KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional hub for underground construction and innovation with the adoption of tunnelling and trenchless technologies, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, Chang Lih Kang.
Speaking at the Asian Conference on Tunnelling and Trenchless Technology (ACTT) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) here today, Chang said going underground is no longer simply an engineering choice, but it is becoming an urban necessity.
“Urban planners increasingly describe underground space as the ‘third dimension’ of modern cities, complementing vertical and horizontal development,” he said.
Chang pointed to Malaysia’s Klang Valley MRT and LRT projects as proof of how tunnelling is reshaping the way citizens move, work and live.
He also assured that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) remained committed to fronting Malaysia’s progress in science, technology and innovation.
“Under the MADANI government, we are guided by the values of sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust and compassion.
“These values resonate strongly with what this conference is about, innovating responsibly, building sustainably, and ensuring that progress benefits both people and the planet,” he said.
ACTT 2025, running from September 10 to 12, is organised by the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) through its Tunnelling and Underground Space Technical Division (TUSTD).
The biennial event gathers 150 to 200 delegates across Asia, showcasing the latest advances in green tunnelling, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure.
The conference, endorsed by the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES), features technical sessions, exhibitions, competitions and a technical visit to local projects.
It is held in conjunction with ENGINEER 2025 as part of the IEM Convention. – BERNAMA
