Engineering SMJ 2.0: Technical backbone of Sabah’s development plan

As Sabah enters the next phase of its development journey, the State is taking confident steps toward a future of stronger infrastructure, diversified industries, and better quality of life for its people. This progress is guided by the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0 Development Plan, the State Government’s road map for economic growth and human capital development from 2026 to 2030.

Building upon the foundation set during SMJ 1.0 (2021–2025), this second phase aims to modernize infrastructure, stimulate high-value investments, enhance environmental sustainability, and strengthen digital transformation.

Yet, behind every ambitious plan, every visible achievement, and every new opportunity stands a force that often remains unnoticed: engineering.

Engineering is not merely a technical discipline. It is the silent backbone that ensures development is reliable, sustainable, and future-ready. While the public sees new roads, cleaner water, or better airports, engineers see the systems, calculations, and careful planning that make these improvements possible. Let us explore the central role engineering plays in Sabah’s economic growth between 2026 and 2030, and why a strong engineering workforce is essential to the success of SMJ 2.0.

Engineering: The Foundation Beneath All Development

Economic growth is usually measured in visible terms such as new businesses, rising employment, or expanding industries. Yet none of these achievements can occur reliably without the physical systems that support them. Behind the movement of every product, the flow of every drop of water, and the flicker of every light is the work of engineers.

In Sabah, the following engineering supports several key areas:

Transportation

The continued improvements to the Pan-Borneo Highway, the upgrading of ports in Sandakan and Tawau, and the expansion of Kota Kinabalu International Airport all depend on precise engineering. These networks connect communities, reduce travel time, boost tourism, and link Sabah’s products to regional and global markets.

Water and Wastewater Systems

Water is not simply a resource; it is a lifeline for households, schools, hospitals, and industries. Engineers ensure that water treatment plants, pipelines, reservoirs, and sewage systems operate safely and efficiently. Reliable water supply is fundamental to social well-being and investor confidence.

Energy Infrastructure

Whether it is powering a rural village or an industrial plant, energy stability depends on engineers who design and maintain power generation systems, electrical grids, and renewable energy facilities.

Digital Connectivity

In the digital era, connectivity is as important as traditional utilities. Fibre-optic networks, communication towers, and data systems require engineering expertise to support e-commerce, education, healthcare, and public administration.
These systems form the silent architecture of modern life. When engineering is strong, Sabah progresses smoothly. When engineering is weak, the entire economy feels the strain.

Engineering and SMJ 2.0: Turning Vision Into Reality

SMJ 2.0 is an ambitious blueprint that seeks to transform Sabah into a more resilient, sustainable, and competitive state. Engineers are essential to executing this vision in four major areas.

1. Modern Infrastructure

The plan prioritizes a more connected Sabah through upgraded highways, bridges, ports, and public facilities. Engineers ensure that these structures are safe, cost-efficient, and capable of serving the State for decades.

2. Industrial and Economic Hubs

As industrial zones such as KKIP, POIC Lahad Datu, and SOGIP and other new industrial parks grow, they depend on engineering to design water supply networks, energy systems, telecommunications, and logistics infrastructure. Investors are far more confident when they see that these zones are planned and managed professionally.

3. Sustainable and Green Development

One of SMJ 2.0’s strongest commitments is environmental responsibility. Engineers play a crucial role in the works such as designing flood mitigation systems, protecting water catchments, monitoring waste and pollution and also integrating solar, mini-hydro, and other renewable energy sources.

Economic progress must go hand in hand with environmental care in order for  engineering makes this possible.

4. Digital Transformation and Smart Cities

Smart water metering, intelligent traffic management, e-government platforms, and high-speed broadband are not simply “tech trends”; they are essential for a modern economy. Digital infrastructure depends on engineers who specialise in systems, data, and communications.

Through every objective of SMJ 2.0, engineering is the discipline that turns aspiration into reality.

Strengthening the Engineering Workforce: A Strategic Priority

Infrastructure is ultimately only as good as the people who design and maintain it. To successfully implement SMJ 2.0, Sabah must ensure that it has a strong engineering workforce.

This requires encouraging more young Sabahans to pursue engineering pathways; supporting continuous professional development for practicing engineers; involving professional engineers in decision-making and policy formulation; strengthening partnerships between government, universities, and industry
A shortage of skilled engineers affects more than project timelines. It affects the quality, safety, and long-term sustainability of Sabah’s development.

Investing in engineers is not merely an HR policy — it is a strategic investment in Sabah’s future.

Engineering Solutions to Sabah’s Key Challenges

Sabah faces challenges that are technical in nature and therefore require technical solutions. These include water security, climate resilience, energy reliability, transport efficiency, and visible progress rooted in invisible work.

Water Security

Water interruptions disrupt daily life and limit industrial growth. Engineers can address this through advanced treatment plants, leak detection and pressure management, and digital monitoring and automation systems.

Climate Resilience

Floods, landslides, and extreme weather events are increasing. Engineers design river management systems, drainage networks, and slope protection to safeguard communities and infrastructure.

Energy Reliability

Rapidly growing commercial and industry developments require stable electricity. Engineering planning ensures that renewable and conventional energy sources are integrated effectively.

Transport Efficiency

Better road maintenance, safer bridges, and optimized port operations all depend on engineering foresight.

Addressing these challenges early reinforces investor confidence and ensures long-term stability.

Visible Progress Rooted in Invisible Work

Some of Sabah’s most impact engineering work is already visible, even if the technical processes behind them are not. Examples include the improved connectivity brought by the Pan-Borneo Highway, water supply modernisation aligned with SMJ 2.0 priorities, port expansions that support higher cargo volumes and renewable energy projects that bring power to rural communities.

These achievements demonstrate how engineering shapes everyday life tremendously from travel time to job opportunities to the quality of essential services.

Conclusion

Engineering as Sabah’s Silent Strength

Between 2026 and 2030, Sabah has the opportunity to build a future that is economically vibrant, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. But for this transformation to succeed, it must rest upon a strong engineering foundation.

Engineering is not just about structures and systems. It is about enabling progress, supporting communities, and ensuring that development under SMJ 2.0 benefits every level of society. By recognising and strengthening this hidden engineering backbone, Sabah positions itself to grow confidently that guided by professionalism, supported by innovation, and grounded in a commitment to long-term stability.

In the end, engineering is not merely a technical contribution to Sabah’s future. It is the bridge between today’s aspirations and tomorrow’s achievements.