TECHIES 8th EDITION

TECHIESOfficial Bulletin 8th Edition-KDN:PQ1780/J/187 Construction Technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Industrialised Building System: Ideals and Realities Thermal Comfort and Buildings

2 | TECHIES Acknowledgements Appreciation Table of Contents Editorial Adviser 3President’s Note Ts. Dr. Mohd Nor Azman Hassan 4About MBOT (Head of Publication Committee & 5MBOT Application Flowchart MBOT Board Member) Publication Committees Construction Technology and Dr. Mohamad Asmidzam Ahamat (Chief Editor) 6the Fourth Industrial Revolution Prof. Datin Dr. Zuraidah Mohd. Zain (Editor) 9From Solar Garden Lights to Solar Farm Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Suraya Abdul Rashid (Editor) Mohamad Safwan Mustafar (Coordinator) Industrialised Building System: Columnists Suhaimi Abdul-Talib 12Ideals and Realities Datin Hasnah Awang Emeritus Professor Dato’ Ts. Abang Abdullah Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): bin Abang Ali Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Asmidzam 15An Interview with Ahamat Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd Mansor Salleh Ts. Dr. Eida Nadirah Roslin Ir. Mohd Kamarul Azhar Mohd Sibi Tunnel Construction: Publisher Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) 19Design As You Go Approach TECHIES is an official publication of MBOT. 22Thermal Comfort and Buildings The bulletin is published and distributed 24MBOT 23 Fields of Technology to our members, government agencies, private sectors and the public at large. Photo Credits MBOT also wishes to extend its heartfelt appreciation to the following institutions and organizations for their contribution of photos used in this publication: Emeritus Professor Dato’ Ts. Abang Abdullah bin Abang Ali Ir. Mohd Kamarul Azhar Mohd Sibi Designer Mihas Grafik Sdn Bhd Secretariat Ts. Mohd Nazrol Marzuke (Registrar) Mohamad Safwan Mustafar Nabila binti Tulos MBOT would like to thank all those who have contributed in one way or another towards the successful publication of this bulletin.

TECHIES | 3 President’s Note Malaysia aspired to be a developed country by 2025.The emerging technology has taken our life and work to create opportunities. The Internet and other advances in Technology have contributed to the development of nation’s economy. Along with the rapid economic progress, new technological adoption and skilled labour demands drive stronger competitions for workforces to be recognized as professionals. With the recognition through Tan Sri Dato’ Academician (Dr.) membership registration with Malaysia Board Ts. Ahmad Zaidee bin Laidin, FASc. of Technologists (MBOT), the Technologists and Technicians now have a clearer path towards gaining recognition. The recognition is one of the important elements that will help weather the Industrial Revolution 4.0. The construction industry in Malaysia has proactive step towards joining Seoul Accord undergone accelerated evolution, driven is crucial to upgrade the computing and by technology and innovation. Building infor mation technology programs accredited and Construction Technology is one of by MBOT as professional programs that will the 23 technology and technical fields be recognized by the signatory countries of recognized by MBOT.Thus far,575 Professional Seoul Accord. Technologists (Ts.) and 44 Certified Technicians in Building and Construction For future plan, in November 2019, MBOT Technology has been recognized by MBOT. in collaboration with Majlis Bandaraya As one of MBOT’s Technology Expert Panel Shah Alam (MBSA), Malaysian Society of (TEP), Technological Association of Malaysia Engineering and Technology (MySET) and (TAM) carries the responsibility to help MBOT the Board of Town Planners Malaysia (BTPM) in developing the best practises in the field will work together to organise a conference of Building and Construction Technology. entitled “Smart Technology for Smart City TAM is actively assisting MBOT in providing Summit 2019’’. The event is organized as professional assessment framework and an effort to empower the professions of advising the Examination and Qualification Technologists and Technicians by enhancing Committee (EQC) in terms of technology cooperation of various parties especially and technical aspects that needs to be academics, industry players and higher covered during the assessment to ensure education institutions. that all related assessments are covering the latest technology. Lastly, MBOT is committed to have more linkages with various parties in order Apart from that, MBOT has been given to develop our functions and constantly the opportunity and accepted as provisional expand the recognition of technologists signatory of Seoul Accord in June 2019. The and technicians more resourcefully.

4 | TECHIES About • The Parliament of Malaysia has enacted the Technologists and Technicians Act 2015 (Act 768), an act to provide for the establishment of Malaysia Board Technologists (MBOT), in line with other professional bodies in Malaysia. • MBOT is responsible for the registration of graduate technologists and qualified technicians as well as to recognise professional technologists and certified technicians. • MBOT promotes education and professional training in related technology and technical fields. • MBOT recognises technological careers and empowering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). • MBOT strives to be internationally recognised in the accreditation of technology and technical programmes with international accords in various fields. To date, MBOT has been accepted as provisional signatory to Seoul Accord for the field of Information & Computing Technology and Cybersecurity Technology. VISION To be a world class professional body for technologists and technicians. MISSION WHO SHOULD REGISTER? To elevate the standing, 3Professional Technologists visibility and recognition Graduate Technologists with practical of technologists experience as stipulated by the Board and technicians. 3Graduate Technologists OBJECTIVE Holds a bachelor’s degree recognised by the Board To increase the pool of skilled workforce required to attain 3Certified Technician Qualified Technician with practical a high income economy, experience as stipulated by the Board and to protect public safety 3Qualified Technician and health. Holds a certified qualification recognised by the Board

