James Kon
Engineers in the construction industry are encouraged to increase understanding on sustainable development and use the latest technology and innovation to reduce the cost of construction and boost productivity, as well as extend the life cycle of infrastructure and development.
This was said by Minister of Development Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar in a ceremony at the Ministry of Development (MoD) on Thursday.
Letters of appointment were also presented to two Supervising Civil Engineers (SCEs) and 27 Delegated Engineers (DEs).
He said, “Sustainable development is the main agenda taken into consideration within our country’s construction industry. It covers viable infrastructure development, instills innovation and promotes an inclusive and sustainable industry.
“Recently, our country launched the Brunei Darussalam National Climate Change Policy document to address climate change that has become a global issue to be tackled together with a Whole of Nation approach. It requires the involvement from all levels of society, and our ministry has an important role to play in adaptation measures, as well as preparing facilities to address the negative impacts of climate change.
“Professional members with knowledge and skills are needed to carry out in-depth research, rapid planning and effective development, to make sure that the country is ready to face the negative effect of climate change in development.”
Regarding the newly appointed SCEs and DEs, the minister said, “I was made to understand that with the appointment of the SCEs and DEs, the MoD will create another Professional Development Programme for technical officers, aimed at increasing the level of knowledge and skills to an international level.
“The third cohort for the MoD’s Further Learning Programme (FLP), jointly organised with Universiti Teknologi Brunei (UTB), will commence soon. This initiative is one of the performance indicators stated in the ministry’s Strategic Plan 2018-2023, towards realising the goals of Vision 2035 of an educated and highly skilled population.
“It is the responsibility of the ministry to make sure that technical officers directly involved in construction industry have high level skills, in-depth knowledge and accredited professional qualification, because their tasks and responsibilities directly involve the wellbeing and safety of the public, such as making sure the public building design and facilities are safe, with pristine surroundings, comfortable and conducive, free from pollution and within a well-maintained environment,” he added.
Dato Seri Setia Ir Awang Haji Suhaimi presented Alice Lim with a certificate of appreciation for carrying out her duties as SCE. Three certificates of appreciation were also presented to experienced professional engineers who provided young engineers with guidance, especially those who sat for the Chartered Professional Review.