The 3rd Kuala Lumpur Engineering Forum (KLEF) 2026 officially opened today at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), bringing together engineers, policymakers, industry leaders and academics to explore engineering solutions for a smarter, safer and more sustainable built environment.
The forum was attended by Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun bin Mak Ujud, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, alongside representatives from government agencies, professional institutions, industry and academia.
The keynote address was delivered by YB Puan Hannah Yeoh, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), who highlighted the importance of effective marketing and communication for engineers. She noted that while engineers possess strong technical expertise, many may face challenges in promoting their innovations and communicating their value to wider audiences.
YB Hannah also emphasised the importance of inspiring younger generations, particularly primary school students, to consider engineering as a future profession. She noted that future challenges will require more problem-solvers and encouraged engineers to think beyond immediate concerns and adopt a long-term perspective when addressing urban challenges, including flood resilience and climate-related risks.
The opening address was delivered by Ir. Yau Chau Fong, President of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), who highlighted the interconnectedness of artificial intelligence, data centres and regulatory compliance. He called for stronger collaboration among government, engineers, industry and academia to translate technological development and engineering expertise into meaningful impact.
Ir. Yau also linked KLEF’s objectives to IEM Strategic Plan 2030, known as IEM Impact, which aims to strengthen IEM’s relevance and influence as a trusted professional institution. With approximately 45,000 members across diverse engineering disciplines, IEM seeks to mobilise its collective expertise to address the complex challenges facing Kuala Lumpur and other urban environments.
A key highlight of the forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IEM and Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL). The MoU was signed by Datuk Seri TPr Fadlun bin Mak Ujud, Mayor of Kuala Lumpur, and Ir. Yau Chau Fong, President of IEM, and witnessed by YB Puan Hannah Yeoh. The agreement marks a commitment towards closer engagement in areas including research, innovation and professional development.
KLEF provides a platform for knowledge exchange and the development of practical solutions involving engineers, government and industry. Ir. Yau called for a transition from ideas to collaboration and action, encouraging stakeholders to turn discussions and technical knowledge into practical solutions that can benefit the city and its communities.
The forum brings together local and international experts to address key areas including net-zero buildings, data centre infrastructure, regulatory compliance, lifecycle performance and sustainable engineering, reinforcing the role of engineering in shaping a resilient and sustainable future for Kuala Lumpur.