TECHIES | 5 Flowchart: Application for Certified Technician Fee: RM30.00 APPLICATION FOR QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN Processing: RM20.00 Registration: RM10.00 DECISION BY THE BOARD NO RE-APPLICATION Assessment Fee: Yes RM300.00 APPLICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT Fee: RM200.00 DECISION BY THE BOARD NO Processing: RM50.00 Yes RE-APPLICATION Registration: RM150.00 APPLICATION FOR CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN NO RE-APPLICATION DECISION BY THE BOARD Yearly Renewal: Yes RM100.00 CERTIFIED TECHNICIAN Flowchart: Application for Professional Technologist Fee: RM50.00 APPLICATION FOR GRADUATE TECHNOLOGIST Processing: RM40.00 Registration: RM10.00 DECISION BY THE BOARD NO RE-APPLICATION Assessment Fee: Yes RM600.00 APPLICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT DECISION BY THE BOARD NO RE-APPLICATION Fee: RM350.00 Yes Processing: RM50.00 NO Registration: RM300.00 APPLICATION FOR PROFESSIONAL TECHNOLOGIST RE-APPLICATION Yearly Renewal: DECISION BY THE BOARD RM200.00 Yes PROFESSIONAL TECHNOLOGIST technologist and technician act 2015 technologist and technician (FEES) regulations 2017

6 | TECHIES Construction Technology and the Fourth Industrial Revolution Suhaimi Abdul-Talib Honorary Professor Faculty of Civil Engineering University Teknologi MARA, 40450 Shah Alam, Malaysia Chairman INTEC Education College Jalan Senangin Satu, 17/2A, Seksyen 17, 40200 Shah Alam, Malaysia email: [email protected]

TECHIES | 7 Introduction sustainability, technology for future living, including the internet of things (IoT), smart Construction, together with manufacturing operations and maintenance of facilities. and services sectors are instrumental During the construction stage, serious in maintaining growth of the Malaysian efforts and investments must be made to economy. Compared to the latter sectors, engage advanced and possibly disruptive construction has not shown much progress technologies in the context of optimising in terms of technological innovation. Apart human and machine interaction while at the from the use of modular construction and same time safeguarding the integrity of the Building Information Management (BIM), natural environment. These include the use the construction industry has not changed of digital simulations to study impacts on the much over the last 50 years (King, 2017). environment,the use of augmented reality for It has continued to operate with heavy design and components fabrication, the use reliance on manual labour, mechanical of 3D printing for components manufacturing, technology and established business model the use of drones for surveying, monitoring (Castagnino et al., 2018). Construction and controlling of activities on construction has been and still is perceived as an sites, the use of autonomous machines environmentally destructive and degrading and robots for dangerous or ergonomically activity. In order to meet the ever increasing hazardous works both in fabrication facilities demand of rapid urbanization, the industry or on construction sites. In addition, extensive has utilised natural resources to the extent use of sensors should be deployed in order that we are now faced with the challenge to create facilities which are IoT-ready. of managing resource scarcity. In addition, This will allow large data to be collected the World Economic Forum (WEF, 2018) and analysed using artificial intelligence and had attributed 30% of the greenhouse machine learning that will further enhance gasses to construction and the products of the cyber-physical environment and improve construction activities. The industry is also the facilities during their service life. acutely suffering from under investment in The industry must also accord similar focus capital, innovation and digitization (BDC, to ensure adequate supply of appropriately 2018). The coming of the Fourth Industrial trained talent that is ready to work under Revolution provides an opportunity for the the disruptive environments. This will require construction industry to rebrand its image two major efforts. First is the effort to retrain, by embracing innovative technology that reskill and upskill existing talents in line with has benefited the manufacturing, services the life-long learning concept that has now and other sectors. If positive changes are become inevitable with the coming of the not taken in line with the technology and fourth industrial revolution. Second is to train life styles accompanying the fourth industrial fresh talents that will be joining an industry revolution, then there is a high possibility that that is transforming. Both would require a the construction industry will contribute collaborative effort between academia and towards deterioration in standards of living the industry. The current training programmes for our society. aimed at producing talents for the construction industry would need to undergo The Need to Embrace major transformations. Disruptive Technologies Keywell (2017) emphasised that the emerging advanced technologies will not The leaders and main players of the replace the role of humans. As such, training construction industry need to have a change programmes must be designed so that in mind set or a paradigm shift. A shift from learners use these technologies to empower an industry that sells products (buildings and them in enhancing their skills, intelligence infrastructure) to that of providing or selling and ingenuity. Both parties will need to services (living and life styles). Construction work together in reinventing education and must now be viewed as an industry that sells training. This will involve curriculum design services related to affordable living for the and instructional design that will be able to society. develop the required mind set and skillsets (learning outcomes). Furthermore, the design The industry must design facilities related must ensure that future talents are exposed to infrastructure that will enable the present suitable and relevant learning environments and future society to live in a cyber-physical and learning experience. environment brought about by the fourth industrial revolution. Focus should be more on providing designs that incorporate

