Kota Kinabalu: The Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (Acem) Sabah Branch proposed a “Sabah First” policy to ensure local engineering expertise remains the primary driver of the State’s development and industrialisation agenda.
The proposal was presented during a recent courtesy visit by a Acem Sabah delegation to Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick.
The delegation, led by Acem Sabah Chairman Benny Song Perng Yeu, included Deputy Chairman Wah Kheng Haw, Honorary Treasurer Kenny Lo and executive committee members Tan Koh Yon, Lee Tet Fon, Lo Chong Chiun and Mohd Arzahri Abd Rahman.
Song said local Engineering Consultancy Practices (ECPs) play a crucial role in safeguarding Sabah’s technical standards and supporting its development landscape.
“Local engineering consultancy firms serve as the essential technical guardians of Sabah’s physical and industrial development,” he said, adding that empowering Sabahan professionals would strengthen the State’s long-term growth.
Ewon expressed support for the proposed “Sabah First” approach, acknowledging the importance of prioritising regional expertise in implementing Sabah’s development agenda.
A key highlight of the meeting was the recent integration of the transport portfolio under the Ministry, with Ewon revealing that a Sabah Sustainable Transport Masterplan will soon be proposed.
“The Government will require Acem’s technical advice and professional input to realise the Sabah Sustainable Transport Masterplan,” he said.
Song assured the Minister that Acem Sabah stands ready to contribute its technical expertise to ensure the masterplan is effectively implemented for the long-term benefit of the State.
During the meeting, Acem Sabah also called for government assistance to digitalise the engineering consultancy sector, particularly to help small and medium-sized professional firms remain competitive under the Sabah Maju Jaya 2.0 initiative.
The association proposed specialised financial support to accelerate the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM), including grants for digital infrastructure and subsidies for professional BIM certifications.
“This support would enable Sabahan engineers to remain competitive and stay at the forefront of modern design technologies,” Song said.
He added that stronger collaboration between the Ministry and local engineering professionals would help accelerate the implementation of Sabah’s development agenda.
“We appreciate the Deputy Chief Minister’s vision and the opportunity given to Acem Sabah to contribute professional engineering insights towards the continuous progress of Sabah,” he said.
