It was a pleasure to attend the Institution of Civil Engineers East Asian Regional Strategy Meeting in Kuala Lumpur at the beginning of the month to meet infrastructure and construction industry leaders from Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, New Zealand and London.
There was extensive discussion on the changing role and definition of a civil engineer; how engineers can influence the efficient delivery of infrastructure internationally.
During the RSM I briefed the group on the Institution’s overall international strategy for growth, further improvements to members services and how we can influence infrastructure delivery in each region. We all reviewed our current practises and events and aligning our Country strategies identifying opportunities for improvement and growth.
In addition to the RSM, a series of events were arranged to create value for our members and moving the profession forwards.
- We met a variety of members across the region to understand the idiosyncrasies of each country and understand where the Institution can add value to its members.
- Worked with incumbnant Institutions and Associations finding syncrasies and opportunities to work together to improve industry, this included forming agreements with Institution of Malaysian Engineers.
- Introduced the NEC Suite of Contracts to the region describing how the standards enable collaborative working and a structured commercial approach enabling the efficient delivery of major infrastructure.
- Finalised the introduction of our first approved ICE training agreement to the region with Opus International part of UEM Edgenta Malaysia, this will assist the business train and develop rounded professionals to deliver engineering feats and major infrastructure projects.
- Met with government officials and leaders of industry at our first ICE Fellows reception in Malaysia and Brunei.
- We were welcomed to the Bandar Malaysia North MRT Station construction site, we were greeted by the Project Director Satpal Bhogul and his team. The alignment is 52.2km long, consisting of 38.7km of elevated tracks and 13.5km running through underground tunnels. It will have 35 stations of which 24 are elevated and 11 underground. The project has adapted world industry best practise and is delivering its program safely on time and budget. It was great to see the comparisions with work our work on Crossrail and Sydney Metro.
- Technical events were arranged for members in Singapore.
- In Brunei a series of members and fellowship events were arranged and Fellows formally appointed.
- A site visit was arranged to see the construction of the amazing Temburong Bridge, a 30-kilometre (19-mile) bridge currently under construction in Brunei to connect Mengkubau and Sungai Besar.
I would like to thank Ir Dr Tony Chan for arranging the conference and activities in Malaysia and Bahrin Mohammad for arranging the events in Brunei, Patrick Courtney, Thaban Arumugam, Tim Warren, Anek Kanittanon, Mike Dobie and Kok Hui Heng.
