UTM was proud to host a seminar on Tuesday 12 March 2013, at Menara Razak main hall in conjunction with New Zealand Week 2013, for the second consecutive year. UTM is pleased to have established ties with the New Zealand High Commission. This is part of its internationalization effort to extend collaboration activities between the two nations.
The seminar was officially opened by UTM Pro Chancellor Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Salleh Mohd Nor, New Zealand High Commissioner HE Mr David Pine, and the Deputy Secretary of the National Security Council (Prime Minister’s Department) Tuan Haji Zahari bin Alias.
It was really an honour to have His Worship the Mayor of Christchurch, Mr Bob Parker, grace the occasion. In his talk entitled “Christchurch Restart: A Lesson from the Christchurch Earthquake”, he described vividly the impact of the disaster on the city and shared their plans to rebuild the city.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Canterbury, Prof Dr. Rod Carr, presented to the audience the impact of the earthquake on the institution and the steps taken to ensure business continuity. CEO of New Zealand’s Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, Mr John Hamilton explained the measures put in place, following those earthquakes to enhance preparedness and community resilience right across New Zealand.
Although Malaysia is not one of the earthquake prone areas in the world, Prof. Dr Azlan bin Adnan from UTM Faculty of Civil Engineering pointed out that we still need to be ready and that the design of major infrastructures and buildings must take that into account. Prof Dr. Roslan, President and Vice Chancellor of Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur talked on soil stability issues, the cause of landslides on slopes that have been subject to development, which is a major problem in Malaysia.
In the afternoon, there was a panel discussion chaired by the National Security Council’s Undersecretary in charge of the Disaster Management Division, Mr Mohd. Ariff bin Baharom. The session focused on communication and cooperation following disasters and in particular the role and responsibilities of central and local authorities, civil society and the media. Associate Prof. Ir. Dr. Azman bin Kassim of Geotechnical and Transportation Department (UTM Faculty of Civil Engineering) and Mr. Zahari Zakaria of the New Straits Times joined Mr Bob Parker and Mr John Hamilton on the panel to debate further on these issues.
The seminar was very much a joint effort by UTM, the New Zealand High Commission and the National Security Council. Insurance company AIG sponsored the luncheon.