Chongqing, China: A visit from the School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) to Chongqing University, China on 16 December led by Ir. Dr. Rini Asnida binti Abdullah, accompanied by Ts. Mohd Nur Asmawisham bin Alel, senior lecturer and Mr Muhammad Irfan bin Shahrin, PhD candidate. Prof. Fu Xiang and Dr. Ban Yuxin warmly welcomed the UTM delegates at Chongqing University. The visit was a courtesy visit as the School of Civil Engineering was visited by Chongqing University representatives earlier in the year 2019.

A collaboration meeting was held with Prof. Xie Qiang,  Associate Dean, School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University before the Letter of Cooperation (LoC) exchange ceremony held in the afternoon. The LoC was tied between School of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UTM and School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University.

As the main purpose of the visit was to flourish the collaboration and sharing the research work between the universities, UTM delegates delivered the talk during a seminar organised by the School of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University. The seminar was attended by the lecturers and post graduate students, a very active session was established and a few potential collaboration works for the cooperation between both universities were achieved.

Besides that, this visit was to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences with each other in various areas such as research, teaching and services related to rock mechanics, rock physics, and engineering geomechanics. We also focused on facilitating close interaction and collaborations between researchers across the University as well as with industry and government in these sectors. A visit to the State Key Laboratories and one of China’s largest Building Information Modelling (BIM) company, Zhuzhijian ARchGL were arranged during the trip. The briefing on the company and related BIM project in China was given by  Mr ChengXi, company’s assistant chief engineer. The company is committed to promote big data in the construction industry, engaging in BIM consulting, BIM R&D, and BIM training services outside China in the near future.

With short stay at Chongqing, chilly weather but such a warm hospitality from Prof Xie and the team, we believed this collaboration will develop a remarkable research and will further broaden not only in civil engineering but to other related field between both universities; for the contribution to the technological and scientific innovation and progress of the country and the nation.

Prepared by:

Ir Dr Rini Asnida binti Abdullah
Ts. Mohd Nur Asmawisham bin Alel
Mr Muhammad Irfan bin Shahrin