SYNOPSIS   

Trenchless Engineering: Best Practices, Technology and Industry Perspectives is a one day hybrid technical programme that brings together engineers, infrastructure owners, consultants, contractors, researchers and technology providers to discuss current developments and practical applications of trenchless technology in Malaysia. As urbanisation intensifies and underground utility corridors become increasingly congested, trenchless construction has become an essential approach for delivering and rehabilitating infrastructure while minimising disruption to traffic, businesses and surrounding communities.

The programme provides a comprehensive overview of the key components required for successful trenchless project delivery. Technical sessions will cover design considerations for trenchless infrastructure, the role of engineering geology in route selection and construction risk management, utility mapping and detection techniques for reducing underground service conflicts, and practical case studies on microtunnelling and horizontal directional drilling (HDD) in challenging Malaysian ground conditions. Participants will also be introduced to emerging digital technologies and digital construction management tools that enhance planning, coordination and asset management throughout the project lifecycle.

The seminar features experienced speakers from government agencies, utility owners, contractors and industry specialists who have been directly involved in the planning, design and construction of trenchless infrastructure projects. Through the presentation of real project experiences, lessons learned and technical solutions, participants will gain valuable insights into current industry practices, construction methodologies, risk mitigation strategies and the adoption of innovative technologies. This seminar provides an excellent platform for professional development, technical knowledge exchange and networking, while strengthening collaboration between industry, government and academia to support the sustainable development of underground infrastructure.


SYNOPSIS & BIODATA OF SPEAKERS

1) YBhg. Datuk Ir. Ts. Is. Cheng Chin Keong, Danny, (D.P.S.M)
Managing Director
ST TUNNEL (M) SDN. BHD. formerly known as ICOP CONSTRUCTION (M) SDN. BHD.
ST TUNNEL (THAILAND) CO., LTD.
PT HARVEST TUNNEL PERKASA

Topic 1 : Design Considerations for Trenchless Infrastructure Projects
Topic 2 : Microtunnelling: Construction Techniques, Challenges and Case Studies

Synopsis:

The water supply situation in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur is expected to reach critical levels with water demand envisaged to exceed supply as early as 2008. The Langat 2 Project is for the water treatment and distribution facilities for water transferred from the Pahang-Selangor Raw Water Transfer (PSRWT) Project for an ultimate nominal treated water output capacity of 2260 MLD and distribute it within Selangor and Kuala Lumpur as required to meet with the water demand areas, particularly Hulu Langat, Ampang, AU3, Kuala Lumpur, Cheras, Sg. Besi, Bukit Jalil, Petaling and Puchong areas. A twin 2.5m large diameter water pipeline is proposed crossing PLUS and BESRAYA Expressway, MRT, ERL and KTMB railway reserves in Klang Valley. Line 1 had a total length of 342m whilst Line 2 had a total length of 326m. Both the twin water pipeline are installed at the depth of up to 26m, installed using Microtunnelling method. The first tunnel (Line 1 – Duty Line) had been completed since February 2023. For the second tunnel (Line 2 – Standby Line) was completed in September 2023, the difficulties are much higher and complex no doubt the distance is shorter. Line 2 section consist of geological difficulties and complexity which involve the drilling in hard rock with cavities (Karstic Lie Stone up to 80Mpa), curvatures in both horizontal and vertical Profile, time constraint due to the given period of construction, environmental matters, crossing 5 major critical transport infrastructure and other technical aspects involve precision and accuracy. Both Expressway and Railway authorities require dilapidation studies to conducted before the crossings are allowed and instrumentation monitoring program in the pre, during and post construction stages especially with the Zero Settlement Requirement within the ERL railway boundaries. The works had received two awards from the Malaysia book of records for the “Longest Microtunnelling ID2500 Twin Parallel Water Pipeline In Malaysia” and “Deepest Microtunnelling ID2500 Twin Parallel Water Pipeline In Malaysia”. The integrated design philosophy, innovative engineering methodologies, and successful execution of this project have established a new benchmark for deep microtunnelling works especially for water supply and conveyance segment in Malaysia. The project showcases Malaysian engineering capability in delivering complex trenchless infrastructure with world-class standards and exemplifies the innovation, technical excellence, and sustainable construction practices.


Speaker’s Profile:

YBhg. Datuk Ir. Ts. Is. Cheng Chin Keong, Danny is a leading trenchless technology specialist with over 27 years of international experience in microtunnelling, pipe jacking, HDD, and shaft construction. A University of Nottingham Trent electrical engineering graduate, he has managed major projects across ASEAN, Europe, Australia and the Middle East. He has earned multiple Malaysia Book of Records and international industry recognitions.


