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IEM Sarawak Workshop 2026: Advancing Digital Engineering

Hertford System Sdn. Bhd., together with The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Branch, successfully organised the Digital Engineering in Structural Design: From BIM Modelling to Structural Analysis and Documentation workshop on 4 November 2026 at IEM Sarawak Branch, Kuching, Sarawak.

The workshop brought together structural engineers, consultants, industry professionals and technology experts to share knowledge and explore how Building Information Modelling (BIM) and digital engineering solutions can improve structural design, teamwork and project delivery.

Following the workshop held in Kuala Lumpur, the Sarawak event provided another opportunity for engineering professionals to learn about the latest technologies and developments in structural engineering.

Throughout the day, participants gained insights from experienced speakers, explored engineering software solutions and exchanged ideas with fellow industry professionals.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adopting digital technologies to support more efficient and connected engineering workflows.

Exploring the Future of Structural Engineering

The morning session began with a presentation by Dr. Afonso Miguel Solak, Corporate Development Director at CYPE, who shared his insights into the future of structural engineering and the growing importance of digital technology in engineering design.

His presentation explored how digital solutions are changing the way engineers approach structural projects, from modelling and analysis to the preparation of engineering documentation.

Participants were introduced to CYPE engineering solutions, which support structural modelling, connection design, analysis and other important engineering tasks.

The session also highlighted how using digital tools can help engineers improve design accuracy, reduce repetitive work and manage engineering information more efficiently.

As engineering projects become more complex, adopting suitable technologies can help professionals work more effectively and improve overall project delivery.

Understanding Open BIM Workflows

The workshop continued with a presentation by Ir. Mun Yew Fai, an experienced structural engineering professional with over 17 years of industry experience, who shared his knowledge of Open BIM workflows for structural projects.

His session focused on how Open BIM can help engineers from different disciplines work together by improving information sharing and project coordination.

In many construction projects, architects, structural engineers and other consultants use different software to complete their designs. Open BIM allows these teams to exchange project information while maintaining better coordination throughout the design process.

The presentation highlighted how connected workflows can improve communication, reduce misunderstandings and help project teams manage their work more effectively.

Participants also gained a better understanding of how Open BIM supports teamwork and helps engineers maintain consistent information throughout a project.

Improving Structural Design and Multidisciplinary Coordination

Another key part of the workshop focused on structural design, connection engineering and the importance of coordination between different engineering disciplines.

During his technical sessions, Dr. Afonso Miguel Solak from CYPE introduced integrated engineering solutions that support structural design and coordination with Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems.

Participants learned how different engineering teams can coordinate their designs within a shared BIM environment.

By working with connected digital models, engineers can identify potential design issues earlier, improve communication and reduce coordination errors.

The sessions also explored how BIM technology helps engineers maintain accurate information throughout the design process, from the early planning stages to engineering documentation.

Through its engineering training and services, Hertford System continues to support professionals in developing their technical skills and improving their understanding of modern engineering software.

Exploring Artificial Intelligence in Structural Engineering

The afternoon session featured Mr. Wan Muhammad Hafiz Wan Ab Rahman, BIM Consultant at Hertford System Sdn. Bhd., who presented Advancing the Digital Structural Design Lifecycle with AI.

His presentation focused on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital engineering technologies can support structural engineers in their daily work.

The session introduced STAAD.Pro, a structural analysis and design solution from Bentley Systems, and explored how emerging AI technologies can support engineering workflows.

One of the key topics was the use of an AI Model Context Protocol (MCP) server with STAAD.Pro, highlighting opportunities to connect AI tools with structural engineering software.

The presentation also covered how STAAD.Pro can be integrated with STAAD Foundation Advanced to support foundation design, while introducing the connection between structural and geotechnical engineering through PLAXIS.

Participants gained insights into how these technologies can help engineers explore more connected workflows, improve productivity and make better use of digital engineering tools.

The session provided a useful introduction to the growing role of AI in engineering and how it may support the future of structural design.

