Universiti Malaysia Sabah Announces Research Collaboration with Winabumi Sdn. Bhd.
Published: 4 September 2025
Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) has taken another significant step in bridging academia and industry through the official signing of a Research Agreement with Winabumi Sdn Bhd, a leading expert in the manufacturing and supply of pre-cast concrete piles and poles. The ceremony, held at Bilik Mesyuarat Lembaga Eksekutif, UMS on 2 September 2025, saw the signing of the agreement by Professor Ir. Dr. Rosalam Hj. Sarbatly, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation), UMS together with Mr. Richard Lee Fuh Min, Director of Winabumi Sdn. Bhd.
The research project under this collaboration is entitled ‘“Development of Lightweight Pole: Phase 1- Optimizing the Mix Design and Durability of Lightweight Concrete” and is aimed at developing a novel lightweight concrete material that could be incorporated into concrete products, such as poles or piles. Lightweight concrete, which has a lower density than conventional concrete, could be produced through the use of lightweight aggregates in the design mix in addition to other available methods. This reduction in density provides tremendous benefits such as reduced weights of products which will ease of handling and transportation, and increased versatility in applications. Winabumi Sdn. Bhd. has expressed its commitment to capitalize on this advantage, especially for the production of utility poles that require durability and ease of installation in the field.
This project is wholly funded by Winabumi Sdn Bhd and valued at RM29,321.50, of which RM28,230 is in the form of monetary contribution, whilst the remainder is in-kind contribution (such as supply of materials). The duration of the project has been planned for 18 months.
From UMS, this research project is led by Dr. Hidayati Asrah from the Civil Engineering Program of the Faculty of Engineering, and supported by team members consisting Assoc. Prof. Ir. Dr. Habib Musa Mohamad, Dr. Sheikh Mohd Iqbal S. Zainal Abidin, Ts. Dr. Andrew Lim Chung Han, Ts. Dr. Muhd Fauzy Bin Sulaiman, and Ir. Dr. Nelly Majain. Meanwhile, from Winabumi Sdn Bhd, this project is led by Mr. Vincent Phang Yuen Seng, General Manager of Winabumi Sdn. Bhd. and assisted by Ms. Adrianne Tan, Mr. Fernandez Au and Mr. Abraham Bernard.