2) Ir. Dr. Mohd Farid bin Haji Ahmad
Consultface Sdn. Bhd.

Topic: Geotechnical Assessment and Instrumentation

Synopsis:

The 2.4m diameter concrete water tunnel is a 100 m long micro-tunnel that crosses below critical structures such as ERL line, KTMB track and Sg Besi Highway. Geotechnical Impact Assessment was prepared to ensure safety of tunneling and that the tunneling activity comply with guidelines provided by authority. The assessment was focused on settlement and stresses on the adjacent soils along the tunneling route. The route cross different soil strata that provided challenges to the tunneling work. Geotechnical instruments were installed and monitored to assist the tunneling progress and ensure safety of work. These monitoring results were compared against the established Trigger Limits throughout the tunneling progress.


Speaker’s Profile:

Dr Farid started his engineering career with PETRONAS where he stayed for 13 years. While there, he was part of project team for large diameter gas pipeline, gas processing plant, railway project and building projects. He then joined the academia as a senior lecturer for 5 years. Dr Farid established his consulting firm in 2010, where he remains active until the present. Dr Farid was the Chairman of TUSTD between 2014-2016.


3) P.Geol Gs. Mohd Fairuz bin Mohamed Isa
Director, IKRAM Engineering Services Sdn. Bhd.

Topic: Utility Mapping and Detection: Reducing Risks in Underground Construction

Synopsis:

Underground utility conflicts remain one of the leading causes of project delays, cost overruns, and safety incidents in infrastructure construction. This presentation highlights the importance of effective utility mapping and detection in reducing risks throughout the planning, design, and construction stages. It covers the principles of underground utility investigation, available detection technologies, data interpretation, and best practices for integrating utility information into project workflows. Drawing from practical case studies and field experience, the session will discuss common challenges, risk mitigation strategies, and coordination approaches that improve construction safety, minimise utility damage, and support more efficient delivery of underground infrastructure projects.


Speaker’s Profile:

Mohd Fairuz Bin Mohamed Isa is a registered Professional Geologist with over 23 years of experience in geotechnical and engineering geology. Holding a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering, his expertise includes slope assessment, geohazard evaluation, subsurface interpretation, site supervision, research, and radiation protection. He currently serves as a Director at IKRAM Engineering Services.


4) Ir. Rusnida binti Talib
Senior Deputy Director, Civil Engineering Section, Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL)

Synopsis:

Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) has become an essential trenchless technology for installing underground utilities in densely developed urban environments. However, the success of HDD projects depends greatly on understanding local ground conditions, existing underground infrastructure, and effective risk management. Drawing on over two decades of experience in civil engineering and geotechnical management at Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), this talk shares practical lessons learned from HDD implementation in Kuala Lumpur. The session will discuss the challenges posed by complex subsurface conditions, utility coordination, geotechnical considerations, and construction risks, while highlighting best practices to improve project safety, efficiency, and long-term infrastructure resilience.


Speaker’s Profile:

Ir. Rusnida Talib is Senior Deputy Director at Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), leading civil engineering, infrastructure, slope maintenance and utility projects. With over 20 years’ experience, she has contributed to major urban engineering initiatives, including the Jalan Masjid India sinkhole response. She is an IEM Fellow, Council Member, and advocate for sustainable urbanism.


5) Ir. Faizal bin Othman
President, Malaysian Association for Trenchless Technology (MATT)

Speaker’s Profile:

Faizal Othman brings close to three decades of experience in water and wastewater utilities management, business and operations strategy, and large-scale infrastructure management. He began his career as a Civil Engineer with SMHB Sdn Bhd in 1991, before joining Thames Water Malaysia, where he later served as Operations Manager for Malaysia/Asia Pacific, covering technical services coordination for SAJH, a billing system upgrade for the Sabah Water Department, and strategic support to Timatch Water. He joined Ranhill Group in 2003, rising through Senior Manager, General Manager and Senior Vice President to Group Chief Operating Officer, during which he led business expansion into China and India and played a key role in Ranhill Holdings Berhad's restructuring for its Bursa Malaysia listing while overseeing group and subsidiary operations across seven companies with a combined RM1 billion turnover. He subsequently served as Chief Executive Officer of Indah Water Konsortium (2017–2019) and as Executive Director and Managing Director of Puncak Niaga Holdings Berhad and Puncak Niaga Construction (2020–2021), overseeing the Construction Division. He holds a B.Sc. in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee and a Master's in Operational Management from the Australian National University.