SEOUL, Dec 2 – A delegation from the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) Construction Research Centre (CRC) led by Deputy Director Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Shek Poi Ngian and fellow researchers successfully concluded an official visit to a key academic institution in Seoul National University (SNU) —ranked as the No. 1 university in South Korea.
The visit aimed to foster academic collaboration, to explore potential joint research initiatives gain insights into advanced engineering facilities.
The UTM CRC delegation was warmly received by their South Korean counterparts, led by Prof. Jin Hwan Hwang, the Head of Department, and Prof. Moon Juhyuk. The meeting served as a crucial platform to exchange knowledge, discuss contemporary issues in civil and environmental engineering, and identify areas for future partnership.
The visit highlighted strong potential for academic collaboration, with discussions centering on student exchange programs and visiting scholar opportunities aimed at enhancing the global exposure of students and faculty from both institutions. In addition, both parties explored joint research opportunities, particularly in areas such as sustainable infrastructure, smart construction, and environmental resilience, leveraging the unique expertise of each institution.
Knowledge exchange was also key focus, with presentations and dialogue sessions held to share insights into the latest research findings and teaching methodologies. The interactions ensure that both departments remain at the forefront of engineering education and practice, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
The visit marks a significant step towards internationalizing the research and educational output of the UTM CRC. The delegation held a short but meaningful discussion with Professor Jin Hwan Hwang, Head of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and Prof. Moon Juhyuk, focusing on potential academic cooperation, joint research initiatives, and knowledge exchange in structural engineering and construction technology.
Strengthening relationships with global leaders in civil and environmental engineering, such as the host institution led by Prof. Hwang and Prof. Juhyuk, is vital for achieving academic excellence and contributing to global engineering solutions. The visit also included an extensive tour of SNU’s high-technology laboratories and testing facilities, featuring a site visit to Wind Tunnel Laboratory, technical visit and demonstration of Concrete Materials Laboratory and a demonstration of Extreme Performance Testing Center (EPTC).
These facilities represent some of the most advanced engineering research infrastructures in Korea, offering valuable reference points for UTM CRC’s ongoing and future research in resilient structures, construction materials, and extreme-event engineering.
“This visit represents a significant milestone in the CRC’s internationalization efforts,” said Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Shek. “The expertise and research focus demonstrated by Professor Hwang, Professor Juhyuk, and their team are highly complementary to our own. We are confident this partnership will yield impactful research outcomes and enrich the learning experience for our students.”
The UTM CRC extends its sincere appreciation to Prof. Jin Hwan Hwang and Prof. Moon Juhyuk for their warm reception and commitment to building a strong collaborative relationship.
Source: UTM NewsHub
