Putrajaya, 8 May 2008 - The Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato? Sri Mohd. Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak officiated the International Conference on Infrastructure Development at the Marriott Hotel, Putrajaya held recently. The event took place from 7th-9th May 2008 and was organized by the Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College (KLIUC) with the support of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB), Malaysia and UEM World Berhad.

The theme "Ensuring Sustainable Nation Building for the 21st Century and Beyond" was carried out during the conference to add a significant understanding and the importance of sustainable nation building amongst participants through conducting research and professional activities that would benefit the engineering, ICT and other relevant fraternities in various areas of infrastructure development.

The conference has been participated by more than 200 participants from various professional backgrounds in the international community mostly from engineering and other background related to the areas, such as academicians, researchers, scientists, consultants, economists and also policy makers.

Featured speakers from influential individuals who have engraved their names in the development infrastructure field were present at the event. Amongst them were Y.Bhg. Tan Sri Dato?, Ir. Jamilus Hussein, President of KLIA Consultancy Services Sdn. Bhd., Y.Bhg. Dato? Zamzamzairani Mohd. Isa, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Malaysia Business and Telekom Malaysia, and Dr. John Russell from La Trobe University. The two and a half day conference was also include prominent international speakers from prestigious universities to name Professor Brian Lee from University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom, Professor Airong Chen from Tongji University, China and Associate Professor Ben Soh from La Trobe University, Australia.

In addition, 100 papers were presented during the conference covering 4 major infrastructure development issues which include, Engineering Infrastructure which will cover all aspects of physical infrastructure, Resource Infrastructure comprising our natural assets and systems, Information and Communication Infrastructure concerning technology and systems that provide access to information, and also Organizational Infrastructure encompassing knowledge workers and e commerce activities.

Some of the topics covered were Study on Cracking Causes and Countermeasures of Interfaces between Concrete with Different Ages in Long-span Rigid Frame Bridges by Xiao-Xiang Li et all from Tongji University, China, Paradigm Shift In ICT Infrastructure Development: The Case of IDBMS As A Tool To Manage Post Contract Cost Information by Shamsul Hadi Bandi and Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Kadir Marsono from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Skudai, Geotechnical challenges in Slope Engineering of Infrastructures by Dr. Gue See Sew and Cheah Siew Wai from G & P Professionals Sdn. Bhd., Managing Environmentally and Socially Controversial Infrastructure Projects in Malaysia by Ir. Dr. G. Balamurugan from ERE Consulting Group Sdn. Bhd., Road Infrastructure Construction in Malaysia by Y. Bhg. Dato? Ir. Dr. Azmi Bin Hassan from Public Works Department Malaysia and A Study of Methods for Indirect Measurement and Mapping of Civil Structure by Sr Ranjit Singh and Norhan Mat Yusoff from Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College.

The conference was initiated to create awareness among various groups and stakeholders who are keen in the sustainable development areas of the consequences of today?s activities and global co-operation to reach a mutual understanding of viable solutions as it plays a vital role in maintaining the momentum of economic growth.

It was also a platform for all intellectuals and professionals to share their knowledge and their findings in sustaining the development. Apart from that, participants also have the opportunity to go for a Sky Bridge tour at the Petronas Twin Tower, Kuala Lumpur City Centre and a trip to Putrajaya.

It was hoped that this conference will further strengthen KLIUC?s flagship in Engineering fraternity where a common platform for intellectual discourse could be made in Malaysia and also in the international arena.