ENGINEERS must continue to innovate and prepare for a wide range of future challenges in the field, particularly those involving climate change, sustainable development, and emerging technologies, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said.
Speaking at the 2025 Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Awards and Appreciation Dinner last night, Fadillah said engineers must play a crucial role in devising local technologies and solutions to reduce dependency on foreign expertise, beyond merely executing development projects.
“What we need to do now is to look to the future... what challenges are we facing and will continue to face, and what are the needs of today and the future — including for engineers of tomorrow,” he said.
Fadillah cited climate change, unpredictable weather, floods, natural disasters, and water scarcity as among the main issues demanding innovative solutions and sustainable engineering strategies.
He emphasised that the government is focused on digital economic development and the Malaysia MADANI framework, both of which require engineers to ensure all projects incorporate sustainability features and are capable of addressing environmental challenges.
Highlighting the RM8 billion Langat 2 water treatment plant project in Selangor, Fadillah noted it as a successful example of local professional capability in managing large-scale infrastructure development.
While Malaysia already possesses some home-grown technology, he said more needs to be done to develop new innovations and products so that the nation can become a technology creator rather than merely a consumer.
“That is why in the context of MADANI as well, one of the core thrusts is for us to become creators... and this is where our role as engineers comes in. But I believe there is still much work to be done so that we can become a creator nation, not just a user,” he added.
He also called on young engineers to enhance their involvement in research and development, and to leverage new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to devise innovative solutions for current and future engineering challenges.
During the ceremony, Professor Ir Mohd Sapuan Salit, founder of the Engineering Composites Research Group at Universiti Putra Malaysia, and Dr Syuhaida Ismail, Acting Director General of the Maritime Institute of Malaysia, were conferred the 2025 International Engineering Special Mention Awards.
Mohd Sapuan received The World Academy of Sciences 2024 award in Engineering Sciences, recognising his contributions to the development of tropical bio-based composite materials.
Dr Syuhaida was honoured with the 2024 WFEO GREE Women in Engineering Award by the World Federation of Engineering Organisations, in recognition of excellence and leadership among women in the engineering profession.
Datuk Seri Ir Dr Zaini Ujang, the youngest Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia and former Secretary-General at several key ministries, received the National Engineering Icon Award 2025. Professional engineer Alex Looi Tink Huey was named Young Engineering Icon 2025.
National news agency Bernama was also recognised in the media category during the event. - August 23, 2025
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