Engineers_SD9_Report[1]
Engineers_SD9_Report[1]
ENGINEERING
NATIONAL DEFENCE UNIVERSITY OF
MALAYSIA
EMM 3652
ENGINEERS IN SOCIETY
Abstract
Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9) – “Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure” –
highlights the critical role infrastructure and innovation play in promoting inclusive and
sustainable economic growth. Engineers are key agents of change in achieving this goal
through their roles in designing, constructing, and maintaining essential infrastructure. This
report explores the legal and societal frameworks governing engineering practices in
relation to SDG 9, with a particular focus on Malaysia. It highlights local laws such as the
CIDB Act 520, Environmental Quality Act 1974, and the Registration of Engineers Act
1967, alongside international guidelines and frameworks. It also examines the challenges
faced by engineers in balancing rapid development with sustainability and ethical
responsibilities. Through this analysis, the report underscores how the engineering
profession contributes not only to technical progress but also to broader societal well-being
and environmental stewardship.
Introduction
Engineering is deeply interwoven with the development of society, particularly in building
and maintaining infrastructure that supports modern life. SDG 9 focuses on the
advancement of resilient infrastructure, sustainable industrialization, and innovation—
areas that are fundamentally reliant on engineering expertise. In the context of Malaysia,
where infrastructure development plays a central role in national growth strategies,
engineers are expected not only to provide technical solutions but also to consider
environmental impacts, social equity, and long-term sustainability. With the increasing
demand for smarter and greener infrastructure, the role of engineers in society has
expanded beyond traditional practices, requiring a sound understanding of legal
responsibilities and sustainability principles. This report analyzes how engineering
practices contribute to SDG 9, the laws that guide them, and the challenges that need to be
addressed to align engineering with societal and environmental needs.
SDG 9 and Its Relevance to Engineering
SDG 9 promotes building resilient infrastructure, fostering inclusive and sustainable
industrialization, and encouraging innovation. Engineers play a central role in all three
aspects. Infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, energy systems, and water treatment
facilities are essential for connecting communities, boosting economic activity, and
ensuring access to basic services. Industrial development also relies on engineers to design
efficient and safe manufacturing systems, while innovation—especially in emerging fields
like renewable energy, smart cities, and automation—depends on engineers who can
translate research into real-world applications. In Malaysia, initiatives such as the
Industry4WRD (Industry 4.0 policy framework) highlight the importance of innovation
and technology in industrial transformation. Engineers are thus key players in
implementing this vision, ensuring that infrastructure and industrial systems are built to
last, inclusive of all communities, and sensitive to environmental impact.
On the international level, engineers are guided by broader frameworks such as the United
Nations SDG Charter, ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems, and the World
Federation of Engineering Organizations (WFEO) Code of Ethics. These instruments
support the integration of sustainability and environmental responsibility into engineering
practices worldwide. Through compliance with these laws and standards, engineers learn
critical values such as ethical decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a
commitment to lifelong learning. These values ensure that engineering serves not only
technical needs but also social and environmental progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, engineers are at the forefront of achieving SDG 9 by shaping infrastructure,
advancing innovation, and supporting sustainable industrial growth. Their role in society
extends beyond technical competence to include ethical responsibility, environmental
stewardship, and community engagement. In Malaysia, various local and international laws
support this broader vision of engineering by providing guidelines that emphasize
sustainability and social responsibility. However, engineers also face several challenges,
such as balancing economic growth with environmental preservation and adapting to
technological change in a resource-constrained environment. As such, future engineers
must embrace a holistic mindset—grounded in legal awareness, ethical practice, and
societal needs—to effectively contribute to sustainable development. Only through this
integrated approach can engineering truly serve as a force for positive transformation in
society.
References
Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB). (2015). Construction Industry
Transformation Programme (CITP) 2016–2020. Retrieved from https://www.cidb.gov.my
The White House. (2021). Fact Sheet: The Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal. Retrieved from
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/06/fact-sheet-
the-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/