Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is positioning itself as a regional hub for underground construction and innovation with the adoption of tunnelling and trenchless technologies, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang. Speaking at the Asian Conference on Tunnelling and Trenchless Technology (ACTT) 2025 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), Chang emphasized that going underground is no longer simply an engineering choice, but an urban necessity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Chang highlighted that urban planners are increasingly regarding underground space as the 'third dimension' of modern cities, complementing vertical and horizontal development. He cited Malaysia's Klang Valley MRT and LRT projects as examples of how tunnelling is transforming the way citizens move, work, and live.

Chang further assured that the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) is committed to advancing Malaysia's progress in science, technology, and innovation. He noted that under the MADANI Government, the nation's guiding values of sustainability, prosperity, innovation, respect, trust, and compassion align closely with the conference's themes of responsible innovation and sustainable building.

ACTT 2025, running from September 10 to 12, is organized by the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM) through its Tunnelling and Underground Space Technical Division (TUSTD). The biennial event gathers 150 to 200 delegates from across Asia and showcases the latest advances in green tunnelling, digital transformation, and sustainable infrastructure.

The conference, endorsed by the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association (ITA-AITES), features technical sessions, exhibitions, competitions, and a technical visit to local projects. It is held in conjunction with ENGINEER 2025 as part of the IEM Convention.