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Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
IEM Sabah celebrates golden jubilee with renewed vision
Tan Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor (fifth right) receiving the AFEO Distinguished Honorary Fellow from the president of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), Ir. Prof. Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin in 2024. On 14 June 2025, the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of steadfast commitment to engineering excellence, community service, and national development. Since its establishment in 1975, IEM Sabah has played a pivotal role in shaping the professional landscape of engineering in the state, promoting innovation, ethics, and unity across disciplines. This golden jubilee is a moment not only of celebration but of reflection — honouring those who built the past, empowered the present, and will guide the future. IEM Training Centre in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park. The Beginning: 1975 The year 1975 marked the founding of IEM Sabah by a dedicated group of pioneering engineers. Their vision was to advocate for the professional advancement of engineers in Sabah, romote technical excellence and ethical practice, serve as a collective voice for engineering matters in state development. From humble beginnings, IEM Sabah laid a strong foundation, establishing itself as a critical stakeholder in infrastructure planning, public safety and professional education. Building Momentum: 1980s–1990s During the 1980s and 1990s, IEM Sabah focused on capacity-building, networking, and advocacy. Key achievements included organising regular technical talks, short courses and site visits; collaborating with government agencies such as JKR, DID and local councils; launching training programs for graduate engineers pursuing professional registration. The move into a permanent secretariat further enhanced administrative capabilities, enabling better member services and public engagement. Recognition and Regional Influence: 2000–2010 The early 2000s heralded a new era of prestige and influence for IEM Sabah. In 2001, Datuk Seri Panglima Tham Nyip Shen, then Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, was conferred the IEM Honorary Fellowship Award. In 2008, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman, the then Chief Minister of Sabah, received the IEM Honorary Fellowship Award, a recognition of his role in driving major infrastructure projects and policies that strengthened the engineering landscape in Sabah. A Decade of Outreach and Transformation: 2010–2019 This decade saw IEM Sabah grow in depth and diversity, with an emphasis on youth leadership, gender inclusivity, and public awareness. YES (Young Engineers Section) and WE (Women Engineers) organized impactful programs including innovation camps, public speaking workshops, and school career talks. Annual seminars, charity events, and policy advocacy shaped engineering discourse and community impact. Resilience Amid Crisis: Covid-19 Pandemic (2020) The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted lives and economies globally. IEM Sabah showed leadership and compassion during this crisis by donating face masks and PPE to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and one unit freezer to the Kota Kinabalu Health Department. WE has voluntarily provided the foods to the Covid-19 patients in Likas detention centre. Despite the Movement Control Order (MCO) restrictions, technical webinars and online CPD programs continued. A Historic Milestone: Hosting CAFEO 42 in 2024 In 2024, IEM Sabah hosted the 42nd Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO 42) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), welcoming 1,500 engineers from 10 ASEAN nations. Key awards were presented to Distinguished Honorary Patron: former TYT Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Juhar Mahiruddin, Distinguished Honorary Fellow: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor, Honorary Fellow: Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Works One of IEM Sabah's most visionary achievements is the establishment of the IEM Training Centre at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
Borneo Post
30-04-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
SMJ and CAFEO 42 propel Sabah's sustainable future
(April 30) As Sabah continues its transformation toward a more competitive, sustainable and inclusive economy, the role of engineering in shaping this future is undeniable. From infrastructure development to digitalization, renewable energy to environmental conservation, engineering lies at the core of every major achievement. This progress is built on a people-centric strategic framework — the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan — under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor. In 2024, Sabah proudly hosted the 42nd Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations (CAFEO 42) in the beautiful capital city of Kota Kinabalu. This prestigious event not only marks a milestone in technical and professional achievements but also stands as a testament to the Chief Minister's commitment to elevating Sabah's stature on the international stage and fostering regional collaboration through engineering. Allow us to highlight the profound connection between engineering progress and state leadership. This is also a sincere tribute and expression of gratitude to the Chief Minister for his unwavering support, which ensured the resounding success of CAFEO 42 and continues to drive