Meet Edwin Beh – Infrastructure Procurement Expert

How did you end up here? What is your professional background? 

Before ArcBlue, I spent an exciting decade in structural engineering and construction in both Singapore and Australia. Over the years, I obtained my professional engineer certification and was subsequently involved in procurement strategies and cost savings at a project or infrastructural division level. It was then that I found my interest in procurement and management consulting which sparked my journey at ArcBlue.

How do you spend most of your days?

I commence each day with a short stretching/meditation session, before reviewing my emails and calendar commitments. Subsequently, I move on to the execution of various procurement and strategy-oriented initiatives that currently occupy my agenda. This sometimes involves the formulation of proposals and the cultivation of client relationships.

Midday heralds a juncture wherein I might opt for a leisurely stroll, a brief yet invigorating workout session, or a convivial meal with my colleagues at Arcblue. Following this interlude, I’m energised to start my next set of activities for the day.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m lucky to be involved in a diverse set of projects due to the current active economy climate where my past work experiences are highly sought after.

One of them is helping a Tier 1 government-owned organisation increase the competition tension during the tender process and subsequently implementing the comprehensive contract management framework. This project is unique as it has a huge state-wide footprint in which the team had to come up with an attractive procurement package that would incentivise the correct builder. I felt a sense of achievement when the client accepted my ideas and was confident enough to award the next tranche of procurement to ArcBlue.

Another project would be working together with my ArcBlue colleagues in helping a national energy provider to set up an inventory management strategy. I assisted in conducting stakeholder engagement, focusing on the business’s current needs and future demands, and mapping out the start-to-end supply value chain used in the final strategy.

What trends do you see in your work?

One of the trends that I’m seeing in the infrastructure sector is that despite the fact that capital expenditure is rising at a rapid rate, it is still lagging behind construction costs/rates. While this trend is quite normal, what’s new is that the clients are finding it harder to obtain solutions to close the gap.

This inherent difference means that a lot of companies in the construction industry are gradually turning towards external procurement and management specialists like ArcBlue and Bain. Clients are seeking a better understanding of procurement and management processes and to undertake strategic measures even before going to market in order to achieve the best value-for-money outcome.

What do you enjoy about working in consulting? 

I enjoy the dynamic nature of consulting where the ideal solution varies from a time, cost, and quality perspective. It keeps me on my toes and trains me to be humble.

What are you currently trying to upskill in?

This year, I’m currently trying to upskill my Category and Inventory Management expertise, with the hopes of being able to participate in the creation of a cost-savings program for an asset-rich client. On the sideline, I’m also familiarising myself with any new amendments in AS Contracts as these contracts form the basis of any procurement.

How long have you been at ArcBlue? What made you join us?  

September 2023 will be my 6-month mark at ArcBlue. The opportunity to gain knowledge about procurement and contracts outside the infrastructure sector was the main reason that I joined ArcBlue. Another plus point would be that my colleagues are some of the best procurement and management consultants in the world.

What’s something not many people know about you?

I have a discreet passion for food and cooking that I often keep beneath the surface. Beyond my daily routines, I find cooking to be a creative outlet through which I can translate my current emotions and artistic inclinations onto a plate. I find my state of peace through the careful selection of ingredients, the blending of spices, and finally the tasting of the meal.

But my passion extends beyond the confines of my own kitchen. I’m always drawn to diverse culinary experiences from across the globe and I make an effort to visit street food stalls in Asia or the refined elegance of European restaurants whenever I travel abroad.

In the end, my passion for food isn’t just about savouring delicious dishes; it’s a dynamic and evolving journey of discovery, creativity, and connection. While this facet of my personality might not be immediately apparent, it plays a significant role in enriching my life and shaping my perspectives in unexpected ways.