KUCHING: Institute of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Branch will set up an International Engineering Centre (IntEC) in Kota Samarahan, to chart the future of the engineering profession and propel the local engineering fraternity to greater heights.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the state government would provide a matching grant for IEM Sarawak Branch for the construction of the building.
“I’m here to state that we will continue with the one-to-one matching grant once you start building your own centre in Samarahan.
“If you have RM5 million, I will give you RM5 million. If you collect RM10 million, I will give you RM10 million,” he said during the IEM Sarawak Branch annual dinner last night.
Abang Johari noted that the centre would allow IEM Sarawak Branch to carry out research and development (R&D) to improve technology.
“We are no longer depending on foreign labour. We must embrace technology and robotic operation. I’m very obsessed with R&D because that is the way for us to move forward,” he said.
Meanwhile, IEM Sarawak Branch chairman Datuk Ir Janang Bungsu said that currently, IntEC is located in a shop lot at Isthmus Raintree Square.
“We were graciously gifted six acres of land at Muara Tuang Land District in Kota Samarahan by the state government for the establishment of a new centre.
“IEM Sarawak Branch is determined to ensure that IntEC is on track to fulfil its purpose as promised to the local engineering fraternity 10 years ago.
“The centre will serve as a regional hub of excellence in upskilling and educating the local engineering fraternity, especially our future professional engineers of Sarawak.
“Our goals conform with one of the main enablers of the Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, which is Education and Human Capital,” he said.
Apart from providing training in a specific engineering domain, he said the centre would also conduct studies on other areas of interest, especially how some of the existing engineering processes can accord with the digital transformation as well as the petrochemical technology research.
The event also saw the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IEM and Public Works Department (PWD) Sarawak; IEM and Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus; IEM and PCSS Consultancy Sdn Bhd.
The MoU is to establish collaborative relations between all parties, collaborate and develop technical interchange through mutual assistance, especially in the areas of digitalisation in the construction industry, industry-related research, sustainable development and community empowerment.