8 | TECHIES With the right business concept of selling efficiency and effectiveness leading to long services using advanced technologies term cost savings resulting in the industry delivered by competent talents, the being able to offer more affordable facilities construction industry will be able to rebrand and services. On the macro scale, the itself as a relevant industry in the era of the transformation of the construction industry fourth industrial revolution. in line with the fourth industrial revolution will certainly result in better environmental Benefits of embracing the sustainability and higher standards of living disruptive technologies for the society. By embracing the disruptive technologies Concluding Remarks that come with the fourth industrial revolution, the industry can enjoy better Leaders and players in the construction standards related to health and safety for industry must be prepared to reform the construction personnel and for users of the industry in line with the changes that are built facilities. In addition, the competency globally sweeping all the sectors. The of the construction personnel will be further effort must involve innovation in seeking enhanced leading to greater productivity. solutions to the new cyber-physical living Furthermore,there will most likely be improved environments. References BDC (2018). Industry 4.0 could transform construction, but is the sector ready? Building, Design and Construction Magazine. Retrieved from http://www.bdcmagazine.com/industry-4-0- transform-construction-sector-ready/ Castagnino, S., Rothballer, C., Abreu, J. & Zupancic, T. (2018). Six ways the construction industry can build for the future. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/03/ how-construction-industry-can-build-its-future/ Keywell, B. (2017). The Fourth Industrial Revolution is about empowering people, not the rise of the machines. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2017/06/ the-fourth-industrial-revolution-is-about-people-not-just- machines/ King, M. (2017). How Industry 4.0 and BIM are Shaping the Future of the Construction Environment. Retrieved from https://www.gim-international.com/content/ article/how-industry-4-0-and-bim-are-shaping-the-future-of- the-construction-environment WEF (2018). Shaping the Future of Construction. World Economic Forum. Retrieved from https://www.weforum.org/projects/future-of- construction

TECHIES | 9 FGroamrdeSonlaLirghts to Solar Farms Datin Hasnah Awang Executive Director Gading Kencana Sdn. Bhd. Malaysia enjoys an abundance of sunlight Solar powered throughout the year. This provides an garden lights opportunity to cut down energy consumption by utilising solar energy. In some instances, both local and overseas markets. However, solar energy operates from a stand-alone competition was fierce, especially with the system, which does not require the use influx of imported cheap, low quality solar of cables to supply electricity to remote garden lights. Lasting just a few days only, areas. This significantly reduces the cost this lack of reliability and durability led the of infrastructure development. From tiny public to lose interest in purchasing more solar lights that lit up the home garden to solar garden lights. huge solar farms that supply electricity to Larger-sized solar light systems that big cities, solar energy proves itself useful illuminate junctions and high-risk roads do over and over again in a range of set-ups not require the laying of electrical cables and conditions. for light poles. The solution that was created Solar garden lights are amongst devices for off-grid street lighting by equipping light that utilizes a relatively higher electric power (compared to solar-powered calculators). The LED in the garden light was powered by a 2-watt photovoltaic panel, which charged a lithium ion battery. The high reliability of the garden light resulted in great demands from Solar powered street lighting

10 | TECHIES Rest area at the Gap (stop over for Fraser’s Hill) with solar power for lighting poles with solar photovoltaic panels and was a big issue, which significantly affected rechargeable batteries that could store the prediction of the operating cost. For energy for 3-day operations without the instance, some roads were not accessible need to re-charge. Batteries are valuable even to four-wheel drive vehicles during items hence they are placed inside locked rainy seasons, and this caused delay in the boxes located 10 feet from the ground. delivery of diesel. Off-grid street lighting systems have been As for social challenges, employee installed at the Batang Kali - UNISEL road turnover rate was very high. The employees and the Baling - Gerik highway. Later, the who stayed on in the project were kampung system was expanded to rest areas along boys and girls who did not expect the luxury the Simpang Pulai - Gua Musang road, the of a bed or a washing machine to wash Raub - Bukit Fraser road and the new Orang their clothes. Travelling to project sites meant Asli village in Cameron Highlands. having to sleep in four-wheel drive vehicles at A combination of solar photovoltaic and night in the middle of the jungle and taking diesel generator system produces a more turns for guard duty. Washing clothes and reliable off-grid electricity supply at a lower bathing were done by the river,while cooking cost. This technology is particularly useful in was done using small kerosene stoves. the rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak. To In 2012, a new phase of the solar improve the standard of living of students photovoltaic industry, namely, solar farm and teachers at schools in rural areas, in development began. When the Malaysian 2009, the Ministry of Education initiated a Government passed the 2011 Renewable 24-hour electricity supply programme. The Energy law, of which feed-in tariff was implementation of the programme posed enforced, competition as solar contractors many challenges, ranging from technical who performed engineering, procurement to social to geographical, which were all and construction works became stiff. From very tricky to deal with. In terms of technical, only a handful of companies, the number automation of power generation devices and of industry players multiplied into a few regulation of power supply were required. As hundreds. for geographical, access to each location Solar hybrid systems for 24-hour electricity suppy in a remote school in Sabah

TECHIES | 11 Solar powered telecommunication system (VSAT) employed during the construction of the in Sarawak solar farm. Local caterers provided catering services to the construction team. Other An example of a solar farm is the 37.5 services such as cleaning, security and MWdc farm in Bidor, Perak. A special landscape design and maintenance were documentary titled “Bidor: Dari Jambu all provided by locals. Many parents in Batu ke Ladang Solar” (Bidor: from Guava Bidor were proud to announce that their to Solar Farm) was published to document children were working at the new solar farm. and celebrate the success of the project. Maintenance of the farm was monitored Many locals from and around Bidor were remotely from a control centre. The workers on site were those who carried out physical maintenance such as cleaning of buildings, landscape maintenance and inspecting the system, with instructions coming from the control centre. In the future, local companies can explore business opportunities on the development of solar energy infrastructures at abroad. The experience and knowledge gained from solar garden lights, until the successful solar farm development has made local companies are more than qualified to develop larger solar farms around the world. Night-time at the solar farm in Ayer Keroh Melaka Aerial view of the solar farm in Bidor, Perak

