Ingenieur Vol 71 ingenieur July 2017 | Page 77

for all their basic needs. It is very fortunate that the state is further blessed with significant oil and gas resources offshore along our long coastline, as well as natural resources in timber and plantations. We also have plentiful potential for hydro and solar power development as we are in the humid tropics region. It is therefore of strategic impor tance that Sarawak should optimise as much as possible our energy and natural resources for our own economic development and industrialisation. The Bakun Dam for example, is a commercially viable project where the repayment of the project is covered by the stream of revenues from industries. Also, the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE) can potentially be extended to other parts of Sarawak especially the major urban centres. This is where we need engineering practitioners to tap the potential and utilize our natural resources in the interest of propelling further S a r a w a k ’s d e v e l o p m e n t . While acknowledging that the challenges ahead are becoming more complex and competitive, we must remain focused in our development agenda. We are now operating in a world which is highly dynamic and volatile. In order for us to be competitive, we ought to continuously broaden our economic base, enhanc e our knowle dge, upgrade our skills, and be more efficient, productive and innovative. I am happy to note that BEM has taken positive steps towards not only in upgrading the knowledge of engineers but also inculcating a more pervasive culture of good governance and upholding the highest level of integrity amongst the professionals. Finally, on this concluding note, I hope you will have a fruitful exchange of ideas and gain as much information and up date s from BEM representatives present. I hereby declare the BEM Road Show 2017 officially open. MOU With Four Universities in Sarawak At the BEM Roadshow 2017, BEM signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with four universities in Sarawak, namely ● ● U n i v e r s i t i M a l ay s i a Sarawak ● ● Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus ● ● Cur tin University Malaysia ● ● University College of Technology Sarawak The four universities will each receive a sum of RM10,000 for five years to be awarded to outstanding engineering graduates on convocation day. 75