UEM Edgenta Bhd has strengthened its role in Sarawak’s infrastructure development after providing engineering oversight, quality assurance and project management support for the Pan Borneo Highway, one of the largest civil engineering projects in Southeast Asia.
Serving as the appointed Independent Checking Engineer (ICE), UEM Edgenta supported the delivery of Phase 1 of the 786km highway stretching from Telok Melano in southern Sarawak to Merapok in the north, which involved the construction of 115 bridges and 25 complex interchanges.
The company’s role focused on ensuring the project met required standards in quality, safety, regulatory compliance and sustainability while addressing Sarawak’s challenging terrain, including unstable soil conditions, extensive river networks and complex logistical requirements across remote areas.
UEM Edgenta Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Shaiful Subhan said delivering the project required strong technical expertise, governance and collaboration among stakeholders.
“Delivering an infrastructure project on the scale of the Pan Borneo Highway across Sarawak’s vast and diverse landscape demands exceptional technical expertise, disciplined governance and close collaboration among all stakeholders,” he said.
Beyond project delivery, UEM Edgenta said the highway development has also contributed to building Sarawak’s local engineering capabilities, with more than 70% of its workforce supporting projects in the state comprising local talent.
The company has also worked with local contractors and professionals to strengthen technical capabilities, while its partnership with Swinburne University of Technology Sarawak Campus supports internships, graduate programmes and knowledge transfer initiatives.
Raihana Ahmad, Managing Director of Infrastructure Solutions at UEM Edgenta, said, “The Pan Borneo Highway is more than a road, it is a catalyst for unity, progress and opportunity across Sarawak.”
“For our team in Sarawak, delivering this long-awaited vision has been deeply meaningful because it is, ultimately, about improving the lives of the communities we serve. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Sarawak State Government, our partners and local contractors to help bring this vision to life, while strengthening local capabilities that will support the state’s future infrastructure ambitions,” she added.
With experience supporting major infrastructure projects including PLUS Highways and Penang Bridge, UEM Edgenta said the Pan Borneo Highway project further demonstrates its involvement in managing complex infrastructure developments while supporting the growth of local engineering talent in Sarawak.