12 | TECHIES SIBnyudsiltudesimntrgi:alised Ideals and Realities Emeritus Professor Dato’ Ts. Abang Abdullah bin Abang Ali Housing Research Centre, Universiti Putra Malaysia

TECHIES | 13 Industrialised building system (IBS) has been In the evaluation of the IBS, many touted by many as a new construction parameters such as architectural features, approach, although it had been employed the industrialised process used,transportation, in the Malaysian construction industry for erection, as well as the related socio- some time, mainly in the form of precast economic issues are considered. concrete or prefabricated construction. For the industrialisation process to Ideally, IBS promises better quality, higher be successful, certain national or state speed and more cost-effective construction infrastructural support must be provided. This compared to the conventional approach is in the form of master plans that govern of construction, which local builders are so land usage, production of codes and used to and quite reluctant to depart from. standards, employment of local resources, IBS can be classified into three major development of support industry to produce groups, namely the frame, panel and box dimensionally coordinated secondary systems. A generic system of differentiation components such as doors, windows and with subdivision based on the predominant toilet fixtures, and appropriate policies and component weight has also been proposed legislation that encourage industrialisation as: Light - timber,light gauge metals; Medium in the building industry. - metal, reinforced plastics, laminated timber, composite materials; and Heavy - mainly Putra Block IBS: Wall with Opening concrete. Heavy concrete structures can In an age when construction speed, be further classified as factory produced or quality and cost are of utmost importance, produced on site. the use of suitable IBS is inevitable. However, Advantages of the IBS over the it is necessary to identify the strength conventional method of construction are and weakness of the various IBS that can often quoted as speed of construction, be found in the market. The choice of a savings in labour, optimum use of material, suitable building system can vary from better quality,less prone to weather changes project to project, depending on the and cost effectiveness. The disadvantages project size, location and cost. It is therefore of IBS on the other hand are high initial necessary to assess and classify the different capital outlay, sophisticated plants and systems according to the different building skilled operators, water tightness issue, site applications. accessibility, and large work area. Efforts must be made to encourage The design of an IBS involves a complex the development of indigenous and more process of studying and coordinating cost-effective building systems for the local user and market needs, development of building market. This is where research and standard building components, setting up development work on IBS is important. of manufacturing and assembly layout and process, and allocation of materials and resources. Putra Blok IBS: Corner Joint Putra Blok IBS: T Joint

14 | TECHIES Putra Block IBS: Designed and Developed for Affordable Quality Housing Housing Research Centre, Universiti Putra capital investment needed. In addition, the Malaysia has developed two IBS: a modularly slow adoption of modular coordination and coordinated interlocking loadbearing hollow open building system approach, together block building system called Putra Block with standardisation of component sizes, and a precast sandwich panel building have been impeding the progress of IBS system. The Putra Block building system, despite the government’s push to make it when used, is able to reduce the cost of mandatory in the future. constructing housing units in the country, It is unfortunate that this ideal construction while maintaining quality and providing approach is impeded by the realities of the higher speed of construction. local construction scenario. An integrated To-date, there are various initiatives by solution involving researchers, government researchers to come up with better and and the industry is thus called for. more cost-effective IBS. To add, the government makes it mandatory to have Putra Block Commercialisation IBS 70 score in major government projects, and IBS 50 score for major private sector projects. There are also promotions and development & training programmes run by the CIDB IBS Centre. However, the reality is, the construction industry in general shows very little interest in IBS. It tries hard to avoid this new building approach whenever possible. It is an industry secret that the use of IBS would invite about 20% higher project cost compared to conventional construction methods. Initial high capital outlay and economy of scales have always been the major hurdles in the industry. The market for IBS may not be sufficiently large to amortize the

TECHIES | 15 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): An Interview with Dato’Ts.Dr.Mohd Mansor Salleh Associate Professor Dr. Mohamad Asmidzam Ahamat & Ts. Dr. Eida Nadirah Roslin Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd Mansor Salleh was government service in 1994. He later spent employed as a Professor in Universiti Kuala three years as Managing Director of a Lumpur for 15 years. He joined Universiti construction company, involved in Precast Kuala Lumpur in 2004 as the Provost of Concrete Technology from Australia. Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia France Institute. Later he was transferred to become At the same time, with some friends, he the Head of Campus and Dean of Universiti started a brass casting company making Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Institute of Marine souvenirs and later, water meters, with help Engineering, for four years and then held of PUNB. He was made the CEO of HICOM a similar post at Universiti Kuala Lumpur Diecastings Sdn Bhd, an aluminium high- Malaysian Institute of Industrial Technology pressure die-casting company in Shah Alam in Pasir Gudang for three years. He spent in 1997, for four years and subsequently the rest of his years teaching in Universiti became the CEO of Aluminium Alloy Castings Kuala Lumpur Malaysia France Institute and in 2002. Both companies were subsidiaries Universiti Kuala Lumpur Institute of Product of DRB-HICOM Group. In 2004, Ts. Dr. Mansor Design and Manufacturing. was back in the education arena as a Ts. Dr. Mansor graduated in Metallurgy in Professor in Universiti Kuala Lumpur Malaysia 1969 from the University of Wales in Cardiff. France Institute. He obtained an MSc in Industrial Metallurgy and Management in 1970 from Birmingham Ts. Dr. Mansor started the Malaysian University and a PhD in Corrosion from Materials Science and Technology Society University of Manchester in 1978. He was (now Institute of Materials Malaysia) back in the first metallurgist in Malaysia and the first 1987 by becoming its Founder President for PhD graduate specializing in corrosion in the many years. This was because he was keen country. to be involved in professional societies. He Ts. Dr. Mansor started working life as also started the Malaysian Welding Society in a lecturer in Meltallurgy at University of 1989 (known as the Malaysian Welding and Malaya’s Engineering Faculty in 1971. He left Joining Society since 2007). in 1984, after 13 years, and was seconded to head SIRIM, then a Statutory Body before it During his nearly 40 years involvement was privatized. He then spent seven years in higher education, Ts. Dr. Mansor has from 1986 to 1993 running the MARA Institute taught Metallurgy, Materials Engineering, of Technology (now Universiti Teknologi Manufacturing Technology, Welding MARA) as its Director. He resigned from the Metallurgy, Corrosion, Manufacturing Processes, Technopreneurship and Management.

