Curtin Malaysia and IEM Miri drive innovation in sustainable infrastructure at engineering research conference

Miri, Sarawak – 24 June 2025 – Engineers, academics and future professionals converged at Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) recently for the 9th Civil and Environmental Engineering Research Conference, co-hosted by Curtin Malaysia’s Faculty of Engineering and Science and the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Miri Branch.

The annual conference served as a dynamic platform for postgraduate students, industry experts, and academics to explore cutting-edge engineering solutions to Sarawak’s most pressing infrastructure and environmental challenges – from urban flooding to climate resilience and sustainable construction.

“Bringing together academic research and real-world engineering expertise, the conference helped build the next generation of problem-solvers for Borneo’s rapidly evolving infrastructure needs,” said Associate Professor Wong Kwong Soon of Curtin Malaysia’s Civil and Construction Engineering Department.

Final-year postgraduate students took centre stage with presentations on projects ranging from sustainable drainage systems and green materials to climate-resilient infrastructure and modular construction. Designed to simulate a professional conference environment, the event provided a unique opportunity for students to share and defend their work before an audience of academics and industry professionals.

Two expert lectures provided valuable context for the student research. Ambun Dindang, Deputy Director General (Operation) at the Malaysian Meteorological Department, presented a compelling analysis of rainfall and temperature trends in Malaysia, underlining the importance of climate data in developing flood-resilient infrastructure.

Daniel Chen Chun Ing, Divisional Engineer at the Drainage and Irrigation Department (DID) Miri, followed with a deep dive into urban stormwater management, offering adaptive strategies to mitigate the effects of rapid urbanisation in Miri and similar growing cities.

A highlight of the event was a technical session and site visit to the Lambir National Park viaduct project, an ambitious infrastructure initiative in a biodiversity-rich area. Engineers Ir. Sam Yii and Ir. Peter Yu from PPK Sdn Bhd shared insights into prestressing and beam launching techniques, followed by a live on-site demonstration of beam launching operations.

“This is where the theory meets the terrain,” remarked one attendee. “Seeing engineering solutions applied in real-time, especially in ecologically sensitive zones, was both inspiring and instructive.”

Encouraged by this year’s success, the organisers plan to expand the 2026 edition to feature international experts and interdisciplinary topics such as smart city infrastructure, climate modelling, and renewable energy systems.

“The synergy between academia and industry at this conference is a model for how engineering education should evolve,” said a Faculty of Engineering and Science spokesperson. “Our goal is to empower future engineers with the knowledge, skills, and networks to drive sustainable development in Sarawak and beyond.”

For more information on Curtin Malaysia, visit its website at curtin.edu.my, or look for Curtin Malaysia on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn or TikTok.

Associate Professor Wong (third from the left) and fellow lecturers during a parallel session for final-year students.

Ir. Sam Yii shares insights into prestressing and beam launching techniques for a viaduct project near Lambir National Park.

Lecturers and students gather for a group photo during a site visit near Lambir National Park.