The congress invited industry experts to discuss the sustainability constraints of mega projects in Southeast Asia (ASEAN), and collaboration work between countries in the era of digitalisation. Some of the mega projects featured included the New Capital City of Indonesia, Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak and Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Bridge in Brunei.
Habibie talked about SMEC’s cost estimating and scheduling experience for a gold project development in Indonesia. He shared SMEC’s approach and methodology in assisting the client to meet the requirements of the AACE Cost Estimation Classification System, the engineering, procurement, and construction direct and indirect cost estimates, as well as the result of the cost risk analysis performed.
Habibie, who is also the Executive Director of the Institution of Engineers Indonesia (PII), emphasized the importance of hands-on experience in becoming a proficient cost estimator. He advised fresh graduates to witness firsthand the intricacies of infrastructure work and construction activities. Furthermore, he urged UTS students and alumni to remain steadfast in their pursuit of an engineering career.
The congress was attended by quantity surveyors, cost engineers, project managers, contractors, architects, engineers, academics, researchers, professionals, government officials and students. It is jointly organised by ASEAN Quantity Surveyors Association (AQSA) and the School of Built Environment of the University of Technology Sarawak (UTS).
AQSA was established in December 2020 with the aim to extend cooperation among ASEAN countries through quantity surveying services mobility, fostering close working relationships and establishing baseline standards for practices and education development.