IEM launches Pi-Day with pie

(From left) IEM Sarawak Branch graduate and students section chairman Jason Yeo Kok Seng, Sarawak Branch honorary treasurer Ir Sim Hui Kheng, Kenbest managing director Stephen Long, Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang, IEM Engineering Exhibition and Pi-Day Challenge organising chairman Stephen Yee Han Min, and Sarawak Branch committee member Johnny Tan Joo Kok cutting a pie to mark the opening of the IEM Engineering Exhibition and the Pi-Day Challenge.

Engineering is a very broad profession and an essential skill to meet the needs of society and the nation’s economic development, said Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang.

“We know that science-related study prepares a student for a lifetime of logical and critical thinking, and encourages the student to look forward for proof and develop and understanding of our world.
“In fact, this is not just true for engineering specifically or science generally, but all of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). STEM contributes to a better society, economy and nation,” he said in his speech during the opening ceremony of IEM Engineering Exhibition and Pi-Day Challenge at CityONE Megamall on March 12.

As such, the recent flooding situation in Sarawak could have been worse without proper engineering, he recalled. However, he admit that there was much to be improved upon and engineers also play a pivotal role in flood mitigation.

“Our Chief Minister mentioned that more emphasis will be placed on public facilities and amenities in the Eleventh Malaysia Plan, starting 2016 to 2020, especially in the rural areas. Basic public infrastructures and utilities such as road, water and electricity supply and other amenities are given priority by both state and federal government.

“The 1000-kilometre Pan Borneo Highway Project which commenced last year is expected to become a major catalyst for a more robust development in the State. To implement a project of this size and nature will require work and dedication of engineers from many different fields, including Civil Engineers, Mechanical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Electronic Engineers and so forth,” said Lo, adding that the mega project will complement the growth and development of Kuching City including the housing, commercial and industrial development.

Lo pointed out that engineering was a very broad profession and it will lead people to places they never could have imagined and he is looking forward to expand the number of engineers in Sarawak.

“Last week, the result for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) were released. Perhaps some of you are still contemplating on which path to follow.
“I encourage people to come to this exhibition, talk to the engineers here, and get a feel of what you will be experiencing once you become an engineer. Perhaps that will serve as a career choice in the future,” he added.

As Kuchingites, Lo said that is the people’s duty and privilege to help develop their hometown and bring their city to the next level, through sustainable development.

“We require more people to join the ranks of engineers and be part of that development.

“I also strongly encourage all engineers to be present to seize the opportunity and learn as much as you can here. Learning is an on-going process and IEM has constantly been doing a great job by providing courses and programs for the future development of engineers,” he said.

Apart from raising public awareness about the importance of engineering and encouraging people to join the noble profession, the exhibition organised by the IEM Sarawak Branch Graduate and Students Section from March 12 to 13 also aimed to educate the public about the history of Pi as well as the benefits of joining IEM.

Among the activities taking place during the exhibition at CityONE Megamall from 10am to 9pm included a blood donation drive by Red Crescent Malaysia (Stampin Branch) as the partner for this exhibition. Besides that, there were also contests like ‘Pi Challenge’, Electric Bar Challenge’, ‘Colouring Contest’, ‘Build & Break’, ‘Pie Eating Competition’, ‘Jenga Competition’ and lucky draws.

“I am proud to call myself a Professional Engineer registered under the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and am affiliated with the Institution off Engineers, Malaysia.

“There is no doubt in my mind that these engineers have contributed to the development of the country. With the latest revision of the Registration of Engineers Act, with the cooperation from all parties, we will be able to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of engineering,” he said while urging everyone to actively participate in the event that would definitely open their eyes to the field of engineering.

During the opening ceremony, IEM Engineering Exhibition and Pi-Day Challenge organising chairman Stephen Yee Han Min also presented plaques and certificates of appreciation to partners and sponsors that include Jurutera Minsar Consult Sdn Bhd (Gold Sponsor), Resources Surveys Services (Silver Sponsor), CityONE Megamall (Venue Sponsor), Prosales, Golden Screen Cinemas, Fullhouse, John’s Pie, Tupperware, Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak Energy Berhad, and Red Crescent Malaysia (Stampin Chapter).

IEM Sarawak Branch honorary treasurer Sim Hui Kheng, committee member Johnny Tan Joo Kok, Graduate & Students Section chairman Jason Yeo Kok Seng, and Kenbest managing director Stephen Long were among the distinguished guests at the opening ceremony

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IEM Engineering Exhibition and Pi-Day Challenge committee members, partners and sponsors during a photo call with the guest of honour Padawan Municipal Council chairman Lo Khere Chiang during the opening ceremony held at CityONE Megamall on March 12.

March 16, 2016

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