Potential partnerships to tackle rural engineering challenges

SPAOH: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sarawak and the State Public Works Department (PWD) can collaborate in key areas of construction, particularly in tackling engineering challenges in rural areas.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said both institutions could work together on the construction of roads on peat soil and hilly terrains.

“The other aspect was how to reduce cost in road construction,” he said.

He was welcoming 56 students from UiTM Sarawak participating in the ‘Future Engineers in the Making: Sarawak PWD Engineering Experience’ programme at Rumah Mendit Unsu in Penom here on Friday.

The three-day programme aims to expose students – mainly from engineering, architecture and quantity surveying backgrounds – to real-world construction scenarios, including visits to ongoing road construction sites.

Also taking part were 26 newly appointed PWD engineers from across the state.

Uggah, who is also Infrastructure and Port Development Minister, also shared advice with the students on entering the industry after graduation.

“First, it is very important that you understand the local culture in your work areas.

“Before starting any construction project, ensure that the local community has been properly consulted.

“This helps build support and smoothens project implementation,” he said.

The Bukit Saban assemblyman also stressed the need for engineers to have a strong understanding of local site conditions to better plan and execute their work.

On the same note, Uggah shared that Sarawak is currently undertaking around RM60 billion worth of infrastructure projects, including both federal and state-funded developments.

“Of this, Sarawak alone is implementing at least RM36 billion, which includes the Second Trunk Road, Coastal Road Network, 16 major bridges, and various projects under our nine regional development agencies,” he said.

He expressed hope that all projects would be carried out efficiently, without compromising quality and within their scheduled timelines.

Earlier, UiTM Sarawak Rector, Professor Dr Firdaus Abdullah, said that of the 65 academic programmes offered by the university, about half are focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

“Our focus is to produce more Bumiputera engineers, technologists and other professionals to serve the nation’s development,” he said.