BANGKOK, Jan 25 – A 16-member multi-institutional delegation was assembled to strengthen the network in sustainable transport, pavement engineering, and infrastructure research. Initiated by the Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA) and the Pavement & Transportation Research Group (PTRG), the visit brought together expertise from the Geotechnic Research Group (GRG), Centre of Tropical Geoengineering (GEOTROPIK), FKA of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), the Public Works Department (JKR), Politeknik Merlimau, and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Sri Kiambang from Pasir Mas, Kelantan. The 16 delegates comprised ten from PTRG, and one each from GRG, GEOTROPIK, UiTM, JKR, Politeknik Merlimau, and a representative from SMK Sri Kiambang.

The visit was led by Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Rosli Hainin, Dean of the FKA; Ts. Dr. Mohd Khairul Idham Mohd Satar, Head of Geotechnic & Transportation; Assoc. Prof. Ts Dr Azman Mohamed, Head of the PTRG; and Dr. Dayang Zulaika Abang Hasbollah, Director of GEOTROPIK. Institutional partners included Ir. Ts. Gs. Dr. Rosmawati Mamat representing FKA UiTM, Dr. Roziawati Razali from Roads Branch of JKR, Dr. Noor Azah Abdul Raman from Politeknik Merlimau, and Muhammad Shukran Masud from SMK Sri Kiambang. This composition ensured a strong blend of academic, professional, technical, and school outreach perspectives throughout the programme.

On the first day, the delegation visited the Transport Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP), where they met Dr. Ishtiaque Ahmed, Economic Affairs Officer at the Sustainable Transport Section. The discussion focused on the direction of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) transportation system and transport safety, including regional strategies to promote safer, more efficient, and low‑carbon mobility across Asia and the Pacific. Delegates had the opportunity to relate their research and teaching focus to ongoing regional policy initiatives.

The second day was spent at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani, hosted by Prof. Dr Kunnawee Kanitpong, Director of the Transportation Engineering, Civil and Infrastructure Engineering (CIE) Program and Thailand Accident Research Centre (TARC). Discussions covered a wide range of collaborative possibilities between AIT, UTM and other member institutions, including joint supervision of postgraduate students, co‑authorship, shared membership in research grants, inbound and outbound or summer programmes, dual‑degree opportunities, staff exchange, and invitations as speakers for workshops, training or seminar. The meeting also touched on cooperation with the geotechnical section and hydraulic and hydrology fields, reinforcing the multidisciplinary nature of the partnership.

On the third day, the delegation visited the Central Laboratory of the Department of Highways (DOH) in Bangkok, led by Dr. Poranic Jitareekul. This key facility, operating under the Bureau of Highway Safety and related technical divisions, is responsible for testing, analysing, and inspecting materials used in road construction and highway infrastructure projects. PTRG members focused on the pavement materials used in Thailand, including penetration grade 40/50 bitumen—suitable for hot climates—and slurry seal applications, and engaged in fruitful discussions and experience sharing on material performance, testing standards, and quality assurance.

The fourth day was dedicated to a tour of major tourist attractions and transport corridors in Bangkok, allowing participants to directly experience the city’s transportation system and infrastructure in operation. By combining policy dialogue at UN ESCAP, academic collaboration with AIT, technical engagement with the DOH Central Laboratory, and field observations in the city, this four‑day visit significantly strengthened regional networks, opened concrete avenues for future joint projects, and provided meaningful experiential learning for all 16 participants.