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