New Lighthouse Chairman to Raise Profile, Build Networks

• 31 December 2015
• Local News
• 748 Views

Established six decades ago, the Lighthouse Club is widely known among building professionals for its generous campaign to improve construction standards, promote worker safety and support those in need of assistance.

Appointed as Chairman for the second mandate of the Lighthouse Club Cambodia Chapter, Euan Ritchie spoke exclusively to Construction and Property Magazine about his plans.

Please describe your experience and current work in the construction sector.

I am the Managing Director of Artisan Surface Finishes. We specialise in luxury wall, ceiling and column finishes. I have been doing business in Cambodia since 2008 and established Artisan in 2014 when the opportunity arose to have an exclusive partnership with one of the most exciting brands in the world: ARMOURCOAT.

When was the Lighthouse Club Chapter established in Cambodia? How many members are there so far and who are the members?

Lighthouse Club Cambodia was established in 2012, and today we have 27 corporate members in Cambodia, and over 200 recipients of our monthly newsletter. The Lighthouse Club London will soon celebrate its 60th anniversary, and the Hong Kong office of the Asia Pacific Region will be celebrating its 30th anniversary next year. Our members are established local and international construction companies. Our events provide a platform for Cambodian companies and Lighthouse members from all over Asia to build strong business relationships and support the local building industry.

What are the aims and objectives of the Lighthouse Club Chapter in Cambodia?

The Lighthouse Club Cambodia has three main aims. First, we aim to promote good fellowship between members, second, give financial support to injured or fatally wounded construction workers and their families in the event of an accident at the workplace, and lastly, help underprivileged young Khmer people to attain the education they require to build a long and successful career in the construction industry

What is your main agenda and plan for activities as the new Chairman of the Lighthouse Club Cambodia Chapter?

My main agenda is to raise the profile of the Lighthouse Club Cambodia, support local companies and educate people on the newest standards of health and safety to maximise our reach and help more people in the construction business. Networking is hugely important to us. It allows us to reach out to new members and raise the funds we need to do the work we do. We run an annual charity golf tournament and monthly networking events, both of which are hugely successful.

What kinds of challenges does the club face? What kind of support does the club need?

The main challenges we face is the lack of understanding some workers have of the risks involved when working on a building site. We also need to continue to support and educate company owners to demand that the highest standards are met in all aspects of their business. Since we are a non-profit organisation we do not have large funds available for marketing campaigns and thus struggle to reach some of the key players we would like to have involved.

What we really need is to build recognition from the key players in the industry and organisations, such as the Cambodia Constructors Association (CCA), to help us attain our goals and build a strong partnership to create a safer and better environment for all involved.

What are your thoughts on the pace of development in Cambodia’s construction sector? What specific areas do you believe need improvement or reform based on your international experience?

I believe that the construction sector in Cambodia is quite resilient. After suffering a small dip in 2011-2012, the sector has recovered strongly in 2013-2014 and is expected to continue to grow steadily over the next couple of years.

I think one of the things local businesses can improve on is attention to detail. It is not enough to have modern material, but the installation, maintenance and customer service for these materials are just as important as the material itself. In addition Cambodia needs to develop greatly in its health and safety standards as it is common to see workers on building sites in flip flops and not wearing any protective gear.

If the industry can address these two key issues Cambodia’s construction industry will continue to grow and drive the Cambodian economy into a better future.