KUCHING: Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has been invited to grace the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific (FEIAP) 2026 General Assembly and Convention as Guest of Honour to share his vision on engineering the future of Asia and the Pacific.
The invitation was extended by representatives of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) during a courtesy call on the Premier today at the Satria Pertiwi Complex here ahead of the three-day event, which will be held at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) from September 2 to 4.
IEM President, Ir Yau Chau Fong, said the Premier had also been invited to deliver a keynote address and participate in the Fireside Chat scheduled for September 3.
“The purpose of the courtesy call is for our event next week, the FEIAP General Assembly and Convention. One of the major objectives is to invite the Premier to be the Guest of Honour for the event,” he said during a press conference.
He said the event was expected to draw between 180 and 200 international delegates from about 25 countries spanning Southeast Asia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa and South America.
It will also bring together around 500 to 600 local participants, making it the largest gathering in FEIAP’s 48-year history.
IEM Sarawak Chairman and FEIAP 2026 Organising Chairman, Ir Dr Angelia Liew San Chuin, said the Fireside Chat would focus on “Engineering the Future of Asia and the Pacific”.
She said the session would be moderated by Ir Academician Emeritus Prof. Tan Sri Datuk Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Past President of FEIAP and IEM, who was also part of the delegation.
“FEIAP 2026 will be the largest gathering in FEIAP’s 48-year history, bringing the engineering community together with government, industry and the next generation of engineers.
“It is an important opportunity for Sarawak to share its experience, exchange practical solutions, and build stronger partnerships across Asia and the Pacific.
“Through the Premier’s Fireside Chat, delegates will also gain valuable insights into how leadership, engineering capability and investment can work together to translate sustainability ambitions into real economic and social outcomes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Chuah said engineers had an important role in addressing challenges that increasingly transcended national borders.
“Engineering is very unique. Engineers help to solve problems. We don’t create problems,” he said, adding that the gathering would enable like-minded engineers to collaborate on development issues affecting Sarawak, Malaysia, the Asia-Pacific region and the Global South.
He said issues such as climate change and environmental challenges were international in nature and required greater collaboration among countries and engineering institutions.
Themed ‘Engineering the Sustainable Transition Through Innovation and Resilience’, FEIAP 2026 will comprise the 34th FEIAP General Assembly, World Engineering Congress and Exhibition, and Youth Talent Innovation Competition.
The event will bring together engineering institutions, policymakers, industry leaders, government representatives, academics, young engineers and students to exchange ideas and strengthen regional collaboration.
