SIBU: A two-day symposium is being held here to deliberate on the intricacies of infrastructure development on soft soil.
And this year experts are also expected to look into what is being billed as an innovative solution to address ground problems in the country, especially in Sibu.
The International Symposium on Soft Ground Improvement (SOGI 2023) which began on Tuesday (July 11) is organised by the Centre of Tropical Geoengineering (Geotropik) of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, a service-based research centre dedicated to advancing geological and geotechnical engineering application.
It is being held in collaboration with University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Department of Drainage and Irrigation, Public Works Department, Institute of Engineers Malaysia, Sarawak Branch and Research Centre of Soft Soil (RECESS) of Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.
The symposium involves nine keynote speakers and three invited speakers who are renowned international professionals from Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand to share knowledge, best practices, and cutting-edge solutions for enhancing infrastructure stability and resilience in soft ground conditions.
A total of 95 participants from both academia and industry are participating in this event which was officiated by Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Dr Annuar Rapaee.
In her welcoming speech, Geotropik director, Dr Dayang Zulaiha Hasbollah said since its establishment in 2016, Geotropik has been actively engaging with various agencies to address the complex challenges associated with tropical geoengineering.
She pointed out that SOGI 2023 aims to gather experts in the field of soft ground improvement and geotechnical engineering from around the world.
“Our objective is to exchange knowledge about the phenomenon of soft soil in tropical regions and engage in discussions related to construction and development in these areas.
“However, this year’s SOGI is particularly special as we present an innovative solution that was once considered “impossible” to address the ground problems in our country, especially here in Sibu.
“Hence, our motto for this event is “Do the Impossible.” Over the course of two days, this symposium will serve as an excellent platform to raise awareness among the locals about soft soil formation, particularly in the context of construction and development.
“It also aims to strengthen the relationship between academia and industries while making a positive impact on the community,” she said.
Dr Zulaiha pointed out that construction on soft ground poses significant challenges in the field of geotechnical engineering.
Therefore, she said it is essential to approach it with innovative and emerging techniques.
She hoped the symposium will provide with profound insights into the challenges and remedies for soft ground.
“As part of our programme, we have also arranged a short visit on the second day to the affected area in Sibu town, allowing us to witness firsthand the impact of soft ground issues on local residents and gain further insights into soft ground in Sarawak,” she added.
Meanwhile, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Dr Edy Tonnizam Mohamad said Geotropik has organised several events previously including International Tropical Geoengineering and Groundwater Symposium 2017, International Short Course On Earthquake Source and Hard 2018, SOGI 2019, etc.
All these events, he said delved into the challenges of tropical ground and provided insights on emerging technologies and approaches.
“Similarly I’m sure all the participants will delve into an array of captivating topics from our respected speakers,” he said.
Among those present were PWD director Richard Tajan, DID director hmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi, Deputy Vice Chancellor of UTS Dr Mohammad Shahril Osman and chairperson of Institute of Engineers Malaysia, Sarawak Sim Hui Kheng.
