Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysian Nuclear Agency, a recognized IAEA Collaborating Centre for Advanced Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), has successfully hosted two delegates from Lao PDR for specialized training in Non-Destructive Testing for Civil Engineering (NDT-CE). This collaboration highlights Malaysia’s leadership in advanced NDT and its commitment to fostering regional knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.

The training, facilitated by the Malaysian Nuclear Agency, focused on state-of-the-art NDT-CE techniques, including:

• Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR): Used for underground utility mapping and locating reinforcement bars within concrete structures.
• Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV): A technique to assess the quality of concrete by identifying potential defects such as cracks and voids.
• Rebound Hammer Testing: Evaluating the compressive strength of concrete structures.
• Carbonation Testing: Determining carbonation depth in concrete to assess structural durability.

The comprehensive program equipped the Lao PDR delegates with hands-on experience, advanced knowledge, and practical skills in utilizing these cutting-edge NDT methods.

A Focal Point for Regional Collaboration
Malaysia’s designation as an IAEA Collaborating Centre for Advanced NDT is a testament to its global reputation for excellence in NDT technologies. This training program further solidifies the Malaysian Nuclear Agency’s role as a hub for innovation and technical expertise in the ASEAN region. The collaboration reflects Malaysia’s commitment to supporting its regional partners in building safer, more reliable civil infrastructure, including roads, bridges, dams, and hydropower projects.

Empowering Lao PDR
Lao PDR, with its growing infrastructure needs, stands to benefit significantly from this training. By equipping its personnel with advanced NDT-CE knowledge and techniques, the country can enhance the safety and reliability of its critical infrastructure. This initiative also highlights the importance of regional partnerships in overcoming challenges such as limited resources and technical expertise in emerging economies.

Looking Ahead
The Malaysian Society for Non-Destructive Testing (MSNT) expressed its pride in Malaysia’s role as a regional focal point for NDT-CE training and collaboration. “Hosting this training not only showcases our technical expertise but also reaffirms our commitment to empowering our neighbors with the tools and knowledge they need to advance,” said a representative of MSNT.

This successful training program sets the stage for continued partnerships between Malaysia and its ASEAN neighbors, leveraging advanced NDT-CE technologies to drive regional development and innovation.