Kang Lai Seah

With over 20 years of experience in facilities and real estate management, my last job with Agilent Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd was Director for WorkPlace Services Department, a global leader in life sciences and diagnostics. In this role, I oversee the strategic planning, execution, and delivery of facility and real estate services across Singapore, ensuring alignment with the company's vision, mission, and values. 

I also hold a BSc in Facilities Management from Heriot Watt University, and have multiple certifications in work-at-height, building construction safety, and fire and safety protocols. 

Prior to joining Agilent, I worked as a Facility and Real Estate Manager at Tetra Pak South East Asia, where I managed the facility and real estate operations for Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, and Oceania.

Some of the core competencies that I bring to the table are project planning, operations management, procurement, customer satisfaction, cost control, sustainability, supplier management, risk management, compliance, and reporting. I am passionate about creating and maintaining safe, efficient, and comfortable work environments that support the well-being and productivity of the employees and the stakeholders. I enjoy working with diverse and collaborative teams, and I am always eager to learn new skills and technologies that can enhance the quality and effectiveness of the facility and real estate services.

2019- Aug 2023          Agilent Technologies Singapore Pte Ltd

Director, Workplace Services (Manufacturing. R&D, Warehousing & Office)

Accomplishment 

• Compliance to local regulation will zero NC during sudden inspection by respective authorities. Example: BCA, NEA, SCDF & MOM
• Completed Integrated Facility Management transition for APAC include China. 
• Completed ESG Scope 1 & Scope 2 (25% of energy harvest by Solar, 20% energy reduction through upgrading Chiller systems, 10% through AHU system upgrading)
• Completed yearly audit (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, BizSafe Level 3, FDA) with zero NC.
• Real Estate transactions: Lease out 29% of space within the building (SGD 6Mil rental income yearly)
• Replacement of aging assets, 12 units of HT switch gear, 5 unit of 600RT chillers & 4 units of oil type transformer. Energy Saving projects.
• Install and commission of PV solar system (2.5MWp)
• Expansion projects increase 30% manufacturing capacity (SGD 2Mil), Technology transfer from US & China.(Class 10k & 100k cleanroom)
• Setup Regional warehouse in Singapore (75,000 sqft)
• Transition of IFM(Integrated Facility Management) for APAC including China.

As the Director of Workplace Services, my responsibilities involve:

• providing strategic support to local General Manager for all facilities and physical security operation 
• lead expansion project within the site for the manufacturing plant. Project compliance to local authority requirements and compliance to FDA/ISO 13485 requirements.
• conduct Facility audit to all MEP&F equipment 
• championed Agilent ESG (Environmental, Social & Governance) program. Completed NetZero scope 1 & Scope 2 targets.
• Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 50001 (Energy Management)
• appointed as Internal Auditor for ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001
• conduct Safety & Contractor Management Audit
• support Regional AVP to reach cost reduction targets set by Global 
• monitor SOP/SLA/KPI of outsources FM team. 
• engage with different stakeholders on business needs and projects (Expansion, goals or workplan, BCP etc…)
• support APAC AVP as COE(Center of Excellence) for CI (Continuous Improvement) and IFM (Integrated Facilities Management) POC (point of Contract) for all FM related activities within APAC.

2017-2019                   Tetra Pak South East Asia Pte Ltd

Facility & Real Estate Manager (Manufacturing, R&D, Warehousing & Office)

(Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia & Oceania)

Accomplishment 

• Compliance to local regulation will zero NC during sudden inspection by respective authorities.
• Completed Integrated Facility Management transition for Singapore, Malaysia, Philippines, Indonesia & Oceania. 
• Completed yearly audit (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001, FDA) with zero NC.
• Real Estate transactions: Malaysia & Philippines office relocation and expansion
• Replacement of aging assets, 20 units of AHU systems, BMS system upgrading. 
• Manufacturing & R&D expansion include 40% of productivity. (Class 100k clean room)
• Completed energy project of reduction of 20% energy by replacing aging AHU.

