TNB to set up new corporate HQ designed by Woods Bagot

A view of Tenaga Nasional Berhad headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, October 13, 2015. Malaysian utility heavyweight Tenaga is expected to announce Q4 earnings on October 29, 2015. REUTERS/Olivia Harris/Files THE ASIA FILE - 29 OCTOBER

KUALA LUMPUR: Tenaga Nasional Bhd (TNB) is setting up a new corporate headquarters in Kuala Lumpur which will be designed by global architecture firm Woods Bagot.

“This landmark project will deliver a new campus workplace for TNB staff in the heart of the city, gathering its current workforce into a singular premise and offering enhanced synergy and organisational collaboration,” Woods Bagot said in a statement.

“The TNB HQ is an incredibly exciting project for us as the architect, but also for TNB as a client. This presents an amazing opportunity for us to deliver a brand-defining project in this important market,” said director of development in South-East Asia, Matthew Gaal.

“We are also excited to be working on the project with local design firm Neuformation and Meinhardt engineers.”

Woods Bagot is setting up a global design studio in Kuala Lumpur.

Gaal, who is leading the studio opening, said there were fundamental reasons for establishing a permanent presence in Malaysia.

“Geographically, Malaysia is unhindered because of the technology that we have in place, but also due to its close proximity to Australia. It is at the nexus point of South-East Asia. It’s such a vibrant place, culturally and from a design perspective. It really has the potential to become an Alpha plus city over the coming years as it continues to grow and mature,” he said. 

“We already have a strong presence in places like London, America and Australia where more and more Malaysian clients are investing. Having a studio in KL allows us to build local relationships in-country and assist our clients globally.”

He said servicing the high profile projects Woods Bagot was currently undertaking in Malaysia was also a major factor in the decision to open a studio.

“Unlike a lot of other International Architects who fly-in and fly-out, we wanted to offer a more personal service to our clients. By basing senior staff permanently on the ground here allow clients to have regular, face-to-face contact with the person responsible for delivering their project. It eliminates the issue of time zones and distance,” Gaal said.