By Lariyah Mohd Sidek, Hidayah Basri
The exchange of knowledge and expertise in hydropower and dam safety is crucial for regional stakeholders as they navigate the challenges of sustainable water resource management and infrastructure development. By fostering collaboration, institutions can drive innovation, improve safety measures, and enhance operational efficiency, ensuring the long-term sustainability of hydropower projects. Recognizing this need, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN) and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) have taken the initiative to strengthen global expertise in these critical areas.
The Professional Development Program on Hydropower and Dam Construction commenced with an impactful Opening Ceremony at The Energy Sphere, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Malaysia, setting the stage for a comprehensive learning experience. The program brought together industry professionals, engineers, and policymakers from the Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), UNITEN, and the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to advance knowledge, foster collaboration, and address key challenges in dam safety, hydropower infrastructure, and sustainable water management. Jointly organized by the Yunus Centre, AIT and Dam Safety & Sustainability Intelligence (DSSI), Institute of Energy Infrastructure (IEI), UNITEN, this program reflects the strong commitment of these institutions to capacity-building, research collaboration, and technical knowledge-sharing in the hydropower and dam sector.
Comprehensive training and engaging activities
Held at The Energy Sphere, UNITEN from 17-26 February 2026, the program featured a well-structured blend of theoretical learning, technical site visits, and interactive discussions. Participants engaged in expert-led lectures and practical training sessions covering dam hydrology, structural safety, risk mitigation, and hydropower operations.
To reinforce classroom learning, participants also took part in technical and social visits. At Batu Dam in Kuala Lumpur, they observed dam operations and risk management strategies, emphasizing the importance of dam safety for downstream communities. A planned visit to Putrajaya Dam was unfortunately canceled due to a storm, but participants still enjoyed a Putrajaya Lake River Cruise dinner, providing a scenic networking opportunity. A cultural visit to Melaka allowed participants to immerse in Malaysia’s rich history and heritage, while a hi-tea at KL Tower gave them the chance to celebrate their achievements while enjoying panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur. These activities enhanced technical knowledge while also strengthening professional networks and fostering cross-cultural understanding among participants.
A symbolic conclusion and future collaborations
The closing ceremony was held at AIT in Bangkok, Thailand, marking the successful conclusion of the training program. Participants reflected on the knowledge gained, experiences shared, and the strengthened partnerships formed throughout the program. During the Participants’ Presentation and Feedback Session at the AIT Conference Centre, Datin Prof. Ir. Dr. Lariyah served as one of the invited expert panellists, providing valuable insights and feedback to the participants. She was joined by Prof. Dr. Suttisak Soralump from the Geotechnical Division, Civil Engineering Department, Kasetsart University, Thailand, and Mr. Abdelghani Si-Chaib, Senior Dam Engineer, Tractebel Thailand, who also contributed their expertise to the session.
Special appreciation was extended to AIT for hosting the closing ceremony, with gratitude to Dr. Faiz Shah for his trust in UNITEN as a key collaborative partner. A special acknowledgment was given to the DSSI-IEI UNITEN team, led by Prof. Datin Ir. Dr. Lariyah Mohd Sidek as Program Director and Ir. Dr. Hidayah Basri as Program Manager, for their dedication in ensuring the program’s smooth execution. Thanks were also extended to WAPDA participants for their active engagement, as well as to the trainers, travel coordinators, and organizing teams from AIT and UNITEN, who worked tirelessly to facilitate this enriching learning experience.
Strengthening partnerships
During a dinner meeting, the Vice-Chancellor of UNITEN, Professor Ir. Dr. Khairul Salleh Mohamed Sahari and Dr. Faiz Shah of AIT took the opportunity to discuss potential ways to expand collaboration between UNITEN, AIT, and WAPDA. While informal, the discussion touched on several key areas for future cooperation, including developing joint capacity-building programs focusing on hydropower, dam safety, and water resource management. They also explored strengthening research collaborations between UNITEN and AIT in dam safety innovations and hydropower sustainability, as well as supporting the establishment of WAPDA University in Pakistan. Inspired by UNITEN’s successful model under Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), this initiative aims to enhance education and technical expertise in the energy and water sectors. This meeting further reinforced the commitment of these institutions to building a long-term partnership for technical knowledge-sharing and training programs.
Sustaining knowledge exchange and research collaboration
Although this program has officially concluded, the collaboration between UNITEN, AIT, and WAPDA continues. Moving forward, the institutions will focus on expanding advanced training, research initiatives, and technical exchanges to further develop hydropower and dam safety expertise. Participants are encouraged to submit research papers for the 3rd International Conference on Dam Safety Management and Engineering (ICDSME 2025), providing a platform to share innovations, findings, and industry best practices. Additionally, UNITEN and AIT will continue supporting the establishment of WAPDA University in Pakistan, providing academic and technical guidance based on UNITEN’s experience in energy and engineering education. As UNITEN, owned by TNB, has been a model for industry-driven academic excellence, it serves as an inspiration behind the establishment of WAPDA University, reinforcing the commitment to strengthening education, research, and technical expertise in the energy and water sectors.
Conclusion
The Professional Development Program on Hydropower and Dam Construction has successfully enhanced expertise, strengthened institutional ties, and fostered global collaboration. The knowledge gained and networks formed will continue to shape the future of hydropower and dam safety management. As we look forward to future engagements and joint initiatives, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all involved.
Professor Datin Ir. Dr. Lariyah Mohd Sidek is Professor at the Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN); while Ir. Dr. Hidayah Basri, Senior Lecturer at the Institute of Energy Infrastructure, Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN).
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