Ekovest Bhd is bidding for seven to eight projects with a collective value of up to RM5 billion, in hopes to boost its order book for uncertain times.

Executive vice-chairman Datuk Lim Kang Hoo said: “Most of the tenders are for government-related projects. They involve both buildings and infrastructure.”

The company currently has an order book value of about RM600 million, which is mainly derived from two projects. It expects the bulk of its orders to keep the company occupied over the next two to three years.

According to Lim, the company should be able to sustain its earnings growth barring any unforeseen circumstances. However, any cancellation or postponement of major jobs in hand could affect its earnings significantly.

Some of its major jobs include the new phase of Universiti Malaysia Sabah and two contracts with Universiti Teknologi Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia. Lim said the company is prepared, and in the case that cancellations or postponements happen, it may have to scale down and cut costs.

Ekovest recorded a 55 per cent drop in net profit during the first quarter ended 30 September 2008.

The company, which took part in a highway project in India three years ago, aims to win more overseas projects on top of local jobs. It has already begun initial talks and feasibility studies.

"We are looking at places close by, such as Indonesia and Vietnam. We think this is the right time to look into it, especially when prices are falling," Lim said.

The company is also looking at ways to participate in the Danga Bay Waterfront City Development. The project, located in Johor Bahru and part of Iskandar Malaysia, has been aborted due to unfavourable equity market conditions.

Lim revealed the company is looking to participate via joint ventures with other parties or through direct investment. It would make a decision by the middle of 2009.