Arham Fawwaz is a Project Delivery & Customer Engagement Manager at Global Maritime’s Malaysia office, serving as the primary focal point for client engagement while overseeing a broad spectrum of internal functions. His role spans business development, project control, execution, and delivery, ensuring alignment between client expectations and operational objectives. Often described as someone who wears many hats - operating across various business streams and levels, Arham is entering his ninth year with Global Maritime and is a trusted and valued contributor to the Asia Pacific region, supporting project delivery, stakeholder relationships, and regional initiatives through a hands-on, end-to-end approach.
Tell us a bit about your current role and what it entails?
My current role is Project Delivery & Customer Engagement Manager.
As Project Delivery & Customer Engagement Manager, my job is about making sure projects run smoothly while keeping our clients front and center. On the delivery side, I coordinate teams, track progress, managing timelines and budgets, and make sure we hit deadlines without compromising on quality. On the engagement side, I spend a lot of time listening to our customers, understanding their needs, and making sure they feel supported.
I see myself as the bridge between our clients and internal teams—turning complex requirements into clear, actionable outcomes and ensuring everyone stays aligned. It’s not just about solving problems when they come up, but also about building strong relationships and creating trust. A big part of that is communication — keeping things transparent, addressing challenges early, and celebrating wins together.
At the end of the day, my role is about delivering results that make a difference for our clients and reinforcing Global Maritime’s reputation for reliability and excellence. And if I can build lasting relationships along the way, that’s the best part of the job.
How did shifts in the industry during 2025 influence your role, and how did you adapt?
2025 was a year of significant change for the industry, and the shift that influenced the way I work the most was geopolitical uncertainty. This came in many forms — from regional tensions to evolving regulations that directly impacted how and where we could operate. One of the biggest challenges for me was mobilizing our Marine Surveyors to site. Travel restrictions, sudden changes in local requirements, and shifting compliance standards often meant that plans had to be adjusted quickly. My role demanded greater flexibility, anticipating these hurdles, and working closely with clients to ensure projects stayed on track despite external pressures.
Evolving regulations were also part of this uncertainty. It was no longer enough to deliver projects efficiently; every step had to align with new compliance frameworks. This required staying updated, guiding our teams through changes, and helping clients navigate requirements with confidence.
It’s also worth mentioning that AI became a major talking point in 2025. The potential it brings to make certain tasks faster and more efficient is undeniable. For me, AI was less about replacing what we do and more about enhancing it — freeing up time to focus on client engagement and strategic planning.
When discussing AI with management, I felt proud to see it being emphasized and integrated into our plans moving forward. I am excited to see how AI technology will shape the industry in the years ahead.
What has been your favourite Global Maritime project to work on?
My favourite Global Maritime project has to be the Marine Warranty Survey (MWS) for the Johan Castberg Project. At the time, I was working as Technical Project Coordinator and served as the main contact point in APAC. Based in Kuala Lumpur, I coordinated activities in Singapore, where the modules were being constructed and integrated across three different mega-yards. At the same time, I maintained close communication with our colleagues in Norway, who were leading the project.
What made this project so memorable was the sheer scale and complexity, combined with the challenge of bridging distance and time zones. It was a true test of teamwork and communication, and it showed me how collaboration across regions can make even the most demanding projects successful.
Looking back, I remember the sense of pride when everything came together. It wasn’t just about delivering a project; it was about proving that collaboration across continents can make even the most complex challenges achievable.
Lastly, what do you enjoy most about working at Global Maritime?
Definitely the people and the culture. I’m lucky to work with colleagues who are supportive, approachable, and always happy to share what they know. Even when projects get challenging, the team spirit makes things feel lighter and more doable.
The culture here is something I really value. It’s easy to reach out to anyone—whether it’s someone in another department, another location, or even senior management. That openness makes collaboration smooth and gives me confidence that no matter the challenge, I’m never handling it alone.
I also love the learning opportunities that come with my role. Every project teaches me something new, and I’ve grown a lot by working with different clients, regions, and business streams. It keeps things exciting and pushes me to keep learning.
And lastly, the support from leadership really stands out. Knowing that management encourages growth and invests in our development makes a huge difference. It’s reassuring to feel that the company wants us to succeed—both professionally and personally.
