Bricks, cement and steel may make buildings, but it is people like Nur Adlyna Salleh and Zhu Fenpei who transform structures into liveable homes and functional spaces.

By Azhar Jalil

Despite appearances, buildings actually require constant care and attention to ensure their safe use as, well as to create a pleasant environment for the people who live, work and play in them.

One such firm that helps make that happen is CPG Facilities Management (CPG FM).

The company prides itself at being able to provide a full spectrum of facilities, estate and township management solutions to increase efficiency and service delivery, while reducing operating costs. CPG FM currently manages a diverse portfolio of over 1,000 buildings, aggregating over 8 million square metres in area, ranging from office complexes, educational facilities, commercial, residential projects to security buildings in Singapore and the region.

As an indicator of the firm’s performance, CPG FM has been re-appointed as managing agent for Aljunied Town Council, as well as its current contract to administer properties under the Ang Mo Kio-Yio Chu Kang Town Council. It is also the managing agent for Changi Airport Terminal 3.

Where work matters

Nur Adlyna Salleh knew she will enjoy a satisfying and challenging career at CPG FM.

“CPG FM is an established and reputable company in the industry and provides the full spectrum of facilities management services to clients. I reckoned that I would learn and gain valuable skill sets and experience from working here,” the 27-year-old explains.

Adlyna joined CPG FM four years ago as a Technical Executive. She was promoted to Assistant Hub Manager last year, and her stellar performance was rewarded with another promotion recently to Hub Manager managing schools in the south zone.

Throughout her tenure with the organisation, Adlyna has overseen various services ranging from mechanical and engineering services to pest control and horticulture management.

Her background in intelligent building systems and the broad experience she has garnered from working the field has served her well.

She also highlights that one of the company’s core values is to promote a learning culture, which helps the staff develop personally. The company carries this out by encouraging staff to deepen their knowledge through further training and seminars.

“In addition, during my work stint at CPG FM, I would constantly encounter challenging problems and it gives me real job satisfaction when I can solve them,” she says.

For Adlyna however, what makes it all worthwhile is the fact that at the end of the day, her work matters to the people who work and stay in the areas she manages.

“My work is to ensure the smooth operation of the schools under my care, giving the students a more functional, safer and healthier environment to learn and play,” she reveals.

Second home

As with any respectable company, the employees of CPG FM are entitled to good staff benefits. However Adlyna feels that the intangible aspects such as a good work environment, good colleagues are more important.

“My colleagues are helpful and my managers are approachable – we work as a team,” Adlyna says. “I love the culture and work environment here as it feels like my second home.”

Her colleague Zhu Fenpei agrees, “I treasure the fantastic team spirit in my office as it helps make my working life more enjoyable.”

Earlier this year Fenpei was promoted to Higher Property Officer; after starting as an intern at the age of 19.

“I previously interned at Aljunied Town Council and liked the work environment. My colleagues were very helpful, caring and fun. I also enjoyed the work so I decided to join full-time,” the 23-year-old recalls.

All for the team

In her current role, Fenpei takes charge of 17 residential blocks, as well as two mixed-use blocks in the Aljunied town centre.

It’s no surprise that she is familiar with the residents, contractors, grassroots leaders and even statutory board representatives in the area she manages. Part of her job includes managing residents’ feedback and ensuring that contractors carry out their assigned projects satisfactorily.

Naturally this also includes handling the demands of residents and public, which can sometime be taxing yet fulfilling at the same time.

“The most rewarding aspect of my job is the recognition and appreciation from residents for what we have done for them and the estate,” she enthuses.

Fenpei has also been involved in organising big events such as the town council’s New Year Day Countdown, complete with fireworks display.

“I’m thankful for the invaluable experience and technical knowledge that I’ve picked up along the way. I have also learnt about the importance of building good inter-personal relationships with my stakeholders and working together as a team,” she discloses. “The pace here is fast and I face new challenges and problems daily.”

A caring culture

Despite the intricate challenges, Nur Adlyna believes joining this industry with a mindset to learn and the necessary technical background will put anyone in good stead to tackle the various issues faced in this line of work.

“I suppose there are no courses – no matter how in depth – that will fully equip you,” she opines. “It’s the daily work and problem-solving opportunities that make you learn and excel in this industry.”

Rest assured then that a career with CPG FM will provide plenty of room to grow both personally and professionally.

From a quiet person, Adlyna says that she has learnt to voice her opinion more readily without compromising her patience and tact.

“CPG FM encourages us to apply what we have learnt to maximise our potential while also training us to multi-task, even across disciplines,” she adds.

“I’ve grown more matured and stronger physically, mentally and emotionally,” Fenpei agrees. “CPG FM has a caring culture that acknowledges its people as the company’s key asset. There will be many opportunities for you to excel and perform to your full potential – if you’re willing to take up the challenge.”