DESARU, July 24 – More than 120 industry experts and researchers gathered at the Four Points by Sheraton Desaru for the Structural Integrity Failure 2025 Forum and Workshop. This event was dedicated to addressing real-world engineering problems that threaten infrastructure safety. It was jointly organized by the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (FKM) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Association of Materials, Vibration, and Insulation Practitioners Malaysia (AMVIP). The forum also received strong support from Abadi Oil & Gas Services Sdn. Bhd. and the Johor Skills Development Centre.

The event was formally opened by Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Zaini Ahmad, the Dean of the FKM, who reaffirmed UTM’s commitment to producing competent, future-ready engineers and supporting impactful research that meets industry needs. To kick off the program, Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Muhamad Azizi Mat Yajid, the Deputy Dean of Research, Innovation, and Development at FKM, as well as the AMVIP Johor Chair, called for stronger collaboration between universities and industries to prevent failures in pipelines, buildings, and other critical structures. He emphasized that addressing technical challenges requires not only research but also practical field experience.

The day began with two hands-on technical workshops. Danny Tan from Abadi Oil & Gas Services shared practical strategies for identifying and managing corrosion under insulation (CUI), a hidden but serious issue in many industrial systems. Shann Ching Liew from HJ3 Composite Technologies presented solutions using composite materials to strengthen aging structures and extend their lifespan.

The subsequent invited speaker sessions provided in-depth discussions on emerging technologies. Experts covered topics such as thermal insulative coatings (TIC), viscoelastic materials, all-in-one fire insulation systems, technical insulation for reducing carbon emissions, and human-factor considerations in structural failure. These forward-looking topics sparked essential conversations about how innovation can prevent costly damage and improve long-term performance. Industry leaders from companies like Pluperfect Technology Sdn. Bhd., PICORR Sdn. Bhd., Armacell Asia, FGE Control (M) Sdn. Bhd., IFOCS EngTech Sdn. Bhd., Kanmeta Engineering (M), and Norimax Sdn. Bhd. contributed their expertise and fresh perspectives.

A key highlight of the event was the afternoon keynote session, which began with remarks from M. Shahrizal, General Manager of Self-Regulation & Asset Integrity Management at PRefChem. He emphasized the importance of structural integrity monitoring in the oil and gas industry and addressed the challenges of maintaining asset reliability. This was followed by a keynote address from Ir. Muhammad Zaid Kamardin of Petronas GTS presented a comprehensive strategy for managing corrosion risks based on practical industry experience.

Neil Wilds from Sherwin-Williams captivated the audience with an innovative coating system that provides protection without the need for additional jacketing, thus reducing costs and time. Adding a research-based perspective, Prof. Dr. Nasir Tamin from UTM shared a nature-inspired approach to predicting fatigue crack growth in structural materials, demonstrating how biological principles can enhance engineering solutions.

Technology was not only discussed but also showcased. The forum’s Tech Solutions Demonstration, held during the tea break, allowed participants to engage directly with new technologies. Live demonstrations included raw water pipeline monitoring, USV water quality monitoring robots, drone technology, and a CFD suite for ship modeling. These hands-on experiences sparked enthusiasm, especially among young engineers and researchers.

The day concluded with a lively panel discussion, where representatives from academia and industry shared insights and proposed methods for collaboration on future research and safety solutions. In his closing remarks, AMVIP President Ts. Dr. Mohamad Kamal Harun thanked all participants and highlighted the importance of continued partnerships to solve real-world challenges.

More than just a forum, the event served as a platform to connect ideas with action. Students gained valuable exposure to real engineering issues, companies discovered new ways to improve safety and reliability, and researchers found opportunities to align their work with industry needs. The shared message was clear: structural failures are preventable with the right knowledge, tools, and people working together.

The success of this program was made possible by the strong support of eight sponsor companies: Abadi Oil & Gas Services Sdn. Bhd., FGE Control (M) Sdn. Bhd., InsulRef Sdn. Bhd., IFOCS EngTech Sdn. Bhd., Kanmeta Engineering (M), Norimax Sdn. Bhd., PICORR Sdn. Bhd., and Pluperfect Technology Sdn. Bhd. This illustrates the collective efforts of all involved and represents a moment of pride and accomplishment for the entire community.

With participation from over 36 organizations, Structural Integrity Failure 2025 proved to be a vital platform for sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and driving change. Building on this momentum, both UTM and AMVIP plan to establish this as an annual flagship event, inviting not only professionals but also educators, students, policymakers, and the general public. Their shared vision is a future where Malaysia excels in safe, innovative, and sustainable engineering methods.

The forum was not just a meeting; it was a milestone, and it marks only the beginning.

Assoc. Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Muhamad Azizi Mat Yajid (right) with keynote and invited speakers during the forum session.

Source: UTM NewsHub