SIBU, 12th July – The Centre of Tropical Geoengineering (GEOTROPIK) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, a service-based research centre dedicated to advancing geological and geotechnical engineering applications, organized the International Symposium on Soft Ground Improvement (SOGI 2023) from July 11-12, 2023, in Sibu, Sarawak.
The symposium was held in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Sarawak, Department of Irrigation and Drainage Sarawak, Jabatan Kerja Raya Sarawak, Institute of Engineers Malaysia, Sarawak Branch, Research Centre of Soft Soil (RECESS) at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, and many other esteemed organizations.
Since its establishment in 2016, GEOTROPIK has actively engaged with various agencies to address the complex challenges associated with tropical geoengineering. SOGI 2023 aimed to bring together experts in the field of soft ground improvement and geotechnical engineering from around the world. The program’s objective was to exchange knowledge about the phenomenon of soft soil in tropical regions and engage in discussions related to construction and development in these areas.
However, SOGI 2023 was particularly special as it presented an innovative solution that was once considered “impossible” to address ground problems in our country, especially in Sibu. Hence, the motto for this event was “Do the Impossible.”
The symposium featured 9 keynote speakers and 3 invited speakers who are renowned international professionals from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. They shared knowledge, best practices, and cutting-edge solutions for enhancing infrastructure stability and resilience in soft ground conditions. A total of 96 participants from both academia and industry took part in this insightful event.
Yang Berhormat Datuk Dr. Haji Annuar bin Rapaee, the Deputy Minister of Education, Innovation, and Talent Development Sarawak, officiated the symposium and thanked the organizers for addressing the crucial challenge in the development of infrastructure in Sarawak. He stated that the event would provide innovative solutions to solve the issue of soft ground in the state.
The event successfully provided a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing in developing effective strategies and techniques to overcome the challenges associated with soft ground conditions among academia and industry professionals. It highlighted the importance of elucidating innovative and emerging technologies in the field of soft ground, especially in tropical regions.
Over the course of two days, the symposium served as an excellent platform to raise awareness among the locals about soft soil formation, particularly in the context of construction and development. It also aimed to strengthen the relationship between academia and industries while making a positive impact on the community.