The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) South East Asia Regional Council had its very first meeting in May, marking an important milestone for the region. The meeting took place in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Alex Lew from Franklin Offshore Pte Ltd was chosen as the Chair of the new council.
Key LEEA leaders, including CEO Dr. Ross Moloney, Director of Membership Matthew Barber, and Regional Manager for South East Asia Wee Learn NG, attended the event. Council members from five different countries also participated. Some of the notable attendees were Lt. Colonel Associate (CD) Frank Tan, a TVET Instructor accredited by ASME and LEEA; Ts. Dr. Mazlan Shah, Director at DNV Malaysia; Rony Prayitno Simeon; and Offshore Engineer Farhan Hussin.
The discussions during the meeting focused on improving safety in lifting operations across different industries. This council is LEEA’s third regional council, following successful councils in the Middle East and in Australia and New Zealand. These councils help support local LEEA members and the industries they work with.
Alex Lew shared his excitement about his new role, saying, “I’m pleased to be elected Chair of the newly formed LEEA South East Asia Regional Council. It is an honour to take on this role and to work with a dedicated group of professionals who bring extensive knowledge and a common dedication to developing the lifting and safety industry. To all the appointed members, congratulations. Your involvement gives the objectives of our council a strong foundation and I look forward to the journey ahead working together with all members, Ross Moloney, Matthew Barber and Wee Learn Ng. As a team, we will be a significant step towards shaping the future of safe lifting in our region.”
Matthew Barber also expressed his support, stating, “Alex was voted in by full members across the region and brings a wealth of experience in the industry to the role of Chair. The council will play a vital role in shaping the future – championing safety, raising standards and building capability for the long term. Our discussions at the first meeting centred around two key priorities: the need for greater recognition of LEEA by regulators and governments and the importance of making high-quality, localised training more accessible throughout the region. Thank you to all our council members for your time, insights and commitment. This council marks a major step forward in building a stronger, more connected Lifting Industry in South East Asia.”