Pavement Innovation By Bridging Public Sector

Implementer And Higher Learning Institution:

Public Works Department Sarawak’s Experience

Chin HS

Research Centre Manager, Public Works Department Sarawak, Kuching, Malaysia

chinhs@sarawak.gov.my

ABSTRACT

Innovation, through research and development has always been recognised as the niche of

higher learning institutes. The universities are known for the alliance of intellectual mind in

exploring possibilities in various faculties, however, usually confined to academic journal.

On the other side of the divide, the tangible needs of the people are primarily fulfilled by the

industries from both the public sector and the corporate sector.

Public Works Department Sarawak (PWDS) is the biggest infrastructure implementation arm

of the State Government of Sarawak. Billions of RM spent annually to deliver amenities for

the convenience and connectivity of the people. Dedicated to excel in engineering

technology, the organization strives to adapt research innovations into its project delivery

mechanisms by bridging the academic intellect and the industry practitioner. The viability

criteria for adaptation of innovative pavement materials and road construction technology in

pilot sites are chiefly, cost saving and green technology.

This paper explains how PWDS identified challenges and weakness in current design and

construction practices to the higher learning institutions for them to develop potential solution

in their post graduate research. Vice versa, the collaboration could be initiated by the learning

institutions in their current research theme through customization into PWDS’s design and

construction needs of specific sites.

With this model, there have been innovations implemented on the sites where the nature of

works provided ideal pilot section. At the same time, PWDS solicited critical funding from

stakeholders, including the learning institutions as well. This paper highlights two research

innovations being implemented in PWDS road projects by adopting this said approach. The

outcome have been promising, for both JKRS and the learning institutions.

KEY WORDS:

Higher Learning Institution; Public Sector; Bridging; Research; Pilot Section

Corresponding Author:

Chin Hon Sin

Research Centre Manager

Public Works Department Sarawak

Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg

93200 Kuching

Malaysia

chinhs@sarawak.gov.my