ASTRICE offers comprehensive training that blends theoretical learning with hands-on practical experience.
AS the sewerage sector continues to evolve with the adoption of advanced technologies and complex treatment processes, the demand for specialised, highly skilled and future-ready workforce has never been greater.
Sustaining an efficient and resilient national sewerage system requires continuous investment in human capital to meet both current operational needs and future industry challenges.
National sewerage company, Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK) has taken proactive steps to address this need through its dedicated technical training centre—Asian Sewerage Training, Research and Innovation Centre (ASTRICE), established in 2006.
ASTRICE provides comprehensive training programmes that combine theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical components, covering key aspects of sewerage system operations and management.
Since its inception, the centre has played a vital role in supporting the growth of skilled manpower in the country, particularly within the sewerage sector.
Beyond its core training mandate, ASTRICE also supports IWK’s aspiration to expand its consulting services through the Management and Technical Advisory Service (MTSA), to organisations and companies beyond Malaysia’s shores.
Training and consultancy are seen as complementary elements that must progress in tandem to strengthen technical expertise and organisational capability across the industry.
“ASTRICE is not merely a training centre, but a key driver of capacity development that supports IWK’s MTSA services,” said IWK chief corporate officer Azuan Ahmad Zahdi.
“In addition to developing our internal talent, ASTRICE attracts international participants and industry players beyond the sewerage sector.
“Our programmes span both technical and non-technical aspects, including occupational safety and health, customer relations, operations management and emerging technologies—which are all in line with current and future industry needs,” he added.
Azuan said the training curriculum is designed to align with current operational needs and future industry demands.
He further emphasised that the holistic approach applied through training programmes, seminars and knowledge-sharing sessions enables ASTRICE to function as a knowledge transfer hub that supports IWK’s vision of becoming a leading wastewater company.
Through this learning ecosystem, IWK not only nurtures high-performing internal talent, but also reinforces its position as a credible regional consultancy and training provider.
In keeping with technological advancements, ASTRICE is also exploring the potential use of virtual reality (VR) technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) as future training approaches.
VR has the potential to provide more interactive, realistic and safe real-world simulations, while AI can support data-driven learning through performance analysis, scenario simulations and smarter, faster recommendations for improvement.
The development of competent human capital remains central to the excellence of national sewerage services.
Continuous capacity-building initiatives undertaken through ASTRICE represent a strategic investment in strengthening the industry’s readiness to navigate technological changes, automation and increasingly dynamic operational requirements.
ASTRICE also plays a regional role through cross-border mentoring programmes with organisations in Indonesia and the Philippines.
Today, ASTRICE continues to strengthen its role as a regional reference centre for the sewerage industry.
Through IWK’s mentoring programmes with Perumda PALD Banjarmasin from Indonesia and the Baguio City Environment and Parks Management Office from the Philippines, ASTRICE actively facilitates cross-border knowledge transfers while simultaneously showcasing IWK’s capabilities in delivering international-standard training programmes.
For further information or pre-registration for courses and training programmes, visit the ASTRICE website at https://astriceiwk.carrd.co.
ASTRICE is a registered training provider under the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRDCorp), with all training programmes claimable under the Skim Bantuan Latihan Khas (SBL-Khas).