As the Facility & Real Estate Manager, my responsibilities involve:

• formulating leasing and rent review strategy, appointing, and managing leasing agents, leading negotiations with landlords. 
• managing comprehensive office refurbishment projects with a value of S$10 million to date. Including overseeing a full professional team comprising project manager, architect, cost consultant, and main contractor.
• supporting APAC Manager as COE (Center of Excellence) for IFM (Integrated Facilities Management) POC (point of Contract) for all FM related activities within APAC.
• monitoring SOP/SLA/KPI of outsources FM team. 
• conducting Facilities audit to MEP&F equipment 
• engaging different stakeholders on business needs & projects (Expansion, goals or workplan, BCP etc…)

2011 – 2016                Schlumberger Reda Production System

                                    Facilities Manager (Singapore & China Operation)

                                   (Manufacturing, R&D, Warehousing & Office)

Accomplishment 

• Compliance to local regulation will zero NC during sudden inspection by respective authorities. Example: BCA, NEA, SCDF & MOM
• Completed yearly audit (ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001 & BizSafe Partner) with zero NC.
• Real Estate transactions: Singapore & China office relocation and expansion
• Greenfield project of 3 new building in Singapore.
• Technology transfer from Europe and setup in Singapore
• Energy reduction project (30% energy reduction) through CI program.
• Setup 50k sqft of 10k Cleanroom facility 

As the Facility & Real Estate Manager, my responsibilities involve:

Facility Management

• Establish relationships with key stakeholders to ensure that facilities services are delivered in line with the business requirements and in continuity across the business.
• Recommend and implement best practices in facility maintenance as to achieve a safer and energy-saving working environment
• Implementation of Lean Six Sigma project in Energy Saving project. Annual saving of >S$500k in energy bil

Project Management

• Manage construction project scale up to S$70 million for 3 new facilities.
• Manage multiple projects on building enhancement & renovation up to S$4 million per annual. 
• Fulfil strategic development through the appointment and utilization of service partners.
• Lead the commercial analysis and negotiation of competitive tenders with Supply Chain Management team.
  Security Management
• Responsible for the contract Security Company on all daily 
  security operation
• Lead the upgrading project of the Security System
• Involved in the Business Continuity Plan planning
• Review and update BCP/SOP

Financial Management 

• Manage all associated administration and financial activity providing management information, analysis and forecasts of budgets (CAPEX & OPEX)

Audit Management

-           Certified Lead Auditor for ISO 50001

-           Appointed as Internal Auditor for ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001

-           Conduct Safety & Contractor Management Audit

HSE Management

• Audit of 21 Safety Standards
• Safety Champaign
• Energy Management Audit & Review 

Training

• Appointed as SIPP Trainer (Schlumberger Injury Prevention Programme)
• Safe Drive Instructor & Assessor 

2010 – 2011                The British Club

                                    Facilities Manager

                                    Take charge of:- 

                                    Maintenance Management Section

                                    Housekeeping Management Section

                                    Health & Safety Management Section

                                    Security Management Section

                                    Project Management Section

Duties include:-                

Maintenance Section

1. Supervision of daily operation
2. Prepare Operation & Maintenance Schedule
3. Review Service Contract
4. Lead technician to do Preventive Maintenance work
5. Ensure compliance to all relevant legislation, standards and requirements for building maintenance and management
6. Review & update SOP for the section

Housekeeping Section

1. Supervision of daily operation
2. Review & update SOP for the section
3. Review service contract
4. Daily inspection of property cleanliness
5. Review training need for the section

Health & Safety Section

1. Weekly inspection for safety violation
2. Monthly Committee meeting 
3. Review Safety Management system manual
4. Recommendation of safety solution 

Security Section

1. Supervision of daily operation
2. Review & update SOP for section
3. Review outsourcing contract

Project Management Section

1. Monthly Development meeting
2. Propose area of improvement
3. Review equipment Life cycle and propose replacement
4. Energy management review 

2005 – 2010                UMC ServiceMaster Pte Ltd

Manager (Property and Engineering Management)                                   

                                    Supporting:

                                                            Semiconductor Industry

- Applied Materials South East Asia Pte Ltd (Singapore, Malaysia & Indonia)

                                                            Healthcare Industry

                                                            - St Luke Hospital

                                                            - Mount Alvernia Hospital

                                                            - Changi General Hospital

Accomplishment 

1. Compliance to local regulation will zero NC during sudden inspection by respective authorities.
2. Completed construction project for AMSEA. From land selection, design & construction phase. Manufacturing, Warehousing & office. 
3. Completed hospital OT(Operation Theatre) room renovation. 

Duties include:
            Project Management

1. Involved in purchasing of land, designing, planning construction of new factory and office building with project

value of S$100 million

-        Establish project governance, develop project execution plans, project safety and security programs and implement throughout the project lifecycle.

-        Develop, implement and manage project budget, schedules and service quality programs.