16 | TECHIES Interviewers: Based on your observation, what So, now you can see the mess we are in, differences are there between the current or how complex TVET training is. Almost every state of TVET in the country compared to that Ministry is wanting to set up its own training of 50 years ago? institution for the same group of people, the youths of Malaysia. Presently, the Human Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd Mansor Salleh: You want Resources Ministry is coordinating through to go back 50 years? (laughs). I think we its Jabatan Pembangunan Kemahiran can write many books on the story of TVET (JPK—Skills Development Department) skills in Malaysia for the past 50 years. Let me training up to Diploma level. The trainees begin from the late 1950’s. At the time there are awarded Sijil Kemahiran Malaysia (SKM) were Junior Technical Trade Schools (JTTS). at various levels. The Education Ministry is I remember one in Penang where I stayed coordinating for those above the diploma in the hostel with elder students when I was level through its Malaysian Qualification studying temporarily in the newly-opened Agency. But please do not despair. Things Georgetown Secondary School in 1956. are now looking much better for the TVET These JTTS were later converted to Technical education industry. Institutes (TI’s). There was one in Penang, one in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur and one Now, we have TVET education from in Kuantan. schools up to the university. With the setting up of Universiti Kuala Lumpur under MARA This was the beginning of technical in 2002, and the incorporation of public and vocational education in secondary technical universities by the Education schools. The pupils joining them were from Ministry, namely Universiti Malaysia Pahang, the less-academically inclined group. Universiti Malaysia Perlis, Universiti Teknikal They were more interested in using their Malaysia in Melaka and Universiti Tun hands to learn the trades. Later, vocational Husein Onn in Johor, those students who are secondary schools were also set up, known technically and vocationally-inclined can as Sekolah Menengah Vokasional (SMV). study right through secondary school up to The main thrusts of the studies were what the university level. later came to be known as Kemahiran Hidup (life skills). Subjects taught like Home Of course, like everything else, TVET Economics, Agriculture, Plumbing, Electricity, education industry has been facing a lot of etc., were very practical and useful subjects problems from day one it started. Among the for later life. The Education Ministry later many problems were: also started the Polytechnics to cater for more advanced technical and vocational 1. The recognition of qualifications and training. training In the 1960’s, the ITI’s (Industrial Training 2. The curriculum Institutes) were set up by the Ministry of 3. Infrastructure and facilities, particularly Labour (now, Ministry of Human Resources) in a few states in Malaysia. There was one with funding for the latest expensive in Kuala Lumpur and one in Prai. This was equipment for the workshops and set up to train youths in technical trades laboratories and skills. MARA under the Ministry of Rural 4. Funding problems for student trainees Development then, also started it’s IKM from the Human Resources Development (Institut Kemahiran MARA—MARA Skills Funds Institute) to train young Malays in vocational skills in the 1970’s. Meanwhile, the Ministry of In trying to overcome some of the Works through their Public Works Department complex problems related to TVET Education set up their own skills training institutions industry, the Government, in 2018 set up a (e.g. the Akademi Binaan Malaysia). The Jawatankuasa Pemerkasaan Pendidikan Agriculture Ministry also started their own Teknikal dan Latihan Vokasional with ILP (Institut Latihan Pertanian, Agriculture Permatang Pauh M.P,YB Nurul Izzah Anwar as Training Institute) dedicated to agricultural Chairman. training for youngsters. Not wanting to be left out of this youth vocational training, the One of the recommendations from this Youth and Sports Ministry had to have their Committee was to set up a TVET Commission Institut Kemahiran Belia Negara (IKBN) in (along similar lines as the Public Service many states. Commission and Education Commission) under the purview of Parliament to

