SEGi University’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FOEBEIT) recently held an engaging forum on “Spun Piles for Sustainable Infrastructure Development,” led by Dr. Priyadatchini Karunakaran. This event brought together engineering students from Years 1 to 4, along with academic staff, for an enlightening session on the importance of sustainable practices in construction.
Featuring industry expert Westley Tay Wei Quan, who has over a decade of experience in sales and technical services for ICP, the forum provided valuable insights into the use of spun piles for sustainable infrastructure and encouraged students to think critically about their future roles in fostering sustainability within the engineering field.
Westley Tay, a graduate in Civil Engineering from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, shared his expertise and experiences from large-scale projects, including Malaysia’s Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development (RAPID) and Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB) initiatives. His presentation offered an in-depth look at the practical applications and challenges of sustainable infrastructure, highlighting how these practices can drive the future of construction. The forum became a dynamic platform for students to explore and discuss current sustainable practices and emerging trends in spun pile technology, which has become instrumental in reducing environmental impact.
The initiative had three main objectives: to raise awareness of sustainable practices, engage students in active discussions, and inspire them to embrace sustainability in their future careers. Through interactive sessions, students gained a thorough understanding of how sustainable infrastructure solutions align with global priorities, particularly the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to build resilient and sustainable cities. The forum also served as a motivator, as students heard real-world success stories and considered how they might implement sustainable solutions in their work.
With growing global recognition of sustainable construction, forums like these are essential. In 2021 alone, the construction industry accounted for approximately 38% of global energy-related CO₂ emissions. Preparing future engineers with the skills and motivation to reduce these impacts is critical. SEGi’s commitment to sustainability in engineering education ensures that its students are equipped to make meaningful contributions toward a more sustainable built environment, meeting the demand for eco-friendly practices in construction.
This initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production