KOTA KINABALU: The Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has been selected as the recipient of the Industrial Collaboration Program (ICP) for the expansion of the Sepangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) in 2023, which was launched by the Sabah government, recently.
The ICP is a government initiative aimed at promoting the development of local industries in Malaysia. Through this program, UMS will have the opportunity to further strengthen its research and development capabilities and enhance its collaboration with industry partners.
The expansion of the port will be made possible through the joint efforts Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA), Technology Depository Agency (TDA), and WCT Holdings Bhd. – China Communications Construction Company (M) Sdn. Bhd. (CCCC) Joint Venture (WCJV)
Ministry of Finance (MOF) provides direction and guidance towards achieving the program’s objectives. SEDIA is responsible for sourcing and acquiring the necessary resources and materials for the expansion project. TDA ensures that the program is executed efficiently and effectively, while WCJV manages the project’s overall implementation.
The launch event also highlighted the significance of Building Information Modeling (BIM), an essential aspect of the ICP program. BIM is a process that involves creating and managing digital representations of physical and functional characteristics of buildings and infrastructure. Negeri Sabah, being a state with a rapidly growing economy, needs to have a BIM Center to support major infrastructure projects and to fulfil the technology needs of the state.
The expansion of the SBCP project is just one of several major infrastructure projects in Sabah that would benefit from the utilization of BIM. Other projects that require the use of BIM are Pan Borneo Highway Project and Sabah Pan Borneo Expressway project, the UMS Hospital project, the Pavilion Harbour City project, the SBH Kibing Solar New Materials project, and the Sabah Integrated Herb Farm project.
During the launch event, there were presentations on two important aspects of the ICP program. The first was a presentation and demonstration by Dr. Yoong Hou Pin on the ICP Research and Development Project of Solar Energy to Hydrogen using Seawater Prototype. This project aims to explore the potential of utilizing solar energy to produce hydrogen from seawater, which can be used as a clean and sustainable source of fuel.
The second presentation was by Sr. Ts. Dr. Asmawan Mohd Sarman, who discussed the need for investment in the establishment and commission of a BIM laboratory and training courses.
The development of BIM capabilities is crucial for supporting major infrastructure projects in Sabah and fulfilling the technology needs of the state. With the establishment of a BIM Center, Sabah will be better equipped to manage and execute these projects efficiently and effectively.
The ICP program is expected to contribute to the progress and prosperity of Sabah and Malaysia as a whole by promoting industrial growth and development.
