IEM Sabah celebrates golden jubilee with renewed vision
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor (fifth right) receiving the AFEO Distinguished Honorary Fellow from the president of The Institution of Engineers, Malaysia (IEM), Ir. Prof. Dr Jeffrey Chiang Choong Luin in 2024.
On 14 June 2025, the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) Sabah Branch proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of steadfast commitment to engineering excellence, community service, and national development.
Since its establishment in 1975, IEM Sabah has played a pivotal role in shaping the professional landscape of engineering in the state, promoting innovation, ethics, and unity across disciplines.
This golden jubilee is a moment not only of celebration but of reflection — honouring those who built the past, empowered the present, and will guide the future.
IEM Training Centre in Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park.
The Beginning: 1975
The year 1975 marked the founding of IEM Sabah by a dedicated group of pioneering engineers. Their vision was to advocate for the professional advancement of engineers in Sabah, romote technical excellence and ethical practice, serve as a collective voice for engineering matters in state development.
From humble beginnings, IEM Sabah laid a strong foundation, establishing itself as a critical stakeholder in infrastructure planning, public safety and professional education.
Building Momentum: 1980s–1990s
During the 1980s and 1990s, IEM Sabah focused on capacity-building, networking, and advocacy. Key achievements included organising regular technical talks, short courses and site visits; collaborating with government agencies such as JKR, DID and local councils;
launching training programs for graduate engineers pursuing professional registration.
The move into a permanent secretariat further enhanced administrative capabilities, enabling better member services and public engagement.
Recognition and Regional Influence: 2000–2010
The early 2000s heralded a new era of prestige and influence for IEM Sabah. In 2001, Datuk Seri Panglima Tham Nyip Shen, then Deputy Chief Minister of Sabah, was conferred the IEM Honorary Fellowship Award.
In 2008, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman, the then Chief Minister of Sabah, received the IEM Honorary Fellowship Award, a recognition of his role in driving major infrastructure projects and policies that strengthened the engineering landscape in Sabah.
A Decade of Outreach and Transformation: 2010–2019
This decade saw IEM Sabah grow in depth and diversity, with an emphasis on youth leadership, gender inclusivity, and public awareness. YES (Young Engineers Section) and WE (Women Engineers) organized impactful programs including innovation camps, public speaking workshops, and school career talks.
Annual seminars, charity events, and policy advocacy shaped engineering discourse and community impact.
Resilience Amid Crisis: Covid-19 Pandemic (2020)
The Covid-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted lives and economies globally. IEM Sabah showed leadership and compassion during this crisis by donating face masks and PPE to Queen Elizabeth Hospital and one unit freezer to the Kota Kinabalu Health Department. WE has voluntarily provided the foods to the Covid-19 patients in Likas detention centre. Despite the Movement Control Order (MCO) restrictions, technical webinars and online CPD programs continued.
A Historic Milestone: Hosting CAFEO 42 in 2024
In 2024, IEM Sabah hosted the 42nd Conference of the ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organisations (CAFEO 42) at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), welcoming 1,500 engineers from 10 ASEAN nations.
Key awards were presented to Distinguished Honorary Patron: former TYT Tun Datuk Seri Panglima (Dr) Juhar Mahiruddin, Distinguished Honorary Fellow: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Noor, Honorary Fellow: Datuk Ir. Shahelmey Yahya Deputy Chief Minister III cum Minister of Works
One of IEM Sabah's most visionary achievements is the establishment of the IEM Training Centre at the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP).
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