KUCHING: Sarawak is hosting the largest gathering in the Federation of Engineering Institutions of Asia and the Pacific’s (FEIAP) 48-year history, bringing together representatives from 25 countries.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the 34th FEIAP General Assembly and the inaugural World Engineering Congress provides a platform for engineers from across Asia and the Pacific to exchange ideas and build partnerships.
“I am told that this is the largest gathering in FEIAP’s 48-year history. So, for the next few days, Kuching is not only the host city.
“It is where engineers from across Asia and the Pacific will exchange ideas, build partnerships and consider how we can shape the future of our region,” he said.
He said this when officiating at the opening the 34th FEIAP General Assembly and World Engineering Congress at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here today.
Abang Johari said the congress, themed ‘Engineering the Sustainable Transition Through Innovation and Resilience’, reflects the direction Sarawak is taking in its development.
He said sustainable transition could not be achieved through policies and announcements alone, but must be translated into projects and practical solutions.
As such, he said engineers are required at every stage, from designing and financing projects to their construction, operation, measurement and continuous improvement.
On the same note, he invited FEIAP members to view Sarawak as more than a meeting venue, saying the state could serve as a place to test new ideas under real-world conditions.
“Sarawak offers more than a meeting place. We can be a place where new ideas are tested under real conditions.
“We can be a partner in research, investment and talent development. And from our position in Borneo, we can help connect knowledge and expertise across ASEAN and the wider Asia-Pacific,” he said.
Abang Johari proposed that cooperation begin with a practical engineering challenge involving institutions, universities and industries across FEIAP.
He said such collaboration could involve identifying a real engineering challenge and testing a solution that could be measured, improved and replicated.
“Sarawak is ready to explore such partnerships,” he