TECHIES | 17 oversee the development and control of earn as much, sometimes more than, the the TVET education and industry, so that theoretical degree, Malaysians, especially the coordination work for all the ministries Malays generally shun TVET education. I can be done properly. Unfortunately, until still remember in the early days, I observed now, we have not heard anything more that many Malay IKM and ITI graduates about the proposal and the Committee’s ended up as clerks in banks and cashiers in Recommendations. supermarkets. They do not use their training and qualification because they want to work To answer your original question (laughs), in air-conditioned environment surrounded I almost forgot since I was talking about a by beautiful ladies, which they do not get little history of TVET. From the story so far, you whilst working in the dirty workshops. Malay can see that things are looking much better parents also prefer their son-in laws to be for TVET education and the industry now. working in ‘clean environment’ as opposed Those students that are not so academically to dirty workshops etc. I think and I very inclined can start into TVET after Form 3 much hope this situation does not exist (based on their results and their interest). anymore. They can go through TVET education all the way to university. The chances of them The Government must also look at the being employed after graduation is much salary scales of TVET Graduates vis-à-vis better. Surveys show that about 96 % of engineering graduates from universities. At TVET graduates are employed soon after one time B. Tech graduates cannot be paid graduation compared to non-technical similar salaries compared to normal University university education. The Government is also graduates. This is an anomaly that must be much more concerned with TVET education, corrected especially when we have MBOT to especially with respect to the upcoming help us in this matter. Industrial Revolution 4.0. Let us hope that this concern is followed up by action, so Society must also change its perception that TVET Education can get ahead more of the ability of TVET graduates. For example, smoothly. Now we also have MBOT which many TVET graduates in the oil and gas is part of the support infrastructure for TVET industry are earning better salaries even graduates as professional technologists and though they are only armed with a Diploma, technicians. compared to a graduate engineer from the normal university, especially if they are Interviewers: Acceptance by the society on hired in international companies. Some of the importance of TVET in nation-building is us may not know that top level Sous Chef essential to help us in empowering the role of in restaurants are earning five figure salaries. TVET. Can you share with us your perception Some working in sea-going ships have on the level of acceptance of TVET by the world-wide travel thrown in on top of that. society? So, it is time that society wakes up to realise the importance of TVET education. Society Dato’Ts.Dr.Mohd Mansor Salleh: The Manpower will only jump onto the bandwagon once Department of the Human Resources Ministry they see the actual situation and figures. It expects to increase the target of 35% skilled means that we must advertise and publicise manpower by 2020 from the 28% at present. success stories of TVET graduates especially It is a very ambitious plan but let us hope we in the Malay press and media. From there we can get closer to the target by next year. can promote TVET Education.Not everybody is slated to get 10 A’s at SPM and 5 A’s at When we talk about TVET education, STPM level to enter the normal university. much of our society still think of TVET as low- Those that have other and different abilities level or second-class education compared than academic can opt for TVET and skills to academic courses. Every student and education. parents dream of their children going to the university through the normal route and Interviewers: The decline in number of learning theoretical subjects as opposed to student’s enrolment to university for STEM learning in a technical university. programmes is very alarming. What is your opinion on how to reverse this trend? Many in society look down upon those who work with their hands rather than Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd Mansor Salleh: This working in the offices with suits and ties. decline in students wanting to enrol in STEM Even though many TVET graduates can programmes is a worldwide phenomenon.

18 | TECHIES Even in Western advanced countries, is in the home. With the present availability enrolment in Science and Technology courses of modern communication technologies in are declining. To reverse this trend, we have the home (e.g. You Tube and others), they to go back to basics and find out the reasons can be harnessed to create an interest in for the decline. For us in Malaysia, we have our children as to what is happening around never really got our targets for the science- them. based faculties except for medicine. The government planned for a 60/40 Science/ We can also go to the primary schools, Arts student ratio. But we always end up the or kindergarten even where we can slowly other way around, especially for the Malays. introduce simple and exciting scientific It would take up too much time and space to experiments and simple explanations to discuss this here, but we will try. answer their ‘WHY’ questions. We have to In Malaysia, if we study the top-level work hard to arouse the interest and curiosity captains of the industry and very senior civil of science in kids. servants, nowadays, we see most of them are accountants, lawyers or Arts-based faculties’ The TVET education can ideally be graduates. The technologists/engineers started at the primary level. The pupils can normally end up playing second fiddle. In start using their hands in many other ways, other words they will remain at lower levels, not just for writing or pressing buttons on as Directors only, not Managing Directors or their smartphones. This is the initial hands-on Executive Chairman. Getting an engineering activity required of TVET education. degree is more difficult than getting the other degrees in terms of having lots more Interviewers: Establishment of Malaysia to learn and absorb. Engineers have to learn Board of Technologists (MBOT) provides management subjects in their degrees, a recognition for people that are actively whereas the others do not have to learn involved in TVET. Can you suggest to us on how engineering in their courses. MBOT can contribute to the development of Another point to note is interest in and TVET? curiosity about what is around us. If you are NOT curious about your surroundings, then it Dato’ Ts. Dr. Mohd Mansor Salleh: I must is difficult to make you learn science. confess that, being a true-blue technologist, I Some universities and companies have was very much looking forward to the setting teamed up to organise science competitions up of MBOT. I graduated in Metallurgy in 1969 for schools. This is a good move to create from University College Cardiff, Wales, and extra interest in science. This kind of outreach I was the first metallurgist in the country. I activity can help rekindle interest in science taught in the Faculty of Engineering,University and mathematics. Obviously, we need as of Malaya, teaching Properties of Metals. I many universities to be involved as possible applied to join the Institution of Engineers but so that the activity covers many schools was turned down as I have no engineering in Malaysia. This can be done even at the degree. I do not belong to the Materials kampung or rural schools because it is here Science group either. So, I am a technologist. that pupils’ interests and inclination can be developed. I hope that MBOT will quickly get down Our society, especially the Malays are to business of registering all technologists prone to idolise film stars and artists,politicians and technicians in Malaysia. It would be and successful businessmen. Nowhere have very useful too if MBOT works on getting we ever promoted and publicised success proper recognition in terms of service and stories of personalities in science, technology, remuneration in the government service as innovation, research and development of well as in the private sector for professional products. We need to tell our youngsters that technologists. there are a lot of success in STEM in the future. The future belongs to science, technology MBOT can take the lead in coordinating and engineering.Videos,films and telemovies all TVET education and industry activities. This can be shown depicting successful scientific will overcome the present cumbersome and research and intricacies of science, or how complex interaction of numerous ministries things work, etc. The best place to start this and agencies involved in TVET Education. MBOT can also take the lead in popularising STEM to school students and thus help in increasing the number of future scientific and technological personnel.