the state's advancement through the comprehensive SMJ policies. Engineering as a Driver of Economic Development Engineering is not merely a profession — it is a catalyst for transformation. In Sabah, with its complex geography, scattered communities, and abundant natural resources, engineering provides practical solutions to: Build and maintain resilient infrastructure, Connect rural areas, Manage water supply and waste sustainably, Generate renewable energy, Protect ecosystems, And enhance disaster resilience. Under the SMJ framework, the role of engineers is further strengthened through government policies emphasizing: Efficient project implementation, infrastructure expansion in underdeveloped areas, digitalization, technical and vocational education and public-private sector collaboration. This approach is not only timely but critically necessary in addressing global economic challenges and increasingly evident climate change impacts. SMJ Vision: A Realistic Strategic Framework The Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) Development Plan, introduced and spearheaded by Hajiji, is the most comprehensive development plan in Sabah's modern history. Anchored by three core pillars — Agriculture and Food Industry, Industrialization and Manufacturing, and Tourism — the SMJ also encompasses cross-sectoral themes such as: Infrastructure modernization, Green technology and sustainability, Empowering grassroots economies, Human capital development, Transparent and integrity-driven governance. For the engineering community, SMJ offers clear direction and extensive career and contribution opportunities. Under this plan, numerous projects are actively underway, including: Upgrading rural roads in remote areas like Pitas and Beluran, providing clean water to isolated villages, renewable energy projects such as solar and micro-hydro, digital infrastructure development to expand high-speed internet access, promotion of green economies and smart industries to attract investments and create quality jobs. Effective implementation reflects the state administration's capability to translate vision into tangible action. CAFEO 42: A Historic Achievement for Sabah and ASEAN Engineering In 2024, the IEM Sabah Branch was selected to host CAFEO 42, a premier conference among ASEAN engineering organizations. The decision to host CAFEO in Kota Kinabalu resulted from the strategic encouragement and strong support of the Chief Minister himself. CAFEO 42 brought together hundreds of engineers, policymakers, educators and industry leaders across ASEAN. The event's success was evident through: Technical sessions addressing challenges and solutions in infrastructure, energy, smart technology, and disaster mitigation; exhibitions showcasing local and international engineering innovations; professional networking forums between engineers and Sabah institutions; student engineering competitions to inspire younger generations; professional recognition for outstanding regional engineers. The keynote address by the Chief Minister during the opening ceremony left a profound impact on attendees. His emphasis on regional collaboration, sustainable development, and technical education aligns perfectly with current needs. The IEM Sabah Branch extends its highest appreciation and gratitude to the Chief Minister for his full support, exemplary leadership, and commitment to making CAFEO 42 in Kota Kinabalu a success. This achievement is a source of state pride and a pivotal milestone for a brighter engineering future. Engineering Education and Local Talent Development Among the most crucial investments in state development is human capital. SMJ places significant emphasis on technical and engineering education through: Strengthening TVET institutions and polytechnics, revamping STEM curricula to align with industry needs, sponsorships and incentives for technical training, industry collaboration for student internships. These steps ensure that Sabah's new generation of engineers possesses relevant skills, builds local capacity, and reduces reliance on external expertise. This is the essence of sustainable empowerment. Sabah as a Model for Engineering-Driven Sustainable Development Today, Sabah is emerging as a model state leveraging engineering and technology to become Borneo's green energy hub, develop as a regional engineering excellence centre, establish smart industrial and logistics corridors, bridge urban and rural areas inclusively through engineering. None of this would be possible without bold and forward-thinking leadership of the Chief Minister's ability to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability and unify all sectors under a shared vision is truly commendable and deserving of high praise. Leadership, Collaboration, and Appreciation As members of the engineering community, we are proud to support the SMJ Vision and contribute to Sabah's transformation. We have witnessed firsthand the policy changes, implementations, and community engagements that have delivered real impact. Specifically, we extend our highest appreciation to Chief Minister,Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor, for recognizing engineers' vital role in state development, Empowering local talent and technical education institutions, commitment to sustainability and green growth, and the monumental success of hosting CAFEO 42 in Kota Kinabalu — an event etched in Sabah's engineering history. Together under the SMJ framework, with engineering as the core and leadership as the guide, we are confident Sabah will continue advancing — stronger, smarter and more united than ever.
