INGENIEUR
PRESIDENT ’ S MESSAGE
Physical Connectivity
Malaysia owes its rapid development to a large extent to the robust physical connectivity in terms of its road networks , sea ports , railways , airports and telecommunication . These are the key criteria for FDI . The strong infrastructure and the ideal geographical position has made Malaysia a natural gateway to South East Asia .
Physical connectivity is now a buzzword in international forums following the tide of globalisation . The focus is now on the enhancement of infrastructure such as the Asia Highway , cross border power , high speed train systems , maritime and related logistic services , air space co-operation and aviation connectivity .
On the local front , the Pan-Borneo Highway , East Coast Rail Link , double-tracking and the expansion of the MRT network will position Malaysia a notch higher in the APEC Connectivity Index score . This augurs well for the Malaysia ’ s international trade and as the regional business hub for MNCs .
The bulk of Physical Connectivity projects would involve practising engineers ’ input right from the planning , design , construction , completion and operation stages . In all these processes , it is important to take cognisance of environmental
sustainability considerations such the effect on climate change , energy efficiency and Environment and Social Governance ( ESG ) guidelines .
The recent introduction of Bio-Circular-Green ( BCG ) at the recent APEC Leaders Declaration 2022 in Bangkok is well explained in the paper Bangkok Goals on BCG Economies . The content covers the ESG requirement among others that some big firms are already practising . It is timely that practising engineers make an early start in this direction .
The article on the Challenges of Road Development in Rural Area also emphasises on the need to minimise the impact towards the natural environment as enshrined in the Rural Road Network Development Plan .
This being my last message as the President of BEM , I wish to thank the management of BEM and all readers for their support given to me during my tenure as President . I hope you will give similar support to my successor in maintaining the high standing of BEM .
Dato ’ Seri Ir . Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman President , BEM
6 VOL 92 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2022