Introducing Smarter Asset Management

The workshop also welcomed Mr. Lee Siak Hong, Head of Country Managers for ASEAN at Neuron Digital Group, who presented Intelligent Asset Operations.

His session explored how digital technologies can help organisations manage their infrastructure and assets more effectively.

While engineering design and construction are important stages of a project, proper asset management after completion is equally important.

The presentation highlighted how connected asset information, digital platforms and intelligent technologies can support better monitoring, improve operational efficiency and help organisations make informed decisions.

Participants were introduced to the importance of maintaining useful engineering information beyond the design and construction stages.

The session also showed how digital solutions can support long term asset management and help organisations move towards smarter and more efficient operations.

Building Stronger Industry Connections in Sarawak

Apart from the technical presentations, the workshop provided an opportunity for participants to meet other engineering professionals, exchange ideas and build stronger industry relationships.

Throughout the event, participants had the chance to engage with speakers, ask questions and learn more about the digital solutions introduced during the sessions.

The discussions helped encourage knowledge sharing and provided useful insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by engineering professionals.

The workshop also reflected the growing interest in BIM, structural engineering software and digital technologies among engineering professionals in Sarawak.

By organising workshops like this, Hertford System hopes to make technical knowledge and modern engineering solutions more accessible to professionals across Malaysia.

Hertford System continues to support industry learning through technical workshops and training programmes, providing opportunities for engineers to develop new skills and stay updated with the latest technologies.

Celebrating Our Lucky Draw Winners

To make the event even more exciting, the workshop ended with a fun Lucky Draw Session, featuring four prizes proudly sponsored by Hertford System Sdn. Bhd.

The lucky winners walked away with the following prizes:

  1. Lucky Draw 1: La Gourmet Healthy Seamless Electric Kettle
  2. Lucky Draw 2: Midea Dual Layer Blade Table Blender
  3. Lucky Draw 3: Cornell Coffee Maker
  4. Lucky Draw 4: Russell Taylors iCool Aircooler

The lucky draw brought excitement and smiles to the participants, making it a fun and memorable way to end a day filled with learning and networking.

Congratulations to all four lucky winners! We hope you enjoy your prizes, and thank you to everyone who joined us and made the event special.

Thank You to Our Partners, Speakers and Participants

Hertford System would like to express our sincere appreciation to The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) Sarawak Branch, the IEM Civil and Structural Engineering Technical Division (CSETD), our technology partners CYPE, Bentley Systems and Neuron Digital, and everyone who contributed to making this workshop a success.

Special appreciation goes to our distinguished guests, Ir. Dr. Liew San Chuin, President of IEM Sarawak Branch; Ts. Rosmen Ag. Hassan, Representative from CIDB Sarawak; Ts. Andy Tiong Meng Jun, Vice President of the Association of Professional Technicians and Technologists (APTT); and Ts. Br. Gs. Noor Nikman Salleh, Honorary Secretary of APTT, for their presence and support.

We would also like to thank Dr. Afonso Miguel Solak, Ir. Mun Yew Fai, Mr. Wan Muhammad Hafiz Wan Ab Rahman and Mr. Lee Siak Hong for sharing their knowledge, experiences and valuable insights with the participants.

Most importantly, we sincerely appreciate all the engineers, consultants and industry professionals who took the time to attend and actively participate in the workshop.

The support and engagement throughout the event showed the importance of continuous learning, knowledge sharing and collaboration in the engineering industry.

At Hertford System Sdn. Bhd., we remain committed to supporting the engineering and construction industry through BIM solutions, structural engineering software, digital design workflows and innovative technologies that help professionals work more efficiently.

We look forward to more opportunities to collaborate with IEM Sarawak and other industry partners, share knowledge and support the growth of digital engineering in Sarawak and across Malaysia.

For more information about our engineering solutions, training programmes or future collaborations, feel free to contact Hertford System.

Together, we hope to build a smarter, more connected and efficient future for engineering.

November 12, 2026