-        Manage the entire project from land purchasing to TOP on behalf of client. Recommendation of suitable type of contact to be use and ensure contract compliance. Include development and implementation of testing and commissioning plans.

-        Develop, implement & communicate move management plan for client. 

-        Reinstatement work for existing office.

1. Achieved GreenMark Platinum Award as well as Solar Capability Scheme for new building

Lease Management 

1. Manage the leasing activities such as advertisement, viewing by potential lessees, negotiation of rental, reviewing legal lease documents etc for client’s Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Indoesia office 
   -        Responsible for the sale activities of Singapore’s building

Facility Management
-        Project Value of S$10 million
-        Lead in-house maintenance team in all daily facilities operation as well as A&A works to maintain project in good operational state

-        Conduct feasibility study and recommend M&E and Building Services to enhance reliability of building systems 

-        Ensure compliance to all relevant legislation, standards and requirements for building maintenance and management

-        Annual operational budgeting

-        Achieved GreenMark Gold Award

-        Other adhoc duties as and when assigned

Security Management

1. Responsible for the contract Security Company on all daily security operation
2. Lead the upgrading project of the Security System
3. Involved in the Business Continuity Plan planning

2003 – 2005                Keppel FMO Pte Ltd

Technical Officer

                                    Duties include:

-           Assigned to Applied Materials S.E.A Pte Ltd (AMSEA)

-           Prepare Operation & Maintenance Schedule

-           Involved in the supervision of daily operation

-           Periodic Servicing and fault rectification to Mechanical, Electrical, BMS & AV System

-           Supervision of Security Manpower

-           Prepare Monthly Utility report

-           Prepare building material quotation, equipment inventory list

-           Assist in ensuring the compliance of all relevant legislation, standards and requirements of building maintenance and management

-           Coordinate projects with contractors and maintain project in good operational condition state

-           A&A work for existing building (Project value of S$1.5 million)

-           In-charge of the renovation or upgrading of the following company’s facilities/ office space with project value of S$ 3 million

2001 – 2003                Traders Hotel Singapore

Assistant Chief Engineer

Duties include:

-           Prepare Operation & Maintenance Schedule.

-           Assist the Chief Engineer to prepare annual budget.

-           Supervision of daily operation

-           Planning of duty roster & Preventive Maintenance Schedule

-           Periodic Servicing and fault rectification to Mechanical & Electrical System.

-           Lead technician to do ACMV Preventive Maintenance work.

-           Prepare monthly & weekly Electrical & Gas consumption report

-           Training program for Engineering Department

-           Prepare monthly P&L statement

-           Weekly operation meeting & kitchen equipment inspection

1999 - 2001                 Grand Copthorne WaterFront Singapore

Technical Engineer (Opening Team)

Duties included:

-           Setup of Engineering office

-           File keeping of Engineering manual & drawing

-           Prepare Operation & Maintenance Schedule & Manual

-           Supervision of daily operation

-           Prepare of building defect list

-           Planning of duty roster & Preventive Maintenance Servicing Schedule     

-           Periodic Servicing and fault rectification to Mechanical & Electrical System

-           Lead technician to do ACMV Preventive Maintenance work

-           Prepare monthly & weekly Electrical & Gas consumption report

-           Appoint as Developer and Trainer for On-The- Job training program for Engineering Department

1999 - 1999                 The Marco Polo Singapore

M&E Technician (Closing Team)

Duties included:

-           Periodic Servicing and fault rectification to Mechanical & Electrical System

-           Monitor Fire Protection System

-           Handle servicing of Fire Protection System

-           Assist Fire Safety Manager to do rectification of fire alarm fault

-           Prepare inventory list for closing

1992 – 1999                Keppel Engineering Pte Ltd

M&E Supervisor

Duties included:

-           Assigned to Changi Cargo Complex, Ang Mo Kio Community Hospital and Subordinate Courts Singapore Immigration & Registration 

-           Manage M&E, Cleaning and Horticulture contractors

-           Lead technician in ACMV Preventive Maintenance work

-           Prepare building material quotation

-           Monitor Building Automation System & Fire Protection  System

-           Troubleshoot air-con & mechanical ventilation breakdown

-           Prepare equipment inventory list

-           Standby duty for important event

-           Arrange maintenance schedule programs

2009 – Aug’10            Bsc in Facilities Management  (Heriot Watt University)

2007 - 2008                 Specialist Diploma in Facility Management & Enhancement

                                    Building & Construction Authority Academy           

2005 - 2006                 Certificate in Building Construction Supervisors Safety

Building & Construction Authority Academy