Bakun & SMDS Site Visit Sem 1 2008

Phew, here's the next article for our second activity for this sem. We're sorry for the delay, but everyone was busy because of assignments and exams, hehe. Here it is. (^-^)

With the aim of providing an in-depth exposure to the real-world engineering, a technical site visit to Bakun Hydroelectric Project Site and SMDS plant was organized on 22nd – 23rd April 2008. 38 participants from diverse engineering streams were involved in the visitation.

In the morning of 22nd April 2008, the group started the 4-hours journey to Bintulu. After reaching Bintulu, all participants were heading to SMDS plant subsequent to a short break at Parkcity Everly Hotel Bintulu. The arrival at SMDS welcomed by Ms. Khajizah, who is the Communication Executive of Shell MDS. Lunch was prepared for the visitors in the plant. Then, a presentation was carried out by Mr. Adam Badri, the Head of Inspection of Shell MDS regarding the background, technology and operation of SMDS plant. Participants were engaged in the Q & A session actively with the presenter. Finally, the visit was preceded with a 40 minute’s plant tour that was accompanied with prominent senior engineers. Description of the respective units operation alongside with the plant tour was briefed. Participants were managed to gain the clear idea on the way a plant was constructed, operated as well as the sense of the scale for the operation units like reactor, distillation column, cooler, etc. in a plant. The visit officially ends with the group photo taken at the entrance of the main office. After having the dinner at Peace Garden, participants were allocated for one hour shopping at New World Shopping Complex in the vicinity. This concluded the activities for the first day.

On the following day, the group was departed on the 4-hours journey to Bakun Hydroelectric Project Site after the breakfast. The arrival was greeted by the Chief Residence Engineer, Mr. Keith b. Kinsella. Then, presentation concerning the vision, background and operation of the Bakun project was led by Mr. Keith. A project site trip was arranged accordingly. In considering safety purposes, participants were equipped with safety gear like helmet and boots before continue to the site. The tour was accompanied by Mr. Keith; explanation in accordance to the functionality, implemented technologies and operation of the construction were clarified. All the participants were able to obtain the precious experience on knowing the construction of the splendid mega structure and had the idea on how enormous the structure is. Eventually, the visit was ended successfully in the evening and the group departed back to Miri directly. A break was allocated to the participants at Batu Niah in the middle of the ride.

Overall, the event was a great success. As the organizing chairperson, I am highly pleased for the accomplishments of the event. Students who participated had had a better understanding and impression towards the construction of a dam as well as the operation of a chemical plant. With the positive feedbacks collected from the participants, it is undoubtedly encouraging for similar event to be held regularly. In the meantime, I want to express my highest gratitude towards the event committees and the advisors who had offered the great effort in organizing the event. On the other hand, my apology towards those students who failed to participate in site visits owing to limited seats. As a resolution, the committees may increase the number of participants when holding the event again.

Lim Yii Mei
Organizing Chairperson
Bakun & SMDS site visit
Sem 1 2008

There will be 2 more articles after this though. Keep checking this blog for the updates.This includes the pictures as well. (^-^) Hopefully we can get to put it in the club folder before the sem ends.But if it's not possible, you can check it at the beginning of sem 2 as well.

Kevin(Activity Director)