By Shukri Rahman

Kajang, 3 December 2004 - There were many smiling faces all round at Ikram Park after YAB Prime Minister, Dato’ Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi and his entourage left the Kuala Lumpur Infrastructure University College (KLIUC) campus here late today.

Undoubtedly it was a success for Protasco Bhd as another milestone was achieved by KLIUC, its education arm, which once again had the honour of being officially opened by Dato’ Seri Abdullah. KLIUC’s predecessor, Ikram College of Technology, was also officially opened by him in 1999.

Protasco Bhd Executive Chairman-cum-Ikram Education Sdn Bhd Director, Dato’ Hasnur Rabiain Ismail said KLIUC would be investing further in the years to come to build new facilities and improve existing ones. In a lighter vein, Dato’ Seri Abdullah said God willing, if he is invited again, he would also officiate when KLIUC becomes a full-blown university.

Since it also houses the group’s Infrastructure Research Centre, KLIUC is a unique institution among the country’s private university colleges. It has been credited with several innovation in infrastructural R&D in areas such as road and pavement engineering, geotechnical and geoenvironmental engineering, transportation and traffic safety, information technology in engineering, structure and forensic studies. KLIUC has extensive links with local, regional and international education and research centres. Its President, Dr Mahadzer Mahmud is one of Malaysia’s leading experts in slope management.

Dato’ Seri Abdullah said: “ As an institution of higher learning that has pledged its commitment to become a specialized infrastructure university college, I am confident that KLIUC will play a pivotal role in developing skilled human capital to push Malaysia’s infrastructure development industry to even greater heights.” He added, “ It is my sincere hope that the budding generation of engineers here at KLIUC will apply the knowledge and skills that they learn here to develop high-quality infrastructure that can also contribute to the well-being of all Malaysians.”

Overjoyed students, staff and guests jostled to shake hands with the Prime Minister as he was leaving the Multi-Purpose Hall.