MIRI: A group of 25 students from Curtin University Malaysia’s Curtin Civil Society, its student-run academic club for civil and construction engineering students and two lecturers from its Department of Civil and Construction Engineering recently embarked on a study tour to Kuala Lumpur.
They had the chance to visit various key infrastructure sites in Kuala Lumpur during the tour, which was aimed to provide valuable insights into the practical application of the students’ engineering knowledge and expose them to state-of-the-art projects.
One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (SMART) Control Centre managed by the Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia (DID). SMART is an innovative project of the government of Malaysia initiated to alleviate the flooding problem in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre due to stormwater from the Klang – Ampang catchment, and to ease traffic congestion at the southern main gateway to the city centre.
The students and lecturers were provided with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour, showcasing the technology and systems utilised to control and manage stormwater and flood control measures.
This hands-on experience gave them a deeper understanding of the importance of efficient water management in urban areas.
Lecturer Dr Yong Leong Kong said this visit to SMART was invaluable to the students as such innovative infrastructures exist only in Kuala Lumpur.
Furthermore, they had the opportunity to observe firsthand the flood detection and monitoring system at work, and learned the modes of operation used by SMART to manage floodwater discharge and the storage capacity of excess rainwater to prevent flooding.
This allowed them to relate engineering theories and concepts learned in class to real-life applications at SMART.
Additionally, the group had the opportunity to explore the LRT 3 Depot, where they visited the Control Centre and Light Rail Vehicle (LRV) yard.
This visit provided an invaluable chance for the students to observe the day-to-day operations of a major transportation facility and understand the intricate workings of the control systems in managing a large fleet of LRVs.
The students and lecturers also made a stop at the newly-constructed LRT 3 Station 22 managed by Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, which owns and operates the country’s urban rail services including three Light Rail Transit (LRT) networks and the KL Monorail, in addition to operating the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line.
Guided by experienced professionals, they had the chance to observe the intricate construction process and gain insights into the design and execution of such a project.
This visit allowed them to witness firsthand the importance of meticulous planning, engineering expertise, and teamwork in creating functional and sustainable infrastructure.
Lecturer Dr Paran Gani emphasised the significance of such study tours in enhancing students’ practical knowledge.
“Observing and experiencing real-life infrastructure projects provide our students with a unique perspective on the challenges and complexities involved in the civil and construction engineering field.
“This study tour has been invaluable in broadening their horizons and inspiring their passion for innovation and sustainable development,” he said.
The Curtin Malaysia Civil and Construction Engineering students and lecturers expressed their gratitude to DID Malaysia and the management team at the LRT 3 Depot for their warm hospitality and cooperation throughout the tour.
They believed that this immersive experience would have a lasting impact on their academic and professional journeys.
Curtin Malaysia offers Curtin’s Bachelor of Engineering in Civil and Construction Engineering, which equips students with the knowledge and skills to apply scientific and technological principles to the design and construction of various types of infrastructure.
It is a four-year honours course double-accredited by Engineers Australia (EA) and the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM).
Curtin Malaysia is the largest international campus of Curtin University, Western Australia.
Located here, Curtin Malaysia offers a range of courses across various disciplines, including engineering, business, science, and arts. It values industry connections, global perspectives, and research excellence, providing students with a world-class education and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit www.curtin.edu.my or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or Tik-Tok.
