knowledge of the whole life cycle.

Gamuda Engineering is also exploring more R&D collaboration opportunities with Schneider Electric to implement the right solutions for their expansion plan in the near future. This initiative is part of Gamuda Engineering’s efforts to embrace digital and Industry 4.0 technologies and Schneider Electric’s mission in supporting the digital transformation of the key industries and its players.

“Technology is rapidly driving change across all industries, including within the engineering and construction sectors. As a leading engineering and construction company in Malaysia, we have to be at the forefront of this change,” said Gamuda Engineering managing director Justin Chin Jing Ho.

“Digital transformation has been a key focus area for our business operations, and our strive for continuous innovation excellence is core to our delivery value. We are constantly rethinking and improving our existing operations and doing better with automated processes, cloud computing, equipment and artificial intelligence for greater productivity and improved financial outcomes.”