Инженеры Сабаха изучили опыт Китая для внедрения умных транспортных систем

THE recent 2026 Engineering Capacity Building Programme (Transportation Infrastructure) in Nanjing, China, has given me an opportunity to look at Sabah’s development from a different perspective. As engineers, we often focus on designing and building infrastructure. But visiting Nanjing reminded me that the future of infrastructure is not only about concrete, steel and physical construction. It is increasingly about data, digital technology, intelligent systems, good planning and, most importantly, people. A 16-member delegation from the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch participated in the programme, which focused on “Smart Mobility – Infrastructure of the Future”. During the programme, we visited universities, research institutions, transportation facilities and engineering organisations, and were introduced to developments in smart transportation, artificial intelligence, bridge health monitoring, digital design, intelligent construction and road asset management. For me, the most important question is not whether Sabah can copy what China has done. The more important question is what Sabah can learn from China’s experience and how we can adapt relevant ideas to our own needs. One of the most interesting observations from Nanjing was the way technology is being used to manage infrastructure more systematically. At the Jiangsu Expressway Network and Management Centre, we saw how traffic information, road conditions, incident management and customer services can be brought together through digital systems. At research and engineering facilities, we also learned how sensors and data can be used to monitor bridges and other infrastructure. Traditionally, infrastructure is often inspected and repaired after problems become visible. With better technology and data, we can move towards earlier detection, preventive maintenance and better long-term asset management. For Sabah, this concept has considerable potential. Sabah, however, has its own unique circumstances. We have a large geographical area, challenging terrain, long distances between communities, heavy rainfall, flood risks and rapidly growing urban areas. Therefore, technology that works well in China cannot simply be transferred to Sabah without careful consideration. We need to examine the cost, technical requirements, local skills, maintenance needs and actual benefits. For example, technologies such as digital mapping, artificial intelligence, drones, sensors, digital twins and real-time data could potentially support road maintenance, bridge inspection, traffic management, flood monitoring and other infrastructure services. But technology should always serve a clear purpose. The ultimate test should be whether it helps us to deliver safer, more reliable, more efficient and more sustainable infrastructure for Sabahans. This is also relevant to the continuing implementation of Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) 2.0, which provides a broad development direction for the state, including infrastructure and connectivity, economic development, human capital, sustainability and the well-being of the people. Infrastructure is closely linked to all these areas. Good roads and bridges improve connectivity. Reliable infrastructure supports investment and economic activity. Efficient public transportation improves mobility. Better water, drainage and flood-management systems contribute to community resilience. As Sabah moves forward, I believe the engineering profession can make an important contribution by helping to bring technical knowledge, innovation and practical solutions into the development process. I see professional institutions such as IEM, ACEM and SEA as having an important role in encouraging knowledge-sharing, professional development and constructive engagement between engineers, Government agencies, universities and industry. The Nanjing programme also reinforced my belief that Sabah needs to prepare for the growing importance of digital engineering and Industry 4.0. The engineer of tomorrow will need more than traditional technical knowledge. Engineers will increasingly need to understand data, artificial intelligence, digital modelling, automation, remote sensing and smart systems, while still maintaining strong engineering fundamentals. However, we should not become so attracted to new technology that we forget the basics. For example; a smart bridge must first be a safe bridge. A smart road must first be a properly designed and constructed road. A smart infrastructure system must ultimately deliver real value to the public. Technology should strengthen good engineering practice, not replace it. In fact, our greatest investment is our people. Perhaps the most important lesson I brought home from Nanjing is that technology alone does not create successful infrastructure. But people do. Sabah needs engineers who are technically competent, professionally responsible and willing to continuously learn. Our young engineers should have opportunities to gain international exposure, learn from experienced professionals and understand new technologies. At the same time, they must develop strong foundations in engineering principles, safety, ethics, quality and professional responsibility. If we want Sabah to benefit from digital engineering and IR4.0, we must invest not only in technology but also in our local engineering talent. The Nanjing programme also demonstrated the value of international professional relationships. There is considerable scope for Sabah engineers to learn from Chinese universities, research institutions and engineering organisations, particularly in areas such as smart mobility, bridge monitoring, road asset management, intelligent construction and digital engineering. Such cooperation does not mean that Sabah should follow another country’s development model. Rather, it provides opportunities for mutual learning and knowledge exchange. China can share its experience, while Sabah can contribute our own engineering knowledge and understanding of local conditions. From Nanjing, a lesson for Sabah, I think that my Nanjing experience has strengthened my belief that Sabah has an opportunity to embrace new technology while remaining firmly grounded in sound engineering principles. As we move forward under SMJ 2.0, we should continue to explore how digital engineering, smart infrastructure and IR4.0 can support the state’s development objectives. But we should do so carefully and pragmatically. We should learn internationally, think locally and implement responsibly. For me, the greatest value of the Nanjing programme is therefore not the technology we saw, but the ideas and relationships that we can bring home. The real success will be measured by what happens after we return. Questions such as Can we improve the way we manage our roads and bridges? Can we make our transport systems smarter? Can we develop better infrastructure planning? Can we equip our young engineers with the skills needed for the future? And most importantly, can engineering help improve the quality of life of Sabahans? These are the questions for us worth pursuing. From Nanjing to Sabah, the journey should not end with a study visit. It should continue through learning, adaptation, cooperation and action so that international engineering experience can be transformed into practical solutions for Sabah. * The views expressed in this article are Ir. Ts. Tan KJ’s personal professional observations arising from the recent Engineering Capacity Building Programme in Nanjing, China, and do not necessarily represent the official position of IEM Sabah Branch.