LEEA Establishes South East Asia Regional Council

30 Second Takeaway

LEEA has launched its South East Asia Regional Council, appointing Alex Lew of Franklin Offshore as Chair. The council brings together industry leaders from across the region to strengthen lifting safety, improve training access, and increase engagement with regulators and governments.

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) has formally convened its South East Asia Regional Council, holding its inaugural meeting in Jakarta, Indonesia, in May. The council brings together industry leaders from across the region, with Alex Lew, of Franklin Offshore Pte Ltd, appointed as Chair.

The formation of the council represents a strategic step by LEEA to strengthen regional engagement, improve safety outcomes, and support lifting industry stakeholders across South East Asia.

Regional Leadership and Industry Representation

The inaugural meeting was attended by LEEA CEO Dr. Ross Moloney, Director of Membership Matthew Barber, and Regional Manager – South East Asia, Wee Learn Ng, alongside council members representing five countries across the region.

Council members present included:

• Alex Lew, Franklin Offshore Pte Ltd (Chair)

• Lt. Colonel Associate (CD) Frank Tan, TVET Instructor, CLP (accredited ASME, LEEA)

• Ts. Dr. Mazlan Shah PhD, Director, DNV Malaysia

• Rony Prayitno Simeon

• Farhan Hussin, Offshore Engineer

Discussions focused on identifying actions to advance safety standards across lifting operations in multiple industries, reflecting the diverse operating environments found throughout South East Asia.

Expanding LEEA’s Regional Framework

The South East Asia council is the third regional council established by LEEA, following earlier councils in the Middle East and Australia and New Zealand. These regional bodies are designed to create closer links between LEEA and its members, enabling more targeted support aligned to local regulatory, operational, and training needs.

By establishing a dedicated regional council, LEEA aims to strengthen collaboration between industry, regulators, and training providers while promoting consistent safety standards across the lifting sector.

Chair’s Perspective

Commenting on his appointment, Alex Lew said:

“I’m pleased to be elected Chair of the newly formed LEEA South East Asia Regional Council. It is an honour to take on this role and to work with a dedicated group of professionals who bring extensive knowledge and a common dedication to developing the lifting and safety industry. To all the appointed members, congratulations. Your involvement gives the objectives of our council a strong foundation, and I look forward to the journey ahead working together with all members, Ross Moloney, Matthew Barber and Wee Learn Ng. As a team, we will be a significant step towards shaping the future of safe lifting in our region.”

Focus on Recognition and Training

Matthew Barber, Director of Membership at LEEA, highlighted the council’s early priorities:

“Alex was voted in by full members across the region and brings a wealth of experience in the industry to the role of Chair. The council will play a vital role in shaping the future – championing safety, raising standards and building capability for the long term. Our discussions at the first meeting centered around two key priorities: the need for greater recognition of LEEA by regulators and governments, and the importance of making high-quality, localised training more accessible throughout the region.”

Barber also thanked council members for their time and commitment, noting that the council marks a major step forward in building a stronger, more connected lifting industry in South East Asia.

About LEEA

The Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) is the leading global trade association

representing organisations involved in the design, manufacture, supply, inspection, and use of lifting equipment. LEEA works to raise safety standards, competence, and professionalism across the lifting industry through training, technical guidance, and industry leadership.

Learn more → https://www.leeaint.com

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the LEEA South East Asia Regional Council?

A regional body established by LEEA to support safety, training, and industry engagement across South East Asia.

Who was appointed Chair of the council?

Alex Lew of Franklin Offshore Pte Ltd.

Where was the inaugural meeting held?

Jakarta, Indonesia.

What are the council’s key priorities?

Improving safety standards, increasing recognition by regulators and governments, and expanding access to high-quality, localised training.

Why is the council significant for the region?

It provides a structured platform for collaboration between industry leaders, LEEA members, and stakeholders across South East Asia.