TECHIES | 19 ConstruTcutnionne:l Design As You Go Approach Ir. Mohd Kamarul Azhar Mohd Sibi In Malaysia, tunnel construction has water from its source to the intended areas. recorded its significant achievement, However, the process of getting a tunnel in roles and uniqueness. Varying in terms of place is not that simple. Meticulous studies on length, width, height, location, method numerous aspects such as the geology of the of construction and purposes, tunnels area, availability of engineering expertise, have become one of the most effective economic, social and environmental impact man-made structures to manage traffic as well as the financial capacity as the ‘fuel’ congestion (motorway / railway tunnel), to drive the tunnel construction project is water transfer/diversion (stormwater tunnel) crucial. or the combination of these two functions, Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project is one commonly known as dual purpose tunnel of the nation’s prominent project owned by (e.g Malaysia SMART tunnel). The rapid the Government of Malaysia and executed development of technology has promoted by MRT Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp). the study and exploration of tunnels’ The KVMRT (Klang Valley MRT) – SSP(Sungai optimum potential for the benefit of Buloh – Serdang – Putrajaya) line involves humankind and the environment. the construction and completion of viaduct A tunnel can be described as an opening guideway and other associated works.The SSP or an artificial underground passage, Line is one of the three planned KVMRT lines especially one built through a hill or under a to be constructed where it is divided into 10 building, road, river or sea. The typical core packages namely V 201 to V 210. The 52.2 km function of a tunnel is to allow the smooth SSP line alignment comprising both the 38.7 and safe mobility of people and vehicles from km elevated and 13.5 km underground lines, one point to another, or to channel or divert respectively. A total of 26 elevated and 11 underground stations are to be constructed.

20 | TECHIES On 11August 2018,the author participated is constructed; 12.1m wide and 10.1m high in the technical visit to KVMRT Line 2 (the across the hilly area to accommodate V 207 Mined Tunnel Site) organized by IEM a twin-track railway. The west portal of Tunnelling & Underground Space Technical the tunnel construction site can be seen Division.The half day visit was aimed to expose from the Maju Expressway (MEX) heading the participants with the various aspects towards Putrajaya from Kuala Lumpur – on and features of the tunnelling construction the left-hand side. Based on the geological methods and technologies. data, the mountainous terrain is formed of Package V 207 is part of SKSA (Southern Kenny Hill with interbedded weak rocks and Kuchai Lama Serdang Alignment). The residual soils. total length of V 207 is 5.701km. Within the Constructing tunnels using the TBM 5.701km stretch, a 0.182 km (182m) tunnel (Tunnel Boring Machine) has become

TECHIES | 21 synonymous with the nation’s underground in tunnel construction. The Austrian Society space development. Tuah and Gemilang, of Engineers and Architects defines NATM the first and second TBM for SMART had as a method where the surrounding rock or played significant roles in 2004 until 2006 for soil formations of a tunnel are integrated into the dual-purpose tunnel construction history an overall ring-like support structure. Thus, this in Malaysia. formation of ring-like support will be part of As an alternative to  drilling or the tunnel supporting structure. blasting  methods in rock and conventional The NATM has often been referred as a mining in soil, TBM has the advantages of ‘design as you go’ approach, by providing limiting the disturbance to the surrounding an optimized support based on observed ground, is highly efficient and results in ground conditions. Alternatively, it can be shortened tunnel completion times. However, described as a ’design as you monitor’ the major drawback is the TBM’s substantial approach, based on observation of upfront cost. There are many types of TBM convergence and divergence in the lining to suit the specific ground conditions where and mapping of prevailing rock conditions. the costs can vary greatly from project to It is not a set of specific excavation and project. support techniques. Drilling and blasting however remains the As a conclusion, NATM offers economic preferred method when working through advantages by exploiting the inherent heavily fractured and sheared rock layers. As geological strength available in the for the V 207, the 0.182km tunnel is adapting surrounding rock mass to stabilize the tunnel. the NATM (New Austrian Tunneling Method) This plays a vital factor in the 0.182km with permanent cast in-situ concrete lining. tunnel construction of V207, a tunnel that NATM is a method of modern tunnel design is considered shorter compared to other and construction. Figure 1 shows the stages tunnels at other locations along the MRT line. Stages in construction of concrete lined tunnel Slope Portal Tunnel Concrete Infrastructure M&E stabilization canopy excavation lining works works (Top heading (at tunnel works excavation, East and West portal) Bench excavation) Figure 1: Stages in the construction of tunnels

