PETALING JAYA: In the past few years Malaysia has suffered both tragedies and successes related to its varied underground strata, especially in urban areas.
These range from the tragic sinkhole that swallowed a tourist in Kuala Lumpur in August 2024, the gas pipeline explosion in Putra Heights on April 1, to the breakthrough of the Genting tunnel of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) last month, just to name some.
The 16.39km Genting tunnel of ECRL is the longest rail tunnel in South-East Asia while the nearby 9.9km Serendah tunnel was completed six months ahead of schedule, testament to the depth of knowledge in underground construction here.
It is against this backdrop that Malaysia will play host to the Asian Conference on Tunnelling and Trenchless Technology 2025 (ACTT 2025) in Kuala Lumpur from Sept 10 to 11.
Organised by the Institute of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), this event brings together global professionals, academics, and stakeholders in the tunnelling and trenchless technology sectors to exchange knowledge on sustainable solutions for underground infrastructure development.
'We aim to provide a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovation and advancing the field of tunnelling and underground space technology,' said Cheah, who is organising chairman of ACTT 2025, as well as chair of IEM's tunnelling and underground space technical division.
ACTT 2025 organising chairman Frankie Cheah said the event will feature special programmes, including a memorial lecture in honour of IEM’s founder, the late Dr Ooi Teik Aun and a technical paper competition for young engineers and undergraduates.
“It’s open to all engineering professionals — from young graduates to experienced practitioners. We aim to provide a platform for exchanging ideas, showcasing innovation, and advancing the field of tunnelling and underground space technology," Cheah said of the event that has received the endorsement of the International Tunnelling Association (ITA).
"Since its inception in 1994, ACTT has been a trailblazer in promoting sustainable underground infrastructure solutions across Asia," said Cheah, himself an engineer with consulting engineering firm Aecom.
"By showcasing state-of-the-art trenchless technologies and fostering discussions on workforce development, the conference will inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists.
"It will highlight the critical role of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in addressing real-world challenges, such as rehabilitating aging infrastructure and promoting sustainable urban development.
"The conference will emphasise the need for comprehensive standards, skilled workforce training, and increased awareness of trenchless technologies among decision-makers.
"ACTT 2025 is relevant for cities like Kuala Lumpur because it promotes innovative, low-disruption solutions for urban infrastructure challenges," said Cheah.
Among the luminaries that are expected to attend are Prof Jenny Jinxiu Yan, a global authority with over 30 years of experience in tunnelling projects across China, Malaysia, Laos, Nepal, and Morocco.
Others are Dr Ooi Lean Hock, a geotechnical engineer with extensive experience in major Malaysian infrastructure projects, Assoc Prof Dr Dominic EL Ong, deputy dean at Griffith University specialising in underground space technology and geo-data analytics, Dr Siew Wei Lee, expert in geotechnical engineering and tunnelling, Datuk Richard Anak Tajan, director of Sarawak's Sewage Services Department, Dr Tan Yean Chin, co-founder of G&P Professionals and Zaw Zaw Aye, vice president of SEAFCO, a specialist in underground construction.
ACTT 2025 is expected to provide a dynamic platform to learn more about innovative solutions such as horizontal directional drilling, microtunneling and pipe bursting technology (a method to extend lifespan of piping minus the digging).
Participants, especially young engineers and undergraduates, will be exposed to cutting-edge advancements that are needed for managing aging urban infrastructure and supporting rapid urban growth.
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/ACTT2025.
