May saw the long-awaited return of Trenchless Asia to the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. This was the fourth time the Malaysian capital had hosted this fabulous event and its popularity continues to grow with more than 5,000 square meters of exhibition space and in excess of an incredible 2,500 visitors.
The potential for rapid growth in the Malaysian trenchless market was highlighted by the Federal Government’s announcement at Trenchless Asia that it has allocated RM1.7 billion under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) to develop sustainable infrastructure with the implementation of sewerage projects throughout the country.
In a speech delivered at the opening ceremony of Trenchless Asia the Malaysian Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, said this work was part of the ongoing efforts to modernise the sewerage infrastructure and provide efficient and quality sewerage services to all Malaysians. He went on to say that Malaysia has currently achieved 85.4% of sewerage services in its major cities and aims to reach 90% sewerage coverage by the end of the 12MP in 2025.
The Government’s support of the whole trenchless sector was further reinforced with the attendance of YBrs. Dr. Ching Thoo, Deputy Secretary-General (Water and Sewerage), Ministry of Environment and Water and Wan abd Rahul wan Abdullah Director – General of Sewerage Services Department both of whom took time to meet with exhibitors and learn more about the latest technological innovation on display.
The event was also brilliantly promoted and supported by the Malaysian Society of Trenchless Technology (MATT). MATT’s excellent reputation and ever-expanding network helped to broaden its reach and penetrate the local market, creating networking and new business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors alike.
Commenting on the potential of the Malaysian trenchless market, the president of the Malaysian Association of Trenchless Technology, Faizal Othman, said: “We’re very excited about prospects going forward. Malaysia is going through a phase of modernising its infrastructure and sewerage systems with plans for region plants that will connect millions of households and ensure better control and care for the environment. But underneath all that are the trenchless heroes who support the Government in delivery of its plans. As well as installation of new infrastructure, there is a very serious programme for rehabilitation and extensions which will maintain and improve existing infrastructure.”
Utilising every available meter of hall space at the wonderful Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Trenchless Asia’s exhibition floor was bursting with hugely impressive displays from several of the industry’s biggest names including Jiangsu Goodeng heavy machinery technology, JBP Composites, Anhui Tangxing machinery equipment, DWTXS, Vermeer and XCMG. With over 120 exhibitors and more than eight of the latest rigs on the show floor there was plenty to grab the attention of visitors and delegates. The drinks reception on the first evening was also very well attended giving exhibitors and delegates the opportunity to continue networking in what was a fun and relaxed environment.
“We have been very impressed with the both the quality and quantity of visitors to our booth,” said JBP Composites’, Managing Director, Borje Persson. “Trenchless Asia provides the perfect platform for suppliers, and those working on the underground utilities sector, to come together and find cost-effective and sustainable solutions to the installation and rehabilitation of this critical infrastructure. We look forward to next year’s event in Manila and returning to the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur in 2025.”
The Trenchless Asia conference programme was a real highlight of the show. Expertly curated by ISTT President and the 2023 Conference Chair, Dr Declan Downey, both conference rooms were filled to capacity throughoutthe two days. Delegates were welcomed to the show by ISTT Chairman, Professor KJ Shou and given a detailed insight into the Malaysian market by speakers from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change and the Malaysian Association for Trenchless Technology (MATT). The international update continued with contributions from GSTT, SGSTT and Maynilad Water while the technical programme featured a host of experts covering the latest technologies and techniques, many of which were on display at the show.
Paul Harwood Managing Director, Westrade Group and event organiser, reflected on the success of the event saying: “Trenchless Asia 2023 was the largest trenchless event to ever be held in what is the world’s fastest growth economic region. Major investment in the sustainable installation and rehabilitation of underground utilities has resulted in unprecedented levels of demand for trenchless technology across the continent and this
was reflected in the extraordinary number of exhibitors and visitors we saw in Kuala Lumpur. We even had to extend our opening hours as so many exhibitors were still involved in conversations on their booths. We are already experiencing high levels demand for next year’s event and look forward reconnecting with this inspirational community in the Philippines.”
Trenchless Asia’s popularity looks set to continue when the show visits the Philippine capital of Manilla in 2024 before returning to Kuala Lumpur in 2025.