A Day in Tiong Seng as a Head of Tender

Shaping Success Before Construction Begins

Before any structure takes form on site, it begins with a decision — a bid, a proposal, a tender. For Stephen, Head of Tender at Tiong Seng, this stage is where the foundation of every successful project is laid.

From Curiosity to Calling

Stephen joined Tiong Seng in 1993, drawn by his interest in quantity surveying and the intricacies of tender work. Over the years, his role evolved from being a Quantity Surveyor to handling project tenders then leading the entire department. It was a journey built on consistency, adaptability, and genuine passion.

“I’ve always enjoyed this line of work,” Stephen shares. “Tendering gives me flexibility, challenges, and the opportunity to meet people. It’s something I still find meaningful after all these years.”

Leading the Tender Department

As Head of Tender, Stephen oversees the team’s full operations by assigning responsibilities, reviewing submissions, and ensuring every proposal reflects Tiong Seng’s strengths. But beyond processes and deadlines, his work is deeply human.

“Tendering is not a one-man show,” he explains. “We work closely with planning, BIM, sustainability, and finance. Everyone contributes to the big picture and that’s what makes the final submission strong.”

His leadership philosophy is simple: keep the team aligned, collaborative, and happy. “If we can work well together, everything else follows,” he says.

Balancing Cost, Quality, and Innovation

When deciding which tenders to pursue, Stephen focuses on projects that challenge the company’s capabilities and play to its strengths. “We usually go for complex, large-scale projects, the kind that demand strong engineering and creative solutions,” he explains.

Balancing cost and quality isn’t about compromise. It’s about efficiency and innovation.“ Good solutions don’t always mean higher prices,” Stephen notes. “It’s about using smart methods and better construction strategies to deliver quality within cost.”

Evolving Through Digitalisation

Having been part of Tiong Seng’s journey for more than three decades, Stephen has witnessed the evolution of tendering first-hand from paper drawings to digital workflows.

“When we first started, everything was manual. Now, everything’s paperless,” he says.“ Our measurement teams in Kuala Lumpur and Myanmar work digitally, and even our management presentations are done without a single printout. It’s faster, more accurate, and more sustainable.”

This transformation, he adds, is not just about technology but about mindset of adapting to change and embracing continuous improvement.

Beyond Winning Tenders

For Stephen, success is defined not by the number of projects won, but by the spirit of teamwork behind each one. “The goal is to collaborate as one, everyone working towards the same purpose,” he shares.

Every tender, no matter how challenging, brings its own lessons. “Civil engineering projects, for instance, are always tough because of their unpredictability,” he says. “But every project we win is a reason to celebrate. It reflects our team’s hard work and perseverance.”

Looking Ahead

After 33 years, Stephen remains grounded and optimistic. His advice to young professionals? “Find what you enjoy doing, whether it’s tendering, procurement, or project work and stick with it. There’s no fast track; just consistency and passion.”

For Stephen, every day at Tiong Seng is an opportunity to build something meaningful. Not just structures, but relationships, trust, and a legacy of teamwork.

Join Tiong Seng

At Tiong Seng, we are always looking for individuals who share our passion for building, innovation, and teamwork. Our projects are not just structures, they are opportunities to learn, grow, and make a difference. If you are curious, determined, and driven to leave a lasting impact, there is a place for you here.

Explore your possibilities. Build your future. Join Tiong Seng.