ICCEE emphasises on disaster risk reduction

Front row, from left:  Dr Lim, Dr Huang, Prof Dr Yeh Keh-Chia, Prof Dr Wang Chung-Yue, Prof Chuah, Prof Tanaka, Prof Dr Zulfikli Yusop, Dr Or and Dr Yong with the participants of ICCEE 2018

Engineers and academics gathered at Sungai Long Campus for the International Conference on Civil & Environmental Engineering (ICCEE 2018). Held from 3 to 5 October 2018, ICCEE 2018 was organised by the Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR) and University System of Taiwan (UST).

The conference aimed to provide a platform for researchers, scholars, engineers, technologists and students from universities and industries all around the world to present their researches that were carried out in the areas of civil and environmental engineering. ICCEE 2018 also provided opportunities for the participants to exchange new ideas and research experiences besides seeking future collaborations.

Attending the opening ceremony were UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Institute of Postgraduate Studies and Research Director Assoc Prof Dr Yong Thian Khok, ICCEE 2018 Chairman Assoc Prof Ir Dr Huang Yuk Feng, Lee Kong Chian Faculty of Engineering and Science’s (LKC FES) Head of Civil Engineering Department Assoc Prof Ir Dr Lim Siong Kang, keynote speakers and participants from various institutions and nationalities.

Focusing on the disaster risk reduction, the speakers shared their latest research and thoughts on managing disasters through engineering.

“A lot of disasters that happen these days may not be immediate results, but they are caused mostly by human activities. Some are the results of human activities over the years, including deforestation and over-development. I believe engineers, technologists and scientists have to play a role in minimising disaster risk because nothing is more valuable than human lives,” said Prof Chuah in his opening speech.

Prof Chuah delivering his opening speech

Prof Tanaka delivering his keynote speech

According to keynote speaker Prof Dr Yasuo Tanaka, the disasters that we face are inevitable. Not dismissing the importance of preventive steps, he emphasised on the importance of minimising the risk when it happens.

The conference also saw the participants discussing on technologies that can be utilised when facing disasters including rain and storm detection, research and development in bridge construction, preparation for earthquakes and many more sustainable construction issues and cases. 

According to CEO and Director General of Doshin Rubber Products (M) Sdn Bhd Dr Or Tan Teng, shorter buildings are actually more vulnerable to earthquake compared to taller buildings

CEO of G&P Professional Private Limited and Managing Director of G&P Geotechnics Private Limited Dato’ Ir Gue See Sew urging engineers to figure out economical solutions to disaster problems while acknowledging the challenges within

LKC FES Assoc Prof Ir Dr Low Kaw Sai sharing the use of bamboo in building construction which does not only make a good material but also empowers the rural community that supplies bamboo

Other than the keynote speeches, more than 100 papers were discussed during the concurrent sessions. The three-day conference also recognised good presenters with the Best Presenter Award. 

Concurrent sessions in progress

Participants visiting Dhoshin Rubber Products (M) Sdn Bhd on the third day

ICCEE 2018 is the third initiative held by CDRR and UST. The first collaboration was “Disaster Risk Reduction and Management on Climate Changes” workshop, held in Kuala Lumpur while the second workshop “Disaster Risk Reduction and Management – Hazard Management and Reduction for Changing Climate and Environment based on Recent Experiences” was conducted in Taiwan in 2016.