Challenging economy hides multitude of opportunities — Lee
Whether in good or bad economy, we still need engineering.
Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister of Communications
MIRI: The current challenging economy should not be an excuse for engineers to not strive for innovation in their line of work.
Assistant Minister of Communications Datuk Lee Kim Shin said such unfavourable situation should be the drive for them to apply their knowledge into coming up with viable alternatives, especially initiatives on cost control in construction and addressing environmental pollution issues.
“Whether in good or bad economy, we still need engineering. I strongly believe that by seeking new alternatives that could be produced locally, it would greatly help local entrepreneurs and businesses,” he said in his address during a dinner hosted by the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Miri Branch here on Saturday.
On construction wastage, Lee was happy to note that IEM Miri had managed to take on the challenge of addressing the problem.
“Construction wastage has been a huge problem over the years, and it still needs to be managed efficiently.
“This was the challenge that I threw at IEM Miri last year. Yes, the problem has yet to be fully resolved, but there has been less construction waste than previously — proving that this issue can be handled.”
However, Lee acknowledged that educating contactors on the matter would require time, energy and effort.
“The practice in sustainability starts from that one little effort — education.”
Meanwhile, Lee pointed out that the demand for engineering service in the state was still high, especially in Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) in Samalaju, Bintulu.
“Fortunately, we have Curtin University ( Sarawak Malaysia) offering engineering programmes and based on the university’s record, they have so far produced over 800 engineers. Still, the number is inadequate in meeting the engineering needs in SCORE.
“I look forward to having more creative and innovative young engineers who could make a difference in the future,” he said.
Lee, who has been supporting the institution since its establishment 17 years ago, presented RM5,000 to IEM Miri Young Engineers Section ( YES) in the hope that the fund would be put into good use, such as for holding conferences and workshops aimed at benefitting local young engineers.
The dinner was also attended by Miri mayor Lawrence Lai, IEM Miri chairman Paul Chew Lik Ung, IEM Miri YES chairwoman and event’s organising head Elaine Wee Siew Xian, IEM Miri immediate past chairman Steven Chin Hui Seng, and local business figure Datuk Lau Siu Wai.