Inked: Dr Lee and Cassidy (second and third from right) holding up the MoA as TAR UMT vice president Prof Dr Loke Chui Fung (far left) and JKR Sarawak senior principal assistant director (research and investigation) Dr Chen Mien Sin (far right) look on.
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT) and Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak recently marked a milestone in sustainable infrastructure development with the formalisation of a collaborative research project focused on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the Sarawak Coastal Road Network Project.
A Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) was signed by the varsity’s president Prof Datuk Dr Lee Sze Wei and JKR Sarawak director Dr Cassidy anak Morris, who was recently appointed industry expert advisor for TAR UMT’s Master of Science in Construction Project Management programme, on Oct 3.
The landmark study for sustainable infrastructure titled, “Developing a Customised ESG Reporting Framework for Coastal Road Network Project: Performance Assessment and Strategic Recommendations,” is a one-year research collaboration, spearheaded by TAR UMT’s Faculty of Built Environment and Faculty of Accountancy, Finance, and Business.
The research project will focus on developing a customised ESG reporting framework for the Coastal Road Network Project, assessing the project’s current ESG performance, and proposing strategic recommendations to close performance gaps and improve overall sustainability.
The project is of national importance, as the Sarawak Coastal Road Network is a landmark undertaking that connects the coastal areas of Sarawak and enhances connectivity to the Pan Borneo Highway, which includes construction of new roads, new bridges and rehabilitation of existing infrastructures.
JKR Sarawak, which operates under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Ports Development Sarawak, is demonstrating a strong commitment to evidence-based sustainable practice by providing research funding of RM63,440 for the project.
In his remarks, Cassidy said the collaboration is important as it aligns with the state government’s policy, on focusing on the green aspects of development.
“ESG is important for us, where we are focusing on preserving the green aspects of development, looking at preserving our natural resources.
“This collaboration is our initiative to obtain good, researched-based recommendations in upholding ESG in our development plans for the state.”
In his speech, Prof Lee emphasised the global necessity of this initiative.
“This research will further elevate the project by integrating a robust ESG framework, ensuring that its development is not only economically viable but also environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
“This initiative is directly aligned with the global shift towards ESG principles in infrastructure, which is critical given that infrastructure is linked to a significant portion of global greenhouse gas emissions,” he said in a press release.
