UTP Students Gain Global Perspective on Sustainable Infrastructure Development
15-26 July 2024
Sixteen final-year Civil Engineering students from Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) recently participated in the Coastal and Tropical Infrastructure Development International Course (COSTROP-ID) 2024 at Institusi Teknologi Sumatera (ITERA), Indonesia.
The course, organised by ITERA's Faculty of Infrastructure and Regional Technology (FTIK), focused on developing sustainable tourism infrastructure in Sumatra.
The intensive 12-day programme brought together a diverse cohort of 33 Bachelor and Master students from various countries including Rwanda, Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Maldives, Syria, Indonesia and Malaysia, fostering a dynamic environment for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
The curriculum delved into critical aspects of sustainable infrastructure, spatial planning, and the interplay between urban development and tourism.
Participants gained invaluable insights from renowned experts such as Professor Dr Ir Arwin Sabar and Dr Ir Putu Doddy Heka Ardana.
"Beyond classroom learning, we engaged in practical experiences through site visits to infrastructure projects like Way Sekampung Dam and Panjang Port in Lampung province," said Iman Ezrai Khairolnezam, one of the UTP Civil Engineering students who participated in the course.
"This immersive approach highlighted the importance of balancing economic growth and environmental protection for sustainable development,” he added.
The students also explored the natural beauty and cultural richness of Lampung, visiting destinations such as Sanggar Beach and Ashkar Jaya.
"The course covered vital topics such as transportation systems, accommodation planning, and eco-friendly design. We returned to UTP equipped with practical skills and knowledge essential for sustainable tourism and infrastructure development,” Iman Ezrai added.
UTP students were accompanied by Associate Professor Dr Wesam Salah Alaloul and Yusniza Yaakop from UTP's Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.
This international experience not only enhanced UTP's reputation as a leading engineering institution but also cultivated a strong sense of global citizenship among the students.
By equipping them with the tools to address complex environmental and societal challenges, UTP is nurturing future sustainability leaders aligned with PETRONAS' commitment to achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions by 2050.