22 | TECHIES TChoemrmfoarlt and Buildings Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Asmidzam Ahamat Buildings are roofed and walled structures Figure 1: Glass sections of buildings have higher usually built for permanent use for human temperatures compared to concrete walls occupancy and other applications. The space inside a building is isolated from One of the challenges in Malaysia is its surrounding to provide comfortable to keep heat from entering the building. A conditions for humans. This is important very thick insulation layer can reduce heat because a comfortable built environment is gain at the expense of gross internal area, one of the factors that affect the productivity which means less space for the occupant. of its occupants. The use of innovative materials such as a Thermal comfort is a condition where mixture of wood wool and cement (Figure a person feels at ease. This is one of the 2), which has lower thermal conductivity, aims when constructing built environments. can reduce the amount of heat entering the Factors that contribute to thermal comfort building. Another way is to use lightweight are air temperature, radiant temperature, construction materials that enable heat air velocity, humidity, clothing insulation to readily enter and leave buildings. Smart and metabolic heat. This article discusses insulation materials that can change its some strategies and challenges in creating heat resistance according to the internal thermal comfort in buildings. temperature of the building can ensure To achieve a thermally comfortable built better insulation. environment,an appropriate building design The roof is a structure that covers the and construction materials, in accordance top part of a building, and it usually has the to the local environment, are required. highest temperature (Figure 3). Up to 86% The orientation of a building assists in the of heat that comes into a typical house is reduction of direct solar radiation to areas transmitted through its roof. As such, ways to occupied by humans. For instance, west- reduce this are pursued. For instance, there is facing or east-facing buildings may receive the ‘green roof’ option that utilises plants to excessive heat gain throughout the day. reduce heat transmission into the building. Malaysia’s ambient air temperature slightly exceeds comfortable temperature ranges (17 °C to 28 °C as stated in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55). Hence, it is impossible to use only natural or mechanical ventilation in buildings. However, this ambient air can provide cooling to building façades and walls. Indirectly, it reduces the amount of energy needed in air conditioning systems. The use of glass curtain walls in the tropics leads to a higher demand in cooling capacity (Figure 1). Nevertheless, this strategy is beneficial in countries where heating is required.

TECHIES | 23 Figure 2: Innovative materials that have lower thermal conductivity can reduce heat transmission into buildings Alternatively, the use of highly reflective roof Figure 3: This thermogram shows that, generally, enables a large portion of heat radiation the roof has higher temperature compared to that falls on the roof to be turned back towards the environment, thus reducing the other parts of the building amount of heat absorbed by the building. A porous roof combined with an evaporative advances in artificial intelligence. By cooling mechanism is another means. integrating these tactics, it is possible In contrast, to retain heat in the building, to create a thermally comfortable built phase change materials are integrated environment without consuming excessive into the roof. Phase change materials are energy. good because they absorb heat at a fairly constant temperature. However, cost and References heat storage capacity of phase change materials limit their application in roof China Architectural Culture Center, World Green construction. Buildings Thermal Environmental Engineering Challenges in creating a thermally Solutions, Phoenix Publishing Limited, 2012 comfortable building include high-energy Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human, consumption and variation in occupants’ ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 55, 2017 backgrounds. High-energy consumption Veronika Földváry, Toby Cheung, Hui Zhang, requires elements of passive and low energy Richard de Dear, Xiang Zhou, Development of building design and operational strategies. the ASHRAE Global Thermal Comfort Database In Malaysia, the use of air conditioner is II, Building and Environment, In press, accepted unavoidable due to the hot and humid manuscript, Available online 18 June 2018 climate. Strategies to reduce the size of Yousef Al Horr, Mohammed Arif, Amit Kaushik, the air conditioning unit through innovative Ahmed Mazroei, Esam Elsarrag, Occupant design of buildings are needed. Occupants’ productivity and office indoor environment gender, age, health, physical conditions, and quality: A review of the literature, Building and clothing are some of the variations that must Environment, Volume 105, 15 August 2016, Pages be taken into account in order to achieve 369-389 thermal comfort. Personalised ventilation Zhe Wang, Richard de Dear, Maohui Luo, Borong techniques that suit the unique preferences Lin, Yingxin Zhu, Individual difference in thermal of each occupant should be sought after comfort: A literature review, Building and appropriately. Environment, Volume 138, 15 June 2018, Pages It can be concluded that a thermally 181-193 comfortable space in buildings can be achieved by adopting proper design strategies aided by suitable cooling techniques. Variations in the occupants’ requirements could be addressed utilising

24 | TECHIES 23Fields of Technology What is MBOT’s Recognized Technology Fields? Each Technology and Technical fields was To-date, MBOT has recognized 23 Technology defined by MBOT’s Technology Expert Panel and Technical Fields. These technology fields are which consists of representative for the industry, not permanent and will dynamically change relevant government agency and academia. based on the rapid growth of technology. Each The Key Area for each Technology and Technical Technology Fields has gone through rigorous Fields was also defined properly to cover verification and requirements study before it was the wide angle of Technology Fields and its being approved by the Board and recognised as implementation in the industry. MBOT Technology and Technical Fields. Electrical and Electronic Information and Computing Chemical Technology (CM) Telecommunication and Technology (EE) Technology (IT) Broadcasting Technology (TB) Biotechnology (BT) Building and Construction Resource Based, Survey and Manufacturing and Industrial Technology (BC) Geomatics Technology (RB) Technology (ME) Agro-based Technology (AF) Cyber Security Technology Transportation and Logistic Material Technology (MT) (CS) Technology (TL) Marine Technology (MR) Maritime Technology (MI) Atmospheric Science and Green Technology (GT) Environment Technology (AC) Oil and Gas Technology Automotive Technology (AT) Aviation and Aerospace Food Technology (FT) (OG) Technology (AV) Nano Technology (NT) Nuclear and Radiological Art Design and Creative Technology (NR) Multimedia (AM)