SIBU: A proactive approach to integrating sustainable practices, digital innovation, and inclusivity into the engineering endeavour is needed in today’s era.
Following this, the Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Michael Tiang Ming Tee said that as the engineering landscape is evolving rapidly, we must stay at the forefront of innovation in various disciplines to remain competitive globally.
“To thrive in an ever-changing world, we must adopt new technology and ideas and expand our horizons to encompass diverse fields within the engineering sector, and I believe the engineering community of Sarawak is more than capable of embracing this responsibility.
“We can usher in a new era of sustainable and resilient infrastructure through the collaborative efforts of engineers, government, academia, and industries,” he said in his remarks when officiating at the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Networking Dinner Sibu 2023 here last night (Aug 18).
Tiang, who is also the Pelawan assemblyman, stressed the need for investing in education, providing resources, and fostering opportunities to fuel innovation.
“Such efforts will empower youth to become engineers, securing Sarawak’s future progress,” he said.
Meanwhile, he encouraged the exploration of fields beyond traditional engineering domains like civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, such as aerospace, maritime, biochemical, artificial intelligence (AI), and renewable energy.
He said that all the areas present distinct challenges and growth prospects, which can be harnessed through curiosity and interdisciplinary cooperation.
“Encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange will enable us to harness the synergies between different branches of engineering and drive ground-breaking advancements.
“We must equip our engineering community with the knowledge, skills, and resources to explore and excel in these diverse sectors by collaborating with academia, industry partners, and relevant government agencies, as this will provide the necessary support and foster a vibrant engineering ecosystem,” he stressed.
Tiang also said that promoting diversity and inclusivity in engineering was another key point, as inclusivity extends to achieving gender balance in engineering careers, thereby unlocking the full potential of the workforce and creating equal opportunities.
“Let’s embrace possibilities and empower engineers for innovative progress in Sarawak. I would also like to encourage environmental solutions and green practices for a better future.
“Adopting emerging technologies and incorporating green practices will ensure our citizens’ better quality of life and safeguard Sarawak’s natural beauty for future generations,” he said.
Also present were IEM Sarawak chairman Ir Stephanie Sim Hui Kheng, organising chairman Ir Hii Hwang, IEM Sarawak Sibu Region chairman Ir Anderson Sie Teck Sung, and others.
