Merging academic insights withengineering applications

KUCHING: The “Site Investigation Works” initiative is a shining example of the commitment of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) to integrate academic rigour with real-world engineering applications, paving the way for future collaborations that have a lasting impact on the community. 

The “UiTM Engineering Services Site Investigation (SI) Works Initiative”, a collaboration between Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Cawangan Sarawak’s Kolej Pengajian Kejuruteraan and Geospec Sdn Bhd, was held on December 15.

“This initiative, incorporating the ECG353 – Soil Engineering course, represented a significant step in merging academic insights with practical engineering applications, with a strong focus on community development,” said UiTM in a statement.

The hands-on use of the Macintosh probe was a cornerstone of the initiative, allowing students to apply theoretical soil engineering principles in a practical setting.

This approach, integral to the Practice-Oriented Component (POC) of the course, provided a real-world context to their academic studies, greatly enhancing the students’ learning experience.

The collaboration with AJK Teknikal Pembinaan Kompleks Pendidikan Islam As-Sharqowi (KPIAS) highlighted the initiative’s commitment to applying academic expertise to community projects.

The site investigations conducted at the KPIAS complex demonstrated how academic institutions could play a crucial role in community development through professional engineering services.

The event was inaugurated by Kampung Matang Village Chief Wan Julihi Wan Ajoli and Dr. Hazman Seli, head of Engineering Studies at UiTM.

The initiative was led by Dr. Ahmad Fadzil Jobli, and active participation from esteemed civil engineering lecturers including Ir Dr. Jamil Matarul, Nurul Najihah, Dr. Iskanda Openg, Noor Azland Jainudin, Amir Nazaruddin, and Mohamad Hizan, all contributing their expertise to the success of the project.

The project offered students a unique opportunity to engage in practical soil testing and analysis using the Macintosh probe, under the guidance of both Geospec Sdn Bhd professionals and UiTM faculty members.

Dr. Ahmad Fadzil Jobli, project lead, highlighted the dual benefit of the project in enhancing the engineering curriculum and actively contributing to community development.

“This collaborative endeavour between UiTM, Geospec Sdn Bhd, and the community sets a new benchmark for how academic institutions can bridge the gap between theory and practical application, benefitting both educational goals and community needs,”he said.