KUCHING: Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) and the Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak marked a milestone in sustainable infrastructure development on Oct 3.
Both parties formalised a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for a collaborative research project focused on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the Sarawak Coastal Road Network Project.
The MoA, was signed by Professor Datuk Indera Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, and Director of Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak Dr Cassidy Morris.
The landmark research for sustainable infrastructure titled, ‘Developing a Customised Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Reporting Framework for Coastal Road Network Project: Performance Assessment and Strategic Recommendations,’ is a one-year collaboration, spearheaded by TAR UMT’s Faculty of Built Environment (FOBE) and Faculty of Accountancy, Finance, and Business (FAFB).
The project is of paramount national importance, as the Sarawak Coastal Road Network is a landmark undertaking that connects the coastal areas of Sarawak and enhances connectivity to the Pan Borneo Highway, which includes construction of new roads, new bridges and rehabilitation of existing infrastructures.
PWD Sarawak, which operates under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Development Sarawak (MIPD), is providing research funding of RM63,440 for the project.
“This collaboration is important as it aligns with the state government’s policy, on focusing on the green aspects of development. ESG is important for us, where we are focusing on preserving the green aspects of development, looking at preserving our natural resources.
“This collaboration is our initiative to obtain good and research-based recommendations in upholding ESG in our development plans for the state,” said Cassidy.
He said it will further elevate the project by integrating a robust ESG framework, ensuring that its development is not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
“This initiative is directly aligned with the global shift towards ESG principles in infrastructure, which is critical given that infrastructure is linked to a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions.”
Lee, meanwhile, emphasised the global necessity of this initiative.
“TAR UMT is honoured to be able to contribute our expertise and I am confident that the outcomes of this research will provide significant benefits to the Coastal Road Network project and will contribute valuable knowledge to the broader construction industry in Malaysia,” he said.
