Build more green landmarks
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman urged Sabah plantation companies to partly gear their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs around iconic green initiatives in the state.
He said Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman’s Plaza Shell, Hap Seng Group of Companies’ recently completed green landmark, is an exemplary effort that would contribute to Sabah’s development while safeguarding its natural heritage.
“I must commend Hap Seng Group of Companies for taking the initiative to make its presence felt through this building. As a company that has key operations in Sabah, including in oil palm, Hap Seng is in some ways giving back to society through this landmark,” said Musa at the Plaza Shell grand opening ceremony here yesterday.
“I urge other plantation companies operating in Sabah to emulate Hap Seng by building or renovating structures into eye catching corporate offices that reflect your presence in this state.
"I wish to take this opportunity to encourage plantation companies to carry out more corporate social responsibility programs and to work towards safeguarding the environment,” he emphasized.
Shell Malaysia has already set its roots in the sustainable building, which is a purpose-built 14-storey retail and office block with four levels of basement car park, three levels of retail podium and 10 levels of office together with a sky pavilion that encompasses a 670,000 square feet total gross floor area.
“The fact that Shell is an anchor tenant in this plaza fits in with this oil and gas giant’s sustainability. Shell’s presence in such a landmark location in Kota Kinabalu is also testimony of the importance of the oil and gas growing economy.
"It is my hope that Shell will continue to play a significant role in growing this sector locally,” added Musa.
In tandem with Hap Seng’s desire to provide healthy and productive working environment, Plaza Shell was conceptualized, designed and constructed as resource-efficient, high performing, healthy and cost-effective building.
“The significance of this occasion extends beyond just the opening of this landmark building. It is a manifestation of our aspiration to deliver world-class energy efficient building as well as our commitment to embrace environmental sustainability as part of our business culture and core values,” said Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad chairman Dato’ Jorgen Bornhoft at the opening ceremony.
“We are proud to announce that Hap Seng Group has successfully constructed this first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) building here in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.
Establishing an environmental friendly property which will provide a healthy environment for the occupants,” he added.
Established by Sabah’s late philanthropist-tycoon Tan Sri Datuk Lau Gek Poh, Hap Seng has created many job opportunities through its range of interest in plantations, property investment and development, credit financing, trading, automotive in particular Mercedes.
Apart from playing a significant role in stimulating Malaysia’s economy, Lau had also established the Lau Gek Poh Foundation in 1991, which is principally engaged in charitable work and has tax exempt status.
The foundation has donated and contributed greatly towards several charities, welfare homes and has played a role in the development of education in Sabah, especially Chinese schools.