Forum 1

Topic : 'Acknowledgement to the Contribution of Women to Nation Building'

Dato' Puteh Kamariah is a Malaysian Professional Architect with a Bachelor's Degree from the Melbourne University, majoring in Building Economics and a Master in Architecture from University College London, also majoring in Building Economics.

While being a Government servant for almost 32 years, with the Public Works Department, Dato' Puteh Kamariah had managed construction projects of numerous hospitals worth more than RM8 billion (approx. USD2.7 billion) in an industry traditionally dominated by men. Ironically it is a fitting role as the view of hospitals as a caring centre for the ill and needy have always been traditionally dominated by women.

It was during her tenure as Government servant that Dato' Puteh Kamariah began the Green Building Mission through her association with Puspanita (Association of Wives and Women in Malaysian Public Service) in conjunction with her role in the Public Works Department.

The realisation that the six criteria, underlying the Green Building Mission, takes into account aspects beyond financial economics alone namely financial, social and environmental have taken Dato' Puteh Kamariah, now in the private sector post retirement, to set up her own contracting company backed up by a consulting firm where she remains a strong proponent for Green Building Development in Malaysia.

The six Green Building criteria are site sustainability, renewable energy strategies, water efficiency, recyclable materials and resources, indoor air and environmental quality and performance innovations and design process.

Abstract

Despite being apparently a relatively masculine country, being born in Malaysia is a blessing for women. This is due to the fact that being driven by competition, achievement and success is a necessity in the field of engineering, science and technology. This forum will enable women in the field of engineering, science and technology to rationalise how being a women may be an advantage in fields and industries traditionally dominated by men.

Through the practical example of the Green Building Mission in Malaysia, the role of women with female/motherly and caring instincts in pushing for a socially and environmentally inclusive agenda can be demonstrated.

The six Green Building criteria are site sustainability, renewable energy strategies, water efficiency, recyclable materials and resources, indoor air and environmental quality and performance innovations and design process.

It is hoped that at the end of this forum the six Green Building criteria can be related to all facets of professional and personal life of the attendees and women will continue to be empowered in pursuing and promoting the Green Building Mission.