TECHNICAL STUDY DELEGATION TO BANGKOK A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

The delegation

REAM’s first post-pandemic overseas trip was a resounding success in terms of delegation strength and accrued value-added knowledge. Initially not more than 20 participants comprising road related officials from public and corporate sectors was envisaged by the Organising Committee. But the flurry of registrations as of the closing date totaled an enviable 84 participants with many more late-commers being politely told that it was not possible to further increase the delegate numbers due to logistical constraints. 

The delegation was headed by the President of REAM and Director General of Public Works Department, Malaysia Datuk Ir. Haji Mohamad Zulkefly bin Sulaiman.

Datuk Ir. Haji Mohamad Zukefly when addressing the hosts during the REAM appreciation dinner on 4 July said that the overwhelming response to participate from REAM members was not only due the area of study which was relevant and of interest to the members but also the country of visit renowned for its warm and embracing hospitality that has been a preferred destination by most Malaysians. He added that as this was the first overseas delegation organised by REAM in some 27 months, the members had taken the opportunity to ‘chill out’ after being confined to home ground for that long a period. 

This 2-day study tour on 4 and 5 July 2022 was jointly hosted by the Department of Highways, Thailand (DOH) and Roads Association of Thailand (RATh). The main objective of this delegation, among others included the sharing of knowledge and experiences relating to the implementation of natural rubber modified asphalt, research, Thailand’s road infrastructure development and the implementation multi-lane free flow system. Further, a delegation such as this has paved the way for future collaborations, interactions and networking between the Malaysian road engineering fraternity and that of Thailand.

The delegation left Kuala Lumpur on the morning of 2 July and in the evening were treated to a 2-hour relaxing twilight dinner cruise along Chao Phraya River. Sunday 3 July saw the delegation visiting the city’s road infrastructure en route to popular tourist destinations to enjoy their colour, sights and sounds. A small group took the opportunity of playing a round of golf.

The delegation returned home on the evening of 6 July.