INGENIEUR
PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
INGENIEUR
PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
Infrastructure – Meeting Future Needs
Infrastructure has been closely connected with engineering since Malaysia embarked on development after gaining her independence . Infrastructure at that time was mainly basic works on road and drainage construction , water and electricity supply and simple landfills .
With advancement of technology in the manufacturing sector , IT services and affluent lifestyle , new systems of infrastructure have been added , such as optic fibre cabling , co-generation of chilled water , high capacity telecommunication networks , modern logistics support and so on . The way forward to meet expectations of new infrastructure needs will call for engineers ’ action again .
The expansion of trade and new economic initiatives such as the ASEAN Economic Community , One Belt One Road , Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and Maritime Silk Road Fund that emphasize global connectivity will spur a new wave of infrastructure construction such as highways , railway lines , port upgrading , health service facilities and leisure facilities . It was reported that the Asia-Pacific region will require US $ 8 trillion from 2010 to 2020 to finance the construction of infrastructure works . The opportunities for the engineering fraternity are expected to be great in the coming years .
With the global emphasis on connectivity , highways and railways will be integrated to allow seamless movement of vehicles and rail coaches . The article on “ Asian Highway ” gives the rationale on common design standard , safety protocol and navigation nomenclature as well as certain issues and policy matters relating to its implementation . For the financing perspective , the paper on “ Infrastructure Investment – Bridging the Global Gap ” looks at the financing positions and options on financing models to implement new infrastructure as the pre-requisite for countries to progress .
Amidst high tech infrastructure , the article on “ Motorless Ferry that once plied the Jelai River in Kuala Lipis ” brings us back to history as well as to the wisdom of our elders who used the natural force of the river ’ s current to move the ferry . It is such an ingenious concept ; not many engineers today can provide the answer if they are asked to design a ferry using the force of current to cross to the opposite bank of a river .
I hope you will find these articles useful and interesting , and I also look forward to your contributions to this publication .
Datuk Ir . Adanan bin Mohamed Hussain President BEM
4 VOL 66 APRIL - JUNE 2016